Vocal Coach reacts to Tracy Chapman - Fast Car (Live)

[@adamgronvold8608]

She's one of the most criminally underrated singers ever.

[@PrimoNesta]

You beat me to it..... love her so much

[@fordhouse8b]

Yet this might be the only song I have ever heard by her. Can you (off the top of your head, without looking it up) name ten other great songs she has sung? Not trying to be a dick, I love this song and would love to hear her sing other ones, provided they are in the same league as Fast Car.

[@adamgronvold8608]

If you listen to any pop station in the '90s I guarantee you heard more than one of her songs. At least a couple of others. myself personally I have three of her albums so I'm probably not the person to ask that question. There's not a song on her albums that I don't like. Not that I blame you for that statement. It's kind of like the group Marcy playground... The only song from them that most people know is sex and candy, and to be perfectly honest that's probably the worst song they ever put out. That's the unfortunate downside of a lot of music, that most people only know what hits on the radio, hence me saying that she's criminally underrated.

[@fordhouse8b]

@@adamgronvold8608 If you have three of her albums and truly lover her as a singer, you are the ideal person to ask. I can imagine anyone saying they love The Beatles not being able to rattle off a few of their songs in about two seconds, without having to make a conscious effort. So, do any come to mind?

[@adamgronvold8608]

@@fordhouse8b baby can I hold you, crossroads, give me one reason are some of my favorites. That last one being her other radio single. Fast car is probably her best work though.

[@rickbruner5525]

I consider Tracy Chapman as one of America's greatest folk singers.

[@christhornycroft3686]

Folk, blues, soul...she does it all. It's such a shame she hasn't had more hits. Phenomenal artist. Very few artists can convey emotion with subtlety like she can.

[@bobbyterrito8011]

“See, my old mans got a problem. He lived with the bottle, that’s the way it is. Says his body’s too old for working. His body’s too young to look like his. My momma went off and left him, She wanted more from life than he could give. I said, Somebody’s got to take care of him, So I quit school, that’s what I did.” One of the most beautifully honest and devastating lyrics I’ve ever heard.

[@sherrytyrner8641]

This song, and those lyrics ^ always speak to me so personally that I am brought to tears.

[@rambowbizz]

same. It breaks my heart cuz so many people have to do this.

[@midnightblues6283]

my mom left my dad, she sold our house saying she will do business at her hometown . At that time my father is in the city doing his job and then he knew my mom cheat with another man who has 💰, all of my brothers including me chose to go with our dad but it's okay life has been good to us

[@castawayonthemoon]

@@midnightblues6283 Wish you and your family all the best. 🙏

[@maggiekarabel123]

Makes me miss my grandfather so terribly. He was a horrible father and knew it. But he loved me and he was wonderful to me. He never drank around me and seeing how much he loved me helped heal my mother. The bottle took him early and I’ll never not miss him. There’s a heartbreaking truth behind her words that anyone touched by poverty and/or addiction can relate to.

[@Rayvana]

This song breaks my heart every single time I hear it.

[@JeffWiersma]

SAME and has for ~30 years

[@KillerRomantic]

I love it.

[@chickenlord5803]

Every. Single. Time.

[@blipco5]

Yes. A very powerful song.

[@starsky8351]

Remember Mum putting this on the record player, it makes me think of Mum taking my brother and I to womans refuge after my parents would get into a fight. Me wishing we could jump into a car and leave that life behind. It hurts and brings tears to my eyes everytime. This song holds a very deep place in my heart

[@duanem.5738]

This song was instrumental in me getting sober. To this day, every time I hear it, it begs me to ask the question..."am I being the best father I can be?" Thank you Tracy for the thought provoking song.

[@ms.chuckfu1088]

Good for you. Congrats.

[@1075twist]

Right on Duane..

[@carlosbragatto]

Damn, dude, that was deep. Touched me deeply. Hope you can keep on this path.

[@tnleverett]

"am I being the best father I can be?" I would say yes. Keep moving forward, my man.

[@SebastianPerezG]

Duane , you are more important than anything, get strong dude !!!

[@bornalawyer1]

I'm a 57-year-old white man and this is one of my all-time favorites. It brings me to tears every time I hear it, regardless of where I am. Love it.

