Top 10 Living Colour Songs

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Our selection of the top 10 Living Colour songs showcases the highlights of a versatile American band that has captivated audiences with its award-winning and critically acclaimed music. Often categorized as a hard rock ensemble, Living Colour’s sound is a masterful fusion of heavy metal, alternative rock, jazz, hip-hop, punk, and funk. The band’s formation took shape between 1984 and 1986 under the leadership of guitarist Vernon Reid, but it wasn’t until 1986 that they solidified their lineup with Vernon Reid on guitar, Corey Glover as vocalist, Will Calhoun on drums, and Muzz Skillings handling bass duties.

In the subsequent years, the band embarked on tours and played numerous club gigs. Their breakthrough came in 1988 with the album Vivid, which saw a surge in sales following MTV’s rotation of the “Cult of Personality” music video. Despite the commercial success of Vivid, the band sought wider recognition, joining The Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour as the opening act.

The band’s follow-up album, Time’s Up, was released to greater acclaim, peaking at number thirteen on the Billboard 200 and securing a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. Following this success, bassist Muzz Skillings departed, making way for Doug Wimbish, who contributed to the band’s third studio effort, Stain. However, creative differences led to the band’s hiatus in 1995, with members pursuing individual projects for five years before reuniting due to the band’s enduring popularity. Living Colour continues to perform and record, with Shade being their latest release in 2017. Here are the top 10 Living Colour tracks that either ignite or renew your appreciation for the band’s diverse and influential music.

# 10 – Middle Man

Leading off our top 10 Living Colour songs is “Middle Man” from the band’s debut album, Vivid. Crafted by guitarist Vernon Reid and vocalist Corey Glover, the song draws from a deeply personal source—Glover’s own teenage suicide note, written during a period of profound despair. Glover’s feelings of being overwhelmed by the turmoil around him are palpable in the lyrics. Yet, the story takes a hopeful turn as Glover realizes the power within himself to effect the necessary changes in his life, moving away from the brink of self-destruction. This track not only highlights the band’s ability to tackle serious personal issues but also showcases the transformative power of music and self-realization.

# 9 – Leave It Alone

Included on Living Colour’s third studio album, Stain, “Leave It Alone” stands out as a track that earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance. The song kicks off with compelling guitar riffs from Vernon Reid, setting the stage for a stellar vocal showcase by lead singer Corey Glover. Glover later shared that the song’s message centers on the importance of individuality and forging one’s own path in life. This theme of self-determination resonated with audiences, propelling “Leave It Alone” to a peak position of number 4 on the Billboard Modern Rock Chart, marking one of the band’s significant chart successes.

# 8 – Elvis is Dead

“Elvis is Dead” is a vibrant track from Living Colour’s album Time’s Up, penned by the band’s guitarist, Vernon Reid. The song benefits from the contributions of musical legends Little Richard and Maceo Parker, adding depth and flair to its composition. Central to the song is the theme of Elvis Presley’s demise, exploring the cultural impact of the loss of the renowned King of Rock and Roll. The lyrics ingeniously weave together references and phrases from various songs, including Paul Simon’s “Graceland” and Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power,” creating a rich tapestry that both celebrates and critiques Presley’s legacy and influence.

#7 – Solace of You

It’s somewhat surprising that this particular song didn’t initially receive the widespread acclaim it deserved, possibly overshadowed by the myriad of other powerful tracks on Living Colour’s album, Time’s Up. Over time, though, the song has rightfully earned its place among the top 10 Living Colour songs, gaining recognition for its unique blend of elements. The track opens with captivating guitar riffs that set a compelling tone, leading into Corey Glover’s melodic vocal delivery. There’s an undeniable allure to the song, enriched by a distinct Calypso music influence, which adds a vibrant layer to its overall composition. This combination of musical ingenuity makes it a standout piece that continues to resonate with fans.

#6 – Nothingness

Highlighted on their third studio album, Stain, “Nothingness” stands out for its ethereal and fluid bass lines, captivating listeners with its depth. The track is often praised by fans and critics alike for its introspective nature, providing a contemplative pause amidst the more dynamic selections on the album. Delving into themes of solitude and detachment, the song draws inspiration from drummer Will Calhoun’s personal experience, penned as a heartfelt homage following the passing of his father. In the song’s climactic moments, Corey Glover’s potent vocals take center stage, delivering an emotionally charged finale that underscores the track’s poignant message.

#5 – Open Letter (To a Landlord)

For the creation of “Open Letter (To a Landlord),” Living Colour’s guitarist, Vernon Reid, enlisted the creative prowess of poet Tracie Morris to craft lyrics that capture the evolving landscape of New York City’s East Village. Motivated by the rapid changes in the neighborhood, including the razing of historic buildings and displacement of long-term residents, Reid and Morris collaborated to articulate the sense of loss and transformation.

Morris contributed a wealth of lines, from which Reid, with his keen sense for impactful messaging, selected the most resonant, reflecting her dual role as a poet and activist. To complement Corey Glover’s compelling vocal performance, the band brought in the Fowler Family for background vocals, adding depth and harmony to the track. “Open Letter (To a Landlord)” achieved notable success, reaching number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989, and stands out as one of Living Colour’s significant hits from that period.

#4 – Type

I love the way the drums kick this song into gear. The bass and guitar line is just so addicting. The lyrics “We are the children of concert and steel.” is a very clever wasy of saying we are from the city. “Type,” a standout track from Living Colour’s second album Time’s Up, is celebrated as one of the band’s finest forays into alternative metal. From start to finish, the song captivates with its infectious instrumentals, drawing listeners into its dynamic soundscape.

As the track builds towards its conclusion, Living Colour delivers an electrifying performance that’s bound to leave an indelible impression. Thematically, “Type” delves into the stark contrasts of societal desires and realities, portraying the relentless pursuit of the unattainable by ordinary people, juxtaposed against the ease with which the affluent seem to fulfill their whims and desires, highlighting the disparities in access and privilege.

#3 – Glamour Boys

From their groundbreaking 1988 album Vivid, “Glamour Boys” emerges as a quintessential Living Colour track, marking one of the standout rock performances of that year. The song critiques the allure of high society among young men, particularly focusing on the lavish lifestyle pursuits centered around partying and fashion. It draws a vivid picture of affluent young men frequently seen in luxurious attire at New York City’s elite social scenes. The music video for “Glamour Boys” enjoyed significant airplay on MTV, contributing to the song’s widespread recognition. This acclaim culminated in a Grammy nomination in 1990 for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, further cementing “Glamour Boys” as a pivotal piece in Living Colour’s distinguished repertoire.

#2 – Love Rears Its Ugly Head

“Love Rears Its Ugly Head,” a standout track from Living Colour’s album Time’s Up, is celebrated as the most memorable song from the band’s second studio effort. This track is remarkable for its seamless fusion of R&B-inspired vocals with funk-infused guitar riffs, crafting an exceptional rock ballad that resonates with a wide audience. Achieving significant success, the song reached the number 12 spot on the UK Singles Chart, marking it as Living Colour’s most successful single in the UK. This accolade underscores the song’s broad appeal and the band’s ability to blend diverse musical styles into a cohesive and impactful composition.

#1 – Cult of Personality

Topping our list is “Cult of Personality,” the most iconic track in Living Colour’s repertoire and a cornerstone of their musical legacy. Drawing its title from a well-known psychological concept, the song weaves a tapestry of political references throughout its lyrics, establishing it as the band’s most acclaimed work on a global scale.

“Cult of Personality” has not only enjoyed commercial success but has also permeated popular culture, featuring in video games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and NBA 2K16, and serving as the entrance theme for WWE superstar CM Punk as well as being used in UFC events. The song’s memorable guitar riff, reminiscent of Led Zeppelin’s cool, innovative style, was fortuitously discovered during a rehearsal session, inspired by a sequence of notes vocalized by Corey Glover. This groundbreaking track has solidified Living Colour’s status as one of the most influential rock bands in history.