Album: Solitude Standing

Introduction
Solitude Standing is the 2nd studio album by American singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, launched on April 1, 1987. The album includes a blend of folk, pop, and jazz components, combined with Vega's poetic lyrics and hauntingly beautiful voice. It especially includes the hit songs "Luka" and "Tom's Diner". The album gathered both critical and business success, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart and ultimately achieving Platinum status in the United States.

Background and Recording
Following the success of her eponymous debut album, Suzanne Vega began dealing with her sophomore effort, Solitude Standing in late 1986. She enlisted manufacturers Steve Addabbo and Lenny Kaye, who had previously dealt with her debut album. The recording procedure happened in various studios in New York City, where Vega and her band try out different plans and musical styles.

Music and Lyrics
Solitude Standing displays Vega's storytelling skills and her capability to develop vibrant images with her lyrics. The album consists of ten tracks that range from folk ballads to upbeat pop songs, all looped by Vega's clear, captivating voice. The acoustic guitar, a staple in Vega's music, is a prominent function on this album, accompanied by drums, bass, keyboards, and other instruments, producing an abundant, diverse musical landscape.

Among the hallmarks of Solitude Standing is the lyrics' depth and introspection. Vega frequently draws from her own experiences and observations to produce stories that resonate with her listeners. The opening track, "Tom's Diner", is a prime example of this, as it describes her early morning experiences at a local diner while observing the people around her. The a cappella variation of this song later motivated the 1990's dance struck "Tom's Diner DNA Remix", substantially improving the album's popularity.

"Luka", the album's second single, became a worldwide hit and is perhaps Vega's the majority of widely known song. Inspired by a real-life next-door neighbor named Luka, the song tells the story of a young boy who struggles with kid abuse. The track's upbeat tune juxtaposes the dark, heavy lyrics, making it an extremely poignant and effective tune.

The album's title track, "Solitude Standing", is a ballad that checks out themes of isolation and introspection. The juxtaposition of these themes with the more vibrant, more optimistic tracks in the album assists create its distinct character and ambiance.

Reception and Legacy
Solitude Standing received extensive acclaim from music critics, who applauded Vega's songwriting skills and the album's sophisticated production. They especially kept in mind the strength of the songs "Luka" and "Tom's Diner". Commercially, the album propelled Vega into mainstream success, with the album peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart. "Luka" also peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Vega's highest-charting single.

Given that its release, Solitude Standing has actually been hailed as a classic and continues to have an influence on the music market, particularly in the singer-songwriter and folk categories. Suzanne Vega's influence can be heard in the works of artists like Tracy Chapman, Natalie Merchant, and the Indigo Girls, who all emerged in the late 80s and 90s.

Almost 35 years after its release, Solitude Standing stays a testament to Suzanne Vega's amazing storytelling and songwriting talent, and it continues to be commemorated by listeners and musicians alike.