Zedd and Kesha version
| "True Colors" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Zedd and Kesha | ||||
| from the album True Colors | ||||
| Released | 29 April 2016 | |||
| Recorded | 2016 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:45 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) |
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| Zedd singles chronology | ||||
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| Kesha singles chronology | ||||
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| Audio video | ||||
| "True Colors" on YouTube | ||||
The official single is a new version of the track with vocals provided by the American singer Kesha and was released as the album's fourth single on April 29,2016. [5] The song appeared in FIFA 17 .
Background
"True Colors" was Kesha's first music release in over three years,as she had been locked in a court case with her producer Dr. Luke,after ten years of alleged abuse. Along with support from other famous celebrities,Zedd offered to produce a song with her. [6] 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. [7]
Composition
"True Colors" is a mid-tempo ballad [8] in the key of D minor with a tempo of 126 beats per minute in half-time feel. It follows a chord progression of Dm-C-Gm-Dm. Kesha's vocals span from A3 (F3 in backing vocals) to D5 (F5 in backing vocals).[ citation needed ] The track opens and closes with a muted keyboard melody before gradually building to a climax of rollicking drums and bells,a departure from Kesha's previous "party anthem" singles. [8] According to a NME reviewer,it is "a moody,gothic electro ballad." [2]
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. [1] 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." [3] Lars Brandle of Billboard wrote the song "is a powerful,moody tune and,lyrically,Kesha is in a fighting frame." [9] 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." [10] 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." Despite minimal promotion from radio or a major record label,the song sold 52,000 copies in its first week. [11]
Charts
| Chart (2016) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) [12] | 76 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [13] | 66 |
| France (SNEP) [14] | 191 |
| Ireland (IRMA) [15] | 81 |
| UK Singles (OCC) [16] | 78 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 [17] | 74 |
| US Dance Club Songs ( Billboard ) [18] | 38 |
Release history
| Country | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 29 April 2016 | Digital download | ||
| Italy | Contemporary hit radio |
