[.ca] Crossroads

From Amazon.co.uk:
After the enormous success of her eponymous debut album in 1988, enhanced by her appearance at a Nelson Mandela tribute concert that same year, it was never going to be easy for Tracy Chapman to deliver a similar bolt from the singer-songwriter blues a year later on this, her "tricky" second album. On Crossroads Chapman plays it cautiously from a musical point of view, offering a slightly fleshed-out version of the smouldering acoustics of her debut. But Chapman's subdued sound can't conceal the unabated anger of her lyrics. "Freedom Now", dedicated to Nelson Mandela, "Material World and "Subcity", a scalding diatribe against racism and urban poverty are reminiscent of Nina Simone in their quivering indignation. After this album, however, Tracy Chapman had made her point and seemed to lose interest in her career. --David Stubbs

Tracy is a visionary:
Every time I buy a Tracy Chapman CD I say, "this is the best one yet" and it's true. Crossroads is one of her first, the lyrics are enlightening and inspired. I highly recommend this CD.

couldn't make a 'dud' if her life depended on it:
This sophmore release by Tracy Chapman proves that her firstalbum was no accident. If there was any doubt, this poet, lyricist,song writer, singer and guitar player is incredibly talented. Her unique voice breathes life into one awesome song after another. Every song tells a story, whether it is a love story, a parable of the evils of material gain at the sacrifice of relationships or racial indifference. These aren't "preachy" songs... and you can listen to them w/o even paying attention to the lyrics if you want... the sounds are soft enough to play in the background while you're at work, or rockin' enough so you can jack up the volume on your car stereo and sing along. Tracy Chapman has a unique sound that really can't be compared to anything else you've heard before. A tremelo in her unique-sounding voice, the sounds of 6 and 12-string guitars, soft drums and an occaisional banjo makes this a little bit country, a lot of rock, a pinch of folk and just Tracy Chapman.

Sensational Stuff:
Took sometime without listening to this album, then decided to purchase it again, just to hear more of the magic, and it sounds better everyday. Bridges and Be careful Of my Heart are great tracks...the guiter quality and blend of instruments with Tracy's strong voice makes Damien Rice look like he got his stuff from this album.

Exceptional and thought provoking.:
Tracy's voice is wonderful, soulful and honest...but what is really amazing is her song-writing skill. Her lyrics always make you think about yourself and the world in which you live-- actually, quite a few of these songs have helped me out of dark times and given me hope that I thought I'd lost (specifically "All That You Have is Your Soul" --the final track on the disk). Some of her recent work cannot compare to this early album. Track #3, "Freedom Now," and "Born to Fight" (track #7) are reasons enough to buy this CD. The lyrics are inspiring and the melodies are complex, but simple at the same time. If you like Tracy's later work, then you'll love this disk. The songs have the same deep feel, but they're presented in a much more positive way--the beat is up tempo and not as sleepy as her later works. Buy this CD, you'll love it for sure.

A True Artist of "Keeping It Real":
Tracy Chapman is a true poet. When you listen to her songs you know those words and that music comes straight from her heart. There is nothing superficial about this artist. The highlights of this CD are "Bridges(the Best Tracy Chapman song ever), Born to Fight, All That You Have Is Your Soul, and This Time. She puts so much into these songs. As you listen you start to feel all those emotions she must have felt writing the songs. If you like James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and all the other "folk" singers, then Tracy is the modern-day artis for you.

• Crossroads
• Bridges
• Freedom Now
• Material World
• Be Careful of My Heart
• Subcity
• Born to Fight
• Hundred Years
• This Time
• All That You Have Is Your Soul