Living in Colour cover

Living in Colour

Shane Nicholson · 2021

39 min · 13 tracks

A vibrant blend of folk and country, woven with introspective lyrics and warm melodies that evoke both nostalgia and hope.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    And You Will Have Your Way — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its heartfelt arrangement and poignant exploration of love's complexities.
  • →
    House Burns Down — A stirring narrative that metaphorically addresses loss and rebuilding, showcasing Nicholson's skill in storytelling through song.
  • →
    How to Write a Song — This track offers an introspective look at the creative process, blending humor with sincerity, making it both relatable and engaging.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship but remains within familiar genre boundaries.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a reflective atmosphere.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies and instrumental arrangements that build gradually, enhancing emotional impact.
  • The lyrics often employ storytelling techniques, with vivid imagery that invites listeners to visualize the narratives being presented.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • introspective reflections on life
  • short tracks for quick listens
  • acoustic warmth for cozy moments
  • thoughtful storytelling in each song
  • gentle melodies for relaxed afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer long, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on August 20, 2021, 'Living in Colour' is Shane Nicholson's sixth studio album, following his critically acclaimed release 'Love & Blood' in 2019. At this point in his career, Nicholson had established himself as a prominent figure in the Australian music scene, blending elements of Americana with personal storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors
Josh Ritter· Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens

Tracklist

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

  • 1 And You Will Have Your Way 3:02
  • 2 Helena 3:36
  • 3 House Burns Down 2:55
  • 4 Simple Man 2:47
  • 5 Harvest on Vinyl 3:38
  • 6 The High Price of Surviving 2:39
  • 7 How to Write a Song 2:51
  • 8 Life Ain’t Fine 2:29
  • 9 High Horse 3:25
  • 10 A Million Angels 3:49
  • 11 Ain’t Been Loved 3:13
  • 12 Where in the World 2:21
  • 13 This Is War 3:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata