Tracy Chapman's first album, called Tracy Chapman, also known as the Debut Album, was released on April 5, 1988 by Elektra Records. Recorded at the Powertrax Studio in Hollywood, California, and produced by David Kershenbaum, the album was recorded in 8 weeks at the end of 1987. Composed of 11 tracks, the album was praised by most music critics almost immediately upon it's release, as a return to simplicity in the purest folk tradition. It was a huge commercial success in many countries, including the UK, France and Germany, following the worldwide broadcast of the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute. It peaked at number one on the US Billboard 200 and was certified six times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), selling over six million copies in the US alone. Three singles were released from the album: "Talkin'Bout A Revolution", "Fast Car" and "Baby Can I Hold You".
 
1 Talkin' Bout a Revolution (2:38)
2 Fast Car (4:58)
3 Across the Lines (3:22)
4 Behind the Wall (1:46)
5 Baby Can I Hold You (3:16)
6 Mountains O' Things (4:37)
7 She's Got Her Ticket (3:54)
8 Why? (2:01)
9 For My Lover (3:15)
10 If Not Now... (2:55)
11 For You (3:09)