Maps of Music

Telling Stories (2000)

Where the lyrics of Telling Stories take you, and where it was really made.

Tracy Chapman's fifth album came after her longest break up to that time, and its second half turns to folk.

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Telling Stories: fifth album by American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman
Released February 14, 2000 by Elektra Records
Two-disc special edition released in Europe in 2000
First half made of contemporary rock songs, second half of folk songs
Track listing: Telling Stories, Less Than Strangers, Speak The Word, It's OK, Wedding Song, Unsung Psalm, Nothing Yet, Paper And Ink, Devotion, The Only One, First Try
All songs written by Tracy Chapman

In 1999 Chapman began work on her first new record in four years, her longest hiatus up to that time
She reunited with producer David Kershenbaum, who had produced her debut Tracy Chapman (1988)
Kershenbaum also co-produced her second album, Crossroads (1989)
"Unsung Psalm" was first written for New Beginning (1995) but did not make that album
The record marked a return to shorter songs; the songs on New Beginning had been somewhat longer

Discogs lists Royaltone Studios, John Galt Entertainment Ranch Studio and One On One South as recording locations
Mixed at One On One South; mastered at Gateway Mastering
Chapman is credited as writer, producer and performer on guitars, harp, bouzouki, strumstick and vocals
Session musicians include Steve Hunter, Tim Pierce, Larry Klein, Patrick Warren and Scarlet Rivera
Emmylou Harris sings on The Only One

Born March 30, 1964 in Cleveland; raised by her mother, who bought her a ukulele at age three.
Began playing guitar and writing songs at age eight.
Attended an Episcopal high school through the A Better Chance program, graduated from Wooster School in Connecticut.
Studied anthropology at Tufts University, busking in Harvard Square and on MBTA Red Line platforms while a student.

Signed to Elektra Records in 1987 after Charles Koppelman of SBK Publishing signed her in 1986.
Debut album Tracy Chapman (1988) became a commercial success, certified 6× platinum by the RIAA and winning three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.
"Fast Car" rose after her performance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium in June 1988.
Later albums include Crossroads (1989), Matters of the Heart (1992), New Beginning (1995), Telling Stories (2000), Let It Rain (2002), Where You Live (2005) and Our Bright Future (2008).
Greatest Hits, a compilation she curated, was released in 2015.
In 2023, Luke Combs' cover of "Fast Car" made her the first Black woman to score a country number one with a solo composition and the first Black songwriter to win the CMA Song of the Year.

Politically and socially active, with a particular interest in human rights; performed for Amnesty International and at charity events such as Make Poverty History and amfAR.
Received the South African Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo in Silver in 2023.

Released February 14, 2000 by Elektra Records as Chapman's fifth album
First half: contemporary rock songs; second half: folk songs
Marked a return to shorter songs after New Beginning (1995), whose songs had run somewhat longer
Two-disc special edition released in Europe in 2000
The album sits after Chapman's longest break between records up to that time, four years
Producer David Kershenbaum returned, having produced her debut Tracy Chapman (1988)
The rock first half is followed by the folk second half, giving the album a two-part shape
Discogs lists Elektra Entertainment as the record company
Reference links include an AllMusic page on the album by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Emmylou Harris sings on The Only One, credited as a special guest in the musician list
"Unsung Psalm" was first written for New Beginning, left off that album, and later used here
Discogs lists a 24-page booklet with lyrics, photos and notes in the release
Some copies carry a clear sticker with Tracy Chapman's name in gold or orange letters on the front