Cyndi Lauper (True Colors)
The Album
Cyndi Lauper (True Colors) was released on September 15, 1986, as her second studio album. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It received 2 nominations at the 29th Annual Grammy Awards. Featuring the hit “True Colors” and “Change of Heart”
Released in 1986, Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” stands as a timeless testament to the power of individuality and the celebration of one’s authentic self. Lauper’s second studio album marked a departure from her debut success with “She’s So Unusual,” offering a more introspective and emotionally charged exploration of personal experiences, love, and resilience.
The title track, “True Colors,” became an anthem of self-empowerment and acceptance. Co-written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, the song’s poignant lyrics encourage listeners to show their true selves and embrace authenticity. Lauper’s emotive delivery, characterized by her distinctive raspy voice, adds a layer of vulnerability that resonates with the core message of the song.
The album opens with the energetic and infectious “Change of Heart,” a pop-rock anthem that showcases Lauper’s signature exuberance. The track’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody set the stage for an album that seamlessly blends various musical styles, from the reggae-infused “Boy Blue” to the soulful ballad “Maybe He’ll Know.”
One of the standout tracks on “True Colors” is the hauntingly beautiful “Time After Time.” This timeless ballad explores the themes of love and devotion, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the universality of its message. Lauper’s tender delivery and the song’s melodic simplicity contribute to its emotional impact, making it a classic in her repertoire.
“True Colors” also features collaborations with some notable artists of the time. The duet “Iko Iko” with the Bangles and the soulful “What’s Going On” with The Minus 5 showcase Lauper’s ability to seamlessly blend genres while maintaining her distinctive sound.
Beyond the commercial success of the album, what sets “True Colors” apart is its emotional honesty. Lauper bares her soul throughout the record, addressing heartbreak, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. Each song feels like a chapter in a personal diary, offering listeners a glimpse into the artist’s inner world.
The album cover, featuring a close-up of Lauper’s face adorned with vibrant hues, serves as a visual metaphor for the music within. It symbolizes the album’s central theme of embracing one’s true colors – the unique qualities that make each individual special.
Conclusion
“True Colors” received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and musical diversity. It earned Cyndi Lauper a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and the title track became an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community, resonating with its message of self-expression and acceptance.
In the decades since its release, “True Colors” has maintained its relevance, finding new audiences who connect with its universal themes. Cyndi Lauper’s sophomore effort remains a testament to the enduring power of authenticity, love, and the unapologetic celebration of one’s true colors.
Track Listing
- Change Of Heart
- Maybe He’ll Know
- Boy Blue
- True Colors
- Calm Inside The Storm
- What’s Going On
- Iko Iko
- The Faraway Nearby
- 911
- One Track mind
True Colors
Lyrics
You with the sad eyes
Don’t be discouraged
Oh, I realize
It’s hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Make you feel so small
But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
Show me a smile then
Don’t be unhappy, can’t remember when
I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
And you’ve taken all you can bare
You call me up
Because you know I’ll be there
And I’ll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let it show
Your true colors
Your true colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
(Can’t remember when I last saw you laugh)
If this world makes you crazy
You’ve taken all you can bare
You call me up
Because you know I’ll be there
And I’ll see your true colors shinin’ through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let it show
Your true colors
True colors
True colors a shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow