Cyndi Lauper - True Colors
Cyndi Lauper followed the huge success of her debut album with True Colors, a confident and more personal record that showcased her versatility as both a vocalist and songwriter. Released in 1986, the album moved beyond the playful energy of She’s So Unusual and revealed a more mature and emotionally expressive side to Lauper’s music.
The title track, “True Colors”, became one of her signature songs, celebrated for its heartfelt message and timeless melody. Alongside emotional ballads, the album also delivers energetic pop moments such as “Change of Heart”, “Boy Blue” and “What’s Going On”, demonstrating Lauper’s ability to move effortlessly between styles while maintaining her distinctive personality and vocal character.
Musically, the album blends 80s pop production with rock, soul and new wave influences, creating a sound that feels polished yet full of individuality. Lauper’s expressive voice remains the focal point throughout, shifting from vulnerable and delicate to powerful and energetic within moments.
On vinyl, True Colors offers warm analogue textures and dynamic arrangements that suit the era’s rich studio production particularly well. The layered instrumentation, strong melodies and emotional range make it an engaging listen from beginning to end.
More reflective and artistically ambitious than her debut, True Colors helped cement Cyndi Lauper’s reputation as far more than a one-album pop phenomenon. Decades later, it remains a defining release of 1980s pop music and one of the strongest albums in her catalogue.