[@johndonovan6840]

I’m 67 and watching her duet with Luke Combs brought tears to my eyes again after more than 35 years! She’s one of kind.. magnificent. This song is such a sad and at the same time uplifting story.. so beautifully told..

[@bloodysmurf]

"There is such poetry in that repetition" What a great insight, it is an aspect of the song that always resonated with me, without even realizing what it was.

[@fiveeyes2802]

That was a beautiful interpretation.

[@desrever1138]

The lyrics by themselves stand out as great spoken word poetry. He musicianship just adds that extra layer that breaks me every time.

[@desrever1138]

*her

[@RimshotKiller]

This is one of the most devastating yet beautiful songs, ever.

[@cbrasure925]

This song always brings me to tears. The sacrifices my mother made to take care of my alcoholic Granny after my grandfather walked out on them and my mother, being the oldest, taking care of her 8 younger brothers, dropping out of school at 15 y/o (1966) and working two jobs to raise them and take care of my Granny.

[@jamiec1212]

I really enjoy this stripped down version. I feel Tracy Chapman is one of the most underrated musicians. There's nothing flashy about her. Yet that is her hallmark. She's gritty, soulful, borderline bluesy. Seemingly all of her songs tell a tale, not far removed from Arlo Guthrie or Simon and Garfunkel. Yet she does it her way...and does it quite well. :)

[@jamiec1212]

@David Michaelson That's pretty cool! You always wonder if the public persona is the same as the personal persona. Always nice to here a person is genuine no matter their persona. :)

[@stevesilsby5288]

...or Harry Chapin.

[@bobd2659]

@@jamiec1212 In my years working with people, I gotta say 90% are WAY nicer than what they put forward to the public. Not a jab at them towards to public, but honestly, the public asks too much. It's a job, and they're good at it. That's all they want, to entertain and then be themselves. You get really get to see them as themselves when they don't/or haven't had to do 3 hours of fan lineups...

[@skipwalker1954]

I was lucky enough to see Tracy play early in her career. We were at an Amnesty International concert in Oakland, CA - probably around 1980 or so. Glam rocker Robert Palmer finished his flashy set. Then this little girl walks out with her guitar and blew us all away. It was epic.

[@ThePrion23]

I saw her too, in Houston 1996. A treasured memory.

[@pameladawson3411]

This made me so happy to read.

[@terrybader8595]

I saw her in Chicago in a small venue. She is spectacular.

[@losthope9909]

Think it would have been a lot later than 1980

[@mikeross8180]

That's real singing. You feel every word

[@jasonmcmillan9554]

This is not an easy song to sing, it sounds easy, it's not. I love Tracy, so humble, so beautiful and so cool.

[@georginiuss]

This song, her voice, are just pure and simple ART

[@samcourt6228]

I’m a metalhead through and through, but love Tracey Chapman. She reminds me of my mum, who was a big fan.

[@leonel8831]

Same! Reminds me of my mom. I used to sing fast car to her. Tracey Chapman is so damn good.

[@GrowingDownUnder]

nobody cares

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

@@GrowingDownUnder about you

[@zaqwertyfish]

Great music transcends any genre...

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

@@zaqwertyfish absolutely

[@barn_ninny]

Nobody sounds like Tracy. You hear Tracy, you know it's Tracy. And a beautiful human being.

[@Vetradraug]

One of the tiniest, and yet biggest songs ever made - will never get tired of it.

[@macywebster9698]

i love how you credited tracy as a storyteller, because that’s how i’ve always interpreted her music. she’s more than just a fantastic musician with a vision and a voice to boot, she’s a storyteller with so much to say. thank you. 🤍

[@mhr5586]

Hands down one of the most talented musicians I’ve heard in my 50 years. Pure awesomeness.

[@dankurth5319]

This is one of my absolute favorites. To me, the songs that Tracy Chapman writes are what music is supposed to be. Her songs mean everything

[@illegal_space_alien]

Totally agree. 0% flash, 110% substance. You can tell she was influenced by Bill Withers, because he was the same way. Sadly, modern pop wouldn’t be caught dead doing a song this “simple”. Such a shame.

