Just an aside, She is playing a custom guitar by now retired luthier Judy Threet. She's had this guitar since 2001. As a guitar builder myself I have met her a few times and her guitars are truly exceptional. It's nice to see Ms. Chapman support us luthiers.
Nice! I wish I had the skill to be a part of the music life. My two brothers have skill with the guitar but I became a portrait artist. As much as I love it, being in front of a crowd for a different time every night is the one and only thing I regret not making the effort for to get better at it. Such is life
I wondered about that -- I love that her stuff never sounds overproduced and part of it is that her vocal and guitar are always front and center. I love the clean tone of her guitar and I'm sure a lot of time and effort goes into finding one that sounds the way she wants.
I think it's so cool that Tracy got in touch with you to thank you for doing this video on her. It's good to hear that this song was not pitch corrected, her natural voice sounds beautiful! I loved your vocal and guitar demonstrations too. Thank you, Fil, for another great video! Rock!
I saw a video taken by a crowd member, focusing on the big screen on stage. At the beginning it’s just a shot of her arms and the guitar on the big screen so most of the crowd must not have known it was her. It really is wonderful that she got that reaction.
Tracy is so special. She needs nothing extreme for her act. She does not dress in costumes or extravagant clothing and makeup. No vocal gymnastics or dramatic expressions. She just plays her guitar and sings. Her talent is all that is needed.
I was hoping you'd talk about this Fil. Best performance at the Grammys, by far. She still has it and you could tell Luke was making a childhood dream come true.
When I was in graduate school, a friend of a friend knew Tracy Chapman well. She was a student at Tufts and used to sing in Harvard Square and on Cambridge Common, just her and her guitar. The songs she sang then made up her first album, which came out a couple of years later. We all used to go see her whenever she was singing and we even went out dancing a couple of times. Tracy Chapman is everything you think she is as an artist and a human being. She is supremely talented, thoughtful, and most of all, humble. Her success is evidence that sometimes good things do happen to good people.
Tracy Chapman's Fast Car is one of my all time favorite songs! Whenever I hear it, I have to stop whatever I'm doing and immerse myself in it. I especially love when I'm driving on the highway, and it comes on the radio! Her voice can't be compared to anyone else's, and she's just so natural and full of human emotion.
Definitely one of the best songs about a woman and her bad decisions. She tells the story and doesn't really complain about it but at the same time you can feel her regret.
@@jomgelborn She really is. Who else would take a 500+ word tale, come up with a simple but catchy rif, and repeat? It’s THAT voice. Iconic first time I heard it and it’s just as iconic now. Chills.
I went to the States - land of fast cars - for a visit. This song came on the radio, and I froze where I stood. The next moment, I was a ghostly passenger in the car with the mesmerising singer and her friend, tears welling up in my eyes. _That_ is artistry. Tracey Chapman is my Pied Piper: I'd follow her voice anywhere.
Yes, very good performance! I love "Baby Can I Hold You?" off her debut album, too, and it has the same qualities in heaps: the way she makes the tone of some words, the vibrato and the vocal bends, help evoke a story of misunderstanding, silence ("years gone by and still / words don't come easily / like sorry, like sorry..."), perhaps humiliation, perhaps betrayal - and the hope for renewal and reconciliation, She manages this without getting into too much specifics; the pain and hope, regret and struggle are all in her voice and in the tune...Outstanding and very resonant.💗
This year’s Grammys had some marvellous live performances that weren’t lip synched or pitch corrected. Miley Cyrus’s live performance of Flowers was so much better than the recording, it had so much attitude and energy. Joni Mitchell can’t sing like she did when she was younger but even after her health issues he sang with such emotion and eloquence. So what if she wasn’t pitch perfect, her performance resonated with such humanity.
Joni's off pitch singing was too much for me. There is a limit where off pitchiness outweighs emotional content as far as I am concerned. Miley's performance was a lot of fun and befitting an award SHOW.
I don’t play guitar, I can’t read music, and I only sing in the shower BUT I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS. I learn so much about WHY I love the music and artists I do. 🙏🏼👏🏼💜
Her song, Behind the Wall, is also a masterpiece! Her songs take over your attention in a way that is hard to explain. If empathy had a voice it would be her voice. Simply outstanding.
Many years ago I went to a Cleveland, Ohio annual street festival to see Donny Osmond. On this particular afternoon, Tracy Chapman had performed before Donny took the stage. I remember thinking to myself that it seemed like an unusual pairing of artists. Later I found out that Tracy Chapman was born in Cleveland and thought she must have been a hometown favorite.
