I can’t help but give a knowing grin when younger black folks realize that not all black artists are rappers. Look up Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, or Sister Rosetta Tharpe. If you want to see more all-black bands, check out X, Bad Brains, and, Death.
@@RobSquadReactions Rock & Roll was birthed from the Black community. Look up specifically Little Richard & Chuck Berry. Then, why is Elvis called "King of R&R"? First, he rejected that title. Something about the only king being Jesus. but, he also knew he learned from the masters--Chuck Berry & Little Richard. The record labels thought only black audiences would listen to "negro music". Thus, they discounted Rock & Roll. When they heard Elvis, they were excited to have a white kid with a "negro sound". So, they promoted him. Some in the black community thought he "stole" their music & were offended. When Elvis played Little Richard's "Tutti Fruiti" on national TV, some in the Black community were outraged, including LIttle Richard. But, millions of Elvis fans simultaneously said to themselves "I gotta check out Little Richard!" that's when LIttle Richard realized that he had been honored & respected when Elvis sang one of his songs, not "ripped off". Check out: LIttle Richard - "Tutti Fruitti" or "Good Golly Miss Molly" Chuck Berry - "Johnny B. Goode" or "No particular Place to Go"
Fun Fact: Living Colour was discovered by Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger when they were performing at CBGB's. He produced their early demos and got them a record contract and set them as the Stones' opening act on the next tour.
Yep, I saw them open for the Rolling Stones on the Steel Wheels Tour in 1989. A lot of the Baby Boomer Stones fans, were gobsmacked by these guys when they exploded onto the stage. It was still a half empty stadium (old CNE Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) but they really filled the space. Quite a show even before the Stones appeared.
I was 20 in 1988 when this was released, and I remember Arsenio Hall introducing them live on his show! The music is just as good today as it was then, really timeless!
I was 18 in 1988..and yes! We played the crap out of this!!! Never even cared or thought about them being black- none of us did- and I’m a little white woman living in the Deep South- though nothing of if, other than loving it! 🤷🏻♀️. ✌️
@@JoeBlack1108 because mainstream not that I take any stock In that, didn't give them the props, they so richly deserved, & they shut have been a household name. More people are agreeing with me, than not. That's just my opinion, that they were underrated & underappreciated for the musical talents that they were
@@Kevin-cy4qn well my friend, they were played everywhere when I was young. I live in Ontario, Canada. Esp had a tribute guitar in Vernon Reid's name in 2017, I wish I would have bought one. I didn't know it was going to be one run, really kicking myself
Still holds up today and does not sound dated at all, at least to me. I was coming of age during this era, I'm 44 now I guess I was probably 12. 13, 14, somewhere in there when this came out and it melted my face. To this very day this song still melts my face
They were so significant and such underrated artists. Vernon Reid needs to be hailed for his frantic licks that initially seems so outlandish until you really listen to the patterns of his playing, wild swoops of sonic sound, simply sublime on so many levels. They were sure as hell not a gimmick. Legit hard rock legends.
True that. That song came out when the grunge era was beginning to pick up in rock. I would also say their rock is more post grunge before it could even be post grunge. In today's age with Trump and the dangers of dictatorship and how people blindly follow someone they believe to be a leader that only exploits them, this song becomes more relevant than ever. Lead singer Corey Glover has a voice that hasn't aged and Vernon Reid is one of the best guitarists I have ever listened to.
Yes baby boy, this is a Black rock band! Being a Black woman born in 1955, I have endeared myself to all forms of music. I'm so proud that these guys are brave enough to be free. You take this opportunity to discover your freedom my friend👍🏾👵🏿🙆🏾♀️🎵💖.
Janet, this so true. When I talk about why I love reactors, I explain how I'm reminded of how good we had it. We've experienced decades of amazing music. So lucky 👍🏾❤🇺🇸👵🏿
Music is the language of the heart. It's really cool that all these kids are learning it again through these reaction videos happening. I find it kinda comical, cuz we knew how good this band is.
You had a look like; "Did they want me to react to this because they're black? ...or because they're a good band? They are a very good band and they happen to be black 🖤
Living Colour was such an underrated band and I'm glad they are still together also Cult of Personality is my favorite song of theirs also the band is called Living Colour not The Colour or Thr Living Colour it's just called Living Colour
mmm yes and no the fact he says Gandi and stalin were the same fuck no they werent on any level there are these books you can find them in this large buildings they are called history books look up stalin murdered 3 million of his own people vs Gandi who advicated that there was too much of gap between the rich and poor and managed to beat the dominate power of the 20th Century the British Empire into handing back India to its people without violence and without firing a gun. So fuck that comparison
@@RK-zf1jm I never interpreted the song to be saying they were the same. I've always interpreted it to mean that there are extreme opposite ends of personalities that have made up history. Famous personalities, but their existence have made us all who we are today, because Ghandi, Stalin, Kennedy, Mussolini, all impacted the world's history. Everyone on the planet share the same world history. Therefore, we have more in common than we sometimes realize. That's music, I guess. Different people have different interpretations.
All virtuosos! Vocals,,,, killin it! Guitar,,,, killin it! Bass,,,, thumpin! Drums,,,,,, kickin asss! These guys are extremely talented and, still touring! If you get a chance to see them dont miss it!
