Tracy Chapman - Where You Live
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Free Music Notes for Where You Live
Free Music Review: She's come up with the goods
Hit: 4 Stars
Tracy Chapman's latest effort Where You Live isn't much of a departure from her previous two albums and that might lead to accusations from some of 'being in a holding pattern'. Personally, I think she's found a really good groove in her songwriting and is working it, and the results speak for themselves. Songs like 'Change', 'Talk to You' and 'Going Back' are among some of the finest melodies that Chapman has committed to tape and lyrically she's as strong as ever.
Much of Where You Live explores the underside of Western society - be it rampant capitalism, materialism, poverty or prejudice. Tracy Chapman has always written about these things of course, but this album really does focus on the ugly home truths about 'where we live'. Chapman writes about these issues skillfully and with great empathy by telling stories about real people for whom things like poverty and prejudice aren't issues at all - just a part of everyday life. Her keen eye for observation and detail are as sharp as ever.
Crossroads is my favourite Tracy Chapman record, and like that album Where You Live is a beautifully understated, soulful and organic sounding CD. More than ever, the world really does need more songwriters of Chapmans class and consistency. Quietly thrilling.
Free Music Review: Great music, recorded badly ?
Hit: 3 Stars
Chapman is a great writer and performer and there is a lot of good material here, but the recording has a really muddy sound that makes it less than it should be. Was particularly disappointed as I had bought the CD on the strength of a recent performance at the Filmore that brought home for me the power and clarity of Chapman's voice, qualities that just do not come thru on this recording. Gave it several listens on different pieces of equipment and my initial opinion did not change. Anyone else bothered by the sound, or is it just me? Free Music Review: Pretty Good
Hit: 3 Stars
I was eagerly waiting for this album to come out, considering I got the single "Change." However, I couldn't really relate to this album as much as her old ones. (e.g. New Beginning, Telling Stories, Let it Rain) I think this album's got its really good songs like Change, 3000 Miles, America, Going Back, and my now personal favorite until her next album, Talk to You, but overall, I gave this a three only because I didn't really like the transition from America to Love's Proof--it was too "political rock" instantly to "soulful love song." I'm glad Ms. Chapman finally came out with a new album and as for her albums, I like them all. This one's no different.Free Music Review: Excellent Album - See Her in Concert
Hit: 4 Stars
If you like Tracy Chapman, you will like this album. It's better with each playing. She is a terrific musician and songwriter.
I just saw her perform at a small venue (less than 1,000). She rocks in concert! The performance was much less folksy than the albums and Tracy played electric guitar for at least half the songs. I've seen her in huge venues and they overwhelm the sensitivity of her performance.
Go see her in concert!
Free Music Review: We're Sick And Tired, Hungry And Poor.
Hit: 4 Stars
"Where You Live" is Chapman's 7th studio album, and it continues much in the same musical vein as her previous two albums, 2002's "Let It Rain" and 2000's "Telling Stories". Lyrically, Chapman is always on the money, and here she plies the same thematic ground familiar to her listeners such as racism, caste systems, oppression, relationships, the environment, and self-assessment. Every album of hers is consistent in the songwriting department and "Where You Live" is no exception.
So let me say this, as a Chapman fan from the very beginning, back when "Fast Car" was played on MTV (yes, that biodegradable music channel). I believe that musically, 1988's "Tracy Chapman", 1989's "Crossroads" and 1992's "Matters Of The Heart" had more to them in the melody and variety departments. Chapman's more recent work appears to be lacking in originality, but not in sentiment or honesty. With 17 years of recording behind her, why not take some musical chances? I really enjoyed "America" because it seemed like something new. I think she could have a hit with that one. The rest of the songs are finely written, but musically nothing new from Ms. Chapman. She's proven herself as a female Bob Dylan, and even sits next to Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading, Joan Baez, Carole King, Carly Simon, Janis Ian, Jackson Browne, John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen as a great songwriter, but the difference is most of those artists stretched themselves creatively and musically as artists.
One weakness about Chapman is her deliberateness. in 17 years not a trace of irony, humor or lightheartedness.
"Where You Live" should satisfy core fans like myself, but if you are new, try starting at the beginning with her self-titled debut and work your way up.