[@VogonPoet67]

Tracy Chapman deserves so much more respect than she gets.

[@udalbertvonwertlingen7065]

I remember clearly Live Aid. All this super rock groups, super pop starts, and then there was this young girl - only her, her voice and a guitar. It blew me away - completly. Even now I think she was the best act of this concert.

[@udalbertvonwertlingen7065]

@Matthew McIntyre Well, I would have sworn on a stack of bibles! Thank you, Matthew, for correcting my memory. Much obliged.

[@freckled100]

I cannot listen to this song without crying. She's so hopeful and so disbelieving that good could happen at the same time.

[@Solitude54]

Yes, she’s honest and vulnerable at the same time. So beautiful I cry everytime I hear this song.

[@peterpowis4145]

I remember seeing Tracy Chapman live in Birmingham Symphony Hall and i was blown away by how much better she sounded live than studio recorded!

[@rasaecnai]

Beth was in the verge of crying throughout... and so was I.

[@stevemartin1519]

I did. I love it when music brings me to tears

[@unclebob53703]

First time I heard this song it just stopped me in my tracks. Still does.

[@thorstenpiepenbrink63]

Still remember how she walked out on the stage during the Mandela Concert 1988. A complete unknown playing before 10.000nds of people and a world star when she get back. I followed the concert on radio and bought her record the next day - still got it in my collection ;)

[@JMadLabs]

I’m a year late to this, but this is the best analysis of this song I’ve ever seen. Your point about the riff repeating while she’s singing about being stuck in a cycle and the music changing when she sings of her circumstances changing. I didn’t think I could appreciate this song more. Brilliant brilliant

[@potorrero]

You know, I'm a metalhead, but that doesn't prevents me from enjoying such beautiful song, so packed with emotions. Great performance by such underrated artist.

[@erict956]

Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading are often linked together as their voices are so hauntingly beautiful and due to the likeness of their delivery and tone. They are also sadly both shockingly underrated.

[@KieroSi]

It's funny when people say this... when both have had amazing careers. It's a disservice to their legacies.

[@erict956]

@calico no it's not it's an observation - get over yourself (I never said I linked them together) opinions=arseholes.

[@catzkeet4860]

​​​@@KieroSi it's not. You can walk up to anyone on the streets and ask who Tracy Chapman or Joan Armitrading are and I'll bet 3 outta 4 will give you a blank look. Op isn't saying these ladies didn't have success, that was hard worked for too, but that, for the talent and skills they both display they should be well known.... certainly better known than they are.

[@RogerDidierM.]

I've been in love with Tracy Chapman's voice since her first album in 1988.

[@GEN3228]

she's just beautiful and so simply gifted that you can actually hear her soul in her voice. unique.

[@Polyphemus89]

I love Beth because she appreciates the emotional impact of singing more than technical prowess. Nobody cares how technical you are if they can’t relate to you, and if you can’t relate to this song emotionally then the problem is you. Not that musical training isn’t important, it is, but being able to relate to your audience is infinitely more important.

[@BethRoars]

Thank you! I think it depends on the type of coach you are. My point of view is that technique should be a tool to help you express in a healthy but emotional way. Fantastic technique can exciting to listen to but at the end of the day I prefer an emotional performance to something that is perfect. :)

[@davew8841]

I'm 46 now, and I have fond memories of this song and her debut album when I was an early teen. My mother bought it on vinyl, and the rest was history. I don't think I've heard another singing voice quite the same since.

[@Plums72]

Her tone has always blown me away. Ever since I first heard this song, such a beautiful and haunting song

[@sizzlechestmcmurphy4365]

Tracy Chapman is a performer of the highest order. She tells a story and conveys emotion through singing. This isn't your standard tripe found on The Voice (where every singer tries to sing as loudly as possible, wail as much as possible, and hit as many high notes as possible.) Performers like Chapman and Johnny Cash will be remembered.

[@BI-km6dl]

What a musical lesson for today’s “artists”. Her music is so pure. No auto tune, profanity, or over the top “production”. Voice, instrument, writing. Period.

[@p0llk4t07]

The world needs artists like this and the music industry doesn't produce them today...check out Dirt Miller if you want to hear someone making music from the soul...

