"Any Colour" is a track from Cutting Crew's debut album, Broadcast, released in 1986. The album is best known for the hit single "I Just Died in Your Arms," which catapulted the band to international fame. Although "Any Colour" did not achieve the same commercial success, it remains a beloved song among fans.[citation needed][weasel words]
About "Any Colour" the songwriter Nick Van Eede said:
"That is the song where things clicked for us. Everything that took five days previously would take about ten minutes. Kevin, our founding member with me, who is sadly no longer with us, flew in from Halifax, Nova Scotia to be with Terry Brown in his studio in Toronto. Terry, the Rush producer, was already my mate. The session really worked. Nick had this beautiful guitar part and said that is all he had, and I came up with another part. We wrote it in twenty minutes, and it became our first demo. We really didn’t change much of it when we recorded it properly, later. The song is about people who click. Kevin had no ego. When you make music together, that is the biggest elephant in the room, when somebody says, “It’s okay, but I prefer my idea.” Then you just go around in circles."[1]
"Any Colour" stands out for its rich instrumentation and evocative lyrics. The song speaks about personal freedom, individuality, and the beauty of diversity. It encourages listeners to embrace their unique identities and not conform to societal expectations. Nick Van Eede has mentioned that many songs on "Broadcast" were inspired by personal experiences and the tumultuous emotions of young adulthood, with "Any Colour" reflecting his views on self-expression.
"Any Colour" reached the 83rd position on the UK charts, it has been praised for its lyrical depth and melodic strength, often cited by fans as a favorite track. It has also been a staple in Cutting Crew's live performances, eliciting an emotional response from audiences.
While overshadowed by the massive success of "I Just Died in Your Arms", "Any Colour" contributes to the album's overall narrative and showcases the band's versatility. Its themes of individuality and acceptance continue to resonate, making it a timeless piece in Cutting Crew's repertoire.