As soon as you saw they are black, the look on your face, eyes open wide, pausing the video.... priceless! (I knew that would be your reaction) This band was incredible when they came out. This songs kicks ass and love it every time I hear it. The message in the lyrics is powerful and on point as well!
My mom LOVED this band. Back in the olden days before the internet, she would write letters back and forth with them. They’d actually reply! Super nice and talented guys.
I grew up as a young teen in this era living in the midwest. I can tell you, as a very young metal head, we were ALL SHOOK when this came out. It was like nothing we'd ever seen or heard before on so many levels and your reaction, although 30+ years later, mirrored and is on point with what many of us felt when we saw this on MTV for the first time. Our heads were blown. We (metal heads) LOVED them. How couldn't we? They smashed barriers that were profound at the time and had some of the most incredible musicianship and lyrics to back it up. Vernon Reid (the guitarist) just crushed it on this song and played his ass off. Truly amazing! IMO, this song sounds just as fresh and relevant in 2021 as it did the day it came out.
I was about 11, music didn’t have assigned races in my conditioning yet. As I got older I understood the significance. What a great time for music, unfortunately we’re still facing the same issues. Be well.
As a fellow 80's metalhead(Loved Beavis & Butthead, too! LOL), who was already a metalhead, by the time this came out, as it was unheard of, havin Black's, other than the great's, like Jimmy Hendrix & Slash, it was still unheard of, to see an all Black group, that could clash with the best of them, back then. So, with it still even more fresh in our head's back then, it was a bit more of a shock, makin us love it that much more! Cause, like I said bout Hendrix & Slash, but they were just the guitarist's, not the whole band. And, when Aerosmith & RUN D-M-C teamed up, and did a remake of Aerosmith's old song Walk This Way, it was even after this came out! And, with the huge feud, between the metalhead's & rapper's back then, it was a huge ordeal, and damn near unheard of. So, it sent shockwave's in every direction!
Number one on my top 3. 1. Only you can set you free. 2. Don't dream it, be it. 3. As soon as you're born you start dying so you might as well have a good time.
I'm 57 years old , these guy's are my all time favorite band , got to see then live. This was their # 1 hit and it's great but so many great songs. Type is a good one ..
Bro, it’s Living Colour and a bigger kick was they were waaayyy ahead of their time. This was during the hair/glam metal bands like Mötley Crüe. These guys flipped the script on everyone.
@@clonexx Metallica can't hold a candle to Living Colour on musicianship, songwriting, or style. Compared to the stuff Vernon Reid was doing on guitar, Metallica may as well have been Kenny G, he was so far ahead of them. Burnin' Vernon grew up playing with Ronald Shannon Jackson's Decoding Society, which is free jazz and musicianship of the HIGHEST order. Kirk Hammett made his career playing stuff Vernon outgrew by the time he was 18. Will Calhoun could do things with one foot that took Lars Ulrich two, and Will's groove is so deep your gonna loose your damn HOUSE in that pocket. And Cory Glover is one of the 10 best male rock singers ever to open his mouth. Not. Even. A. Competition.
@@lightaces You’re perfectly entitled to your opinion, but I would bet a substantial amount of money that the majority of metal fans and musicians would pick 80s era Metallica over Living Colour. Lars used to be a great drummer, he isn’t anymore. Hetfield is one of, if not the best rhythm guitarist of all time. Kirk is mediocre most of the time but has his moments. Cliff was insane on Bass and Jason was a beast as well. It comes down to taste, because music is largely subjective. The era he was talking about though, the hair metal era? That was Metallica firing on all cylinders. More bands have been influenced by them than any other metal band from that era. I never said Living Colour had no talent, I wasn’t even comparing their talent to Metallica. I was responding to him saying that they were ahead of their time in the hair metal era, which Metallica had been the same since 1983 through their first 4 albums and all of the 80s.
@@clonexx A lot of stuff is subjective. It is simply fact that the dudes in Living Colour have a broader and more complex musical experience than anyone else in Metal, and really most guys in rock. You put anyone in Metallica on a stage with Sonny Rollins, they're out of their league. They are completely lost, and have no clue what to play, unless Sonny takes pity on them and plays a simple blues. You put any of the guys in Living Colour on that same stage, and they can not only hang, they can cut some heads. Metallica is only really comfortable playing Metallica. Living Colour can play Metallica at least as well as Metallica (and Will could do it with only one kick pedal - no kidding, I've heard him do it), but they could also play with Ornette Collman, Sam and Dave, John Lee Hooker, Earth Wind and Fire, Emmy Lou Harris, Sting, Prince, or anything else you can name, and they can play them all at a level the guys in Metallica can only occasionally reach when playing their own music. You say yourself, Kirk "has his moments." Vernon is nothing BUT amazing moments. One of these days the rest of us might catch up to the ideas he was working on, but I doubt it. I'm not talking about popularity. I'm talking about musicianship. There is NO competition. The guys in Metallica are rock stars. The guys in Living Colour are musicians. I know which one I care about, and it's not how much Gucci James Hetfield can buy.
