Tracy Chapman has announced the reissue of her self-titled debut album on vinyl to mark its 35th anniversary. The album, originally released in April 1988, will be available once again on vinyl through Elektra/Rhino Records.
The reissue has been carefully prepared by Tracy Chapman and the album’s original producer, David Kershenbaum. Pressed on 180-gram vinyl and sourced from an analogue master, the package will include translated lyric inserts, replicating the original international release. Featuring timeless tracks like Fast Car, Talkin’ Bout A Revolution, and Baby Can I Hold You, the album remains one of the most successful debuts in music history.
Over the years, Tracy Chapman has earned three Grammy Awards and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. It continues to chart globally and is celebrated as one of the most successful albums by a female artist. Reflecting on the milestone, Chapman shared, “I was just out of college when the album came out and for a young singer-songwriter it was a dream come true – making a record, recording my own songs, releasing my first album. 1988, that year marked the beginning of what has been a humbling and thrilling experience, seeing fans around the world embrace these 11 songs. I really wanted to mark the 35th anniversary of the album, and so I am grateful to have this opportunity to reissue the record on vinyl.”
The album lead to her being dubbed Rolling Stone’s Best New Artist in 1988 and in 2021 the album was included in its list of Greatest Albums of All Time.
The album marked the start of a series of releases which has included eight studio albums across four decades. Beginning with 1988’s multi-platinum Tracy Chapman, her musical journey has continued with Crossroads (1989), Matters Of The Heart (1992), 1995’s multi-platinum New Beginning (which featured the Grammy-winning single ‘Give Me One Reason’), Telling Stories (2000), Let It Rain (2002), Where You Live (2005), Our Bright Future (2008), and two best-selling compilations, Collection (2001) and Greatest Hits (2015). Along the way, in addition to her four Grammys, Chapman has earned an American Music Award, two Brits, and a Billboard Music Award.
