Tracy Chapman
Our Bright Future
Campus Correspondent Review By Hunter Embry,
Indiana University Southeast
Our Bright Future, Tracy Chapman’s eighth studio album, marks the singer/songwriter’s 20-year anniversary as a recording artist. In 1988, Chapman released her self-titled debut album, which helped to introduce the hit single “Fast Car” to the world. Since then she’s used her soft, soothing voice to help reinvent folk music, a genre that had been all but lost, along with 1996’s bluesy single “Give Me One Reason.”
The new album opens yet another window into Chapman’s heart, packed with beautifully textured, thoughtful songs. “I Did it All,” showcases Chapman’s unmistakably tender voice and teams it with descriptive, heartfelt songwriting as she sings about the things she’s done as a star. “Partied hard, did my twenties in a haze. Smoked second-hand in crowded bars with the A-list of B-list movie stars,” Chapman sings with honesty and conviction overtop a sprinkling piano, brushed drums and melting guitars.
The album is graced with colorful sounds brought to life by session vets, Steve Gadd (drums] and Dean Parks (guitar), plus producer Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell). The track “Save us All” is probably the best display of the groups talents. It starts with a box smacking, hardwood stomping percussion line, grounding bass and warm acoustic guitars. Chapman starts by singing, “I know Jesus loves me” in a shakily high-pitched voice. Throughout the track, Chapman’s vocal lines are closely followed and broken with bright, reverberated guitars and frantic violin parts.
Just like her last seven albums, Chapman creates a thought-provoking brand of music that is made by pure feeling. She pours simple melodies full of heart-drained lyrics across a floor of beautiful sounds. Chapman is convincing every time and for the last two decades has continued to be a gust of clean air wiping through the ears, hearts and souls of her listeners.
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