"Crossroads" is a song by American singer Tracy Chapman. It was released in 1989 as the lead single from her second studio album Crossroads. The song was written by Chapman, and produced by David Kershenbaum and Chapman. "Crossroads" reached No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's music video was directed by Matt Mahurin.
Reception On its release as a single, Tim Southwell of Record Mirror wrote, "'Crossroads' sees Tracy in familiar sombre mood, reflecting on life's struggles and the pain of it all. It may not be frothy but Chapman's cool vibes are always welcome." Sian Pattenden of Smash Hits described the song as "very much the kind of folksy, sombre song you'd expect from Tracy". She added, "If you liked "Fast Car" then you'll like this because it's jolly similar."
In a review of Crossroads, Fred Goodman of Rolling Stone noted the song's "rich arrangement and heartfelt delivery" and added, "'Crossroads' breaks little new ground for Chapman musically, but its subtly shaded percussion, pizzicato violin and lilting accordion give new muscle to Chapman's previously bareboned presentation." Steve Morse of The Boston Globe felt the song "opens the album in a startling confessional manner".
Parry Gettelman of the Orlando Sentinel considered the song to "proclaim [Chapman's] independence from materialism and money-changers who beset her." Brian Springer of The Daily Tar Heel wrote, "The title track adds the only new lyrical wrinkle [on the album], with Chapman making the usual star complaint of having to deal with all the attention. Accordion and violin pizzicato give this song a slightly different flavor than the previous album."
Track listing 7" single "Crossroads" - 4:11 "Born to Fight" - 2:46
12" single "Crossroads" - 4:11 "Born to Fight" - 2:46 "Mountains O'Things" (Live) - 5:05
12" single (UK release) "Crossroads" - 4:11 "Born to Fight" - 2:46 "Fast Car" - 4:57
Cassette single "Crossroads" - 4:11 "Born to Fight" - 2:46
CD single (German release) "Crossroads" - 4:11 "Born to Fight" - 2:46 "Mountains O'Things" (Live) - 5:05
CD single (US promo) "Crossroads" - 4:11
Personnel Crossroads Tracy Chapman - vocals, acoustic guitar G. E. Smith - acoustic picking guitar Frank Marocco - accordion Charlie Bisharat - violin Bob Marlette - keyboards Larry Klein - bass Denny Fongheiser - drums Bobbye Hall - percussion
Born to Fight Tracy Chapman - vocals, acoustic guitar Jack Holder - acoustic piano Snooky Young - trumpet Tim Landers - bass Denny Fongheiser - drums Bobbye Hall - tambourine
Production David Kershenbaum, Tracy Chapman - producers Kevin W. Smith - engineer, mixing John X Volaitis - additional engineer Marty Lester - assistant engineer, assistant mixer Bob Ludwig - mastering Claude Nobs - producer on "Mountains O'Things" David Richards - engineer on "Mountains O'Things"
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1989)PeakpositionAustralian Singles Chart58Austrian Singles Chart21Belgian Singles Chart (Ultratop 50 Flanders)37Canada (RPM 100)32Dutch Singles Chart15German Singles Chart38Irish Singles Chart11Italian Singles Chart (FIMI)16Italy Airplay (Music & Media)4New Zealand Singles Chart21Swiss Singles Chart18UK Singles Chart (Official Charts Company)61US Billboard Adult Contemporary41US Billboard Album Rock Tracks26US Billboard Hot 10090US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks7
References