@@lightaces I don’t care about money or “rock stars”, it’s a simple fact that I enjoy Metallica’s music over Living Colour’s, and I’m a musician. You’re making statements that you have no way to verify or back up. You have no idea what kind of talent as a musician James has. He’s well more than just a thrash “chug chug chug” guy. Rob could hang with the best of them, just listen to his work in Suicidal Tendencies, but he wasn’t there in the 80s Metallica era we’re talking about. I listen to a fairly diverse range of music, but my home is and always will be metal. I’ve been into bands like Dream Theater, been into them since their first album, especially since they are from Long Island, where I used to live. There’s also more to a band being good than just musicianship. Dream Theater isn’t nearly as big as a lot of bands with severely less talented people in it. They’re all insane musicians at the top of their respective instruments, yet they aren’t that big in the US. Songwriting talent and lyrical talent both also play a huge role in being a musician. I recently listened to Shade, and it’s a good album, was an interesting listen. I’m not sure why you felt the need to come in and go off about Living Colour in the first place. The fact is Metallica was breaking molds and led the thrash world for 3 years before Living Colour had a consistent lineup, the one you were referring to for their talent I believe, and 5 years before the masses got to hear Cult of Personality. While I said I dislike the solo in the song, that doesn’t mean I don’t like the song, the hook is amazing. All I said was “Metallica has entered the chat” and you seem to have taken it as some sort of slight against ILC, it wasn’t. It was an answer to someone saying they were breaking molds in the hair metal era, which Metallica happened to be doing, a year before ILC was even formed and 3 years before the mega talented lineup was formed, that’s all. It doesn’t mean ILC weren’t breaking molds also, because more than one band can be doing so at the same time. Have a good one bud.
Do not EVER apologise for reacting Jay, songs hype you up, bring you down, shock you, shook you, bring you tears and/or slap a smile on your face. A bit of language is no issue to me, it's part of your reaction to what is an awesome song by an extraordinary band/group (not sure what to call them either). I'm white, in my late 40s and a New Zealander; I remember when this song hit the air, loving it, seeing the video, still loving it. Now? Bopping along like you, singing along to the bits I remember. This journey you are on is going to hit you with every emotion available, and maybe a few new ones, but you are going to love most it. Keep being awesome Jay.
My brother, you do not have any flaws. You and your wife Amber deliver all the time. From an admiring fan in Los Angeles, CA. God Bless. Love anything the both of you put out there. Continue no matter what. F…… the criticism
You response at the end being so shocked had me giggling. "I'm outta here, I can't do this" lmao Now you know to always keep an open mind about anything because you never know.
This is one of the greatest Rock songs of all time! Perfect song, perfect singing, perfect guitar, perfect bass, perfect drums, perfect message. It’s just perfect. Love this song!
I think your reaction was the same as all of us in the 80’s. With all the great blues singers and Motown and then Hendrix, I think we were all saying yes to Living Color.
This video was HUGE when it debuted on MTV. (back when they actually played music) Oh man, I LOVED this reaction! This music expedition you're on is a long road with many surprises and us subscribers? We just get to sit back and enjoy watching you learn what we already know. Keep up the good work and your channel will do very well. You're straight up with minimal bullshit at the beginning. You don't interrunpt every 15 seconds. Keep doing what you're doing!
@@acemodez3169 it's fun to see people learning about music we grew up on. Sometimes it seems strange though because my son is in his mid 20s and knows music from every genre/decade.
@@jacquiekrieger2170 it seems odd to me that so many people have never heard some songs. They're such good songs and played so much like do they live under a rock? I understand people don't grow up listening to some genres or whatever except I've always known so much music forever even music way before my time, same with old tv shows actually. It's very difficult to find something I haven't at least heard of if not listened to (or watched)
Living Colour = one of the most underrated rock bands, Cult of Personality = Best rock song 1988, look on your face when you realize they are black = PRICELESS!!!
Um.... Around the 1920s, the cool white kids had to sneak across the tracks to get some of the best music in town. Berry Gordy founded MoTown, because "Black music" wasn't being properly respected by the existing music labels. Although there are divisions...anyone can play anything. There are black country music legends. There are white Hip Hop or Rap legends, too. America is free like that.
@@kathyp1563 I meant division within the audience. I have everything from Rare Earth to Parliament to John Denver to Mozart and Led Zeppelin. Labels are part of the intuition that's trying to keep us from binding together.
@@deannacrownover3 Ah. I agree whole-heartedly. The audience always liked what they liked. The audience always just respected talent. The labels made assumptions & created divisions.
I've heard this a million times. Still as good as it was back when i was a teenager. These men can rock, and still do. I second the Fishbone recommendation. I remember seeing them on SNL back in the 80's wondering what in the hell i had just seen.
I opened a compact disc store in 1988. Three groundbreaking albums came out that year. Every one of them still sounds fresh and pertinent today. Joe Satriani - Surfing With The Alien; Living Colour - Vivid (pick any song); Guns N Roses- Appetite for Destruction. And I like to add an honorable mentions for Melissa Etheridge’s self-titled first album with som terrific acoustic guitar work (6 and 12 string) coupled with very well crafted songwriting and singing.. “Like The Way I Do” Somebody Bring Me Some Water are written with beautifully unusual construction for rock songs IMO. My favorite lyric from Cult: is: You Gave Me Fortune, You gave me fame, You gave me power in your Fod’s name” Loved this reaction, Jay. Almost everybody of any race felt the same way when we first heard and saw them on MTV! Not sure how I missed it when you originally did this one. Thank you.
