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Vivid

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Vivid is Living Colour's debut album and was released on 2 May 1988 by Epic Records. It became one of the most popular albums of that year. It reached number six on the American Billboard 200 and went double platinum. Ed Stasium produced most of it. Mick Jagger produced two tracks, played harmonica on Broken Hearts and sang on Glamour Boys.

The sound is hard to put under one heading. There is hard rock, heavy metal and funk, with influences from soul, jazz, rap and punk. On Funny Vibe, Chuck D of Public Enemy raps along, with a contribution from Flavor Flav. Critics praised the blend of influences and the social criticism in tracks such as Funny Vibe and Open Letter (To a Landord). One reviewer later called the record an important document of Black rock music. It was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Funny Vibe and notice how the rap of Chuck D and the commentary of Flavor Flav fit into a rock song.

Track list

  1. 1Cult of Personality (2023 Remaster)4:55Apple Music ↗
  2. 2I Want to Know (2023 Remaster)4:25Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Middle Man (2023 Remaster)3:49Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Desperate People (2023 Remaster)5:36Apple Music ↗
  5. 5Open Letter (To a Landord) [2023 Remaster]5:36Apple Music ↗
  6. 6Funny Vibe (2023 Remaster)4:21Apple Music ↗
  7. 7Memories Can't Wait (2023 Remaster)4:34Apple Music ↗
  8. 8Broken Hearts (2023 Remaster)4:52Apple Music ↗
  9. 9Glamour Boys (2023 Remaster)3:40Apple Music ↗
  10. 10What's Your Favorite Color? (2023 Remaster)1:38Apple Music ↗
  11. 11Which Way to America (2023 Remaster)3:41Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs