Customer Reviews

True Colors

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Don't listen to any "overanalytical" reviews. This album is awesome. Cyndi does a much better job singing. Practically every song is unforgettable. Her voice successfully conquers every imaginable musical style, such as rock ("Change of Heart", "One Track Mind"), romantic ballad ("True Colors"), Mardi Gras music ("Iko Iko"), pop ("Calm Inside The Storm", "The Faraway Nearby", "911"), and a much more successful remake of the "Blue Angel's" "Maybe He'll Know". IMO, "Change of Heart", "Iko Iko", and "The Faraway Nearby" are the greates tracks on this album (although all of them are distinctly different). "True Colors" is a real classic; it's one of the greatest albums I've ever heard. It's not a mess of different styles, though. "True Colors" is a very solid album. All songs are logicall integrated into one unforgettable performance. For those who would like to listen to other awesome Cyndi records, I suggest "A Night To Remember" and "Sisters of Avalon". You won't regret it!

I recall reading one very perceptive review, I believe it was in the Village Voice, when this album first came out in 1987, that insisted that THIS was the album on which Cyndi Lauper set out to prove herself as a SINGER. SHE'S SO UNUSUAL her solo debut, had any number of moments that showed off Cyndi's multi-octave range to good effect, but it was more about sass and image and "girls having fun." I had been listening to (and enjoying) the first two singles on the radio for a few months before I heard the entire record. There had been some mention in the rock press of Cyndi's considerable vocal prowess. But I didn't really get what might distinguish her from any other pop princess of the time (including you-know-who) 'til I actually heard her wail torrents of regret and anger and Lord knows what other emotions at the close-out of "Money Changes Everything." It was one of those hair-stand-end moments, like Janis' "Try," when I realized what all the excitement was about.

But aside from that spinetingler, SHE'S SO UNUSUAL was not a record that let Cyndi pull out all the stops vocally. The focus was on something else, creating a great pop record, not a vocal showcase. On her second release, she tried to do both. The vocal pyrotechnics are there on numbers like "Boy Blue," "Calm Inside the Storm," and "911"--she gets the chance to belt and not just embellish. On the other hand, unlike so much of the current diva-driven product, the songs remain the thing. The vocals are still at the service of the lyrics and melody, not the other way around.

Lauper's detractors sometimes mock the little-girl voice apparent on the title track, and such affectations are to some degree a matter of taste. But "True Colors" represented only one of the colors on the artist's palette. (I happen to like it still, especially after seeing her perform it again last year on Cher's "farewell" tour--but even for those who don't, Lauper has much much more up her sleeve.)

Like its predecessor, TRUE COLORS has its pure pop pleasures, guilty or otherwise. Guest spots by the Bangles, Billy Joel and, in a non-musical spot, Pee-wee Herman, add to the fun quotient. A more somber tone is achieved on "What's Goin' On?"--perhaps the most controversial song on the record. Some critics seemed to think it was sacrilege: others just thought it was too Viet Nam era! Maybe she should have updated the lyrics to read,"But who are they to judge us/just because our hair is...purple." I thought it was a nice tip of the hat to the late, great Marvin Gaye and a creditable performance in its own right. Cyndi Lauper was taking some chances with this record. For the most part, she pulled it off.

This album certainly has a lot of memories attached to it for me. Then again, all 80's music has a special memory for all of us. The first time I remember hearing "True Colors" was in late November of 1986, I was 17 and a junior in high school working late in the town grocery store. I was the only person left in the store to close up late, and I turned up the radio and Cyndi Lauper started singing her song. It had been a while since I had heard her voice on the air. Her last hit was "Goonies" in late summer of 85'. I really loved "True Colors" it came out at just the right time of year. In late November of 86', when its cold outside and the wind is blowing and you had to wear a coat. Those were great memories, and also about 2 months later in January of 1987, that's when I first heard "Change of Heart". Both of these songs remind me of my small hometown in Oklahoma during the fall and winter. Of a fun job that I didn't have to take too seriously and mopping the floor after the store closed. Turn up the 80's tunes! If you like Cyndi Lauper, then you'll love this album. It's quite a bit slower than her first album "She's So Unusual", but then again it's also 2 years later also. The music started to change as the world started to change. I urge you to buy this album, it's truly a classic!