@@kjmav10135 That’s what I thought too, Kathy! I was so perplexed. At the time I thought maybe the promoter of the event was trying to draw in two different audiences. LOL
I would love for you to review Tracy and Eric Clapton playing “Give Me One Reason” from 1999. She has the most delicious smile on her face the entire time. Clapton sings a verse and adds his tasty licks, and the backing band is flawless.
I haven't watched the Grammys for years. I seldom listen to the radio, especially modern Country music so I did not know this song had been recently covered. But I was happy to accidently find this Grammy performance on TV while channel surfing. It was a great performance. I have several of her CDs and this song is a masterpiece. Love the guitar riff. Simple, clean and memorable.
If I could've written one song in all of modern music then I would've liked to have written this. It is beyond comprehension to me how endearing this is still, after 35-ish years...
To me, the vibrato wobble within the words gives it additional emotion. It's sort of relatable to if someone is close to crying, they will sometimes speak with little wobbles in their words.
Tracy Chapman, originally from Cleveland. This song had so much emotion involved in it. Very poignant. A great analysis , Fil. Thank you for another one.
What a great artist, I remember hearing this for the first time in 1988 and thinking WOW. Luke Combs real matches her perfectly in this too. great job.
Some songs take you back to a place in time, some just take you somewhere else, not anytime or any place you've ever been, just somewhere else. This is one of those songs.
Great analysis! Love love LOVE Tracy. Still remember where I was driving when I first heard the song 36 years ago. Much respect to Luke for bringing the song--and the artist--to a whole new generation.
I was lucky enough to go to one of her concerts before her first album was released. She was sat on a bar stool, centre of stage at a theatre in Hull (UK) the auditorium was 2/3 empty and she encouraged everyone to move down to the front. Great concert.
Hi Fil, This is a great song! Loved this analysis and Tracy is such a talented artist. Love her style of singing and playing easy and relaxed. Thank you for demonstrating on the guitar! Great job. Debbie☮️
Sad song full of yearning and tinged with despair. Brilliant commentary to point out that pulling back from the musical performance as the focus enhances the force of the song.
Good analysis. Agree with the lovely simplicity and straightforward singing. No histrionics or drama. She (& Luke) singing it like they are talking to me and it’s so effective for this song.
The 1st time I heard “Fast Car”, I was on my home from a weekend at the beach and I was listening to the Kasey Kasum weekly Top 40 and this was the fastest rising song in the UK that week. I was in college and and as soon as I got through class the next day I was on my way to the record store( remember those.?) to get the album, single, cassette whatever. They looked at me like I was from another planet. Then I remembered it’s the fastest rising song in the UK. Anyway, it took a little while to get a copy but I played it to non stop for about a month. I am sure my friends were quite over it.
Whenever someone tries to convince me that TS is so amazing I always respond that she no Joni Mitchell or Tracy Chapman, so I was thrilled to see these two legends perform. It was only marred by you-know-who standing up and singing along. This is the first time I saved the Grammys on my DVR so I can rewatch their incredible performances.
I didn't watch the Grammys, but I've since seen all the performances from the show. This was definitely the performance of the night. No need for any bells and whistles, just classy understated perfection. Fantastic job by Tracy and Luke.
Love Tracy Chapman and I used to play the whole first album over and over like your friend. I learned to play guitar inspired by her and learned a lot of her songs. I could never quite master fast car though. I think cause the rhythm of the guitar playing is different to the rhythm of the singing so I always used to get lost. Maybe I should try again.
I've loved Tracy Chapman's original version since I first heard it shortly after came out also I love how Luke Combs covered it and that he was man enough to not feel the need to change the gender-specific lyrics. Hearing Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs perform together was the main reason I watched the Grammy Awards this year.
That Grammy performance was incredible. I remember seeing her many years ago when that song was a new hit as musical guest on Saturday Night Live. She was muuuuuch younger and she was such a an authentic performer. She has another hit, gimme one reason years later, and then she kind of dropped out of sight. But the look of joy on her face playing on the Grammys alllll these years later with the very gifted Luke Combs, was just captivating.
Thank you for this, Fil. It’s a performance from the two of them that has enthralled millions and is a complete vindication of your stance against pitch correction.
I can remember when and where I was the first time I heard this song. 25 yrs old at diner in Ocean City MD with my husband at about 2 am. That song made me so happy. I knew I had to own that CD. Then when I saw her video I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her style was so beautiful. This is still one of my favorite songs ever. One I listen to often.