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Her voice is still going strong and instantly recognisable. Timeless artist😌

[@EthanKristopherHartley]

Thank you for sharing your insights (and even more, for reflecting the reaction that I think many of us have every time we hear this. Your honest emotional reaction was perfect for showing just how powerful this song is). Hearing about the recurring loops and how Tracey makes this poetry as much as it is music, was really interesting and also got me thinking. I've never listened to this pared down version, but this time I noticed that the chorus (which is when she's in the car with the partner) gets slower, sadder, and less hopeful with each repeat. It's almost like you can see her losing her internal fight as it the song progresses.

[@CanuckEhh]

Neil Young - Old Man and this beautiful song a week after! 🥰

[@OliveiraUriel]

"As if she's trying to get away but still just looping back and going again and again". Simply beautiful. Your interpretation of that simple riff loop just reminded me of what its like to really fully Experience music. Thank you so much.

[@krylesangerbeaver]

I'm someone with 0 musical talent or knowledge. I cannot read music, not coordinated enough to play instruments, can barely remember the lyrics of my favorite songs, and cannot carry a tune or keep rythm. I really enjoy the vocal explanations. Small look into a world I never understood. Thanks :)

[@animal1439]

Musical appreciation is a skill too few people have, enjoy the journey friend :)

[@12spanku]

Reading music, hand-eye coordination, keeping rhythm, these are all skills that can be learned. Noone is born with an innate ability to play a clean barre chord the first time they pick up a guitar. Now some people may pick it up faster than others no doubt, and to reach the absolute pinnacle of ability of any instrument you need a certain degree of natural talent I have no doubt. But you would be amazed the kind of things you would be able to do if you put your mind to it and tried to learn an instrument or to sing. Lots of people tell themselves they are not coordinated enough to play an instrument. In atleast 90% of cases (and probably even more) that is just not true. Then again not everybody has to play an instrument and/or sing and enjoying music can be plenty enjoyable in itself. :)

[@aaronsensei7637]

Tracey Chapman is incredible. I cannot believe that she is not more well recognised considering her voice is one of a kind. I love all her live performance. She is real and has many beautiful songs that go unnoticed

[@KieroSi]

How much more recognized do you believe she should be when she has performed with world's elite for generations and has won more than her own share of accolades? If you search here alone, there's an endless stream of people REDISCOVERING her time and time again. And so many comments as if this is the first time she's ever had any recognition at all. There is something magical about that. People connecting so deeply and wondering why they didn't know about her before... but it also seems cheapened by the same people that say everything she has accomplished simply wasn't good enough to you because it happened yesterday and not today.

[@aaronsensei7637]

@@KieroSi I think Tracey Chapman is incredible I am a long term fan of hers. It brings me great joy for folk to discover or re-discover her timeless music.

[@jessiewarner3406]

I wore this album out when it first came out. Every song she sings is pure magic. She is one of the most beautiful beings.

[@Emondotcalm]

What a timeless haunting classic!! How many times have I heard her voice singing this song and still have to reach for the hankies to wipe the tears. Many people here praising her voice but how about her songwriting and the absolutely stunning arrangement. As Beth mentioned that haunting guitar riff repeating over and over brilliantly enhances the theme of the lyrics... But even more astonishing is how she can maintain that relatively calm, smooth line while the vocal phrasing is hammering away in total syncopation to it! WOW!!! Just sheer genius.

[@AzarathMetreon]

The transition from “is it fast enough that we can fly away?” and “we’ve gotta make a decision” to “is it fast enough that you can fly away?” and “you’ve gotta make a decision” are so heartbreaking. She escaped one cycle just to find it in the next home she tried to build. She earned stable employment that can take care of her little family just fine, so “take your fast car and keep on drivin’” is the best thing for both of them at this point.

[@davepage6428]

I saw Tracy about 20 years ago and what impressed me was not just her voice but her ability to play the blue on guitar very underrated.

[@michaelknapp8961]

This song is brilliant and haunting at the same time. Tracy is an incredibly talented singer.

[@ps8481]

Tracy Chapman is one of my favorite artists. I was obsessed in the 80"s. Tracy's vocals and poetry is always so beautiful!

