25 Black Pumas “Colors”

Every once in a while I discover a song and think that no one else knows it. One reason for this is that I never listened to the radio after high school. I would get recommendations from friends, seeing bands play, and indie magazines. This is, of course, silly and led to embarrassing moments such as my being shocked that other people had heard of Wilco’s “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart.” Don’t get me started on “Hey Ya!”

Black Puma’s “Colors” may have been another one if I hadn’t kept my mouth shut.

The first time I heard it, I assumed it was a classic R&B track from the 60s that was a hidden gem (to me.) The sounds are so authentic that I’d put money that the mics are at least vintage. At least a dollar.

It starts with a small riff on an acoustic guitar and swelling organ. The vocals kick in with a piano and simple bass drum coupled with clap/rim click on the snare and minimal hi-hat. Notice how the build to the has even more organ kick in. It’s a subtle increase to the chorus which sets the groove. And just when you think the song has settled into it’s groove with the chorus, the chorus is repeated and extended with even more instrumentation.  

Popular music, maybe since Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound, does not do much experimentation with sound dynamics. The volume tends to stay at the same level and at best it’s the introduction and removal of instruments that offers any real differences. Typically, that doesn’t do as much for the feel compared to a song which actually changes the volume dynamics, such as the Violent Femmes “Blister in the Sun.” 

I feel like the Black Pumas’ “Colors” manages to take the instrumentation version of sound dynamics and manage to make it have the same impact as songs that have the musicians play softer and louder for that dynamic range.

Every musical move, every instrument’s introduction, every additional vocal is just perfect. So, for everyone familiar with the song and wondering what’s wrong with me, just put it on your head phones and time how long before you head starts doing the nodding groove.