Hey Fil, as someone who covers this song you hinted at despite it sounding simplistic across the repeated rif, it’s a real bear to sing over the top of it. Tons of syncopation and like 508 words! By far, the “biggest” song I play/sing from a word count perspective. It’s taken a good amount of work. Now if I only sounded like TC or Luke.
There's this way some singers get the words out with strength of intention while having a "weak" vibrato or ending that hits you like people trying to be strong while they may be hiding their own struggle. Like joan armatrading and others just something that so relatable
Tracy’s voice is so unique. It’s light but heavy at the same time. It’s airy but grounded. It’s youthful but also has an “old soul” quality to it. One of those voices you just can’t forget and you can’t pin down. Luke has a wonderful voice himself, but you can really hear the difference of a somewhat “trained” singer in Luke vs. just raw talent and unique vocal characteristics of Tracy. 👍🏻
Tracy Chapman is a treasure. I have four of her albums and love every song. “Subcity” is one of my favorites and she has some magical songs. Simple and beautiful. Thank you Fil. ❤
I love the sound of fingers sliding up and down the neck of a guitar. I remember the first time I really noticed that specific sound; I was in 8th grade and I listened to Sarah MacLachlan's album, Surfacing, non-stop. Specifically, the song called I Love You really showcased that pretty sound. 😊
Well done Fil ...Tracy Chapman's voice was always appealing and fulfilling. I know I have heard a song well sung and a story told at the same time whenever I listen to her. She is a wonderful singer and a beautiful person....
Fast Car is haunting and heartbreaking, yet hopeful and inspirational. Her voice sounds as clear and lovely now as it did when this song was first released. Fil, I would love to see an analysis on my all time favorite song of Tracy's: Baby Can I Hold You Tonight. ROCK!
I LOVE Tracy Chapman. Her music always gives me the feels, and I've always loved her voice. I've always thought that it had such a great "story-telling" quality to it, and noticed the "wobble," but hadn't necessarily put 2 and 2 together to realize that's part of what gives it that quality. Lol
Tracy's voice gives me chills and a smile that lasts all day! The first time I heard this song I felt the same way. Her unusual voice is so beautiful but so alive. There is no phony-sounding commercial garbage, just her! Thanks again Fil!
I hope you can do a talk with Tracy as when she did this song it always made me cry. As I had fast cars and thought that way back then in the 1980s. Tracy is an artist singer songwriter that is not so well known.
I loved this performance at the Grammy's. A wonderful surprise. While this is not my usual taste in music, I bought Tracy's self titled album when it came out in the late '80's. It is still in my playlist today. Thanks for the peek inside.
Thank you. I adore tracy Chapman. Would listen to her first album way back in my teens when it first came out. I relate to the song and the honesty of her vocals. 💕🕊
Well done! Your analysis is clear to me, even though I have no background in music or instruments. This indicates you possess a profound ability to teach individuals from any background. I found you because I was checking out Tracy's work on RUclips.
Hi, Fil. I‘ve to confess that it was only last week that I discovered your channel, but since then…. got to say, I‘ve been watching your analysis videos every day. You‘re simply great ! Thank you so much for your work and efforts you put into each analysis - whether it‘s rock, pop, classic. And thank you for your smile! It brightens my day. Bye the way, I‘d love to hear your comments to the „Introducing the Hard line of Terence Trent D‘Arby“ no matter which song you’d analyse out of this masterpiece. Big thank you😊
This is awesome! Luke Combs did good singing Fast Car,but no one can sing it like Tracy Chapman. Thank you Fil for another great Analysis 🩷 You're the best!!! 🤘
This is one of those songs that I remember where I was when I first heard it back in '88. As a struggling college student, with no parental support, I could really relate to the sentiment of this song. And it was so different than most pop songs of that era. So glad to see Tracy getting a well deserved career resurgence all these years later. ❤
Hey Fil, you do such a thorough and correct job in your analysis videos. I have learned so much from you- and ways to explain to my band manager that my voice has "character and expression", haha! Great job on Fast Car! Thanks
I love Tracy her music got me through a lot of times in my life. I cried right along with her and it just made me feel not alone. Maybe shell read your messages. Love you Tracey:
Back in the 1960s, Barbra Streisand's signature was using both a very solid almost perfectly even operatic belting vibrato, but she also utilized a wobble at times when ending out some phrases. Unfortunately, Barbra kinda of dropped the wobble in favor of a more pop friendly vibrato when moving into the 70s. Many artists are able to utilize this slight wobble type vibrato to great effect. It's a very impressive vocal technique when it's used in this way. It's particularly effective in this Tracy Chapman song.