Look at you! haha! How can you NOT head Bang to this! Your whole body and mind is IN right NOW! Classic! Best Rippin Dirty Metal Riff ever! Glad you discovered it. Enjoying it all over again with you! Your reaction makes me feel good ROB!
Such a relevant song, even today. Top notch talent here. I remember when it was released, blew everyone's minds! So glad you are having the experience ☺️
When this burst onto the radio, not many folks knew they were black. They were unbelievable and a breath of amazing, electric fresh air. And their lyrics are even more appropriate today.
@@vickiroman189 I found Living Color because of Corey Glover's acting. Herd he had a band and I wanted to check it out. Then they blew up on MTV. Just thought everyone knew the band was black, Never really thought it that strange back then.
@@larzakalazerath6655 Guess I should have said most folks I knew didn't know they were black. I am surprised about the number of black reactors who are shocked when they see them. Just another example proving great music has no color. Have a great day, fellow music lover!
@@vickiroman189 I find it funny too. Especially since Rock n roll and metal was so inspired by a lot of blues and Motown which has been dominated by all kinds of black Artist. You are so right about great music. It has always broke though all divides that we silly humans make. Hope your day has been grate as well !
This is from a time when you needed talent to succeed, no auto tune in sight. I remember when this first came out, we didn't care that they were black, we just recognized a banger when we heard it.
Fishbone is a little lighter than them. One of my all time favorites… Ska/Reggae mixed with rock. Bad Brains are🔥. They are heavy heavy punk rock . Representation matters and the Rock genre needs more black musicians that can melt faces.
We keep telling y'all the 80's and 90's were the best decades. I literally just played that sound a couple weeks ago introducing it to my 3 kids. Love that song.
This on of my favorite 80s rock songs. When it comes on the radio, I never turn it off. It still sounds fresh to me. Vernon Reid is an underrated and underappreciated guitarist.
We heard that song on WEBN local radio station when it debut and rocked out! Later that day saw the Premiere Video on MTV and had our minds blown when we saw it was a all black band! They rock and one of my top 5 songs! When we heard it on the radio you couldn’t tell, love Living Colour!
I’m so glad for your reaction! This song was huge back in the day. I didn’t appreciate the deeper meaning as much when I was a teen, but I never get tired of this song. I’m glad it blew you away. The twins who react on UA-cam mostly commented on their tight pants and missed the significance of the band and song.
Enjoy the ride! I''m envious of all your first times... at least we get to tag along as you experience all the music we grew up with. Saw the title and knew exactly what was gonna happen :) Okay, here's my Top 10 songs for you to try: Tracy Chapman - Fast Car Alter Bridge - Words Darker than Their Wings (Live at Royal Albert Hall) Beth Hart - Am I the One (Live at Paradiso) Pearl Jam - Black (MTV Unplugged) Stevie Ray Vaughan - Texas Flood (Live at El Mocambo) PMJ ft Haley Reinhart - Creep (Radiohead cover) Chris Stapleton - Sometimes I Cry (Bing Lounge) Marcus King - Wildflowers & Wine (World Cafe) Sturgill Simpson - Call to Arms (SNL) Jason Isbell - Vampires (Austin City Limits)
You asked what the cult of personality was. It's referring to the ability of charismatic people to gather huge followings of people no matter what the people are spouting, good or bad simply based on how charming they are. And that people will blindly follow those people even if what they're saying makes no sense at all to humanity.
Vernon Reid, the lead guitarist, is ranked #66 in the top 100 Greatest Guitarists of all time. The entire band was underrated.
he should be top 20!
Absolutely underrated!!! One of the most influential and long lasting bands of all time
I wish I could hit like a million times.
He is one of the reason that I even learned the axe.
Considered by many more of a jazz guitarist in a rock band than a rock guitarist.
Not just a Black rock band, but a great rock band.
The look on your face when you noticed they were black was priceless, imagine how your students will react
Last thing I was expecting 😂🔥
@@RobSquadReactions 🤣😂🤣
I can’t help but give a knowing grin when younger black folks realize that not all black artists are rappers. Look up Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, or Sister Rosetta Tharpe. If you want to see more all-black bands, check out X, Bad Brains, and, Death.
@@RobSquadReactions Rock & Roll was birthed from the Black community. Look up specifically Little Richard & Chuck Berry.
Then, why is Elvis called "King of R&R"? First, he rejected that title. Something about the only king being Jesus. but, he also knew he learned from the masters--Chuck Berry & Little Richard.
The record labels thought only black audiences would listen to "negro music". Thus, they discounted Rock & Roll. When they heard Elvis, they were excited to have a white kid with a "negro sound". So, they promoted him. Some in the black community thought he "stole" their music & were offended. When Elvis played Little Richard's "Tutti Fruiti" on national TV, some in the Black community were outraged, including LIttle Richard. But, millions of Elvis fans simultaneously said to themselves "I gotta check out Little Richard!" that's when LIttle Richard realized that he had been honored & respected when Elvis sang one of his songs, not "ripped off".