David

This was the album that got me into cyndi lauper. This album will take you to a musical soundscape, its as if each song is connected all throughout. It exhibits the psychidelic playfulness of Cyndi's music. I would even dare to say that this is better than She's So Unusual. Tracks are:
1. Change of Heart - Rock, soundblasting, exhilirating, and exciting!
2. Maybe He'll Know - a trip to the oldies
3. Boy Blue - A bit long, but the overall trip is good, i like the synths.
4. True Colors - quite different from ballad formats at the time it was released.
5. Calm Inside the Storm - I dunno what to make of it, it doesn't seem to fit in any genre that I know, or i could be wrong.
6. What's Going On - the single version is much better, her vocals are weak here.
7. Iko-iko - cute track, I like it a lot.
8. Faraway Nearby - cute track, compliments iko iko.
9. 911 - the weakest tracks on the album, but I heard it on her 'Live in Paris' performance, and it sounded much better than on this record.
10. One Track Mind - One of my favourites. Its different, it takes you to a trip, the lyrics are a bit odd though. A good ender for an album

My initial reasons for being interested in Cyndi Lauper's recordings go back to her debut album, "She's So Unusual". The reason for my interest was the inclusion of two musicians - Eric Bazilian or Rob Hyman. Two years following this album, Bazilian and Hyman would go on to found "The Hooters". Despite the fact that I was a fan of The Hooters, I was disappointed in "She's So Unusual". While the album had great commercial success, I found that there were only a few songs that I felt were any good. These songs included "Time After Time", "She Bop", "All Through the Night", and "When You Were Mine". I felt that these songs showed that Lauper had plenty of potential going forward. My curiosity led me to eventually check out Cyndi Lauper's follow-on album, 1986's "True Colors". While not the monster commercial success of "She's So Unusual", I found that Lauper had matured a great deal as a musician on "True Colors".

One reason I think that "True Colors" didn't sell well is because people who purchased "She's So Unusual" probably felt it wasn't a strong enough album to warrant the purchase of the follow-up. For the most part, I found "She's So Unusual" an album that blended with Lauper's bubbly personality. For "True Colors", I think of this album as the closest thing to Lauper's version of the "..But Seriously" album (Phil Collins' 'serious' album). With a couple of exceptions, Lauper not only shows more maturity in her music and songs, but in her performance as well.

I think a lot of credit for this maturity has to go to Lauper herself. Lauper takes a much more "hands-on" approach to this collection. Lauper is involved in the songwriting of 7 of the 10 songs. Keep in mind that 2 of these 10 tracks are covers, so she has a major role in the original material. This contrasts to "She's So Unusual" where she co-wrote 4 songs. Cyndi is the co-writer on each of the seven songs, but still she played a major role. Cyndi also is the co-producer of this album with her longtime producer, Lennie Petze. Despite the fact that Bazilian and Hyman are not a part of this collection - I still found there were some excellent musicians. There are also some name guest musicians in The Bangles, Nile Rodgers, Billy Joel, Aimee Mann, Pee-Wee Herman, and Rick Derringer.

The first single released from this album was a non-Lauper written song - the title track "True Colors". I must say that this song did not make me do handstands. While it's clear there is a new maturity in Lauper's voice - I found the song kind of boring. It wasn't enough to gain my interest in this collection.

It was the second single that completely changed my tune - "Change of Heart". Like its predecessor "She's So Unusual", for the most part "True Colors" is a synth-pop album. However 1986/7 was a time where the 80s music landscape was moving more toward a guitar-laden sound. "Change of Heart" demonstrates Lauper can handle this sound seamlessly. I like how Lauper blends with the harder edged guitar sound. It features guitar-work by Nile Rodgers. The Bangles also contribute some of their trademark vocals. While Lauper didn't write the music, she did contribute some additional lyrics. While I think her voice sounds a bit tentative at the start, as the song goes on - Lauper demonstrates some major intensity to her vocals to go with the guitar-laden sound.

