Artist: Cyndi Lauper Album: True Colors

Year: 1986
Duration: 0:0-1

True Colors Album Review: A Critical Look at the Music of Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper has been a household name in the music industry for decades. Known for her unique voice and flamboyant fashion sense, her music has delighted listeners for many generations. One of her most popular albums is True Colors, which was released in 1986. Featuring some of her most beloved songs, the album was a hit at the time and has remained popular to this day. In this blog post, we'll take a critical look at True Colors, examining its history, the genre of the album, the standout tracks, its most innovative parts, and its overall impact.

The first thing that stands out about True Colors is its genre. The album blends several different styles of music, including pop, rock, and even some country. This diverse range of styles gives the album a unique flavor and makes it stand out from other albums of its time. This mix of genres is especially evident on tracks like Change of Heart and Iko Iko, which showcase Lauper's ability to combine various styles of music into something cohesive and compelling.

One of the standout tracks on the album is the title track, True Colors. This song, which was also released as a single, is one of Lauper's most popular songs to date. The song's message of self-expression and acceptance resonated with many people when it was released, and it still holds up today. True Colors also showcases Lauper's impressive vocal range and emotional depth. Another standout track on the album is What's Going On, a cover of the Marvin Gaye classic. Lauper's version of the song brings a unique perspective to the lyrics, and her rendition is just as powerful as the original.

Perhaps the most innovative part of True Colors is its production. The album was produced by several noted producers, including Lennie Petze and Rick Chertoff, who had previously worked with other popular artists like Joan Jett and The Hooters. The producers used a variety of recording techniques and instrumentation to create a lush, multi-layered sound that was ahead of its time. The backing vocals on tracks like Maybe He'll Know and The Faraway Nearby are particularly notable, adding an ethereal quality to the music.

Despite all the positive aspects of True Colors, there were some critiques of the album at the time of its release. Some critics felt that the album was too commercial and lacked depth, while others felt that it didn't showcase Lauper's talents to their fullest potential. Nevertheless, it's hard to argue with the success of the album, which spawned several hit singles and earned Lauper critical acclaim.

In conclusion, True Colors is a must-listen album for any fans of Cyndi Lauper or fans of '80s pop music in general. The album's unique blend of genres, standout tracks like True Colors and What's Going On, and innovative production make it a standout from Lauper's discography. While there were some critiques of the album at the time of its release, its continued popularity and enduring impact speak to its lasting appeal. Overall, True Colors is an essential addition to any music-lover's collection.