Tracy Chapman
One of the most striking debut albums ever released, this disc instantly  established Chapman as a musical force, and with good reason. Immediacy, integrity of  purpose, and unqualified artistry are apparent in nearly every song. And while "Fast Cars"  remains Chapman's best-known work, "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" is that rarest breed: a  song which is both topical and timeless. Any exploration into Chapman's work should  begin with this at times stunning effort; it's a disc of remarkable uniformity and clarity  that Chapman has yet to improve on.--Wayne Pernu