Check out:
LIttle Richard - "Tutti Fruitti" or "Good Golly Miss Molly"
Chuck Berry - "Johnny B. Goode" or "No particular Place to Go"
Prince was one of the best rock guitarists on the planet.
He may have released a lot of R&B type albums but seriously, that man could play
Fun Fact: Living Colour was discovered by Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger when they were performing at CBGB's. He produced their early demos and got them a record contract and set them as the Stones' opening act on the next tour.
Yep, I saw them open for the Rolling Stones on the Steel Wheels Tour in 1989. A lot of the Baby Boomer Stones fans, were gobsmacked by these guys when they exploded onto the stage. It was still a half empty stadium (old CNE Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) but they really filled the space. Quite a show even before the Stones appeared.
Great info. Slàinte 😊
Living Colour - still blowing minds 30 years later!
I was 20 in 1988 when this was released, and I remember Arsenio Hall introducing them live on his show! The music is just as good today as it was then, really timeless!
I was 18... LOVED them, saw them live. They were ahead of their time, in a world of Glam Rock, they broke the mold. They should have been even bigger
I was 18 in 1988..and yes! We played the crap out of this!!! Never even cared or thought about them being black- none of us did- and I’m a little white woman living in the Deep South- though nothing of if, other than loving it! 🤷🏻♀️. ✌️
*CM Punk has joined the chat*
*CM Punk has entered the vibe lounge*
the performance on Arsenio Hall made me buy 'Vivid'. Incredible performance.
wow i was like 13, and was great, it was like , welcome to the jungle GNR
Living Colour was SO UNDERRATED!!
Not in Holland, we love these guys
Still are. Their cover of “Who Shot Ya?” gives me chills!
How was it underrated? In was huge in the 80s, I know I was there.
@@JoeBlack1108 because mainstream not that I take any stock In that, didn't give them the props, they so richly deserved, & they shut have been a household name. More people are agreeing with me, than not. That's just my opinion, that they were underrated & underappreciated for the musical talents that they were
@@Kevin-cy4qn well my friend, they were played everywhere when I was young. I live in Ontario, Canada. Esp had a tribute guitar in Vernon Reid's name in 2017, I wish I would have bought one. I didn't know it was going to be one run, really kicking myself
I love it when black people react to living colour and say ‘what! There black! 😂
Such a great band.
This was in the late 80’s! They were so ahead of their time- true innovators.
Still holds up today and does not sound dated at all, at least to me. I was coming of age during this era, I'm 44 now I guess I was probably 12. 13, 14, somewhere in there when this came out and it melted my face. To this very day this song still melts my face
They were so significant and such underrated artists. Vernon Reid needs to be hailed for his frantic licks that initially seems so outlandish until you really listen to the patterns of his playing, wild swoops of sonic sound, simply sublime on so many levels. They were sure as hell not a gimmick. Legit hard rock legends.
Headbangers ball y'all kicked major keister and im 73 so thereee
This group was *SO* ahead of their time. I don't think the world was ready for them. But *damn* what a band!
You are so right Budin
True that. That song came out when the grunge era was beginning to pick up in rock. I would also say their rock is more post grunge before it could even be post grunge. In today's age with Trump and the dangers of dictatorship and how people blindly follow someone they believe to be a leader that only exploits them, this song becomes more relevant than ever. Lead singer Corey Glover has a voice that hasn't aged and Vernon Reid is one of the best guitarists I have ever listened to.
@@pavelromanenko3718 you're absolutely right
They are on tour in 2024
Yes baby boy, this is a Black rock band! Being a Black woman born in 1955, I have endeared myself to all forms of music. I'm so proud that these guys are brave enough to be free. You take this opportunity to discover your freedom my friend👍🏾👵🏿🙆🏾♀️🎵💖.
We loved this! My friends and I. We were just as surprised as he was. Ha Still a banger song. I'm a '66 chick.
@@bethkahn8278 born during the summer of love 1967 - PEACE LOVE n HIPPYNESS!
Hi Sabrina I was born in 1952 and I’ve been loving watching all these kids experience our music… 50s to now, we’ve had so much to choose from! 🥰🎶🦋🎶❤️
Janet, this so true. When I talk about why I love reactors, I explain how I'm reminded of how good we had it. We've experienced decades of amazing music. So lucky 👍🏾❤🇺🇸👵🏿
Music is the language of the heart. It's really cool that all these kids are learning it again through these reaction videos happening.
I find it kinda comical, cuz we knew how good this band is.
Today's relevance is mind blowing! 2024!!
These Brothas gained the respect of White rockers EVERYWHERE with this song.....straight up! It still rings SWEET!
Listen to one of their other top hits, "Glamour Boys"...oddly prescient in the days of social media.
I'm 44. Big fan for more than 30 years. Kisses from Poland.
That is no lie. I used to watch these guys on MTV every afternoon.
YES...Hard Rock Black band...and they are awsome!
