Rainbow
Kesha · 2017
48 min · 14 tracks · country music
An empowering blend of pop and country that celebrates resilience through vibrant melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bastards Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Praying — As the album's lead single, 'Praying' encapsulates Kesha's transformation, blending powerful vocals with a message of hope and resilience against adversity.
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Woman — 'Woman' stands out for its bold celebration of femininity and empowerment, featuring an infectious groove that reinforces its theme of strength.
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Hymn — 'Hymn' serves as a rallying cry for those who feel marginalized, with uplifting lyrics that invite listeners to find their own strength and community.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Kesha's 'Rainbow' blends pop and country with empowering themes, showcasing her artistic growth post-legal battles.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of anthemic songs that build in energy.
- Several tracks feature prominent use of layered harmonies and call-and-response vocals, particularly in 'Woman' and 'Hymn'.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a contemplative close to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- steady mid-tempo uplifting flow
- empowering anthems for resilience
- celebratory moments with friends
- cathartic release through melodies
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- dislike emotional depth and reflection
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Kesha's artistic reinvention and received widespread critical acclaim.
- Themes
- personal empowerment· post-trauma resilience· feminine strength
- Career context
- Released in 2017, Rainbow marked Kesha's return after a tumultuous legal battle with her former producer. This third album was pivotal as it showcased her artistic reinvention, moving away from the party-centric sound of her earlier work to more personal and introspective themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lady Gaga· Demi Lovato· Britney Spears
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Praying
The climax shifts from despair to a triumphant declaration of self-worth and survival.
This transition represents Kesha's journey from victimhood to empowerment, highlighting her emotional evolution throughout the album.
Tracklist
- 1 Bastards Start here 3:51
- 2 Let ’em Talk 3:05
- 3 Woman 3:16
- 4 Hymn 3:25
- 5 Praying 3:50
- 6 Learn to Let Go 3:37
- 7 Finding You 2:52
- 8 Rainbow 3:38
- 9 Hunt You Down 3:17
- 10 Boogie Feet 2:53
- 11 Boots 3:03
- 12 Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You) 4:26
- 13 Godzilla 2:08
- 14 Spaceship 5:15
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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