Shade
Living Colour · 2017
48 min · 13 tracks · alternative metal
A bold fusion of alternative metal and funk, blending socially conscious themes with energetic instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Freedom of Expression (F.O.X.) — This track opens the album with a powerful rallying cry for individuality and self-expression, setting the tone for the socio-political themes explored throughout.
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Preachin’ Blues — By merging blues elements with hard-hitting lyrics, this song exemplifies the band's signature style while addressing systemic issues in society.
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Invisible — This poignant track navigates themes of marginalization and identity, illustrating Living Colour's knack for blending personal narratives with broader societal commentary.
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Inner City Blues — A cover of Marvin Gaye's classic, this rendition captures Living Colour’s ability to reinterpret influential songs while infusing them with their unique energy and perspective.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Shade combines energetic instrumentation with socially conscious lyrics, marking a strong return for Living Colour.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
- Lyrically, the album addresses social issues directly, with tracks like 'Inner City Blues' and 'Freedom of Expression (F.O.X.)' emphasizing political themes.
- 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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6/10
- 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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- thought-provoking lyrical themes
- mid-tempo rhythmic intensity
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a significant return after a long hiatus, showing continued artistic vitality.
- Career context
- Released on September 8, 2017, Shade is Living Colour's first album in over a decade, following their 2009 record The Chair in the Doorway. This album marks a significant return after a period of relative inactivity and showcases the band's commitment to addressing contemporary social issues through their music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Faith No More· Red Hot Chili Peppers· Incubus
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Freedom of Expression (F.O.X.) 2:54
- 2 Preachin’ Blues 4:20
- 3 Come On 3:22
- 4 Program 4:43
- 5 Who Shot Ya 3:38
- 6 Always Wrong 4:04
- 7 Blak Out 2:29
- 8 Pattern in Time 2:56
- 9 Who’s That 4:10
- 10 Glass Teeth 2:59
- 11 Invisible 3:44
- 12 Inner City Blues 4:00
- 13 Two Sides 5:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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