You had a look like;
"Did they want me to react to this because they're black? ...or because they're a good band?
They are a very good band and they happen to be black 🖤
This ^^^^
Good music knows no color
They opened for the Stones (Steel Wheels tour) in 1989. They were great.
@@33MarciS I would have killed to see that tour. I wasn't even born yet.
@@33MarciS I was vaguely aware of them when I saw that tour. I went out and bought a couple of their albums after seeing them.
Living Colour was such an underrated band and I'm glad they are still together also Cult of Personality is my favorite song of theirs also the band is called Living Colour not The Colour or Thr Living Colour it's just called Living Colour
Saw the band live! Great music and very energetic exciting band
Check out some Lenny Kravitz
“Fly Away” & “Are You Gonna Go My Way”
1st one has a fun video 😉
Get outta here with that kravitz crap ,we out
The 80s baby. The guitarist was one of the best guitarist. His phrasing was phenomenal
Almost scary how relevant this song and another song on the album "letter to a landlord" still is.
I thought the same thing. Some songs just stand the test of time.
mmm yes and no the fact he says Gandi and stalin were the same fuck no they werent on any level there are these books you can find them in this large buildings they are called history books look up stalin murdered 3 million of his own people vs Gandi who advicated that there was too much of gap between the rich and poor and managed to beat the dominate power of the 20th Century the British Empire into handing back India to its people without violence and without firing a gun. So fuck that comparison
@@RK-zf1jm I never interpreted the song to be saying they were the same. I've always interpreted it to mean that there are extreme opposite ends of personalities that have made up history. Famous personalities, but their existence have made us all who we are today, because Ghandi, Stalin, Kennedy, Mussolini, all impacted the world's history. Everyone on the planet share the same world history. Therefore, we have more in common than we sometimes realize.
That's music, I guess. Different people have different interpretations.
Oh man, I'd totally forgotten about Letter to a Landlord', what a killer song!
Definitely needs to do Open Letter To A Landlord. Or...Love Rears It's Ugly Head Live on Arsenio.
All virtuosos! Vocals,,,, killin it! Guitar,,,, killin it! Bass,,,, thumpin! Drums,,,,,, kickin asss!
These guys are extremely talented and, still touring! If you get a chance to see them dont miss it!
As soon as you saw they are black, the look on your face, eyes open wide, pausing the video.... priceless! (I knew that would be your reaction) This band was incredible when they came out. This songs kicks ass and love it every time I hear it. The message in the lyrics is powerful and on point as well!
"Open Letter to a Landlord" is another excellent song by them.
Absolutely Love that song. My favorite on the album.
Their entire album was amazing. Many bands from that time had something to say.
One of the best riffs ever, Vernon Reid is killing it. This album “Vivid” wasone of the first albums I ever bought. I was hooked!!!
IMO, not even their best song. Two of my favs are "Glamor Boys" and "Love Rears it's Ugly Head"
That album was so underappreciated
@@scully5860 love rears its ugly head and pride
Give Shade (2017 album) a listen
It was the first CD that I bought after having bought hundreds of albums, cassettes and 8-tracks over the years.
I just saw these guys last weekend in Philly. They’re still outrageously good, and they haven’t lost a step!
LENNY KRAVITZ "ARE YOU GONNA GO MY WAY"....BETTER PUT ON YOUR SEATBELT FOR THIS ONE..TRUTH.
Vernon Reid just SHREDS on that guitar! I think he also did most of the writing for the group... great musician!
My mom LOVED this band. Back in the olden days before the internet, she would write letters back and forth with them. They’d actually reply! Super nice and talented guys.
Damn I feel old when u say your mom liked them
Lol
They were a good band that didnt get enough respect
Olden days!.. WTF!.. You make it sound like it was the 1920's!..Ageist much?
Jenn- how's Dante doing!?
Your mom raised you right!
@@simstress062 It was the 1920's 😭
I grew up as a young teen in this era living in the midwest. I can tell you, as a very young metal head, we were ALL SHOOK when this came out. It was like nothing we'd ever seen or heard before on so many levels and your reaction, although 30+ years later, mirrored and is on point with what many of us felt when we saw this on MTV for the first time. Our heads were blown. We (metal heads) LOVED them. How couldn't we? They smashed barriers that were profound at the time and had some of the most incredible musicianship and lyrics to back it up. Vernon Reid (the guitarist) just crushed it on this song and played his ass off. Truly amazing! IMO, this song sounds just as fresh and relevant in 2021 as it did the day it came out.
Well-put from a fellow Midwesterner who was 20 when this came out.
I was about 11, music didn’t have assigned races in my conditioning yet. As I got older I understood the significance. What a great time for music, unfortunately we’re still facing the same issues. Be well.
As a fellow 80's metalhead(Loved Beavis & Butthead, too! LOL), who was already a metalhead, by the time this came out, as it was unheard of, havin Black's, other than the great's, like Jimmy Hendrix & Slash, it was still unheard of, to see an all Black group, that could clash with the best of them, back then. So, with it still even more fresh in our head's back then, it was a bit more of a shock, makin us love it that much more! Cause, like I said bout Hendrix & Slash, but they were just the guitarist's, not the whole band. And, when Aerosmith & RUN D-M-C teamed up, and did a remake of Aerosmith's old song Walk This Way, it was even after this came out! And, with the huge feud, between the metalhead's & rapper's back then, it was a huge ordeal, and damn near unheard of. So, it sent shockwave's in every direction!
