Colors (Halsey song)

Last updated

"Colors"
Halsey - Colors.png
Single by Halsey
from the album Badlands
ReleasedFebruary 9, 2016 (2016-02-09)
Genre Electropop
Length4:09
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Dylan Bauld
Halsey singles chronology
"New Americana"
(2015)
"Colors"
(2016)
"Castle"
(2016)
Music video
”Colors" on YouTube

"Colors" is a song by American singer and songwriter Halsey from her debut studio album, Badlands (2015). It was released on February 9, 2016, through Astralwerks as the album's third single. The song was made available as a 7-inch single and a five-track remix EP titled "Complementary Colors". As of May 2024, the song has reached over 403 million streams on Spotify. [1]

Contents

Background

An electropop song, [2] "Colors" was written by Halsey and producer Dylan Bauld (also known as Dylan William). She stated during a performance at the Grammy Museum that she wrote most of the song, as a poem, at age 17, and later adapted it into a song two years later. She also stated it was one of her favorite songs that she wrote. [3] Halsey expressed to Complex magazine; "[Blue is] just my creative color. It's like so many things at once. It's electric, and it's bright, but it's also calm. It's also ethereal. Blue is just an otherworldly color to me. Blue is the sky. Blue is the sea. Blue for me represents the unexplored territory". [4] In another interview, she stated:

"My song 'Colors' is about being in a relationship with someone and kind of watching the vibrancy slowly start to leak out of them, watch the colors start to fade, whether they're falling victim to drugs or falling victim to work or any sort of negative behavior that's kind of taking them away from the bright and lively person that they used to be. You can kind of see them start to fade to gray, and you wish you had them back the way that they used to be". [5]

On January 21, 2016, Halsey revealed the single's artwork via Twitter. The art had been painted on the side of a building located at the intersection of Franklin Street and Meserole Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. [6] The picture features a black human silhouette standing in front of a dark green background. Lilac paint splashes around the head of the figure, which is a reference to the song's bridge. Upon its release, MTV's contributor Madeline Roth compared the reveal to the advertising campaign preceding Justin Bieber's album Purpose . [7]

Music video

A music video for the single was directed by Tim Mattia and released on February 25, 2016. [8] Prior to its release, Halsey unveiled two teasers of the music video on her Twitter and Facebook account. She also announced that the video would premiere on February 25, 2016, and would co-star actor Tyler Posey. [9]

The video received a positive reception upon release, with critics mainly focusing on the video's plot twist. Nylon contrasted the song's "dreamy nature" with the video's roller coaster storyline. [10]

The music video was filmed in 1120 Westchester Place and Westlake High School. [11] As of June 2022, the music video has received over 250 million views on YouTube. [12]

Live performances

"Colors" was promoted by Halsey in a number of live appearances, including Jimmy Kimmel Live , Boston Calling Music Festival and at 02 Academy Islington, London. [13] She also performed the song at the Billboard Women in Music 2016 event. [14] In 2017, she performed the song at the ACLU benefit event. [15]

Track listing

  1. "Colors" (Stripped) – 4:26
  2. "Colors" (Audien Remix) – 4:30
  3. "Colors" (Sam Feldt Remix) – 4:46
  4. "Colors" (Blonde Remix) – 4:58
  5. "Colors" (Joel Fletcher & Nathan Thomson Remix) – 4:11
A. "Colors" – 4:09
B. "Colors" (Stripped) – 4:26
  1. "Colors" (Radio Edit) – 3:30
  2. "Colors" (Stripped) – 2:57
  3. "Garden" (Demo) – 3:00

Charts

Chart (2016)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [18] 99
Czech Republic (Rádio – Top 100) [19] 24
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100) [20] 58
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100) [21] 66
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [22] 8
US Dance Club Songs ( Billboard ) [23] 23
US Pop Airplay ( Billboard ) [24] 38

