Released in 1989, Crossroads is Tracy Chapman's sophomore album, following her critically acclaimed self-titled debut, and maintains Chapman's signature blend of folk, soft rock, and soul. With themes relating to social justice, personal introspection, and resilience, Crossroads is a compelling album that, while not quite as profound as her debut, is an incredible follow-up and one of the best albums released in 1989.
While the cover art isn’t as striking as her debut, one thing is for certain and that’s the music contained within has been recorded, mixed, and mastered with kid gloves. That shouldn’t shock longtime fans of Chapman’s music, for her music production has always been pristine. It is notable, however, as quality such as this is often the exception rather than the rule.
As it pertains to the lossless Apple Music stream, it’s simply exquisite. You’ll be amazed by the sonic wonder of this edition as you’ll get a sense that Chapman and the band are in the room with you. The presentation is immersive and the soundstage is well-developed with clear separation between all musical elements thereby ensuring that Chapman shines on vocals while the backing musical bed is luscious. Of course, don’t take my word for it, give it a listen as we take a look at the songs that make up this incredible release.
Crossroads opens the album with a contemplative relaxed tone and a steady rhythm. It is, exactly, what fans would have been expecting at the time, having just come off the success of Chapman’s debut. While it isn’t necessarily the strongest song from the record, despite being released as the first single, it’s still lovely in its own right and a worthy opener that sets the tone for the entire album.
Bridges has a gorgeous acoustic arrangement and is, without a doubt, one of Chapman’s greatest recordings. If there is a hidden gem from the album, this is most certainly it and if I had my way, this masterpiece would have been released as a single.
Freedom Now is a lovely tribute to Nelson Mandela and the struggle against apartheid. However, as I don’t generally appreciate music for its literal interpretation, I find that the musical aspects of Freedom Now are a little pedestrian. It is, for lack of a better term, an album-only number; one that holds the album together, yes, but one that you’re unlikely to seek out on its own.
Material World picks up the tempo with a catchy melody and overall rhythm that melds with your soul. While I just got through mentioning that literal meaning isn't the way I define my love of music, the song’s critique on consumerism, and the obsession with wealth attainment, are topics that are still, sadly, at the forefront of humanity. Nevertheless, Material World is a reminder for us all to seek fulfilment beyond material acquisitions.
Be Careful Of My Heart is ballad-focused and is simply stunning. Chapman’s vocals are, as always, exquisite, but it is the delicate musical bed that not only allows the vocals to shine but makes Be Careful Of My Heart such a memorable tune.
Subcity is a mix between Bob Dylan and Neil Young, in relation to the chosen style, and topical nature, of the song. It’s another solid album-only tune and it’s songs such as this that make Crossroads so compelling for each song on a record need not be exceptional for the album to be thoroughly enjoyable.
Born To Fight has a jazzy undertone that makes it unique, when compared to the other songs on Crossroads, but it’s this distinctive nature that ensures it’s one of the standout songs from the album as you’ll feel compelled to move to the rhythm.
A Hundred Years is a lovely tune and while it could be suggested that the musical backing is a little pedestrian, Chapman’s vocal prowess absolutely shines with the gentle flutter she is renowned for. Yet, at no time, does her vocal go beyond the acceptable range as she has exceptional control over her delivery. The result is that A Hundred Years is thoroughly enjoyable to listen to.
This Time opens with a magnificent acoustic element that’s so good I wish that it was an instrumental number. Of course, when Chapman’s vocal enters the mix my thoughts change and I become immersed in the entire song, but when music is this extraordinarily good, every element stands on its own and the culmination of all aspects only strengthens the recording. Magnificent!
All That You Have Is Your Soul is a beautiful closer with its straightforward acoustic arrangement and deeply personal lyrics. As with all good final tracks, All That I Have Is Your Soul will leave you in both a contemplative mood and one willing to play Crossroads again for this singer/songwriter folk-focused record is amongst the best you’re ever likely to hear.
Crossroads is a compelling follow-up to Tracy Chapman's landmark debut that showcases her growth as a songwriter and artist. Chapman's ability to blend addictively good music with potent storytelling makes Crossroads a timeless and essential listen, especially for those of you who have yet to venture beyond her acclaimed debut and the associated hits. Crossroads, subsequently, is not just a collection of songs, but an album experience; one that should be in every music lover’s collection.