True Colors (Zedd and Kesha song)

"True Colors"
Single by Zedd and Kesha
from the album True Colors
Released April 29, 2016 (2016-04-29)
Format Digital download
Genre
Length
  • 3:48 (album version)
  • 3:45 (single version)
Label
Writer(s)
Producer(s) Zedd
Zedd singles chronology
"Papercut"
(2015)		 "True Colors"
(2016)
Kesha singles chronology
"Timber"
(2013)		 "True Colors"
(2016)

"True Colors" is a song by Russian-German electronic music producer Zedd, it is the theme song for the upcoming superhero film X-Men: Apocalypse. The original version of song featured uncredited vocals by Tim James and was included on Zedd's second studio album True Colors (2015).[3] The official single is a new version of the track, with the vocals provided by American singer Kesha and was released as the album's fourth single on April 29, 2016.[4] They performed the song live at Coachella 2016.

Background

"True Colors" is Kesha's first music release in over three years, as she has been locked in a court case with her producer Dr. Luke, after ten years of alleged abuse. She first performed the song as a guest during Zedd's set at Coachella 2016. In late April, both Kesha and Zedd posted photos to their social media accounts confirming they were recording together.[5]

Composition

"True Colors" is a mid-tempo ballad[6] in the key of D minor with a tempo of 126 beats per minute. It follows a chord progression of Dm-C-Gm-Dm. Described by a Slant Magazine editor, the track opens with a muted keyboard melody before gradually building to a climax of rollicking drums and bells; a departure from Kesha's previous "party anthems" singles.[6] For a NME reviewer, is a "a moody, gothic electro ballad."[1]

Promotion

On May 23, 2016, Kesha will embark on the Kesha True Colors Tour to help promote the single.

Reception

Rolling Stone editor Brittany Spanos called it a "triumphant return" for Kesha. Comparing it to the album version, she stated "the style is more grandiose" in Kesha's take.[3] Agreeing with the latter, Nigel M. Smith from The Guardian wrote "Kesha’s audible rage lends the track a fire that was missing in its earlier incarnation."[2] Lars Brandle of Billboard wrote the song "is a powerful, moody tune and, lyrically, Kesha is in a fighting frame."[7] August Brown in Los Angeles Times noted "At Coachella, her surprise appearance had the gravity of something more than just another pop-star cameo. This recorded version is a welcome reminder of Kesha's considerable vocal talent."[8] Lucas Villa of AXS praised Zedd's direction, writing, "Under Dr. Luke, her vocals were mostly processed to hell but with Zedd, Kesha beautifully bellows the song's powerful message."[9]

Charts

Chart (2016) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [10] 76
Ireland (IRMA)[11] 81
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[12] 78

Release history

Country Date Format Label
Worldwide[13] 29 April 2016 Digital download
Italy[14] Contemporary hit radio Universal

References

  1. 1 2 Bassett, Jordan (April 29, 2016). "Kesha Emerges Defiant And Optimistic On 'True Colors', Her First Single In Three Years". NME. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  2. 1 2 Smith, Nigel M. (April 29, 2016). "True Colors review – Kesha is back in defiant anthem". The Guardian. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  3. 1 2 Spanos, Brittany (April 28, 2016). "Hear Kesha's Triumphant Return on Zedd's 'True Colors'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
  4. ↑ "True Colors - Single by Zedd & Kesha". iTunes Store. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Are Kesha and Zedd Working on New Music Together?". E! Online. Retrieved 2016-04-29.
  6. 1 2 Camp, Alexa (April 29, 2016). "Kesha Shows Her "True Colors" on New Zedd Track". Slant Magazine. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  7. ↑ Brandle, Lars (April 29, 2016). "Kesha and Zedd's Powerful Collaboration 'True Colors' Has Arrived: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  8. ↑ Brown, August (April 29, 2016). "Zedd releases new version of 'True Colors' featuring Kesha". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  9. ↑ Villa, Lucas (April 30, 2016). "Kesha thanks fans as Zedd-fronted 'True Colors' goes top 10 on iTunes". AXS.
  10. ↑ Ryan, Gavin (7 May 2016). "ARIA Singles: Drake 'One Dance' Is the No 1 Song". Noise11. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  11. ↑ "Chart Track: Week 18, 2016". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  12. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2016-05-12" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  13. ↑ "iTunes - Music - True Colors - Single by Zedd & Kesha". iTunes.
  14. ↑ "Zedd & Kesha - True Colors RadioDate". Radioairplay.fm. April 29, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2016.

External links

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