Tracy Chapman Fast Car

'Fast Car' is a single from the hugely successful self entitled debut album 'Tracy Chapman' (1988).

Following a performance at Nelson Mandelas televised 70th Birthday Party, 'Fast Car' reached number #5 in the U.S and #6 in the UK.

As well as worldwide success in sales, the album 'Tracy Chapman' was nominated for three Grammy Awards, taking home best female pop performance for 'Fast Car'.

The lyrics of 'Fast Car' might be some of the finest of the 80s, possibly even comparable to Bob Dylans work.

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Tracy telling the story of the impossible task to get somewhere in a modern poor America leaving no other possibilities than getting a job at the grocery store, watching your partner fall to drug or alcohol abuse.

The final twist of the song simply moves from "we gotta make a decision" to "you gotta make a decision, leave tonight or live and die this way"
As this might seem like the only solution there is a bitter feeling that no matter what, there is no way out.

This type of lyrical content paired with the feeling of hope in 'Talking 'bout A Revolution' and the slightly more romantic 'Baby Can I Hold You' was without a doubt the strongest opening three tracks of any album in the 80s.

As all three songs stand strong on their own, together they tell the bitter tale of a modern America that clearly states that if you have no money, you are no one.

After a decade of outrageous hair spray stadium spandex rock, where sex drugs and rock n roll ruled, Tracy Chapman seemed to be the only singer songwriter around speaking for the little people.

Only a few years later, the charts saw a huge turn away from hair spray and spandex, becomng more acoustic and "real". Tracy Chapmans debut album can without a doubt be seen as a huge part in this turn.