Fil, perhaps you recorded this before the official version was posted? Would have been cool to compare both an unofficial recording from the live performance and official one on the Grammy’s channel. The Grammy’s was slow to post a lot of content by two weeks. Makes me wonder if it was edited, lol. I’m gonna have to go back and have a listen to compare. If you search for Fast Car Grammy’s 2024, it pops right up on the Grammy’s channel in the first result.
I really think that a big part of the reason this performance had such a huge impact is that it was not pitch corrected. People are so used to hearing pitch correction that they probably didn't realize why they felt so connected to these two 100% human voices. Speaking of that, I'd like to recommend another beautiful, emotional duet to you. It is Chalk Outlines live by Ren and Chinchilla.
Tracy Chapman is a class act. I would love for you to take this performance, isolate her voice, pitch-correct it and compare them..I COMPLETELY agree with you that it would diminish the emotion in the story telling feel..this could be the benchmark example of this point you’ve been trying to convey.
I got to see Tracy perform in Oakland, Ca. Coliseum in 1989. It was beautiful. Just her and her guitar. Check it out on Y.T. if you want to hear her at her most raw.
One of those songs and albums that defines that time, great artist ❤ It would be criminally for a producer to ruin a beautiful with pitch correction, natural voice. Lovely analysis Fil 👍🏻
I loved Tracy and this song when it first came out, and I still do. Her voice is warm and emotionally expressive. It’s cool that a new generation is discovering her too.
6 месяцев назад
The intentional minimalism in this song is pure genius. Everything unnecessary is stripped away. It's absolutely beautiful storytelling. The counterpoint isn't note to note, it's idea to idea. The repetition of the guitar phrase, the matter of fact singing style, the way the verses and chorus blend. It's like that blue dot on a white canvas painting. It's simple, yet draws you in with very intricate emotions and subtleties, you're somehow wonderfully hijacked to participate. One of my all time favorite songs.
Just an aside, She is playing a custom guitar by now retired luthier Judy Threet. She's had this guitar since 2001. As a guitar builder myself I have met her a few times and her guitars are truly exceptional. It's nice to see Ms. Chapman support us luthiers.
Thank you! I was wondering this since the performance
Nice! I wish I had the skill to be a part of the music life. My two brothers have skill with the guitar but I became a portrait artist. As much as I love it, being in front of a crowd for a different time every night is the one and only thing I regret not making the effort for to get better at it. Such is life
you beauty, thanks for this
Wonderful balanced tone in TC’s guitar!
I wondered about that -- I love that her stuff never sounds overproduced and part of it is that her vocal and guitar are always front and center. I love the clean tone of her guitar and I'm sure a lot of time and effort goes into finding one that sounds the way she wants.
I think it's so cool that Tracy got in touch with you to thank you for doing this video on her. It's good to hear that this song was not pitch corrected, her natural voice sounds beautiful! I loved your vocal and guitar demonstrations too. Thank you, Fil, for another great video! Rock!
To me the best part of this performance was the crowd reaction when they realize she’s there and then her perfect smile.
I saw a video taken by a crowd member, focusing on the big screen on stage. At the beginning it’s just a shot of her arms and the guitar on the big screen so most of the crowd must not have known it was her. It really is wonderful that she got that reaction.
@@heidichristensen7919that's so neat, do you have a link to that video?
Tracy is so special. She needs nothing extreme for her act. She does not dress in costumes or extravagant clothing and makeup. No vocal gymnastics or dramatic expressions. She just plays her guitar and sings. Her talent is all that is needed.
There is just no need, we have her presence, The story of the song needs to backdrop at all. She is mesmerizing to watch and hear.
I was hoping you'd talk about this Fil. Best performance at the Grammys, by far. She still has it and you could tell Luke was making a childhood dream come true.
When I was in graduate school, a friend of a friend knew Tracy Chapman well. She was a student at Tufts and used to sing in Harvard Square and on Cambridge Common, just her and her guitar. The songs she sang then made up her first album, which came out a couple of years later. We all used to go see her whenever she was singing and we even went out dancing a couple of times. Tracy Chapman is everything you think she is as an artist and a human being. She is supremely talented, thoughtful, and most of all, humble. Her success is evidence that sometimes good things do happen to good people.
Tracy Chapman's Fast Car is one of my all time favorite songs! Whenever I hear it, I have to stop whatever I'm doing and immerse myself in it. I especially love when I'm driving on the highway, and it comes on the radio! Her voice can't be compared to anyone else's, and she's just so natural and full of human emotion.
Definitely one of the best songs about a woman and her bad decisions. She tells the story and doesn't really complain about it but at the same time you can feel her regret.
