Tracy Chapman Let It Rain Genres:Folk, Pop, Rock Aussie edition of 2002 album includes one exclusive bonus track, 'Over In Love'. Let It Rain was co-produced by Chapman & John Parish (P.J. Harvey, Eels, Sparklehorse). It features the first single, 'You're The One'. 1... more »2 tracks. Warner.« less
Aussie edition of 2002 album includes one exclusive bonus track, 'Over In Love'. Let It Rain was co-produced by Chapman & John Parish (P.J. Harvey, Eels, Sparklehorse). It features the first single, 'You're The One'. 12 tracks. Warner.
I heard the title track, and knew I needed to own it. I traded for the CD, hoping for more of the same, but was sadly disappointed. Nothing in the rest of the CD resonated in the same way. All the other tracks were poorly constructed, whiny and badly mixed. Pity.
Still love the title track...it's everything I've grown to love about her music. But the rest was junk.
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CD Reviews
Let It Play
Nasser Alqatami | 01/22/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"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?"
To All Tracy Chapman Fans: "Tracy's Back!"
Muata aka MrLowBodyFat | Hacienda Heights, CA USA | 10/16/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"."
LET IT RAIN IS STELLAR!...
David | Davis, CA USA | 10/15/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"
Elegant and thoughtful
G. Martin | Midwest | 10/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have followed Tracy Chapman's career from its inception and continue to be amazed by her her ability to encapsulate the human experience in a song. "Let it Rain" does not necessarily break any new ground, but it does showcase Tracy's emotive vocals and song writing as well as I could have ever hoped. In this age of digitization, the trend towards multi-layering and over-production has ruined otherwise great songs/song writing. This is definitely not the case here. John Parish and Tracy have woven the various layers of instrumentation into each track such that Tracy's vocals are always center stage, not just part of a complicated mix. Tracy has had some wonderful albulms, but from start to finish, "Let it Rain" may be her best. If you are already a fan, or you're just looking for an introduction to Tracy Chapman's music - Buy this CD."
Subtle and Compelling
Jason Whipple | Brattleboro, VT | 10/16/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have always anticipated Tracy Chapman's new albums, so I made sure that I was at my local music store the Tuesday Let it Rain was released. As usual I am impressed by her lyrical honesty and subtle melodic structuring. I was disappointed with her last album Telling Stories, not for the songwriting, but for the production. John Parish, a co-producer, who I best know as a former collaborator with PJ Harvey, employs his usual unsettling and delicate clangs and bleeps that cushion Let it Rain, giving it an almost otherworldy effect that compliments Chapman's assured songs. This album is recommended for the music collectors out there, not the folks looking for an easy to swallow radio-friendly affair."