Tracy Chapman Let It Rain CD - Import

Includes a five track bonus CD.

Personnel includes: Tracy Chapman (vocals, guitar, electric guitar, electric banjo, clarinet, bass); Joe Gore (electric guitar, ukelele, piano); Greg Leisz (electric pedal steel, baritone guitar, dobro); Matt Brubeck (cello); Patrick Warren (accordion, tac piano); Patrick Warren (piano, organ, keyboards); Michael Webster (piano, vibraphone); Larry Taylor (upright bass); John Parish (bass); Joey Waronker (drums, tambourine, shaker, sound effects); Jeanie Tracy (background vocals).
Recorded at The Paint Studios, Sausalito, California.
U.K. edition includes a five track bonus disc.
Irrespective of the ups and downs of her career, Tracy Chapman has had one thing going for her that a number of singer/songwriters lack: a major label. This assures that she'll always get what every performer wants: a fair hearing and perhaps even radio exposure. On Let It Rain, Chapman turns in another introspective album that flows quietly from track to track and will remind listeners of New Beginning (1995) and Telling Stories (2000). The album begins with a sequence of warm, easygoing songs. "Another Sun" finds a slow, bluesy groove that perfectly matches Chapman's soulful lyric, while "In the Dark" explores the murky undercurrent of relationships. There's a loose quality to many of Chapman's lyrics, meaning that a number of things can be read into them. On the title cut, she expresses an openness to everything that the rain brings, whether it's good or bad. "Almost" evokes the spiritual longing familiar to anyone who's come very close, but still fell short, of attaining a dream, a goal, or a perfect relationship. John Parish's full arrangements and warm production provide a sympathetic setting for Chapman's songs and vocals. The only grievance one might find with Let It Rain is that many of the songs have a similar feel and lack distinctive melodies to keep them from blending together. Fans who have enjoyed Chapman's recent albums, however, will enjoy Let It Rain's evocative lyrics and lovely vocals. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.
Tracey Chapman's sixth album continues her tradition of immaculately crafted, self-effacing, deceptively low-key songs that consistently get to the root of things. That the most commercial track here ("Say Hallelujah") is about a funeral speaks volumes about Chapman's songwriting approach. "The bucket is kicked/The body is gone" she sings prosaically; "Eternal rest for the weary/Mourners party tonight." It's a catchy song that manages to retain its optimism despite its mortal subject.
With LET IT RAIN Chapman seems to be settling in to an acceptance of her cult status after her initial success with "Fast Car" and the later "Give Me One Reason." This is high-quality songwriting in a natural setting. There are few flashy production tricks save a vocal effect or two, and no visible straining after a hit in evidence. Her emotions are laid bare time and again on tracks such as "In the Dark," with its confessional ambience, while "Hard Wired" is as close to a diatribe as Chapman gets, its subject the invasion of privacy in the name of commerce. LET IT RAIN is a hard-nosed, no-nonsense collection in a deceptively fragile setting.

Entertainment Weekly (10/18/02, p.114) - "...This is the CD you play on the drive home after the breakup..." - Rating: B
Q (12/02, p.102) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Chapman's caffeinated tones and palpable conviction will sate aficionados..."
Uncut (12/02, p.129) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...She's lost none of her integrity or emotional honesty. LET IT RAIN wins again for its gentle and highly personal songs..."
Vibe (12/02, p.208) - 3 discs out of 5 - "...A welcome salve for breakup survivors and other lonely hearts..."