Deep lyrics!!! Wish more people would realize "Only you can set you free"!!! Liberty & Freedom is for all humans!!!
Vive la libertè!!!
So true - awesome lyrics like this do not appear in music nowadays.
Number one on my top 3. 1. Only you can set you free. 2. Don't dream it, be it. 3. As soon as you're born you start dying so you might as well have a good time.
Authentic Sovereignty is the opposite of The cult of personality. Which we ALL are guilty of. Use your God given sixth sense. Become free.❤️
Yezzir ...preach. Lyrics are toooooo damn deep. "I tell you 1 and 1 is 3"
You want some serious social commentary, check out their 'Open Letter to a Landlord'.
When a leader speaks, that leader dies.
The message of the song from the early 1980's hits hard in today's world.
I would say more true today then when originally released.
I think early 1990's
1988
Late 80s...88
It’s a reaction to The Reagan era. We didn’t learn, unfortunately.
LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bought the brand new cassette of this when it first came out . Awesome Vernon Reid on guitar
I'm 57 years old , these guy's are my all time favorite band , got to see then live. This was their # 1 hit and it's great but so many great songs. Type is a good one ..
Can you say . . One hit wonder ! Great song !
Bro, it’s Living Colour and a bigger kick was they were waaayyy ahead of their time. This was during the hair/glam metal bands like Mötley Crüe. These guys flipped the script on everyone.
*Metallica has entered the chat* :P
@@clonexx Metallica can't hold a candle to Living Colour on musicianship, songwriting, or style. Compared to the stuff Vernon Reid was doing on guitar, Metallica may as well have been Kenny G, he was so far ahead of them. Burnin' Vernon grew up playing with Ronald Shannon Jackson's Decoding Society, which is free jazz and musicianship of the HIGHEST order. Kirk Hammett made his career playing stuff Vernon outgrew by the time he was 18. Will Calhoun could do things with one foot that took Lars Ulrich two, and Will's groove is so deep your gonna loose your damn HOUSE in that pocket. And Cory Glover is one of the 10 best male rock singers ever to open his mouth. Not. Even. A. Competition.
@@lightaces You’re perfectly entitled to your opinion, but I would bet a substantial amount of money that the majority of metal fans and musicians would pick 80s era Metallica over Living Colour. Lars used to be a great drummer, he isn’t anymore. Hetfield is one of, if not the best rhythm guitarist of all time. Kirk is mediocre most of the time but has his moments. Cliff was insane on Bass and Jason was a beast as well.
It comes down to taste, because music is largely subjective. The era he was talking about though, the hair metal era? That was Metallica firing on all cylinders. More bands have been influenced by them than any other metal band from that era. I never said Living Colour had no talent, I wasn’t even comparing their talent to Metallica. I was responding to him saying that they were ahead of their time in the hair metal era, which Metallica had been the same since 1983 through their first 4 albums and all of the 80s.
@@clonexx A lot of stuff is subjective. It is simply fact that the dudes in Living Colour have a broader and more complex musical experience than anyone else in Metal, and really most guys in rock.
You put anyone in Metallica on a stage with Sonny Rollins, they're out of their league. They are completely lost, and have no clue what to play, unless Sonny takes pity on them and plays a simple blues. You put any of the guys in Living Colour on that same stage, and they can not only hang, they can cut some heads. Metallica is only really comfortable playing Metallica. Living Colour can play Metallica at least as well as Metallica (and Will could do it with only one kick pedal - no kidding, I've heard him do it), but they could also play with Ornette Collman, Sam and Dave, John Lee Hooker, Earth Wind and Fire, Emmy Lou Harris, Sting, Prince, or anything else you can name, and they can play them all at a level the guys in Metallica can only occasionally reach when playing their own music. You say yourself, Kirk "has his moments." Vernon is nothing BUT amazing moments. One of these days the rest of us might catch up to the ideas he was working on, but I doubt it.
I'm not talking about popularity. I'm talking about musicianship. There is NO competition. The guys in Metallica are rock stars. The guys in Living Colour are musicians. I know which one I care about, and it's not how much Gucci James Hetfield can buy.
@@lightaces I don’t care about money or “rock stars”, it’s a simple fact that I enjoy Metallica’s music over Living Colour’s, and I’m a musician. You’re making statements that you have no way to verify or back up. You have no idea what kind of talent as a musician James has. He’s well more than just a thrash “chug chug chug” guy. Rob could hang with the best of them, just listen to his work in Suicidal Tendencies, but he wasn’t there in the 80s Metallica era we’re talking about.
I listen to a fairly diverse range of music, but my home is and always will be metal. I’ve been into bands like Dream Theater, been into them since their first album, especially since they are from Long Island, where I used to live. There’s also more to a band being good than just musicianship. Dream Theater isn’t nearly as big as a lot of bands with severely less talented people in it. They’re all insane musicians at the top of their respective instruments, yet they aren’t that big in the US. Songwriting talent and lyrical talent both also play a huge role in being a musician.
