Telling Stories

To be perfectly honest with you, I'm not really sure what it was that made me revisit Tracy Chapman's compellingly crafted, introspective album, Telling Stories, 19 years after it was first released, and nearly a decade after I acquired a CD copy of my own.After all: hadn’t I heard her tell me these stories enough already? What moved me to fish it out from my collection in the library and replay it one more time (twice, as it turns out)?I blame the orange moon.I saw the Aquarius moon glowing full and bright orange just before sunrise this morning, as it was setting beneath the distant horizon of a dark Pacific Ocean, while I gazed intently through the thick branches of the surrounding redwoods towards the coastal city of Half Moon Bay, a place that Tracy calls home. What are the odds?So, there you go. The orange moon made me do it; the moon itself compelled me to play Telling Stories one more time. One more time: another precious chance to hear Tracy’s delicate yet demanding voice, to gaze upon her enigmatic face, to marvel at the guitar and organ playing, to wonder once more about the meaning of the lyrics, and once more to feel my emotions rise and fall beneath the orange moon glow of this incomparable album, which has been my comfortable companion for the past decade..I hadn’t realized before that Emmylou Harris provides guest vocals on the album, or realized how talented Tracy was not merely as vocalist and lyricist but also as a guitar, organ, and percussion (strum stick) player. Perhaps I didn’t read the liner notes very carefully back then, when I was more concerned about telling my OWN stories than listening to hers.Today, it’s different. Today, I want Tracy to tell all the stories: to keep the walls from falling down, to speak those words, to be less than strangers, to be pretty and tragic, so that I can be a witness to her words and watch once more as she struggles with the limits of an ordinary life. Tracy, my dear, your life is far from ordinary. But if you’d prefer it that way, by all means do so. Please be my guest. If it will bring you peace and help you be a better friend and confidant, then by all means, be exactly the way you are. In my dreams and visions, you will always be standing right beside me, with your outstretched arms as warm and wonderful as ever. Thanks very much for reminding me of how much your storytelling skills have been missed!

A fantastic and socially conscious musician and song writer. Perfect combo.

Love it! Thank you

In April, I saw Tracy at the 9:30 Club in DC...sold out performance. Hearing this album live made me love it even more. "The Wedding Song" is my favorite on this album. The lyrics are so perfect as well as the music. I think this album is the sister of her first release back in the late 80's. "Telling Stories" is a mature piece of work, and may not be for the "Oh, I just liked 'Fast Car'..." crowd. Again, she has experimented with other sounds, like the surprisingly upbeat and dancy "It's OK."I listen to this album several times a week. For those of you looking for another "Fast Car," you may be disappointed, but if you're ready to hear a more mature Tracy Chapman, this is the album for you. Be sure to check out her show if she comes to your town!

not late came yesterday GREAT MUSIC

This is a wonderful album. It has a great mood and tone to it that goes throughout the album quite well. This album and Crossroads I feel are her best and most heartfelt work.

Wonderful toe-tapping music with rhythmic island sounds. You'll find yourself singing along and before you know it, you'll be dancing, even its by yourself! I love to put this CD on whenever, I have a laborious task. It always make the time fly by. I have all of Tracy Chapman CDs and most all of her lyrics and music is traditionally focused on social issues, with thought provoking situations. But its her voice and her acoustic guitar that make me a favorite of her music. This is an excellent CD, I never tire of hearing any of her music, especially the title song, TELLING STORIES! Get it! Buy it! You won't regret it! :)

I love the CD !!