14 Songs Characterized by Colors features ‘colorful’ songs courtesy of Cardi B, Fantasia, Kacey Musgraves, Mansionair, and Vampire Weekend.  

What would life be like without different colors? It would definitely be boring and quite dull to say the least.  Thankfully, there’s an array of colors and even better, there are numerous songs written with colors in mind.  While it would likely take a lifetime to explore and analyze every single colorful song in the world, we have selected a few – 14 to be exact – for this particular playlist, 14 Songs Characterized by Colors. The musicians supplying the ‘colorful’ songs for our playlist include Cardi B (“Bodak Yellow”), Fantasia (“So Blue”), Kacey Musgraves (“Rainbow” 🌈), Mansionair (“Violet City”), and Vampire Weekend (“Big Blue”) among others.  And, while we are at it, why not highlight one of many colorful songs that didn’t make the list – Beck’s Grammy-nominated pop performance, “Colors”!

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1. Dustin Lynch, “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes 👀”

Ridin’ Roads [Single] • Broken Bow • 2019

Color(s): Red, Blue

“Let’s go somewhere where corn grows tall / Down a road that ain’t got no name / Let’s dust off a bottle on the bank by the river / Come on, baby, I can’t wait.” Tennessee country musician Dustin Lynch closes out his 2019 three-song single, Ridin’ Roads, respectably with “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes.” “Red Dirty, Blue Eyes” remains idiomatic of country, while also incorporating an awesome groove.  There are some synths in the mix, a prominent bass line, and some fine rhythmic guitar in the mix.

With such a supportive backdrop, Lynch is able to flaunt his ever-compelling vocals as he convinces (or attempts to convince) her to go to the middle of nowhere and ‘have some fun.’  Like “Ridin’ Roads” and “Little Town Livin’” that precedes it, the chorus serves as the centerpiece.

“To get you on some red dirt
And get lost in your blue eyes
I wanna see your little sun tan
Lit up in the moonlight
Gonna dance you in the midnight sky
And kiss you ‘bout a thousand times
Gotta get you on some red dirt
And get lost in your blue eyes.”

It should also be noted, “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes” isn’t the only ‘colorful’ record that Dustin Lynch has recorded. On his 2017 album, Current Mood, ole boy was “Seein’ Red”.

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2. Mansionair, “Violet City”

Shadowboxer • Glassnote • 2019

Color: Violet

“Wide awake in this violet city / Where it washes over me / It hurts to say that I want you with me / Just draped across my frame.” Sigh, “Violet City” is a sleek record that arrives as the seventh track on Shadowboxer, the debut album by Grammy-nominated Australian trio, Mansionair (Lachlan Bostock, Alex Nicholls, and Jack Froggatt). Mansionair previously appeared on the stellar 2017 ODESZA record, “Line of Sight”, hence their Grammy-nomination in advance of their debut album. But we’re not here to discuss “Line of Sight,” despite its continued brilliance – this is all about “Violet City.”

What makes “Violet City” a highlight?  The vocals are lovely, particularly the commanding and pureness of the falsetto.  In addition to the vocals contributing to the sleekness, the production is epic, characterized by its rhythmic intensity, carried by the beat and a barrage of synthetic sounds.  The lyrics aren’t too shabby either, but it’s easy to get lost in the vibe that Mansionair has brilliantly assembled.  The chorus is pretty sweet:

“Ooh, I can’t help myself, the moment that I let it go
Is when I find I’m in control, in control
Ooh, I need something else, the moment that I let it go
Is when I find I’m in control, I’m in control.”

Also worth noting, another color-related single, “Technicolour”, appears on Shadowboxer.

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3. Vampire Weekend, “Big Blue”

Father of the Bride • Sony • 2019

Color: Blue

“Big Blue” gave Grammy-winning alternative rock band Vampire Weekend a brief, tight advance single.  Advance single to what you ask? Well, the band’s highly-anticipated fourth studio album, Father of the Bride arrives May 3, 2019.  Frontman Ezra Koenig sings with ease from the onset, backed initially by an incredibly mellow, instrumental backdrop.

Interestingly, “Big Blue” has no verses, only choruses, iterated four times total:

“Big blue, for once in my life I felt close to you
I was so overcome with emotion
When I was hurt and in need of affection
When I was tired, and I couldn’t go home
Then you offered protection
So, am I learning my lesson?
Or am I back on my own?”

