Time's Up
Living Colour · 1990
71 min · 18 tracks · alternative metal
A dynamic fusion of rock, funk, and social commentary that challenges conventions through vibrant instrumentation and powerful lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pride — This track combines an infectious melody with a powerful message about self-identity and resilience, representing the band's commitment to addressing social issues.
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Love Rears Its Ugly Head — With its catchy hooks and poignant lyrics about love and betrayal, this song showcases the band's ability to blend personal themes with broader societal commentary.
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Elvis Is Dead — This provocative track critiques cultural icons and appropriation, using sharp wit and strong instrumentation to make a bold statement about identity in America.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres with impactful lyrics but has some uneven pacing due to bonus tracks.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a heavy guitar riff that transitions into a funk groove, setting a dynamic tone for the album.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes and shifts in musical style, such as moving from hard rock to jazz influences within the same song.
- The lyrics often tackle social issues directly, with songs like 'Pride' using vivid imagery and strong vocal delivery to convey their messages.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- dynamic flow with emotional peaks
- vibrant energy for active listening
- thought-provoking themes for reflection
- engaging live tracks for excitement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward single tracks
- seek mellow background music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — 'Time's Up' showcases Living Colour's artistic ambition and social commentary, marking a high point in their catalog.
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 1990, 'Time's Up' was Living Colour's second studio album, following their breakthrough debut 'Vivid'. This release came at a pivotal time when the band was solidifying their identity as genre-defying artists in a predominantly white rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Faith No More· Red Hot Chili Peppers· Incubus
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Pride
The chorus shifts to an empowering declaration of self-worth amidst criticism.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Time’s Up 3:06
- 2 History Lesson 0:52
- 3 Pride 4:54
- 4 Love Rears Its Ugly Head 4:19
- 5 New Jack Theme 3:30
- 6 Someone Like You 3:49
- 7 Elvis Is Dead 3:49
- 8 Type 6:28
- 9 Information Overload 6:11
- 10 Under Cover of Darkness 4:17
- 11 Ology 1:07
- 12 Fight the Fight 4:33
- 13 Tag Team Partners 0:47
- 14 Solace of You 3:37
- 15 This Is the Life 6:22
- 16 Final Solution (live in Chicago Nov ’90) 5:47
- 17 Middle Man (live in Chicago Nov ’90) 3:45
- 18 Love Rears Its Ugly Head (AKA Soul Power mix) 4:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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