FIRST TIME LISTENING TO TRACY CHAPMAN - FAST CAR (REACTION!!!) 

You need to listen to her song Give Me One Reason. She’s been around quite awhile. Very talented.

I first heard this song on the radio in 1988 when my girlfriend and I were driving home from dinner. After 15 seconds my girlfriends said "pull over" and we listened completely enraptured. It's one of those unique musical experiences you never forget.

Those lyrics... break my heart. Most beautiful melodies in any song ever.

I always thought it spoke to women, the sacrifices they make and how generational mistakes are so difficult to escape from. Poverty, alcohol, divorce...at the end she finds that she married a guy just like her dad, but doesn't want to turn into her absentee Mom. She ends up in the exact same place she left. The tumult of life, indeed. It's interesting how you interpreted her father's alcoholism to be the result of her mother's departure, while I always assumed that the alcohol is why the mother left.

She's such a good storyteller. The music complement the lyrics so well. Loved it first time I ever heard it & I still do. Thank you for reacting to it. Yea, and I love her voice too... Saludos ✌️

I love her so much. She always kept true to herself, didn't let "the machine" change her sound or look. Love her, she's a beautiful soul. 'Talking about a revolution" is an incredible song by her. One more comment, I always felt like this was the musical sister of "Harlem" by Langston Hughes.... she is singing about that "dream deferred".

"We gotta make a decision, leave tonight or live and die this way" such a power line especially if you've been met with that circumstance in real life.. hits you extra hard

John Mellencamp was asked about this song because it's melody sounds a lot like his song "Jack and Diane" ,and it was suggested he could sue her. He told one interviewer "Why the fuck would I sue her? It's an amazing song."

Tracy Chapman's debut with Fast Car blew me awaywhen I first heard it. All these years later it still moves me.

Tracy is an incredible storyteller. Pair that with her beautiful voice and her lyrics that every word has a meaning and takes you to a farther place. I love this song and every song on this album. But let me just say I am so so very impressed by you. It’s not just your intelligence or your understanding of music, but your ability to get into cool person is and what they’re really trying to say using very specific relevant words that are exactly on point. This got really popular in the 90s but she is so much more than this song. Tracy Chapman is a legend and she deserves so many more accolades and so much more listening to even today. This song also spoke to me about the truth of society and where people get stuck. I hope to hear more of Tracy Chapman from you. Give me one reason to stay here could be a great choice! Or almost anything from this album. I’m so excited to watch you more! So mature and you made this song relevant for so many people that haven’t really listened into it before.❤️✌️

Repeating the guitar figure across several chorus-free verses builds tension in the song while setting up the eventual chorus to provide the resolution longed for in the lyrics -- "And I-I had a feeling that I belonged..."

Her album “Tracy Chapman” is great. All the songs are wonderful.

Music at its purest form. The depth, strength, simplicity and hope in her plea. Her voice touches you deep. We can all relate to her situation.

This and her song 'Give Me One Reason' (1995) are the only ones that got a lot of radio airplay. The album this came from earned Chapman six Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year, three of which she won: Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her single "Fast Car", and Best Contemporary Folk Album. Along with her debut, her other standout album 'New Beginning', are both worth complete listens. She is one of the best songwriters of our generation IMHO. Unfortunately, she is under recognized because she came out right at the start of the "grunge" movement and had a hard time gaining traction.

I love this song. The story telling, the instrumental, her voice...bruhh...

One of the best we need more Tracy Chapman’s

That last bit about staying where she's at, she's saying she's not like her mother to abandon the kid(s), but also realizing she and her kids are better off without him.

I was like 10 when this song came out and it was a big deal. I remember it giving me feelings that I couldn't understand at the time. Now as an adult, who grew up poor in a working class family, I feel those binds from generational poverty and how hard it is to escape that fate. I did alright all things considered but I remember feeling that feeling of desperation from growing up poor in a toxic environment and wondering how I could ever get out of there. It's one of those all time classic songs that blurs the lines between folks and pop. I'm glad to see younger folks discovering it. Great reaction brother!!!

Paula Cole’s “Where have all the cowboys gone?” always reminded me of this song.

What! What? No Tracy yet? Oh honey you are in for a treat. Other great songs by her are "Talkin' Bout A Revolution", "Give Me One Reason", and "Baby Can I Hold You". Please deep diver Tracy she is worth it.

Worked in a music store when this album came out. This song and the album stunned me. This song still gets me.

I love your critique-on-the-fly style like this, when you listen to songs for the first time.

This entire album is GOLD. Talkin bout a revolution. She’s got her ticket. But my favorite is At this point in my life. She’s a genius.

all my Nice and Smooth fans know this guitar string

Enjoyed this reaction Jay Rah! 😁👍🔥 Tracy is one of the best folk singer-songwriters of the modern era. Akin to Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez ahead of her. Besides "Fast Car," do have a listen to "Give Me One Reason," "Talkin' bout a Revolution," and "Crossroads" Hope you are doing well 😀

i have said this for years. she is the greatest artist of all time. think about it

You made me pull out that CD. I discovered her in 88 when the album came out, any of her music you decide to listen to I’m sure you’ll love.

