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True Colors

by Cyndi Lauper

Released: September 15, 1986

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"True Colors" is the second studio album by American singer Cyndi Lauper, released on September 15, 1986. This thematic shift from her debut album was driven by Lauper's belief in using her platform to discuss important issues. 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.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Other hits from the album include "Change of…

Other hits from the album include "Change of Heart" and "What's Going On".

The album is largely commentative on social issues…

The album is largely commentative on social issues, featuring songs about LGBT rights ("Boy Blue"), misogyny ("Calm Inside the Storm"), and spousal abuse ("911").

Musically, "True Colors" incorporates a diverse array of…

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.

Her influence and the album's impact continue to…

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.

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Essential Tracks

Change Of Heart

Other hits from the album include "Change of Heart" and "What's Going On".

Boy Blue

The album is largely commentative on social issues, featuring songs about LGBT rights ("Boy Blue"), misogyny ("Calm Inside the Storm"), and spousal abuse ("911").

Calm Inside the Storm

The album is largely commentative on social issues, featuring songs about LGBT rights ("Boy Blue"), misogyny ("Calm Inside the Storm"), and spousal abuse ("911").

What's Going On

Other hits from the album include "Change of Heart" and "What's Going On".

911

The album is largely commentative on social issues, featuring songs about LGBT rights ("Boy Blue"), misogyny ("Calm Inside the Storm"), and spousal abuse ("911").

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Explore the Album

Cyndi Lauper - True Colors

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Reception

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. 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.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"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.