"Man of Colours" is the fifth studio album by Australian band Icehouse, released on September 21, 1987. The album features a blend of rock and synthpop, showcasing the band's signature sound. It includes hit singles like "Crazy" and "The Devil's Gate," which helped solidify Icehouse's place in the Australian music scene. The album was well-received, both commercially and critically, and remains a highlight in their discography. Its themes often revolve around personal and emotional experiences, reflecting the band's growth and experimentation during that era.
The cover artwork for "Man of Colours," designed by Iva Davies and Robert Kretschmer, features a striking image of a human figure holding three differently colored flowers, symbolizing themes of diversity and emotional depth. An alternate Limited Black Sleeve version was also released, showcasing the same artwork but set against a reversed background. Despite the visual variation, both editions share the same track listing, emphasizing the album's cohesive artistic vision. The artwork complements the album's exploration of personal and emotional themes, making it memorable in Icehouse's catalog.
"Man of Colours" achieved remarkable commercial success, peaking at No. 1 on the Australian album charts for 11 weeks starting October 5, 1987, and selling over 700,000 copies. The album produced five top 30 hit singles, including "Electric Blue," which became Icehouse's only Australian No. 1 single. Co-written by Iva Davies and John Oates from Hall & Oates, "Electric Blue" helped propel the album into the spotlight.
The singles "Crazy," "My Obsession," "Man of Colours," and "Nothing Too Serious" also charted well, marking a high point for the band. Notably, "Crazy" reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., further solidifying their international appeal. The album also peaked at No. 43 on the Billboard 200.
"Man of Colours" won several accolades at the ARIA Music Awards in 1988, including Album of the Year and Highest Selling Album, underscoring its impact on the Australian music scene. Additionally, "Electric Blue" won the award for Most Performed Australasian Popular Work at the APRA Music Awards, highlighting its enduring popularity.
