Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Tracy Chapman [ tickets ] returns to the contemporary social music scene this week with "Telling Stories" (Elektra), produced in conjunction with David Kershenbaum, who worked with the Boston coffeehouse alumna on her first two albums.

Entering the studio with arrangements for guitar-driven songs and harmony vocal parts, Chapman said she tried to produce a hi-fidelity album without sacrificing her precious old gear.

Chapman utilizes her story-telling sensibility on the album, delving into people's social beliefs, the progress of African-Americans since slavery, and the difference between truth and opinion.