"True Colors" is the second studio album by American singer Cyndi Lauper, released on September 15, 1986. The album yielded several successful singles including its title track, "True Colors", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks and became Lauper's last single to do so. Other hits from the album include "Change of Heart" and "What's Going On".
The album is largely commentative on social issues, featuring songs about LGBT rights ("Boy Blue"), misogyny ("Calm Inside the Storm"), and spousal abuse ("911"). This thematic shift from her debut album was driven by Lauper's belief in using her platform to discuss important issues.
Musically, "True Colors" incorporates a diverse array of styles, including new wave, pop, rock, and folk, showcasing Lauper's versatility and growth as an artist. While the album received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, it performed well commercially, earning Platinum certification by the RIAA and becoming a top 5 hit in several countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
The album overall marked an evolution in Lauper's image, as she began to further establish herself not only as a singer but also as a songwriter and a women's rights advocate. Her influence and the album's impact continue to be felt today, with the title track "True Colors" serving as an enduring anthem for the LGBT community.
