Matters of the Heart is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman, released on April 28, 1992, by Elektra Records. It was her first not to be produced or co-produced by David Kershenbaum.

Track listing

All songs written by Tracy Chapman.

Overview

Critical reception

Matters of the Heart received generally mixed reviews from music critics.

Musical style

The record marked a notable switch in sound from Chapman's earlier works. AllMusic labeled it as "less bold and angry" than her preceding record, and Israbox took note of the "subtle elements of world music, blues, and jazz" included in the record.

Personnel

Musicians

• Tracy Chapman – acoustic guitar, vocals • Manu Katché – drums (tracks: 1 to 4, 7 to 10) • Omar Hakim – drums (tracks: 6) • Alex Acuña – percussion (tracks: 8, 9) • Mino Cinelu and Steve Thornton – percussion (tracks: 1 to 4, 7 to 10) • Michael Fisher – percussion (tracks: 5, 6, 9) • Nellee Hooper – percussion (tracks: 9) • Tony Levin – bass guitar (tracks: 2, 3, 7, 10) • Randy "The Emperor" Jackson – bass guitar (tracks: 1, 8, 9) • Larry Klein – bass guitar (tracks: 6) • Bob Glaub – bass guitar (tracks: 4) • Roy Bittan – accordion (tracks: 5), keyboard • Charles Judge & Larry Williams – keyboard (tracks: 9) • Mike Campbell – bouzouki (tracks: 2), mandolin (tracks: 3, 5), electric guitar (tracks: 1, 2, 6, 7) • Vernon Reid – electric guitar (tracks: 1, 7, 8) • Waddy Wachtel – electric guitar (tracks: 1, 6) • Bobby Womack – acoustic Guitar (tracks: 9)

Production

• Producers: Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Iovine • Engineers: David Bianco, Niko Bolas, Nellee Hooper, Femi Jiya, Bradshaw Leigh, Thom Panunzio, Mark "Spike" Stent • Assistant engineers: Chad Blinman, Greg Goldman, Ed Korengo, Chad Munsey, Joe Pirrera, Rick Plank • Mixing: Bob Clearmountain, Femi Jiya • Mastering: Bob Ludwig • Coordination: Susie Tallman • Art direction: Tracy Chapman • Photography: Herb Ritts

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications