Living Colour
– Vivid
When Living Colour dropped Vivid in 1988, they weren’t just making a statement—they were launching a revolution. This wasn’t your typical rock album. It was a potent mix of funk, hard rock, heavy metal, and punk—every track dripping with the audacity of a band that wasn’t interested in staying within the lines. Vivid is a genre-bending landmark, packed with scorching guitar riffs, a rhythm section that pulses with raw energy, and Corey Glover’s powerhouse vocals, ranging from smooth crooning to ferocious wails. Every song on this album is loaded with attitude, but what’s remarkable is how deeply intellectual the band can be in the process—this is music that sounds as good as it feels, and it feels like a punch in the gut.
Best of…
Living Colour didn’t just want to be different for the sake of being different—they used their differences to say something. Political commentary and social consciousness are embedded in tracks like “Cult of Personality” and “Open Letter (To a Landlord)”. These aren’t just songs—they’re calls to action. “Cult of Personality,” with its infectious groove, became the anthem for a generation, taking shots at media culture, power structures, and the cult of fame, all while maintaining a contagious energy that you can’t shake off. The brilliance of Vivid is in its ability to blend urgency and entertainment—songs that make you want to move, while also making you think.
But what makes Vivid truly stand out is its remarkable diversity. It’s not just a hard rock album with some funky grooves; it’s a rich tapestry of sounds that span genres effortlessly. The blistering, jazz-infused “Memories Can’t Wait” sits right next to the funky-soul explosion of “Glamour Boys”. On “Desperate People”, the band taps into a jagged, punk-inflected anger, while “Which Way to America?” takes an experimental approach to the blending of genres. There’s nothing safe about this album, nothing predictable, yet it remains undeniably cohesive. And at its center is the understanding that to be bold doesn’t mean to be reckless—it’s calculated, deliberate, and meant to challenge the listener in every sense. Vivid is a masterstroke of controlled chaos, where brilliance thrives in the tension between sound and message.
Choice Tracks
Cult of Personality
A stone-cold classic and the track that put Living Colour on the map. With its unmistakable riff, it hooks you instantly and doesn’t let go. It’s both an anthem and a protest, seething with energy and swagger.
Glamour Boys
The ultimate funky groove. Slick, cool, and irreverent, this track blends rock and funk into something that feels both slick and rebellious at the same time. It’s a groove that demands to be played loud.
Open Letter (To a Landlord)
A punchy, politically charged track that’s equal parts funk and fury. The lyrics speak to social injustice, and the music complements the message perfectly—frenzied and urgent, yet funky as hell.
Memories Can’t Wait
A track that twists and turns through unexpected musical territory, blending rock and jazz in an evocative way. It’s disorienting, but in the best possible manner, keeping the listener on their toes.
Desperate People
One of the more chaotic and hard-hitting tracks on the album, this is where the band lets loose in full punk-rock mode. The raw energy in this track is impossible to ignore, and it packs a punch with every second.
Vivid is more than just a debut album—it’s a declaration of purpose. Living Colour didn’t just want to be heard; they wanted to shake things up, break down barriers, and, in the process, carve out a place for themselves in rock history. This is an album that blends technical brilliance with fiery passion, and it remains just as relevant today as it was in 1988. If anything, Vivid was a warning shot—Living Colour was here to stay, and they were going to do things their way.