She is a genius.
@@jomgelborn She really is. Who else would take a 500+ word tale, come up with a simple but catchy rif, and repeat? It’s THAT voice. Iconic first time I heard it and it’s just as iconic now. Chills.
I am SO glad that a new generation has been reintroduced to this amazing song and musician.
I went to the States - land of fast cars - for a visit. This song came on the radio, and I froze where I stood. The next moment, I was a ghostly passenger in the car with the mesmerising singer and her friend, tears welling up in my eyes. _That_ is artistry. Tracey Chapman is my Pied Piper: I'd follow her voice anywhere.
Well said.
So many of us froze in place. I was in a store, and froze.
Genuine and sincere versus packaged. She's a gem!
Fil , I loved this one ! A voice without pitch correction ! It is so nice that Tracy contacted you to thank you for featuring her on your channel ! 💜
A voice without pitch correction! Hallelujah!
Yes, very good performance! I love "Baby Can I Hold You?" off her debut album, too, and it has the same qualities in heaps: the way she makes the tone of some words, the vibrato and the vocal bends, help evoke a story of misunderstanding, silence ("years gone by and still / words don't come easily / like sorry, like sorry..."), perhaps humiliation, perhaps betrayal - and the hope for renewal and reconciliation, She manages this without getting into too much specifics; the pain and hope, regret and struggle are all in her voice and in the tune...Outstanding and very resonant.💗
This year’s Grammys had some marvellous live performances that weren’t lip synched or pitch corrected. Miley Cyrus’s live performance of Flowers was so much better than the recording, it had so much attitude and energy. Joni Mitchell can’t sing like she did when she was younger but even after her health issues he sang with such emotion and eloquence. So what if she wasn’t pitch perfect, her performance resonated with such humanity.
Joni's off pitch singing was too much for me. There is a limit where off pitchiness outweighs emotional content as far as I am concerned. Miley's performance was a lot of fun and befitting an award SHOW.
@@reddragonreadywow!
I felt that Joni's performance was her best ever, because she really has lived from both sides. It was about sentiment and that brought beauty ❤
I don’t play guitar, I can’t read music, and I only sing in the shower BUT I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS. I learn so much about WHY I love the music and artists I do. 🙏🏼👏🏼💜
Thank you, I'm not alone.
love tracy chapman. when she first released this song, i felt that she really struck a universal chord of the human condition.
Her song, Behind the Wall, is also a masterpiece! Her songs take over your attention in a way that is hard to explain. If empathy had a voice it would be her voice. Simply outstanding.
My eyes close and my head rolls back and forth and it fills me up, I am gone.
That Tracy got a hold of you shows the importance of being gracious. Graciousness is something that we all need to practice.
Many years ago I went to a Cleveland, Ohio annual street festival to see Donny Osmond. On this particular afternoon, Tracy Chapman had performed before Donny took the stage. I remember thinking to myself that it seemed like an unusual pairing of artists. Later I found out that Tracy Chapman was born in Cleveland and thought she must have been a hometown favorite.
Donny Osmond and Tracy Chapman is a crazy-weird pairing! And, yes, She’s a Cleveland Heights girl.
@@kjmav10135 That’s what I thought too, Kathy! I was so perplexed. At the time I thought maybe the promoter of the event was trying to draw in two different audiences. LOL
Way back in Hawaii I saw Cecilio and Kapono headlining a concert. America who already had hits played beforehand as warm up act....
I would love for you to review Tracy and Eric Clapton playing “Give Me One Reason” from 1999. She has the most delicious smile on her face the entire time. Clapton sings a verse and adds his tasty licks, and the backing band is flawless.
OMG! YES, YES, YES!! I adore her solo version, but the two of them together? YOWZA! Total perfection!!
Yes, the smile! Clapton added to it w/o overpowering.
I did not know they they had done this, she was smiling throughout and so was I, amazing.
I haven't watched the Grammys for years. I seldom listen to the radio, especially modern Country music so I did not know this song had been recently covered. But I was happy to accidently find this Grammy performance on TV while channel surfing. It was a great performance. I have several of her CDs and this song is a masterpiece. Love the guitar riff. Simple, clean and memorable.
If I could've written one song in all of modern music then I would've liked to have written this. It is beyond comprehension to me how endearing this is still, after 35-ish years...
To me, the vibrato wobble within the words gives it additional emotion. It's sort of relatable to if someone is close to crying, they will sometimes speak with little wobbles in their words.
Tracy Chapman, originally from Cleveland. This song had so much emotion involved in it. Very poignant. A great analysis , Fil. Thank you for another one.
What a great artist, I remember hearing this for the first time in 1988 and thinking WOW.
Luke Combs real matches her perfectly in this too. great job.
"telling a story, in tune" perfect way of describing what singing is *meant* to be!
Singers these days need to know this!
Tracy Chapman stands out to me as an incomparable artist of her generation. She has it all as a songwriter, singer & instrumentalist.🏎
Glad there's not an official version, odds are that one would be pitch corrected! She's always had a very expressive voice and tremendous talent.
Thank you! SO glad to know it's all the natural talent and none of the nonsense! A live performance where it's really live!
Loved her when she first came out, still great voice, love Luke too. Amazing she reached to you! Fun live last night, congrats on 348K🎈🎉🍾😊🎙🎼
You are "someone", what a voice, what a song, what an artist!!!
Such a beautiful voice that goes with a truly beautiful person ❤
She basically performs as a tenor! She's the rarest Contralto there is. I'm almost certain she's a dramatic contralto.
Some songs take you back to a place in time, some just take you somewhere else, not anytime or any place you've ever been, just somewhere else. This is one of those songs.
Great analysis! Love love LOVE Tracy. Still remember where I was driving when I first heard the song 36 years ago. Much respect to Luke for bringing the song--and the artist--to a whole new generation.
I was lucky enough to go to one of her concerts before her first album was released. She was sat on a bar stool, centre of stage at a theatre in Hull (UK) the auditorium was 2/3 empty and she encouraged everyone to move down to the front. Great concert.
brilliant job fil, what a natural talent tracy chapman is
It"s amazing that all these years later Tracy sounds as cool and collected as she always did, she has such an easy voice to listen to
tears
Hi Fil,
This is a great song! Loved this analysis and Tracy is such a talented artist. Love her style of singing and playing easy and relaxed. Thank you for demonstrating on the guitar! Great job. Debbie☮️
One of my all time favorites. So beautiful and haunting all at the same time. Thanks for demonstrating the guitar part. Might have to learn it myself.
Sad song full of yearning and tinged with despair. Brilliant commentary to point out that pulling back from the musical performance as the focus enhances the force of the song.
Good analysis. Agree with the lovely simplicity and straightforward singing. No histrionics or drama. She (& Luke) singing it like they are talking to me and it’s so effective for this song.
The 1st time I heard “Fast Car”, I was on my home from a weekend at the beach and I was listening to the Kasey Kasum weekly Top 40 and this was the fastest rising song in the UK that week. I was in college and and as soon as I got through class the next day I was on my way to the record store( remember those.?) to get the album, single, cassette whatever. They looked at me like I was from another planet. Then I remembered it’s the fastest rising song in the UK. Anyway, it took a little while to get a copy but I played it to non stop for about a month. I am sure my friends were quite over it.
Whenever someone tries to convince me that TS is so amazing I always respond that she no Joni Mitchell or Tracy Chapman, so I was thrilled to see these two legends perform. It was only marred by you-know-who standing up and singing along. This is the first time I saved the Grammys on my DVR so I can rewatch their incredible performances.
Oh she didn't?! And I know who you mean, how ungracious and disrespectful. I am glad I did not watch.
I didn't watch the Grammys, but I've since seen all the performances from the show. This was definitely the performance of the night. No need for any bells and whistles, just classy understated perfection. Fantastic job by Tracy and Luke.
This was a beautiful duet, absolutely sublime song, sung and played by two very natural singers with all the feelings wrapped up in all the words.
🥰🥰🥰🥰Loved this performance sooooo much and I was shocked with how emotional I got with the appearance of Tracey and her smile🙌💖
Love Tracy Chapman and I used to play the whole first album over and over like your friend. I learned to play guitar inspired by her and learned a lot of her songs. I could never quite master fast car though. I think cause the rhythm of the guitar playing is different to the rhythm of the singing so I always used to get lost. Maybe I should try again.
Tracy is luminous with a gorgeous smile... this performance is so emotional... brings tears.
I've loved Tracy Chapman's original version since I first heard it shortly after came out also I love how Luke Combs covered it and that he was man enough to not feel the need to change the gender-specific lyrics. Hearing Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs perform together was the main reason I watched the Grammy Awards this year.
Love this song and Tracy. Class act. You are right about the simplicity and naturalness of her voice. Happy to hear she reached out to you Fil!
That must have been incredible, lucky Fil, the best kind of surprise for him I am sure.
That Grammy performance was incredible.
I remember seeing her many years ago when that song was a new hit as musical guest on Saturday Night Live.
