Album Review: Colours by Goapele
Album Review: Colours by Goapele
Goapele returns with her first new album in six years.
Goapele has emerged as a multifaceted artist whose talents extend beyond her acclaimed vocal abilities. Her sixth studio offering, Colours, is a monument to her evolution as a musician and a creative force. Released under her own Skyblaze Recordings, this eight-track collection stands out for its sensuality and lasting impact in a genre that does not have many standouts this year. Goapele’s songwriting shines through, with each song forming a vivid, atmospheric world that is bound to captivate its audience.
During the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Goapele took to her studio to pen and record a number of tracks that would collectively form Colours. The project is a collaborative triumph featuring a selection of her most trusted musical allies, including Bedrock, Chris Dave, Keyon Harold, Mike Aaberg, Marcus Phillips, Chris Johnson, Nate Mercereau, and Errol Cooney, some of whom have been with her since her early career.
Colours is an auditory voyage that Goapele meticulously crafts. Her sweet, enchanting vocal tones guide listeners through a series of charming melodies. “Time Heals,” the album’s lead single, is an evocative piece, promising healing and patience with its ethereal tune and poetic lyrics. It’s followed by the tender warmth of “Color My Heart” and the allure of “Need You,” which promises to be a favorite for its magnetic pull on the heartstrings of those in longing. Conversely, “Enough” is a raw articulation of self-doubt and the quest for self-worth.
Adding to the album’s allure is “Purple,” a song co-written with Lauren Evans, featuring the guitar stylings of Nate Mercereau. “Purple” is not merely a song but an experience in itself, inspired by a fully formed piece of music that preceded the lyrical concept. It’s a track that enveloped Goapele in a vivid aural hue, compelling her to match its energy with lyrics and melodies that evoke the spirit of Prince. Accompanied by a music video directed by Damien Sandoval and featuring the talented Omari Hardwick—an actor with whom Goapele shares a rich history, including the film “Sparkle”—“Purple” serves as a centerpiece for the album’s rich narrative.
Goapele imbues her every project with profound emotion, but Colours resonates with her on an intense level. The record navigates the complexities of time, such as the enchanting stasis in “Ojai,” where time seems to halt amidst pure joy, and “Time Heals,” which muses on the therapeutic passage of time and the clarity that emerges with each forward step. Goapele reflects on this, acknowledging the daunting nature of uncertainty, yet she remains steadfast in her resolve, embracing the belief that outcomes will naturally align with their meant course.
This album stands out in Goapele’s work, not for individual tracks that demand immediate attention, but for its cohesiveness as a unified musical experience. Unlike the stand-alone hits from her past work, Colours offers a suitable auditory journey. It’s a sophisticated enhancement to her body of work, inviting her fans to engage with the album as a whole rather than a mere series of individual pieces.
Great (★★★★☆)
Favorite Track(s): “Time Heals,” “Purple,” “Enough”