Living Colour's Time's Up

The 1990 album Time's Up by Living Colour, a renowned Black rock band, was recorded in the aftermath of their debut record Vivid's success. The album combines different music styles and features collaborations with artists like Little Richard, Queen Latifah, Maceo Parker, and Mick Jagger. Despite the clash of sounds and styles, the album creates a bold and brilliant chaos that reflects the essence of rock & roll. It holds great relevance in light of its forward-thinking politics and lyrical engagement with social and political issues. The album explores the creation and reception of Time's Up and examines the legacy of Living Colour as a culturally important and groundbreaking American rock band.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Living Colour's iconic album Time's Up, released in 1990, emerged as a remarkable testament to the band's musical prowess and lyrical depth. Following the immense critical and commercial success of their debut record Vivid, Time's Up was recorded in the aftermath of this extraordinary achievement. This sophomore effort stands as a testament to the band's forward-thinking politics and unwavering commitment to addressing pressing social and political issues.

The album's title itself carries a profound significance, symbolizing a call to action and a demand for change. It encapsulates the collective voice of Living Colour, expressing their determination to confront the injustices and inequalities prevalent in society. Through a fusion of diverse musical styles and collaborative partnerships, Time's Up showcases the band's ability to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms.

The album opens with the title track, "Time's Up," a confrontational hardcore-thrash metal masterpiece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Lead singer Corey Glover's apocalyptic wail juxtaposes with Doug E. Fresh's human beat box, creating a chaotic yet captivating soundscape. This bold and brilliant collision of sounds and styles exemplifies the essence of rock & roll—its ability to create chaos and ignite a sense of rebellion.

Living Colour's sophomore effort holds great relevance in the current political and social climate, where issues of racism, classism, police brutality, and social inequality continue to be forefront in people's minds. The album's lyrics delve deep into these topics, offering a powerful commentary on the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities. Collaborations with artists as diverse as Little Richard, Queen Latifah, Maceo Parker, and Mick Jagger further enhance the album's musical and lyrical diversity, adding a layer of authenticity and depth to the messages conveyed.

In exploring the creation and reception of Time's Up, Kimberly Mack delves into the artistic challenges and creative processes that went into the album's production. Interviews with members of Living Colour provide insights into the band's vision and the inspiration behind their music. The album's legacy is further examined, considering its impact on the music industry and its role in shaping the cultural landscape of the 1990s.

Living Colour's Time's Up is a testament to the band's artistic brilliance and their unwavering commitment to social justice. It stands as a culturally important and groundbreaking American rock album that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today. Through its boldness, creativity, and lyrical prowess, Time's Up serves as a reminder that music has the power to challenge, inspire, and bring about positive change in the world.

Weight: 138g
Dimension: 121 x 165 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501377518