A little more than 30 seconds in, “Big Blue” gains more oomph with an expanded instrumental palette.  That expanded palette includes rhythm and lead guitars and a choral vocal pad. All in all, the resulting sound is celestial, pleasant, and maintains a degree of simplicity, never growing overcomplicated.  In many ways, “Big Blue” has similar vibes to another comparably short advance single, “2021.”

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4. Kacey Musgraves, “Rainbow 🌈”

Golden Hour • MCA Nashville • 2018

Color: Rainbow 🌈

“Well the sky has finally opened / The rain and wind stopped blowin’ / But you’re stuck out in the same ol’ storm again…” Oh, what beautiful, beautiful lyrics, sigh.  At the 61^st Annual Grammy Awards, Kacey Musgraves came out victorious, winning the highly-coveted, prestigious award for Album of the Year (Golden Hour).  It was somewhat surprising, yet, critically, Golden Hour was one of the most beloved albums of 2018.  A mellow, but well-rounded affair, there are a number of memorable songs, including the gorgeous, colorful ballad on hand, “Rainbow.”

The superb chorus, excerpted above, continues, “You hold tight to your umbrella / Well, darlin’, I’m just tryin’ to tell ya / That there’s always been a “rainbow” hangin’ over your head.” “Rainbow” doesn’t arrive until the end of Golden Album.  Despite this, it caps off this fabulous affair incredibly meaningfully. This is among those totally can’t-miss, expressive piano ballads, period. Her voice, which is consistently ‘on-point’ throughout Golden Hour, is at its very best on “Rainbow.” This record, penned years before Golden Hour, was special to Musgraves – a favorite of her late grandmother’s. Furthermore, “Rainbow” has taken on a new, anthemic role in the LGBTQ community.  Pretty cool, right? Arguably, this is one of Musgraves’ very best performances and songs of her career.

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5. Bradley Cooper, “Black Eyes 👀”

A Star is Born • Interscope • 2018

Color: Black

One song comes to mind when the soundtrack or film A Star is Born is mentioned: “Shallow”. Rightfully, the conversation should be about the Grammy-winning and Academy Award-wining hit – it’s that damn good.  But, “Shallow” doesn’t fit the parameters of this list, so, we go with “Black Eyes,” a song performed by Bradley Cooper.

“Black eyes open wide / It’s time to testify / There’s no room for lies / And everyone’s waitin’ for you.” “Black Eyes” is actually the first full-length song that appears on A Star is Born, following a brief intro.   Cooper, who is known more for his acting prowess, sounds strong here, delivering a commanding, assertive performance.  He’s gritty and locked-in, not over-singing, yet impressing with various ad-libs and nuances. In addition to his Cooper’s mean-sounding performance, the guitars rock hard, giving “Black Eyes” an alluring edge and overall intensity.

“Black Eyes” also appears on the playlist, 11 Songs That Are Sure to Catch Your Eyes.

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6. Breaking Benjamin, “Red Cold River”

Ember • Hollywood • 2018

Color: Red

“Run, run, run / Red cold river / Run, run, run / Red cold river.” Soft and Breaking Benjamin don’t belong the same sentence – understatement.  Nonetheless, initially, “Red Cold River,” a song from their 2018 album, Ember, seems like frontman Benjamin Burnley is going to keep things, well soft.  Ultimately, the softness is only temporary, occurring on the introduction and recurring for brief spells during the song.

For the most part, however, characteristically, Breaking Benjamin are ‘turned all the way up’ on the dynamic, minor-keyed “Red Cold River.”  The accompanying music video has a tragic storyline.  There are relatively few lyrics, but they are certainly on the chilling side of things to say the least.

“I can’t feel anything at all
This life has left me cold and damned
I can’t feel anything at all
This love has led me to the end.”

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7. Cardi B, “Bodak Yellow”

Invasion of Privacy • Atlantic • 2018

Color: Yellow 

“Said, ‘I’m the shit, they can’t fuck with me if they wanted to.’”  Yeah, that should characterize the attitude and confidence that Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B showcases on “Bodak Yellow”.  It’s no secret that “Bodak Yellow” marks Cardi B’s breakout, career-changing hit.  Yup, call it what it is – her ‘ace in the hole.’ Perhaps hearing about those “bloody shoes” was a bit ‘played out’ by the time Invasion of Privacy would ultimately materialize, but the notability of the record can’t be diminished in the least.

On this ‘yellow’ song, Cardi B has her fair share of outlandish, tough, and hella memorable lyrics.  On the first verse, she asserts, “I might just feel on your babe, my pussy feel like a lake / He wanna swim with his face, I’m like, ‘okay.’  But perhaps the best, most eyebrow-raising lyric comes when Cardi spits, “My pussy glitter is gold, tell that lil bitch play her role.” Uh – what can you say to that in all honesty? Of course, it’s the chorus that shines above the rest, in all its badass glory.

“Said, ‘Lil bitch, you can’t fuck with me if you wanted to’
These expensive, these is red bottoms, these is bloody shoes
Hit the store, I can get ‘em both, I don’t wanna choose
And I’m quick, cut a n*gga off, so don’t get comfortable, look
I don’t dance now, I make money moves
Say I don’t gotta dance, I make money move
If I see you and I don’t speak, that means I don’t fuck with you
I’m a boss, you a worker, bitch, I make bloody moves.”

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8. Ezra Furman, “Peel My Orange 🍊 Every Morning”

Transangelic Exodus • Bella Union • 2018

Color: Orange

“I’m in love with an angel, and a government is after us, and we have to leave home because angels are illegal, as is harboring angels.” In 2018, gender-fluid rock musician Ezra Furman delivered one of the best albums that very few people heard with his self-described, ‘Queer Outlaw Saga,’ Transangelic Exodus.  Just how good was Transangelic Exodus? Well, it ended up as The Musical Hype’s pick as the sixth best album of 2018. Transangelic Exodus is among the most ambitious concept albums you’ll ever come across, encompassing transangelicism, as well as topics including spirituality, body transformation, and a number of issues affecting the LGBTQ 🌈 community. “Peel My Orange Every Morning” fits the parameters of this colorful list, thanks to featuring ‘orange’ in its title.

“I eat an orange 🍊every morning / And I take my time with the peel / It’s my beginner’s meditation / To start my little journey on an even keel.” “Peel My Orange 🍊Every Morning” keeps things incredibly short – under two-minutes and closer to one-minute-and-a-half short.  Despite its brevity, “Peel My Orange 🍊Every Morning” is punchy, incorporating bombastic, noisy sounds, and ideas into the mix.  According to Furman, “Peel My Orange 🍊Every Morning” “is a short song about fruit and coping mechanisms.” Honestly, the ‘coping mechanisms’ seem most important, though he does go on to sing at the end of the song, “I am citrus: peel back my skin / Open me and expose the soft wet inside.”

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9. Allen Stone, “Brown Eyed Lover”

Brown Eyed Lover – Single • ATO • 2018

Color: Brown

“I’ve got a brown eyed lover / On the other side of town / I don’t wanna keep her waiting / (I don’t wanna keep her waiting, waiting).” Washington soul singer, Allen Stone, returned in 2018 with a compelling, thoughtful new single, “Brown Eyed Lover”. “Brown Eyed Lover” centers around a successful, enduring relationship. Early on, the soulful groove kicks in, and all is well with the world, sigh. Stone delivers superb lead vocals as always, which are also well-produced – ‘finesse’ if you will.  From a musical perspective, a superb harmonic progression keeps things interesting. As aforementioned, the songwriting is excellent.

On the first verse, Allen Stone hopes, yet wonders if his relationship will ultimately last. So far, so good:

“Oh, she’s got everything you want
Wardrobe bought at the thrift shop
All my friends adore her
She reminds me of my mother
She wonders how my day went
And don’t care about my paychecks…”

Later, on the second verse, he worries she’ll find someone with more time, then, much like the first verse, he lists all of her selling points.  Safe to say, ‘she’s a keeper.’ Between the verses, a simple, but incredibly effective chorus serves as the centerpiece. Stone doesn’t overcomplicate things, singing his heart out.  The second-half of the chorus goes a little something like this:

“…She’s got me upside tongue-tied
Twisted all around
I don’t wanna keep her waiting
(I don’t wanna keep her waiting, waiting).”

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10. Lorde, “Green Light 💡”

Melodrama • Universal Music • 2017

Color: Green

“‘Cause honey I’ll come get my things, but I can’t let go / I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it.” “Green Light” served as an early indication that Grammy-winning alternative pop artist Lorde was evolving her sound on her 2017 sophomore album, Melodrama.  Being a departure, “Green Light” gives her a fresh start.  Lorde doesn’t sound particularly smooth vocally, but her rasp, coarse tone is quite appealing. Her intensity is a selling point, as she shows feistiness from the onset.

