Telling Stories - Chapman, Tracy (CD 2000)

Tracy Chapman always ranked high on my list of favorite artists, though some time ago I lost track and was just recently (1 year ago) surprised by her already 4 years old (at the time) album "New Beginning". There she was again on tour and just as amazing as always. Therefore, she got me interested again in her music. The new tour was actually to promote her latest album "Telling Stories", which seems a little different from her other releases. When does it start? ... was my initial question after listening to the first song, and may I say by far the best one on this collection. Then it goes..

It always amazes me how quickly the public can turn its back on a once revered artist. At one point Tracy Chapman was one of the more influential musicians in the business. She was one of the few singers who wrote intelligent lyrics, and combined them with earthy music that grasped you in its beauty. Much to my chagrin, she hasn't really released much in the past few years. A few singles here and there, but she hasn't given us much to think about. I was terribly excited when I learned of her new album Telling Stories. Imagine how I felt when some reviewers started trashing it, saying it "was..

...to not like this album. I personally was NOT a Tracy Chapman fan. At least, not a follower or groupie. You see, I loved "Fast Car" ten years or so ago (has it been at least that long?), but wasn't that fond of anything else she did after that. I especially hated that "Give Me A Reason" song. Ah, but "Telling Stories"...I didn't even know the name of the single when I knew I had to have it. So, I found Ms. Chapman's website and downloaded the song and video onto my RealPlayer. I discovered that I was more impressed by the song than I was by the video. I'm thinking maybe she's better heard...

She has done it once again. With her fourth album, Tracy Chapman continues to deliver powerful lyrics with her signature soulful voice in her new album, Telling Stories. I find it difficult for her to top her self-titled debut album because every track on that album is a classic. Because I enjoy listening to all her other albums, I naturally found no reason why I shouldn't purchase this new one. After the first album, I would rate Telling Stories as her second best achievement over her other albums, Crossroads and New Beginnings. There's just something about Chapman's voice that resonates...