The main reason for this was the massive success of the album's first single, 'I Got You'. Penned by Neil Finn it in many ways sums up this album. It has the 'power pop' or 'new wave' sound that people attributed to Split Enz, combined with a catchy, clever hook.
The other Neil Finn songs on True Colours also show off this melodic sensibility. 'Missing Person' is typical pop while 'What's the Matter with You' is a fun and robust duet sung with the band's other singer-songwriter (and brother) Tim Finn.
Tim Finn is the main creative force of this album. His songs show a little more versatility and also reveal a sense of melancholy not present in his brother's contributions. 'I Hope I Never' is a depressing ballad and though the lyrics are a bit weak ("I still want to beam and smile/happiness is back in style") the melody is very strong. In this same sad vein- and also excellent- are 'Nobody Takes Me Seriously' and 'Poor Boy'. 'Shark Attack' is more power pop (with Finn comparing love to a shark attack), while 'I Wouldn't Dream of it' can best be described as a more conventional pop tune.
Rounding off True Colours are a couple of instrumentals from keyboardist Eddie Rayner. 'Double Happy' and 'The Choral Sea' share the same sense of melody present on the rest of the album. Best described as pulsating they sound quite a bit like some of the dance music around today, although obviously a bit more retro.
True Colours is a very good Split Enz album. Despite this, though, Split Enz are definitely not the type of band that appeals to everyone. Their music is generally keyboards-driven as opposed to the conventional guitar sound. This is the sort of record that would appeal to those who like their music to be a bit different.
RATING: 8/10
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