She was muuuuuch younger and she was such a an authentic performer.
She has another hit, gimme one reason years later, and then she kind of dropped out of sight.
But the look of joy on her face playing on the Grammys alllll these years later with the very gifted Luke Combs, was just captivating.
I think the EXCELLENT Bass and Drums really push the song forward and add a complex layer to the whole song. It is great.
Thank you for this, Fil. It’s a performance from the two of them that has enthralled millions and is a complete vindication of your stance against pitch correction.
I can remember when and where I was the first time I heard this song. 25 yrs old at diner in Ocean City MD with my husband at about 2 am. That song made me so happy. I knew I had to own that CD. Then when I saw her video I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her style was so beautiful. This is still one of my favorite songs ever. One I listen to often.
Hey Fil, as someone who covers this song you hinted at despite it sounding simplistic across the repeated rif, it’s a real bear to sing over the top of it. Tons of syncopation and like 508 words! By far, the “biggest” song I play/sing from a word count perspective. It’s taken a good amount of work. Now if I only sounded like TC or Luke.
There's this way some singers get the words out with strength of intention while having a "weak" vibrato or ending that hits you like people trying to be strong while they may be hiding their own struggle. Like joan armatrading and others just something that so relatable
Tracy’s voice is so unique. It’s light but heavy at the same time. It’s airy but grounded. It’s youthful but also has an “old soul” quality to it. One of those voices you just can’t forget and you can’t pin down.
Luke has a wonderful voice himself, but you can really hear the difference of a somewhat “trained” singer in Luke vs. just raw talent and unique vocal characteristics of Tracy. 👍🏻
Tracy Chapman is a treasure. I have four of her albums and love every song. “Subcity” is one of my favorites and she has some magical songs. Simple and beautiful. Thank you Fil. ❤
She still sounds amazing!! So happy for her this song is in the spotlight again
I love the sound of fingers sliding up and down the neck of a guitar. I remember the first time I really noticed that specific sound; I was in 8th grade and I listened to Sarah MacLachlan's album, Surfacing, non-stop. Specifically, the song called I Love You really showcased that pretty sound. 😊
Well done Fil ...Tracy Chapman's voice was always appealing and fulfilling. I know I have heard a song well sung and a story told at the same time whenever I listen to her. She is a wonderful singer and a beautiful person....
One of my favorite performances of Tracy's is with Eric Clapton doing Give me One Reason. Her voice and guitar, combined with Clapton's, is magic.
In my mind, maybe the coolest Grammy performance of all time. Phil, thank you for your stunning input!
This was a great performance for a lot of reasons, not least of which was Tracy’s wonderful, natural voice! So good to hear and see.
Fast Car is haunting and heartbreaking, yet hopeful and inspirational. Her voice sounds as clear and lovely now as it did when this song was first released. Fil, I would love to see an analysis on my all time favorite song of Tracy's: Baby Can I Hold You Tonight. ROCK!
Tracy Chapman is a legend to me.
Agreed
Yes it's great - and Tracy always seems timeless when she sings and plays ❤️
absolutely beautiful singing...
I LOVE Tracy Chapman. Her music always gives me the feels, and I've always loved her voice. I've always thought that it had such a great "story-telling" quality to it, and noticed the "wobble," but hadn't necessarily put 2 and 2 together to realize that's part of what gives it that quality. Lol
Tracy's voice gives me chills and a smile that lasts all day! The first time I heard this song I felt the same way. Her unusual voice is so beautiful but so alive. There is no phony-sounding commercial garbage, just her! Thanks again Fil!
It's a voice you hear in your heart, every time, what a feeling.
I hope you can do a talk with Tracy as when she did this song it always made me cry. As I had fast cars and thought that way back then in the 1980s. Tracy is an artist singer songwriter that is not so well known.
I'm glad you found the original video on the Grammys channel
Really enjoyed this analysis. Thank you Fil. Interesting and honest as always! 🙂💯👍
I loved this performance at the Grammy's. A wonderful surprise. While this is not my usual taste in music, I bought Tracy's self titled album when it came out in the late '80's. It is still in my playlist today. Thanks for the peek inside.
This performance was a breath of fresh air and we finally see a good Grammy Awards show!
Thank you. I adore tracy Chapman. Would listen to her first album way back in my teens when it first came out. I relate to the song and the honesty of her vocals. 💕🕊
Great vid. Always loved Tracy, what a treasure. Also the SNL skit with Tim Meadows as TC was great too lol
They were the moment of the Grammy’s !! Love Tracy and this song. Luke and Tracy together👏🏻♥️
Well done! Your analysis is clear to me, even though I have no background in music or instruments. This indicates you possess a profound ability to teach individuals from any background. I found you because I was checking out Tracy's work on RUclips.
Such a soul wrenching song and her performance always hits me.
I bought her album in 1988 when I first heard songs from it. Love, it!
Hi, Fil. I‘ve to confess that it was only last week that I discovered your channel, but since then…. got to say, I‘ve been watching your analysis videos every day. You‘re simply great ! Thank you so much for your work and efforts you put into each analysis - whether it‘s rock, pop, classic. And thank you for your smile! It brightens my day. Bye the way, I‘d love to hear your comments to the „Introducing the Hard line of Terence Trent D‘Arby“ no matter which song you’d analyse out of this masterpiece. Big thank you😊
Gosh Phil, it must be great to have music as a close friend. You're never alone, are you? Sort of like God.
This is awesome! Luke Combs did good singing Fast Car,but no one can sing it like Tracy Chapman. Thank you Fil for another great Analysis 🩷 You're the best!!! 🤘
He has a fine voice, but lacks the delicacy and intimacy needed for this song. Tracy's performance really draws you into the story.
This is one of those songs that I remember where I was when I first heard it back in '88. As a struggling college student, with no parental support, I could really relate to the sentiment of this song. And it was so different than most pop songs of that era. So glad to see Tracy getting a well deserved career resurgence all these years later. ❤
Hey Fil, you do such a thorough and correct job in your analysis videos. I have learned so much from you- and ways to explain to my band manager that my voice has "character and expression", haha! Great job on Fast Car! Thanks
I love Tracy her music got me through a lot of times in my life. I cried right along with her and it just made me feel not alone. Maybe shell read your messages. Love you Tracey:
This was really epic! The respect given to Tracy was incredible, as was the song.
It's such a great song and I'm glad that Luke Combs helped give it a second life. Tracy is terrific.
Back in the 1960s, Barbra Streisand's signature was using both a very solid almost perfectly even operatic belting vibrato, but she also utilized a wobble at times when ending out some phrases. Unfortunately, Barbra kinda of dropped the wobble in favor of a more pop friendly vibrato when moving into the 70s.
Many artists are able to utilize this slight wobble type vibrato to great effect. It's a very impressive vocal technique when it's used in this way. It's particularly effective in this Tracy Chapman song.
Thanks! Very enjoyable and enlightening!
Great analysis and thanks for covering Tracy.
Great song and lyrics by Tracy Chapman. It was nice of her to reach out to you and I enjoyed your analysis as well. 🙂🎸🎵
I’d love to see you react to the full performance from the Grammy’s.
Fil, perhaps you recorded this before the official version was posted? Would have been cool to compare both an unofficial recording from the live performance and official one on the Grammy’s channel. The Grammy’s was slow to post a lot of content by two weeks. Makes me wonder if it was edited, lol. I’m gonna have to go back and have a listen to compare. If you search for Fast Car Grammy’s 2024, it pops right up on the Grammy’s channel in the first result.
I really think that a big part of the reason this performance had such a huge impact is that it was not pitch corrected. People are so used to hearing pitch correction that they probably didn't realize why they felt so connected to these two 100% human voices. Speaking of that, I'd like to recommend another beautiful, emotional duet to you. It is Chalk Outlines live by Ren and Chinchilla.
Tracy Chapman is a class act. I would love for you to take this performance, isolate her voice, pitch-correct it and compare them..I COMPLETELY agree with you that it would diminish the emotion in the story telling feel..this could be the benchmark example of this point you’ve been trying to convey.
I got to see Tracy perform in Oakland, Ca. Coliseum in 1989. It was beautiful. Just her and her guitar. Check it out on Y.T. if you want to hear her at her most raw.
One of those songs and albums that defines that time, great artist ❤ It would be criminally for a producer to ruin a beautiful with pitch correction, natural voice. Lovely analysis Fil 👍🏻
I loved Tracy and this song when it first came out, and I still do. Her voice is warm and emotionally expressive. It’s cool that a new generation is discovering her too.
The intentional minimalism in this song is pure genius. Everything unnecessary is stripped away. It's absolutely beautiful storytelling. The counterpoint isn't note to note, it's idea to idea. The repetition of the guitar phrase, the matter of fact singing style, the way the verses and chorus blend. It's like that blue dot on a white canvas painting. It's simple, yet draws you in with very intricate emotions and subtleties, you're somehow wonderfully hijacked to participate. One of my all time favorite songs.