Lauper's maturity contributes on the cover of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On?". Cyndi brings a lot of creditability to this Vietnam-era song that advocates for peace. In some ways, I think Lauper's vocals are stronger on this track than the Marvin Gaye cover. The overall sound of the song is terrific - most notably with the inclusion of Linn Drums. "What's Going On" has a terrific percussion segue into the collection's other cover "Iko Iko". I have never been a fan of "Iko Iko", however I do think this version of the song is superior to the version of the song done by the Belle Stars for the movie "Rain Man". Lauper and Lennie Petze deserve an enormous amount of credit for the arrangements of these covers - because they not only find a way to blend Lauper's unique vocals with this songs, but overall they come up with superior products to the originals.

It was around this time that Lauper contributed vocals to the track "Code of Silence" to Billy Joel's "The Bridge" album. This time Joel returns the favor contributing vocals to the track "Maybe He'll Know". This song has a retro-sound - much like the sound to Joel's "An Innocent Man". While this may sound like a Billy Joel penned song, it isn't - it is a song written by Lauper and John Turi. This is another terrific track - Joel's voice blends perfectly. This track is better than the "Code of Silence" collaboration that was previously done.

Other good tracks include: "The Faraway Nearby" - this features some terrific co-vocals by Aimee Mann; "Calm Inside the Storm" - featuring guitar by Rick Derringer; and "Boy Blue" - an underrated track. The collections' final track, "One Track Mind" is average at best. The one poor track on the album is "911". I felt there was no value in this track - especially the inclusion of Pee-Wee Herman as a guest 911 operator. This song almost brings down the rest of the collection.

The liner notes include all of the lyrics, songwriting, and musician credits. For some reason, the lyrics to "Boy Blue" in a "handwritten" form and kept separate from the other lyrics. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this follow-up album. This is definitely an improvement over "She's So Unusual" - as well as a very different album. The serious Lauper fans will like this album, but I'd also recommend this collection to the casual fans.

From the opening bass and rattling attack of Linn drums, "Change Of Heart" indicates a radical shift in style for Cyndi Lauper. As the song says, "it just takes a beat to turn it around." The keyboards are more in tune with the notes rather than the loopy wall of synth on She's So Unusual. It's still one of the best songs here. And what really makes this a winning second single is special guest harmony vocals from the Bangles and guitar from Nile Rodgers.

The toe-tapping "Maybe He'll Know" features Billy Joel as guest vocalist. With the programmed Linn drums and keyboards added to something like Del Shannon's "Runaway" or similar 60's song. Lauper repaid the favour by singing on "Baby Grand" on Joel's The Bridge, also released the same year.

The mid-paced "Boy Blue", was the fourth single, about a lost boy on the streets. Barely avoids being filler.

Another of the 80's prime songwriters, Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg, give Cyndi Lauper the best song here, the gentle title track, underscored by guitar and soft keyboards. A classic song of all time despite its crass misuse in Kodak commercials promoting better quality colour. Rather, it tells one to cheer up despite the dark world. Cyndi's vocals are the tenderest in the verses. And when she sings that immortal chorus, Phil Collins later did a decent cover of this as a new track on his Hits CD.

Rick Derringer gives Cyndi some co-writing and guitar hoochie-coo in "Calm Inside The Storm" in this rollicking "I'll be your emotional support-type song." "I'm like a rockin' ship/on your rollin' sea/you know crash lightin' never frightens me, nah."

She does two decent cover songs next, the first being Marvin Gaye's protest song extolling the virtues of racial brotherhood and peace amidst the dying days of the Civil Rights Movement and continued conflict in Vietnam, "What's Going On." She conveys the poignancy of the song very well. Guest guitarist are Adrian Belew and 'til tuesday's Robert Holmes. That segues into the Dixie Cups' "Iko Iko", the original of which later got renewed popularity following its use in Rain Man. Cyndi's rendition makes it more a campfire sound.

Another upbeat song, "The Faraway Nearby" has yet another guest vocalist. I'll give you 'til tuesday to figure out who. If you guessed Aimee Mann, ten points to whatever house you belong to.

Unfortunately, the last two songs shows the creativity sapping. "911" tries to emulate something from her She's So Unusual era but the different sound plays havoc with it, and Pee-Wee Herman's contribution at the end of the song as the phone operator is pointless. "One Track Mind" is a throwaway track. These two songs is why I can't give this five stars like I did its predecessor.

Not as wild as She's So Unusual, True Colors shows a less crazy Lauper, but one whose unique sweet Betty Boop-ish vocals have developed to become more tender (True Colors) and poignant (What's Going On). Still, on the better tracks, Cyndi acquits herself above average, thanks to her vocal talent and help from some friends.

Cyndi's sophomore album is classic Cyn yet not quite up to the standards of her debut. Again we see a mix of humor and seriousness, to good effect. This was the first Cyndi album I owned, and as such has special memories for me. I remember when I wanted to get a copy. My older cousin had the tape at her house, and she played some of it while family and friends were visiting. I remember she had it in a purple radio/cassette player on her dresser for a long time after that. I wanted one of my own so I could hear the whole album. I got one (and eventually a pink radio/cassette player) and loved it.

Change of Heart: One of the hits, it is easily one of the most memorable tracks on the album. It's catchy and has interesting lyrics. The ending is really something. I heard it on the radio in about 1988, and the DJ called it "a bit of tossed salad at the end". I like when artists throw in a bit of music with no singing, either at the end of the song or as a break in the middle. This was one of my favorite songs on the tape. Still is.

Maybe He'll Know: A 50s/early 60s sound to this one. I like it a lot. It's a remake of a song she did in Blue Angel. Cyndi's voice is powerful and at times can be a little loud here, but when I'm in the mood, this song has a great bounciness to it and just makes you feel upbeat. Billy Joel did back up vocals on this one which is pretty cool. It's from around the same time that Cyndi did "Code of Silence" with him for his The Bridge album, another great track.

Boy Blue: A memorable song by fans of the album. It's a slower track but not really a ballad. It was released as a single but is not often remembered.

True Colors: The famous title track is a classic ballad about friendship, acceptance, and love.

Calm Inside the Storm: I love this one. It's got a great intro. For some reason at one time it reminded me of the Knight Rider theme (the intro). It's definitely got that mid 80s synth pop sound, and I love that.

What's Going On: A remake of the Marvin Gaye song. Cyndi's version is very good, though I don't enjoy it as much as I did when I was a kid.

Iko Iko: I don't like this one as much as I did when I was little, either. Still, her version is my favorite of this song, which I don't really care for in general. I've started to appreciate this album again after having grown a little tired of some of the songs, and I can see why I loved this album as a kid. There is a lot of variety in sound.

The Faraway Nearby: This is one of my favorite songs on the album. It's just a fun little song that has bubbly synth in it. Aimee Mann of 'Til Tuesday does some back up vocals on this one.

911: A favorite as a kid, I still enjoy this odd track. My favorite part has always been when she sings "my back is in the corner, my boat is taking on water, you can't wrap fire in paper, and you can't rap your way out of here". The echo effect is really cool. I used to visualize a funny video to this song, with Cyndi acting out scenes that fit the lyrics. At the end of the song, there is a cameo by Pee-Wee Herman as a telephone operator. Nice touch seeing as how Cyndi sang the theme song to his show. This album just screams 1986.

One Track Mind: This song has an almost eerie sound to it, but in a cool way. I used to envision music videos to songs that I liked as a kid, like I mentioned above. I could see Cyndi in an abandoned castle walking up a flight of stairs, with a storm outside. A good closing track to this album. It's unusual.

There is quite a bit of variety in style here, even though it's all 1986 synth pop, it's varied pop. Cyndi continues to demonstrate her strong vocal ability while not losing touch with the quality of the music. Her voice and the music never outdo each other, but compliment instead. You don't find that much with today's singers who prefer to sacrifice songwriting and musical ability for obnoxious vocal acrobatics.>>(BORING).

While I do prefer She's So Unusual, there are tracks here that I prefer to tracks on that one (Faraway Nearby, Change of Heart, Maybe He'll Know, etc. are all preferable to I'll Kiss You, He's so Unusual, and Yeah Yeah). It's a must have for Cyndi fans of course, but also for 80s music collectors and anyone who enjoys a good pop album. As someone else mentioned, it's slower than her debut, but that's not a bad thing, and it isn't full of ballads. A good record.

