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Luke Combs is “surprised” by the success of his Tracy Chapman cover that he included in the track list of his latest full-length album, Gettin’ Old, earlier this year. The 1980s smash-hit anthem penned by a “supernatural” songwriter is climbing the country charts more than three decades after its original release.
Chapman recently commented on Combs’ rendition of “Fast Car,” and now, the award-winning country star is sharing his response. He said in a comment to Billboard published on Monday (July 17):
“Oh man, ‘Fast Car’ has surprised me more than you can imagine. Tracy Chapman wrote this perfect song that that I first heard with my dad and it has stayed with me since. I have played it in my live show now for six-plus years and everyone — I mean everyone — across all these stadiums relates to this song and sings along. That’s the gift of a supernatural song writer. The success of my cover is unreal and I think it’s so cool that Tracy is getting recognized and has reached new milestones. I love that she is out there feeling all the love and that she gave me a shout-out! Thank you, Tracy!”
“I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there,” Chapman, the original artist and writer of “Fast Car,” previously said in a statement to Billboard. “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”
Gettin’ Old, the 18-track album that Combs released just in time for his massive world tour to begin, serves as a follow-up to his 2022 project, Growin’ Up. Other highlights on the album include “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old,” “Love You Anyway,” “Take You With Me,” “5 Leaf Clover” and more. Listen to both versions of “Fast Car” below.