“But I hear sounds in my mind
Brand new sounds in my mind
But honey I’ll be seein’ you ‘ever I go
But honey I’ll be seein’ you down every road
I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it.”

After delivering the pre-chorus in her lower register, everything comes together on the aforementioned chorus, which is incredibly infectious.  Danceable production work and fantastic backing vocals provide the cherry on top.

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11. mansionz, “Rich White Girls 👱‍♀️”

Mansionz • Interscope • 2017

Color: White

“Rich white girls / All I’m doing is wasting my time chasing rich white girls, yeah / All they do is bitch and they whine…” Hmm, what happens when two under-appreciated, incredibly talented musicians collaborate together? Fire.  Mike Posner and blackbear collaborate as mansionz, an eclectic group formed in 2016 encompassing hip-hop, pop, and R&B.  Their self-titled debut arrived in 2017, though arguably, it didn’t receive its just due.  Was that because of an infectious, if utterly shallow song like “Rich White Girls?” Perhaps… yeah, probably.

Blackbear nails the chill, yet blunt chorus, which ranks among the most memorable of Mansionz. Continued from above, it plays out something like this:

“So, tell me what could I give you that your daddy can’t give you?
Baby, what could I give, to a rich white girl?
They only love me when I pay ‘em no mind.”

If you can’t get enough of “Rich White Girls,” or rather, ‘rich’ songs in general, check out the original playlist from which this song appeared, 9 Songs That Thrive Off Being Rich.  “Rich Sex” is complimentary…

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12. Fantasia, “So Blue”

The Definition of… • RCA • 2016

Color: Blue

“If these walls could talk here’s what they’ll say / I haven’t seen my man in about four days / He’s been missing and lost since he found out / I done brought another man up in this house.” Well now… On a side note, besides the creeping, it should be noted that blue is my favorite color, hence why there are so many blue songs on this playlist.  Now with that out of the way, we welcome the talents of the dynamic Fantasia with her blue highlight from her 2016 album, The Definition of…, “So Blue.” She’s “so blue” for obvious reasons…

“If I could take it back, baby I would take it back / Cause see I want my man to stay / But then I see the facts, and this is how I react / I wish I handled it another way.”  “So Blue” thrives off its jazzy-soul groove, with an ‘old-school’ vibe written all over it.  Naturally, the diva excels in moments like these, showcasing a mean attitude where she’s confident and incredibly feisty.  The chorus says it best – “I’m so blue, so blue, so blue / Crazy and gone over you, over you…”

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13-14. Frank Ocean, “Pink + White” & “White Ferrari 🚗”

Blonde • Boys Don’t Cry • 2016

Color: Pink; White

The 13th (and 14^th) song on this colorful playlist arrives courtesy of one alternative, urban contemporary artist – Grammy-winner Frank Ocean.  Both of these colorful records – “Pink + White” and “White Ferrari” – appear from the same album, Blonde, which was released in 2016.  It should be noted, that Ocean has another ‘white’ song in his collection, “White” from channel Orange.  But this isn’t about “White,” but rather, about “Pink + White” and “White Ferrari.”

Beginning with “Pink + White,” it’s set in six-eight meter, giving it a more soulful, true R&B sound.  While Ocean remains the star, he’s assisted by big names – Pharrell Williams (production) and Beyoncé (background vocals).  He references a past life and love experience, Hurricane Katrina, and a temporary “high.”

“Just the same way you showed me, showed me
You showed me love
Glory from above
Regard, my dear
It’s all downhill from here.”

“Bad luck to talk on these rides / Mine on the road / Your dilated eyes watch the clouds float / White Ferrari…” The beastly Ocean enlists Bon Iver on the radiant “White Ferrari.” A pristine example of alternative fused with pop and urban cues, there’s clearly magic.

“I care for you still and I will forever
That was my part of the deal, honest
We got so familiar
Spending each day of the year
White Ferrari.”

Is this really about a car? No, of course not.  This wouldn’t be Frank Ocean if he wasn’t using metaphors.  This is all about love, evidenced by the aforementioned lyrics.  It should also be noted that “White Ferrari” originally appeared on a 2017 list published on The Musical Hype, 16 Foreign Car Songs.

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[Photo Credits: Atlantic, ATO, Bella Union, Boys Don’t Cry, Broken Bow, Glassnote, Hollywood, Interscope, MCA Nashville, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Sony, Universal Music]

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