I have the album/CD from back in the day,still listen to it

Great reaction!!

Great song

Thank you for posting this great song

love your reaction and your insights/thoughts around the song structure/meaning---I can tell you take this stuff seriously!!

This is one of my favorite songs ever because she tells a story that so many have experienced and in all of those instances we, as a society, could have helped, but we didn't. And we don't.

Very thoughtful reaction. 👍

Fantastic breakdown! Most reaction videos to this don't catch the lyrics. You have to catch the lyrics to get the song. Excellent job

Gimme one reason is also amazing

love it

Her song “Give me one reason” please- 👍

Just swung by to hear the reaction! I always loved this song. already a sub. I would love a reaction to this version of Michael Kiwanuka - Love and Hate (Live at The Current)

One of the first songs I felt in my SOUL and learned of all the lyrics to. She was one of my first folk/rock/soul crossover artists that I ever fell in love with her work. ❤️

Please check out her song "Bang, Bang, Bang" it speaks to so much of what is happening in America!

Who would have thought that one of 1988's biggest hits would have been that of a black woman singing very matter of factly about poverty and social injustices?

There are two songs only, that have one thing in common and it ties only the two songs together for me like no others, in its SUPER simple guitar and Amazing vibe in lyrics and message, This song and Nirvana's All Apologies Super simple and super amazing.

Just Tracy and her guitar

Great folk story telling. Way to dissect and analyze a Fast Car.

👏🏻

My man you don't have to rehearse your reaction and use big words to describe a song or the music. Tracey is telling a story of a dysfunctional family that I can relate to and many people can relate to. As the verses un fold she's getting stronger and realizing she has turned In a circle she's married to a man like her father. Instead of repeating she can be someone. She finally says I don't need you. Take your fast car and keep on driving. Everything she has she's done on her own. A powerful story. The cycle of disfunction We can all relate to that.

Cool reaction. My only critique here was that it was nearly 10 minutes into the video before any mention of the lyrics of this song which are powerful. I felt your main emphasis was on the instruments of the song, which for me as a viewer was slightly disappointing as this song tells powerful story. Nonetheless still a good reaction.

this song is about... Americana

J, you'll love the woman who paved the way for Tracy. Joan Armatrading's "Love And Affection" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oag3I4VRXyM.html and "Show Some Emotion" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pyHrvGARDk4.html

check out this new cover of Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Dl03oBtixeQ.html Let her know what you think.

I think you should listen to system of down chop choy, BYOB, or queen we radio gaga, who wants to live forever

PJ HARVEY is someone you should check out

Love this song

It's ironic his love of adjectives makes him less able to communicate to the common person. In high school we all strive to seem smart. In college we realize the conveyance of our message is more important than the elegance of our word. He will realize this someday. If people are constantly saying I had to look this word up in a dictionary or thesaurus, that isn't a sign that you are super duper astonishingly smart. It means that you have lost your audience.

👑🌹🌍🎶💨💜☕

Hey, Stephen A Smith… what’s with the big words??

Penetrates to the bone. Timeless song. Show the video next time.

No more Van Halen Monday's eh? You certainly lost a chunk of subscribers as a result. Too bad, it was enjoyable. Be well.

Love when people discover Tracy Chapman, but everybody does Fast Car. Great song, but that album has no bad songs. They are all really good. My faves are Mountains of Things and She's Got a Ticket. Do yourself a favor and listen to the whole album.

Love her "less is more" approach to this song. Every note is purposeful, and every lyric meaningful. Her voice is soulful, folksy and the vibrato borderlines on yodeling; but still distinct. Reminded me of Joni Mitchell. Remember when this came out and was on constant rotation on MTV... NEVER got tired of it. Song deserves more attention. Glad this made it around.

Her song ‘talkin bout a revolution’ is the absolute business

This was her hit, for obvious reasons, but she has so much more. Please do us a favor and delve into her library. One of my favorite songs of all time. Yearning desperate escapism set to perfectly fit music. A masterpiece IMO.

The whole album is really worth a listen.

Tracy Chapman is a legend. All her stuff is great please check out more.

Jay,...You are not allowed to use such words,..."efficacious" adjective: (successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective). Some of us are not as edumacated as you are!!! I had to look it up!!! Lol😜.... Such a wise & smart young man you are!!! You are a charm!!

just a side note; your vocabulary is impressive brother. I stop counting how many big words you used and that’s not a put down. Not a lot of people use prose as you do. kudos!

