Let It Rain

Tracy Chapman

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 15, 2002)
• Original Release Date: October 15, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Elektra / Wea
• ASIN: B00006JXYH
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #53,155 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

With Let It Rain, Tracy Chapman has found an almost perfect platform for her potent voice. She and coproducer John Parish have opted for a muted approach where guitars and tambourines stir among simple, unadorned rhythms. The singer's once boldly strummed acoustic guitar is here replaced by a more constant tidal flow, with handclaps, gospel-tinged choruses, and an open-barreled bass drum marking time. Chapman even goes trip-hopping on "In the Dark," a strangely shadowy highpoint featuring her artfully quavering vocal melody. The jumpy interludes on "Hard Wired" and the chamber interlude of "Over in Love" (which is reminiscent of the gorgeous interstitial tunes on Hem's debut) add color. This is an awesomely crafted folk-soul creation for seasoned fans and for those who love Beth Orton and Norah Jones. --Andrew Bartlett

Product Description

Tracy returns with Let It Rain, an album blossoming with stories that matter, songs that ring true, and of course her remarkable stirring voice. Elektra. 2002.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To All Tracy Chapman Fans: "Tracy's Back!", October 15, 2002

By	Muata aka MrLowBodyFat (Hacienda Heights, CA USA) - See all my reviews

As I'm writing this review, I'm listening to "In the Dark", which is very reminiscent of songs from her earlier albums. If it took a couple of months for "Telling Stories" to grow on you, then let me assure you that you will not have that problem with this album. It took me 2 months to really start liking songs on her last album, but with "Let it Rain", I can honestly say that on the second listening, I was already hitting the repeat button for "Let it Rain", "You're the One", "In the Dark", and "Say Hallelujah". This one will be in my CD player for a while because "Tracy's Back!".

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Let It Play, January 22, 2004

By	Nasser Alqatami - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Tracy Chapman is the anti-star. She avoids unnecessary media spotlight, shys away from the glitter and gold and is an avid charity supporter.

Every now and then, between her touring circles, she puts her confessional poems into melodies and another album is born.

In 1988, Chapman defied big-hair bands and senseless dance tunes by suddenly skyrocketing into super-success with her debut album and the hit singles "Fast Car" and "Baby Can I Hold You" - songs so uncomplicated, yet they spark an immediate emotion.

However, ever since her chart-dominating days, Chapman gradually faded away with albums not as directly radio-catchy as her debut, yet musically superb - resurfacing in 1995 with her single "Give Me One Reason."

Chapman's disappearance is directly due to the mainstream media's episodic fascination with new artists. The proof is Chapman's impressive catalogue.

"Let It Rain" is her latest full-lengther that continues Chapman's legacy as one of the best folk singers of our time.

The album opens in a rising fashion with the title track and the sorrowful "Another Sun." Then the first single "You're The One" takes off with its clap-along beat.

Then Chapman suddenly turns downhearted with the lo-mo "In The Dark" and then delves into the mysterious "Almost." This evolution is bittersweet.

What is pleasant about a Chapman album is that it merges perfectly and the album sounds like one long track. Here, Chapman uses an instrumental track "Over In Love" to achieve that ambiance, taking us from the Norah Jones-sounding "Goodbye" to the closer "I Am Yours" where Chapman wants to be wanted.

It is unlikely that Chapman will achieve former victories with "Let It Rain."

Although it is a complete and pleasing release, it still lacks a highpoint or a tune that is bound to strike gold.

But then again, who needs gold?

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LET IT RAIN IS STELLAR!..., October 15, 2002

By	David (Davis, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This is perhaps the best album by Tracy since CROSSROADS....every track is a classic! I am not going to talk about each track because they are similarly themed in nature.....very acoustic, mellow and about finding your place in this world....if you enjoy good folk pop, RUN OUT AND BUY THIS! END OF STORY!