"Colors" is the thirteenth studio album by American musician Beck, released on October 13, 2017, through Fonograf Records and Capitol Records. The album was recorded between 2013 and 2017 and was produced by Beck and Greg Kurstin, who played nearly all instruments on the album.
Singles and Reception
The album's lead single, "Dreams," was released in June 2015, followed by three more singles: "Wow," "Dear Life" (which was released in Italy), and "Up All Night." The title track was released as a single in April 2018. Colors won the Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
Production
Beck described the recording process as experimental, involving a lot of trial and error, especially while balancing touring commitments. He aimed to capture the energy of live performances in the studio.
Composition
Critics noted the album's varied sound. Q described "Seventh Heaven" as a "lost '80s pop classic" and characterized "Dear Life" as "lush Beatles-like psychedelia." The New York Times highlighted the song "No Distraction," noting its blend of strummy guitars and rock beats.
Beck described the overall sound of the album as sitting between the styles of "Dreams" and "Wow," with songs that are complex and multifaceted.
Release and Promotion
Beck teased the album title on social media in July 2017, following an accidental leak. He officially announced the album in August 2017. The music video for "Up All Night" premiered at an event in Hollywood.
"Dreams" was inspired by the band MGMT and marked a shift from the somber tone of his previous album, Morning Phase (2014). The track was widely played on radio and received acclaim on year-end lists.
"Wow" was described by Beck as a spontaneous creation, and it appeared on several best-of lists. "Dear Life" was released as an instant gratification track during the album's pre-order, while "Up All Night" achieved significant chart success, reaching number one on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart.
Beck's team also held pop-up shops at notable markets across the U.S. to promote the album, contributing to its visibility and reach.
