Texan psychedelic soul band The Black Pumas burst onto the music scene back in 2019 with their Grammy-nominated debut eponymous album. Track two – “Colors” – became a Grammy-nominated hit single, its official music video amassing 17 million YouTube views and an eye-watering 307 million listens over on Spotify.
So, when The Black Pumas took their hit to London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios for a live rendition, the feel-good clip went instantly viral, racking up more love than the official music vid and boasting over 56 million views to date!
This studio rendition of “Colors” is the definition of flawless. And if you’ve never heard The Black Pumas’ music before, you Music Man readers are going to be in for a treat.
Bright, summer blues vibes run crisp and vintage-inspired through the entirety of this hit; styled like a 60s/70s masterpiece, yet uplifted with the rich and crystalline potential of modern music tech.
Eric Burton’s silken voice dances over the band’s solid grooves, his tone bold and versatile, hitting surprising high notes and epic vibratos which glitz this track with a golden mood.
Eric’s lyrics are just as refreshing as his voice; painting a picturesque morning scene of inner optimism, togetherness, and community, evoking Bob Marley through his lyrics: “Now take me to other side / Little bitty blues bird flies / And gray clouds, or white walls, or blue skies / We gon’ fly, feel alright.”
Adrian Quesada busts into the song with a psychedelic guitar solo, channeling the greats of ‘60s rock while a prog organ warbles its lush chords in the background. And if Adrian’s solo didn’t blow you away, the organist’s extraordinary solo which follows is bound to melt your brain instead!
It’s not only loyal Black Puma fans who are being held spellbound by this clip. First-time Black Puma listeners have been revealing their thoughts in the YouTube comments, one viewer speaking on behalf of hundreds when they wrote, “This is absolutely bananas!!! I thought this was an older song, maybe 20 to 30 years old. This man’s soul is dipped in gold.”
Another viewer shed an intriguing light on the true meaning behind this uplifting, summery hit, writing, “Left my house with this song on my mind this morning. There was a kind of block party in my neighborhood. Sun was shining. People of all sorts were smiling, sharing their goodwill and food, music. All my favorite colors. I felt a lot of love out there. I will continue to believe in The Siblinghood of Humankind. Felt good.”
The Black Pumas continue to captivate with their unique blend of psychedelic soul, and the viral Abbey Road rendition of “Colors” is a testament to their extraordinary talent. If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of their music, you’re in for a treat. Discover more about this phenomenal band and their music by exploring the links below.