What makes Flying Colors by Trooper notable?

This album features the hit single '3 Dressed Up as a 9,' which became one of Trooper's signature songs, reaching top positions on Canadian charts. The record is notable for its mix of humor and social commentary, reflecting the band's unique style that would influence subsequent Canadian rock acts. Flying Colors is Trooper's second studio album, released in 1979 as a follow-up to their successful self-titled debut from 1975. At this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the Canadian music scene, building on the popularity gained from their earlier hits while developing a more polished sound.

How many songs are on Flying Colors?

Flying Colors has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Flying Colors

Trooper · 1979

40 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A vibrant blend of rock hooks and clever lyrics, capturing the exuberance of late '70s Canadian rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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3 Dressed Up as a 9 — This track is emblematic of Trooper's witty songwriting and catchy melodies, showcasing their ability to blend humor with relatable themes.
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Good Clean Fun — The song epitomizes the carefree spirit of the album, with upbeat instrumentation and playful lyrics that resonate with listeners seeking lighthearted rock.
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Quiet Desperation — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics and contrasting musical dynamics, illustrating the band's range beyond straightforward rock anthems.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases clever lyrics and solid rock hooks but lacks standout depth or innovation.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate playful lyrics that blend humor with social commentary, particularly evident in 'Go Ahead & Sue Me.'
The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace throughout, with only slight variations in energy levels across the ten tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Quiet Desperation

A poignant shift occurs when the perspective shifts from external observations to an internal struggle, revealing deeper emotional layers.

This structural choice not only enhances the song's emotional depth but also contrasts sharply with the album's otherwise lighter tone.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 3 Dressed Up as a 9 4:42
2 All Day & All Night 3:08
3 Go Ahead & Sue Me 4:20
4 Quiet Desperation 4:25
5 She's So Sweet 3:35
6 Mr. Big 3:22
7 Janine 4:10
8 Back to You 4:10
9 Good Clean Fun 4:46
10 Drive Away 3:42

What to play next

Listen next

Hot Shots

1979

Go back to

Thick as Thieves

1978

Full Trooper discography Artists like Trooper

rock music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata