True Colors (Zedd and Kesha song)

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"True Colors"
File:ZeddKeshaTrueColors.jpg
Single by Zedd and Kesha
from the album True Colors
Released April 29, 2016 (2016-04-29)
Format Digital download
Genre
Length
  • 3:48 (album version)
  • 3:45 (single version)
Label
Writer(s)
Producer(s)
Zedd singles chronology
"Papercut"
(2015)		 "True Colors"
(2016)
Kesha singles chronology
"Timber"
(2013)		 "True Colors"
(2016)

"True Colors" is a song by Russian-German electronic music producer Zedd. The original version of song featured uncredited vocals by Tim James and was included on Zedd's second studio album True Colors (2015).[3] The official single is a new version of the track, with the vocals provided by American singer Kesha and was released as the album's fourth single on April 29, 2016.[4] They performed the song live at Coachella 2016.

Background

"True Colors" is Kesha's first music release in over three years, as she has been locked in a court case with her producer Dr. Luke, after ten years of alleged abuse. She first performed the song as a guest during Zedd's set at Coachella 2016. In late April, both Kesha and Zedd posted photos to their social media accounts confirming they were recording together.[5]

Composition

"True Colors" is a mid-tempo ballad[6] in the key of D minor with a tempo of 126 beats per minute. It follows a chord progression of Dm-C-Gm-Dm.[citation needed] Described by a Slant Magazine editor, the track opens with a muted keyboard melody before gradually building to a climax of rollicking drums and bells; a departure from Kesha's previous "party anthems" singles.[6] For a NME reviewer, is a "a moody, gothic electro ballad."[1]

Reception

Rolling Stone editor Brittany Spanos called it a "triumphant return" for Kesha. Comparing it to the album version, she stated "the style is more grandiose" in Kesha's take.[3] Agreeing with the latter, Nigel M. Smith from The Guardian wrote "Kesha’s audible rage lends the track a fire that was missing in its earlier incarnation."[2] Lars Brandle of Billboard wrote the song "is a powerful, moody tune and, lyrically, Kesha is in a fighting frame."[7] August Brown in Los Angeles Times noted "At Coachella, her surprise appearance had the gravity of something more than just another pop-star cameo. This recorded version is a welcome reminder of Kesha's considerable vocal talent."[8] Lucas Villa of AXS praised Zedd's direction, writing, "Under Dr. Luke, her vocals were mostly processed to hell but with Zedd, Kesha beautifully bellows the song's powerful message."[9] Despite no promotion by a major music label and minimal radio play caused by Dr.Luke sabotaging the release, True Colors managed to sell 52,000 copies in its 1st week in the United States and debut at #1 on Billboards Hot Twitter Tracks.

Charts

Chart (2016) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[10] 76
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[11] 66
France (SNEP)[12] 191
Ireland (IRMA)[13] 81
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[14] 78
US Billboard Hot 100[15] 74

Release history

Country Date Format Label
Worldwide[16] 29 April 2016 Digital download
Worldwide[17] Contemporary hit radio Universal

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ "Zedd – Chart history" Canadian Hot 100 for Zedd. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  12. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Zedd – {{{song}}}" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  13. ↑ "Chart Track: Week 18, 2016". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  14. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2016-05-12" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  15. ↑ "Zedd – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Zedd. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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