[@mattlaeff724]

One of the greatest songs ever written -- and one of the most recognized in the world.

[@Hexcaliblur83]

There is such a raw, genuine honesty about her voice and tone, despite the even, regulated cadence of the song there is a sense of urgency in the lyrics. She's telling the story of anyone who at some point or another in their lives has felt trapped or in some way in a hopeless place, despite their situation, believing, hoping for something more, and is, essentially, asking for help. I love Tracy Chapman, she is criminally underated ❤❤

[@jhagler03]

This is one of those songs that comes on, you stop everything, and just listen!

[@williamang7392]

Storytelling at it’s finest, no theatrics ❤️ just makes you feel the song👍Great song and reaction 👏👍❤️

[@catbhoy]

No matter how many times I listen to this song always gives me goosebumps, mesmerising song.

[@rob052771]

I remember this song fondly from the late 80's, Tracy is a genius!!!! This song gives me Goosebumps every time.....

[@avdude10]

Thanx for this reaction. I haven't listened to Traci Chapman in decades - and it's a delight to come back to her this way. Thanx

[@BethRoars]

You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed the reaction. Tracy Chapman is a timeless artist and her songs are still relevant today. She has a powerful voice and a great message. 👏

[@davec4700]

It's her "lesbian anthem." And yet, as a 6'2" White boy sports guy, there's so much in here that hits home with ALL of us. Best song ever. Just don't play it when I'm around unless you wanna see the waterworks...

[@alexandrorocca7142]

Buying that disc has been one of my best musical decisions.

[@MetaTaro]

This was heart wrenching

[@stever128]

Great analysis Beth. Loved it. The best part was at 3:58 when you breathed out, so affected, my heart broke. Beautiful vid. Thanks

[@kevintunaley5079]

She was trying so hard to not cry, you can see it in her eyes and how she spoke right after.

[@christhornycroft3686]

It's not just the amazing vocals. It's the absolutely insanely good songwriting and she sings it with the exact perfect inflection in her voice to really hammer home what the song is about. It's really an amazing performance.

[@stephendavidallen]

Tracy is simply mesmerising! Such a beautiful voice. Great reaction!

[@ErsenAsper]

Tracy Chapman is a very special singer. And this song is amazing.

[@sjd5750]

One of my favorite songs..Just perfectly speaks to my soul.

[@420MRNICEGUY818]

She makes me tear up. Such a beautiful delivery

[@nkk8421]

Same, it's impossible for me to hear this song without full on bawling.. it's so emotive

[@lifelover515]

Beaufifully analysed once again, Beth. Tracy is one of those singers of whom it's said 'She can make you cry reading the phone book.'

[@carlbaker7242]

Thank you . There is never a wrong time to play rhis forever classic.

[@bryanbernard1846]

Who doesnt love tracy chapman? Shes so underrated but has such a gift

[@skrimnal]

She makes you feel, and makes it seem so effortless

[@samsepiol4761]

You are so right Beth, sing is about to know how show emotions and feelings, for example, you can have a powerful voice, but totally empty, otherwise, your voice can't be such strong, but full of soul and colors. Greetings sweet girl.

[@Gidono]

I think many people can relate to this song. The struggle of living in a rut and unable to escape it. Such a sad emotional song. I remember when this song was released, I was a teenager. I thought it was a beautiful song back then but really hadn't experienced the hardships with life yet but now the meaning hits really hard and makes this song connect to me on a deep personal level.

[@t0dd000]

Such a powerful song. Such a powerful voice. That perfect vibrato. The way she breaks the narrative throughout the song somehow pulls you in.

[@nelsonortas818]

❤❤ Chapman is HONEST and PURE…. thx for the video

[@Ka0s]

I know that this is an old video, but I had to comment. Beth's comments on this song are 100% on point. The Repetition in the chords on the guitar ARE part of the story. This song IS poetry (and all songs). Singing is about connecting and emotion. This wee lass kens what she's talking aboot.

[@syedhydar5477]

Beautiful song great artist, honesty reactions from my favourite Vocal Coach reacts Beth Roars...love your honesty reaction doesn’t matter who they are we want to hear true facts base on your expertise..🤲🙏🤲

[@benjamincook9552]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written, can’t listen without tears welling up.

