Vivid

Vivid is Living Colour’s debut album, which was released on May 3, 1988. The band was discovered by Mick Jagger while playing a show at the legendary punk club CBGB’s in 1987. Although they were considered “unique” by the mainstream media, they attacked the Eurocentrism and racism of America with their music. The fact that Living Colour is an all-black heavy metal band drew much attention to the band and the album, which contained three singles and became one of the most popular albums of 1988, reaching #6 on the Billboard 200 and certified double platinum by the RIAA. The band was immediately launched into superstar status and would receive a Grammy for their next studio release. The song “Funny Vibe” features a cameo appearance from Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav. The album is included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. The album also contains a cover version of the Talking Heads’ “Memories Can’t Wait”.





Track listing

Original
“Cult of Personality” - 4:54
“I Want To Know” - 4:24
“Middle Man” - 3:47
“Desperate People” - 5:36
“Open Letter (To a Landlord)” - 5:32
“Funny Vibe” - 4:20
“Memories Can’t Wait” (David Byrne, Jerry Harrison) - 4:30
“Broken Hearts” - 4:50
“Glamour Boys” - 3:39
“What’s Your Favorite Color? (Theme Song)” - 3:56
“Which Way To America?” - 3:41

2002 Re-Release
“Cult of Personality” - 4:54
“I Want To Know” - 4:24
“Middle Man” - 3:47
“Desperate People” - 5:36
“Open Letter (To a Landlord)” - 5:32
“Funny Vibe” - 4:20