For nearly two decades, has been producing uncompromisingly original, trend defying, and breath-taking tracks, to not much acclaim. Her truly individual voice has not weakened on her new collection of eloquent, story telling pieces of emotion.
Where you live, is as simple as they come. This album owes nothing to trend but everything to personal sprit that covers situations that range from deeply intimate to a wider social conscience. The straight up, rawness gets high marks for achieving that natural and pared-down effect. This is showcased on the “Talk to you”. This is an unrivalled 4 minutes of perfection that deals with sad soul music sung to a departing lover. The next cut “3,000 miles” is about a different longing, a poetry-rich track that captures the desperation of isolation. Chapman is not shy about tackling difficult topics. The most politically influenced track entitled “America” is nothing less than a dialogue on appropriation from Columbus to the present day.
The idea of striving for a testament to musical simplicity is a good move. This allows the importance of this singer/songwriter a chance to showcase beauty, spirit and magical emotion.
Rating: 4/5
Record Label: Elektra
Words By: John Busby