Nephew this song/album was so popular (across all cultures, both black and white). It won every music category. Best song, best new artist, best female artist etc. etc. Glad you enjoyed Traci C. performance. Traci is a G.O.A.T

She is legendary, truly a great artist

Understated is the word that I would use. Who would have thought that emotion could be conveyed without screaming? Agree with your comments regarding Anita Baker and Sade. To those names I would also add Oleta Adams name. Great song choice.

She plays the lead guitar.

*I love Tracy!! Give me One Reason...please💜*

This is an artist that has never made a "b" track... everything she makes is a masterpiece!!

I love her. Her voice and storytelling is amazing. She has a live version at Oakland that I love.

I don't get the same hopelessness in the lyrics that you do.. I think the only thing that is hopeless is the relationship between the singer and her partner. The singer has goals and is achieving them as an individual, but her partner does not have the same goals and is not growing in the same direction. Finally she has to leave the partner behind and let them drive off in the only thing that seems to be of value to them, the fast car.. Key to the meaning of the entire song is the contrast between these two verses at the beginning and end of the song. "You've got a fast car, is it fast enough so WE can fly away. WE've got to make a decision; leave tonight or live and die this way" and then "You've got a fast car, is it fast enough so YOU can fly away. YOU've got to make a decision, leave tonight or live and die this way." Her original goals included the partner, but by the end, she went on alone. Side note: Toni Braxton has a great lower register also.

As soon as I saw this, I knew you were going to love this song. Tracy is a first ballot musical genius.

I play the whole CD. Like every song. When this came out and for years later I played it a lot. Great job as usual.

Tracy's voice has such crisp modulation and a tight, natural vibrato, much more so than Anita Baker or Sade, and she keeps within her narrow vocal range without pushing beyond its limits, a wise tendency also characteristic of Karen Carpenter, another singer who keeps within a limited natural vocal range, allowing her natural tone to fully shine.

Brilliant summation. Thank you. 💔❤️

This song was hot. It was during a short era of "Alt-rock" which was a little more folksy and acoustic. As an alternative to big production that was going on in the late 80s. Maybe like Suzanne Vega? Maybe I made that up. Thanks for the review, tho!

Tracy Chapman. Baby Can I Hold You. So good

Janet Jackson recently revealed that Tracy Chapman is her cousin on her mothers side.

Kid i loved your reaction. But a lot of me thinks you’re trying to use big words you dint get. You sound like you want to sound like Malcom X. Actually u sound like an impersonation of Densel playing Malcom. But your heart is solid and good. I like you. This song is heavy.

10/10 on the breakdown. You could have probably talked for an hour on the song and held my interest.

Like your channel.. Would have liked more comments on the lyrics of basically a poor person singing about their life. To over analyze Tracy Chapman is to miss Tracy Chapman in my view. But you still did a good job maybe back off a tiny bit on the analysis

The music in this song portrays a sense of childlike optimism but the lyrics were almost desperate and defeated. Its interesting that the narrator became a caretaker for her father who gave up on life, and then she got into a relationship with a man who also gave up on life. But her optimism allows her to keep the dream alive and keep hoping for a brighter outcome. Whenever I listen to this song I always hope she'll make better choices, cut ties with those that hold her back and seek fortune on her own.

Gimme One Reason is bluesy fabulousness by Tracy.

Beautiful Tracy Chapman inside and out. Please react to "give me one reason" with guest Eric Clapton.

Another song like this would be Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi"...

You look so relaxed Jay, awesome song and incredible Tracy Chapman what a nice singing voice, beautiful love your reaction!! ☺️✌️

I was in high school when this came out. That was a LONG time ago. I loved this song and still do!

My most memorable concert experience ever was Spring 1988, I’m at the 10,000 Maniacs show for their In my Tribe album and there’s this opening act. Just a woman and her acoustic guitar. She says her name is Tracy Chapman and mentions her debut album will be coming out in a few weeks. Then, she starts playing these songs, and the whole crowd got hushed and was mesmerized. I’ve never since experienced a crowd so mesmerized by the opening act

she peaked too quickly then was left as a flash - i liked her material

I believe it is only one guitar. It is a simple riff, but she finger picks the low root and higher root with some other part of the chord (major fifth, major third or minor third) at the same time making it sound like two guitars playing in harmony.

Please check out Give Me One Reason...killer song!

This woman is a force and defies all norms. I love this song. It always makes me cry.

Your observation of the dichotomy between the music and lyrics is spot on. I had not thought of it quite in those terms but you are correct in that the music portrays a hopeful feeling of longing for better times whereas the lyrics are not quite at the point of despair but reflect a sort of entrapment that she dreams of escaping from. Your insight always adds a layer of analysis that makes your reactions so enjoyable to watch. Glad you enjoyed the song. I remember how much it touched me when I first heard it.

The words are deeper than the instrumentals

Pure talented Singer, Songwriter and performer. Love Tracy Chapman and listen to her albums regularly……great reaction thanks.