[@rachaelgosser5659]

Her songs never cease to give me chills. She lays her soul bare with her music. Incredibly talented and beautiful.

[@jonathanpeterson1]

Timeless song. Will always be a classic, always real and relatable.

[@avarast]

Love that woman, something so pure about her. her voice and words resonnate so deep within people. She might be a goddess!

[@gbusto]

The way you talked about the guitar so on point. I didn’t even think about it like that

[@howardmckenna]

She is a unique talent. As soon as you hear one note of her voice, you know it's Tracy Chapman.

[@gregvondare]

Beth, your comments are so generous and spot on. "Fast Car" s becoming recognized as an American classic, representing the desire of teens to grow up and the pulsating need for small town people to expand their horizons. The 20th Century could be called the era of the car, as it brought freedom and mobility to millions of people. It also provided an escape hatch for those who aspired to more in their lives and experience. Thanks for a great analysis.

[@sbdspa]

Such a raw, human story. Tracy Chapman delivers in every way.

[@chesirecat10]

I remember being very little and listening to this beautiful song. It just captivated me, even though I was not by that time proficient in English for I am from Argentina. Then I decided to buy her first album and realised this was just but one out of so many other fantastic songs she´s created and performed. So I kept buying more of her Albums and I must say her voice, her unique way of performing together with the emotion she´s capable of communicating makes her a fantastic Artist. Beth, I love the commitment and passion you put into your reactions. Out of all the people around the world analysing and reacting to music and artists, you are my favourite. Thank you.

[@evanosburn718]

Heard this song a hundred times and never thought of it this way Great perspective

[@schwartzcl]

This is a song and performance that will live on forever.

[@Bluemoonfarm17]

This song makes me emotional every time I listen to it. New version of it doesn’t give me the same reaction, only Tracey’s original version. I find that fascinating.

[@stevedisintegrationrules6892]

Love Tracy Chapman,honest down to earth raw talent!!!!

[@surlechapeau]

Beth, Great reaction!! Paving the way for Tracy was Joan Armatrading. You'll love her "Love And Affection", "Willow", "Me Myself I" and many others.

[@EthanKristopherHartley]

Joan Armatrading is an awesome singer with some beautiful songs (Love & Affection is definitely my favourite), but do you not find her more vocally "decorative" (with more flourishes, key changes and the like)? Obviously everyone categorises music differently, but I've never considered Joan and Tracey to be in the same group.

[@surlechapeau]

@@EthanKristopherHartley yes, Joan is more gifted as a singer and songwriter then her peers. Saw her twice in concert and she was so adored by the audience. I enjoy her pop/rock songs as much as her earlier work.

[@k-ron7403]

It still gets me with the tears to this day. It’s beautiful...

[@mattx5499]

It seems that many people don't realize that this song sounds super modern for the time of it's release. It's from 1988 and it sounds like it's mid 90's grunge ballad.

[@Bikemanjoe1]

i first came across this song in secondary school we were studying poetry and our english teacher at the time gave it to us to study after that i was hooked.

[@unastoria7011]

If you knew the rest of her superb songs... You'll forget this one fast car , her writing and music are just masterpieces, no other word to describe it

[@terryjohinke8065]

She's brilliant and what a voice.

[@stevesilsby5288]

That whole album is outstanding. Listen and enjoy it.

[@toddarruda3458]

I grew up with her music. Makes me tear up

[@SomeYouTubeGuy]

I have a playlist on Spotify that I've called Strong Women but what I really mean is women with strong voices and Tracey Chapman is definitely featured in it. I love the sound of her voice and I could listen to it on repeat.

[@tylermccready1082]

I saw Tracy perform in Eugene Oregon in the early nineties. Blew my mind.

[@BrandonWestfall]

Déjà vu? lol I'll watch it again because I adore your reaction to this song. I remember hating it when my mother would listen to Tracy Chapman as a kid. She would play the same songs over and over again on repeat. As I got older I learned to really appreciate her talent. Growing up in poverty makes this song extremely relatable. Your reaction made me want to give you a hug.