Is This Singing?

In Robert Hilburn’s Jan. 13 article, “Recording Academy Stays on Its Progressive Path,” he praises Tracy Chapman. Chapman does indeed make powerful social statements, but she talks , rather than sings, about the issues.

Her lyrics, although thought-provoking, are delivered in a monotone, heavily ethnic-accented voice to less-than-pleasing music. Maybe this delivery is part of her act. Fine, but it is not good music.

Nominate Ms. Chapman for a Pulitzer or even a Nobel, but not a Grammy--which honors music, not avant-garde messengers of social consciousness.

ALAN B. CAWI

Ontario