Luke Combs – Fast Car

“Fast Car” – Single by Luke Combs from the album Gettin’ Old. Released on April 18, 2023.

Luke Combs’ chilling cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” has become a concert staple on his world tour and a stand-out track within his fourth studio album, Gettin’ Old.

“Fast Car” is one of the ear-grabbing tracks from his 18-song collection, which followed his critically acclaimed project, Growin’ Up. Upon release, the rendition peaked at No.2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and No. 14 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Combs released a snippet of the timeless tune nearly six years ago. Since then, fans have encouraged Combs to make it available on streaming platforms.

It was sent to U.S. Top 40 and Hot AC radio as the second single from the album, marking the first time that Combs has had a song sent to contemporary hit radio, as well as the first single that he did not have a hand in writing.

Combs’ version uses Chapman’s original lyrics including the line “I work in the market as a checkout girl”. Combs’ manager Chris Kappy told Billboard magazine, “Luke is a songwriter too and Tracy is one of his favorite artists. So his goal was to never change the song. His goal was to honor the perfection that it is, and changing the gender never crossed his mind.”

When Combs’ version reached number one on the Country Airplay chart in July 2023, Chapman became the first black woman to score a country number one with a solo composition. Additionally, the rendition became the first cover of a pop single to top a Billboard chart based on country radio airplay since Blake Shelton’s version of Michael Bublé’s 2005 single “Home” reached number one in 2008.

Tracy Chapman said about Luke Combs cover, “I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there. I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’

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