I've been a big fan of Cyndi Lauper since her first hit in the 1980s. I guess you could say that I grew-up on her. I like the CD album because it has many (but not all) of her classic hits, as well as, a few new covers. The album will take you back in time. Always so delightfully enjoyable as Cyndi Lauper can be.

After you heard the greatness of "She's So Unusual" you were tempted to check out its follow up, right? Well as most people were I was also and sampled some songs liked what I heard got the album. Overall the songs are a lot more mature and show a grown up Cyndi Lauper. Don't expect the wacky Cyndi from "SSU" it has a different approch. Here is a track by track run down;

1. Change of Heart 10/10

This track is a great opener for the album it really gets you up and makes you dance. This is Cyndi's finest moment on the album as far as I'm concerned. It's With a drum and guitar that just won't quit. This song makes the album worth it by its self. It was the second single.

2. Maybe He'll Know 8/10

While I wasn't to fond of this track at first listen it definatly grew on me. This is a remake of the track Cyndi did w/ Blue Angel. It has kind of a 50's pop sound. It became a fifth single in Holland only.

3. Boy Blue 9/10

A nice underrated gem of Cyndi's from the album it is mid-tempo and has a warm breezy sound to it. It became the fourth single from the album and Cyndi's first flop single at least in the U.S. peaking at #71.

4. True Colors 7/10

Hard to believe that the title track of the album, a soft and slow song was written by the same writers that wrote Madonna's "Like a Virgin" two years before. Although the song isn't my fav on the album I do have a soft spot for it. It became a #1 hit and the first single off the album.

5. Calm Inside the Storm 9/10

What a cool light-hearted song. It is a fun up-beat track that you can't resist. The chorus is killer and makes the song.

6. What's Going On? 8/10

A remake of the classic Marvin Gaye song, although a lot of people dislike Cyndi's remake and some call it mediocre I do happen to like it quite a bit. Cyndi holds her own and makes it her own. This was the third single from the album.

7. Iko Iko 6/10

This two minute ditty is a African cultured track that you can sing at the campfire. It isn't a stand out but it's alright...

8. The Faraway Nearby 7.5/10

It starts out kind of silly but gets better as it goes on is not half bad.

9. 911 9/10

I really like this one it makes you get in a happy mood and has you singing along. But kind of seems like it's trying too hard to be wild like the She's So Unusual days of Cyndi. Also Pee-Wee Herman has a cameo voice as a 911 operator in the last 10 seconds.

10. One Track Mind 5/10

Definatly a obvious filler track. The title, the idea and the amazing instrumental backround has all the potential in the world but the underwelming vocals and the amazing backround that almost grows repedative ruins the song quite a bit. A weak ending to a good album.

OVERALL AVERAGE SCORE: B-

It went on to become Double-Platinum while not following the monster success to She's So Unusual it is worth being in your collection. It holds its own and is definatly worth a listen and for some a second listen as it has some growers.

Because each of her albums is a distinct departure from its predecessor, no two Cyndi Lauper albums are alike. I like to think of TRUE COLORS as the record Cyn made in the attic, while decked out in her grandmother's clothes, changing eye shadow with every blink, and wearing more jewelry than Mr. T. The result isn't simple and quiet, because its creator isn't. Rather, it is Cyn at her lovable best: fun-loving and fearless. While each track is a wild new get-up, "True Colors" is the moment the masquerade is over. Her performance of this poetic classic is so unforgettable, you are likely to have a story about the first time you heard it. I do.

As the dead-on editorial has noted, the songs aren't very revealing, but it is great fun to hear just how unique and endearing Cyn can be with her work. "Boy Blue" is one of the most unusual songs you will ever hear. Childlike but elegant, carefree but urgent, it is one of her most fascinating pieces. It isn't very catchy, but you'll always remember it. I guess with all of these contradictions, it's no wonder it failed to chart higher than No.71. No matter. Cyn has every reason to be proud of TRUE COLORS. Who else would follow "What's Going On" with "Iko Iko?"