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [25] Gold35,000
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [26] 2× Platinum120,000
Poland (ZPAV) [27] Platinum50,000
United Kingdom (BPI) [28] Silver200,000
United States (RIAA) [29] 2× Platinum2,000,000
Streaming
Sweden (GLF) [30] Gold4,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
United StatesFebruary 9, 2016 Adult album alternative radio [31]
February 29, 2016 Hot adult contemporary radio [32]
March 1, 2016 Contemporary hit radio [33]
VariousApril 22, 2016 Digital EP  – "Complementary Colors"Astralwerks [16]
United StatesJune 17, 2016 7-inch single [34]
Various
(except United States)
June 24, 2016 Virgin EMI [35]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Stop Dancin' (Becky G song)</span> 2014 single by Becky G

"Can't Stop Dancin'" is a song by American singer Becky G. An accompanying music video was released onto Gomez's official Vevo account on December 3, 2014. A remix by producer A.C. was released on February 12, 2015 followed by a remix featuring Colombian singer J Balvin, released on March 3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Talking Body</span> 2015 single by Tove Lo

"Talking Body" is a song by Swedish singer and songwriter Tove Lo, released to American contemporary hit radio on 13 January 2015 by Republic Records. It served as the second single from her debut studio album, Queen of the Clouds (2014). It reached the top 20 in Flanders, Canada, Finland, Sweden, The United Kingdom, and The United States.

<i>Badlands</i> (Halsey album) 2015 studio album by Halsey

Badlands is the debut studio album by American singer Halsey. It was released on August 28, 2015 through Astralwerks. Musically, Badlands is an electropop, dark pop, alternative pop, synth-pop, and pop record featuring industrial undertones. Halsey wrote every song on the album when she was 19, while production was handled by a number of producers. Norwegian producer Lido was one of the main producers on Badlands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Americana</span> 2015 single by Halsey

"New Americana" is a song by American singer and songwriter Halsey from her debut studio album, Badlands (2015). It was released on July 10, 2015 through Astralwerks as the album's second single. It was written by Halsey, Larzz Principato, and Kalkutta, while production was handled by Lido. Described as an alternative pop and electronic pop song, "New Americana" describes the normalization of aspects of counterculture in the United States, including recreational marijuana use and same-sex marriage. The original version of the song was first released on March 31, 2014 via Halsey's official SoundCloud account for streaming and free download.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Body on Me (Rita Ora song)</span> 2015 single by Rita Ora featuring Chris Brown

"Body on Me" is a song by British singer Rita Ora, featuring guest vocals by American recording artist Chris Brown. The song was released on 7 August 2015. A remix featuring American rapper and singer Fetty Wap was released on 25 August 2015

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghost (Halsey song)</span> 2014 Single by Halsey

"Ghost" is the debut single by American singer and songwriter Halsey from her debut studio album, Badlands (2015). The lyrics and musical composition are attributed to Halsey and Young Rising Sons' past member Dylan Scott. It was first released on February 3, 2014, on SoundCloud. On July 28, 2014, it was officially released by her record label and later included on her debut extended play, Room 93 on October 27, 2014. It was re-released as a single from her debut studio album, Badlands, along the re-release of the EP on March 9, 2015, through Astralwerks. Critical reception for the song was generally positive. The accompanying music video has received over 60 million views on video-sharing website YouTube.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Close (Nick Jonas song)</span> 2016 single by Nick Jonas

"Close" is a song recorded by American singer Nick Jonas from his third studio album, Last Year Was Complicated. The track features guest vocals from Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo. It was released on March 25, 2016, by Island, Safehouse and Republic Records as the album's lead single. The song was written by Tove Lo, Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter, and its producers Mattias "Mattman" Larsson and Robin Fredriksson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Now or Never (Halsey song)</span> 2017 single by Halsey

"Now or Never" is a song by American singer Halsey from her second studio album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017). It was released on April 4, 2017, through Astralwerks as the lead single with its music video being released simultaneously, as an instant grat with the album's pre-order. Halsey co-wrote the song with Starrah and its producers Cashmere Cat, Happy Perez, and Benny Blanco. It is a pop and dark pop song that also incorporates R&B.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alone (Halsey song)</span> 2018 song by Halsey

"Alone" is a song by American singer Halsey from her second studio album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017). A remixed version of the song featuring American rapper Big Sean and British rapper Stefflon Don was released on March 15, 2018 through Astralwerks as the third and final single from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad at Love</span> 2017 single by Halsey

"Bad at Love" is a song by American singer Halsey from her second studio album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017). It was released on June 2, 2017, through Astralwerks as the second single from the album. Halsey co-wrote the song with Justin Tranter, Ricky Reed, and Rogét Chahayed, with the song being produced by the latter two. Lyrically, the song encompasses the protagonist's past relationships and the reasons they were unsuccessful.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Without Me (Halsey song)</span> 2018 single by Halsey

"Without Me" is a song by American singer Halsey, released on October 4, 2018. Halsey wrote the song with Brittany Amaradio, Amy Allen, and Louis Bell; while production was handled by Bell and Dylan Bauld. It interpolates Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River" with Timberlake, Timbaland and Scott Storch credited as co-writers. It was released through Capitol Records as the lead single from Halsey's third studio album, Manic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">11 Minutes (song)</span> 2019 song by Yungblud and Halsey

"11 Minutes" is a song by English musician Yungblud and American singer-songwriter Halsey, featuring American musician Travis Barker of rock group Blink-182. The song was released by Locomotion Recordings and Geffen Records on 13 February 2019. "11 Minutes" was written by Yungblud, Halsey, Matt Schwartz, and Brynley Rose Plumb. Production was handled by his main collaborator Matt Schwartz as well as Chris Greatti, and Zakk Cervini. An official remix of the song by American DJ Kayzo was also released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nightmare (Halsey song)</span> 2019 single by Halsey

"Nightmare" is a song by American singer Halsey. It was released as a single on May 17, 2019 and was sent to top 40 radio on May 21, 2019 through Capitol Records. The song was written by Halsey along with its producers Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat, and Happy Perez. The music video, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, accompanied its release the same day. The song was added as a bonus track on the extended version of Halsey's fourth studio album If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earfquake</span> 2019 single by Tyler, the Creator

"Earfquake" is a song by American rapper Tyler, the Creator. It is the second song from his fifth studio album, Igor (2019). It features an uncredited guest appearance from fellow American rapper Playboi Carti and background vocals by American singers Charlie Wilson and Jessy Wilson. It was released as the album's lead single to rhythmic contemporary radio on June 4, 2019. Its official remix by Channel Tres was released on October 4, 2019. "Earfquake" is Tyler, the Creator's highest charting song in the US, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also ranked 14th on Billboard's 100 Best Songs of 2019 list.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good as Hell</span> 2016 single by Lizzo

"Good as Hell" is a song recorded by American rapper and singer Lizzo. Written by Lizzo and producer Ricky Reed, it was released on March 8, 2016, by Atlantic Records and Nice Life Recording Company as the lead single from her first extended play, Coconut Oil, and subsequently was the namesake for her 2017 Good as Hell Tour. It was re-released in 2019 as a radio single, when it became a sleeper hit like her first hit, "Truth Hurts". The song was later included as a bonus track on the super deluxe edition of her third studio album, Cuz I Love You (2019), alongside its remix.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Graveyard (song)</span> 2019 single by Halsey

"Graveyard" is a song by American singer Halsey. It was released on September 13, 2019 through Capitol Records as the second single from her third studio album, Manic (2020). It reached the Top 40 in fifteen countries worldwide and is certified double platinum in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wanted (OneRepublic song)</span> 2019 single by OneRepublic

"Wanted" is a song by American band OneRepublic, released as the second single from their fifth studio album Human through Interscope Records on September 6, 2019. It was co-written by frontman Ryan Tedder with bassist Brent Kutzle, and Casey Smith, Tyler Spry and Zach Skelton. On December 20, 2019, a new version titled "Wanted ", was released, which features more string instruments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Should Be Sad</span> 2020 single by Halsey

"You Should Be Sad" is a song recorded by American singer Halsey. It was released on January 10, 2020, through Capitol Records as the third single from their third studio album, Manic (2020). Halsey wrote the song with their producer Greg Kurstin. "You Should Be Sad" is a country pop ballad that features lyrics about a breakup and an unfaithful ex-lover.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Be Kind</span> 2020 single by Marshmello and Halsey

"Be Kind" is a song by American producer Marshmello and American singer Halsey. It was released as a single through Joytime Collective, Astralwerks, and Capitol Records on May 1, 2020. "Be Kind" peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside of the United States, "Be Kind" peaked within the top 10 of the charts in Malaysia and Singapore and within the top 20 in Australia, Canada, and Lithuania, as well as the top 40 of the charts in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The song appears on Halsey's eighth extended play (EP) and first compilation EP, Collabs (2020) and the deluxe version of her third studio album, Manic (2020).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Am Not a Woman, I'm a God</span> 2021 single by Halsey

"I Am Not a Woman, I'm a God" is a song by American singer-songwriter Halsey from her fourth studio album If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power, released on August 27, 2021, through Capitol Records. The song impacted US contemporary hit radio on August 31, 2021, as the lead single from the album. It was written by Halsey, Johnathan Cunningham, and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, and was produced by the latter two, who produced all tracks on the album.

References

  1. "Colors". Spotify . August 28, 2015.
  2. Mike Wass (January 7, 2016). "Halsey Preps "Colors" As The Third Single From 'Badlands'". Idolator. Retrieved April 27, 2016.[ permanent dead link ]
  3. "Halsey: Colors — Live at the Grammy Museum". YouTube . September 23, 2019. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  4. Morris, Jessie. "Halsey Talks Her New Album, 'Badlands'". Complex. Archived from the original on July 11, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  5. Corrinston, Michele (May 3, 2016). "Halsey explains the meaning of her hit song 'Colors'". Sirius XM Holdings . Archived from the original on December 24, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
  6. "HALSEY ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE "COLORS" VIA BROOKLYN GRAFFITI". fuse.tv. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
  7. "Halsey Announced Her New Single In A Very Bieber-esque Way". mtv.com. Archived from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
  8. Geffen,Sasha. "HALSEY HAS A CRUSH ON TYLER POSEY IN THE 'COLORS' VIDEO — OR DOES SHE?". MTV. Archived from the original on February 28, 2016.
  9. Lauletta, Tyler. "HALSEY DROPS TEASER FOR "COLORS" VIDEO FEAT. TYLER POSEY". Fuse.
  10. Hartounian, Nanor (February 25, 2016). "Halsey's New Music Video Will Take You On An Emotional Roller Coaster". Nylon.
  11. "If You're A Halsey And American Horror Story Fan You Might Need To Sit Down..." PopBuzz. Archived from the original on October 20, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  12. "Halsey – Colors". February 25, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016 via YouTube.
  13. "Live Review: Halsey @ O2 Academy Islington, London — Fortitude Magazine". fortitudemagazine.co.uk. September 17, 2015. Archived from the original on September 19, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  14. "the best live music performances — Halsey 'Colors' Live Performance | Billboard Women in Music 2016". Live Music Nation. December 18, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  15. "Halsey, Machine Gun Kelly, Skrillex and more to play ACLU benefit show". Alternative Press. February 12, 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  16. 1 2 "Complementary Colors – EP by Halsey". iTunes Store (US). April 22, 2016. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
  17. "Halsey Releases Limited Edition "Colors" 7"". Astralwerks. May 30, 2016. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
  18. Ryan, Gavin (March 12, 2016). "ARIA Singles: Lukas Graham Spends 4th Week at No 1". Noise11. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  19. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 27. týden 2016 in the date selector. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
  20. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 14. týden 2016 in the date selector. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
  21. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201614 into search. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
  22. "Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard . January 2, 2013. Archived from the original on March 1, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  23. "Halsey Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  24. "Halsey Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  25. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2017 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  26. "Brazilian single certifications – Halsey – Colors" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  27. "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2021 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry . Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  28. "British single certifications – Halsey – Colors". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved January 5, 2019.
  29. "American single certifications – Halsey – Colors". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  30. "Halsey – Colors" (in Swedish). Grammofonleverantörernas förening. Archived from the original on April 14, 2024. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  31. "Alternative > Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
  32. "Hot/Modern/AC > Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on February 22, 2016. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  33. "Top 40/Mainstream > Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on February 19, 2016. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  34. Lantinen, Chris (May 20, 2016). "Halsey's 'Colors' 7-inch up for pre-order". Modern Vinyl. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
  35. "Colors 7" Single". Virgin EMI Records. Archived from the original on August 29, 2016. Retrieved August 29, 2016.