I recently listened to Shade, and it’s a good album, was an interesting listen.
I’m not sure why you felt the need to come in and go off about Living Colour in the first place. The fact is Metallica was breaking molds and led the thrash world for 3 years before Living Colour had a consistent lineup, the one you were referring to for their talent I believe, and 5 years before the masses got to hear Cult of Personality. While I said I dislike the solo in the song, that doesn’t mean I don’t like the song, the hook is amazing.
All I said was “Metallica has entered the chat” and you seem to have taken it as some sort of slight against ILC, it wasn’t. It was an answer to someone saying they were breaking molds in the hair metal era, which Metallica happened to be doing, a year before ILC was even formed and 3 years before the mega talented lineup was formed, that’s all. It doesn’t mean ILC weren’t breaking molds also, because more than one band can be doing so at the same time.
Have a good one bud.
Their lead guitar player is A BEAST!!
I could watch him ALL day!
P.S. BEST, BEST, BEST Reaction!
Do not EVER apologise for reacting Jay, songs hype you up, bring you down, shock you, shook you, bring you tears and/or slap a smile on your face. A bit of language is no issue to me, it's part of your reaction to what is an awesome song by an extraordinary band/group (not sure what to call them either). I'm white, in my late 40s and a New Zealander; I remember when this song hit the air, loving it, seeing the video, still loving it. Now? Bopping along like you, singing along to the bits I remember. This journey you are on is going to hit you with every emotion available, and maybe a few new ones, but you are going to love most it. Keep being awesome Jay.
I still have the Lp... Which can be played on a record player.. dang.. this band.. wish they went on and produced more music..
Yes, this is indeed a black rock band, and one of my most favorite songs from my early teen years.
My brother, you do not have any flaws. You and your wife Amber deliver all the time. From an admiring fan in Los Angeles, CA. God Bless. Love anything the both of you put out there. Continue no matter what. F…… the criticism
You response at the end being so shocked had me giggling. "I'm outta here, I can't do this" lmao Now you know to always keep an open mind about anything because you never know.
A good follow up to this to enforce the open mind would Home Free's cover of End of the Road.
@2:34 "Whoa...!"
Yea, that is pretty much how everyone reacted back-in-the-day when they first heard this. :)
This is one of the greatest Rock songs of all time! Perfect song, perfect singing, perfect guitar, perfect bass, perfect drums, perfect message. It’s just perfect. Love this song!
Love this song
Best lines:
“I exploit you, you still love me. I tell you 1 + 1 is 3.”
Meaning leaders take advantage of your loyalty.
Like Trump. He has cult-like followers.
“When a mirror speaks, that reflection lies.”
@@BUHNANUHBREAD or like Bidens supporters who believe the lie of the media🤷♂️
...at some point, you have to realize that, not only are they all lying to you, but none of them care about you, your wellbeing, or your future...
@@BUHNANUHBREAD Most of Trumps 'lies' are being proven as fact. Meanwhile, we have a senile President and an incompetent Vice President.
I think your reaction was the same as all of us in the 80’s. With all the great blues singers and Motown and then Hendrix, I think we were all saying yes to Living Color.
This video was HUGE when it debuted on MTV. (back when they actually played music)
Oh man, I LOVED this reaction!
This music expedition you're on is a long road with many surprises and us subscribers?
We just get to sit back and enjoy watching you learn what we already know.
Keep up the good work and your channel will do very well.
You're straight up with minimal bullshit at the beginning. You don't interrunpt every 15 seconds.
Keep doing what you're doing!
In Living Color is awesome!!
"When the mirror speaks, the reflection lies." What a great line.....a bar, if you will. Check out the lyrics......they are deep.
Love you my brother. You always deliver. Can’t say that about a lot of other people l know.
I was a teenager when this came out..... I'm turning 50 this year.
Same except I turned 48 in February
@@acemodez3169 it's fun to see people learning about music we grew up on. Sometimes it seems strange though because my son is in his mid 20s and knows music from every genre/decade.
@@jacquiekrieger2170 it seems odd to me that so many people have never heard some songs. They're such good songs and played so much like do they live under a rock? I understand people don't grow up listening to some genres or whatever except I've always known so much music forever even music way before my time, same with old tv shows actually. It's very difficult to find something I haven't at least heard of if not listened to (or watched)
Brilliant!! One of the best lead guitarists of all time!!
Late 80s early 90s was a different time. Such a killer group. Song is amazing! Great reaction. Oh and your background is great. ✌🏼
Here’s something to think about. The singer, Cory Glover, plays a soldier in the film “Platoon”. The film was released the same year as this song.
Living Colour = one of the most underrated rock bands, Cult of Personality = Best rock song 1988, look on your face when you realize they are black = PRICELESS!!!
I remember hearing seeing that on MTV for the first time. Incredible! And the are JUST AS GREAT live too!
We didn't have segregated music until recently.
I think you're gonna love this journey!
Fact.
Um....
Around the 1920s, the cool white kids had to sneak across the tracks to get some of the best music in town.
Berry Gordy founded MoTown, because "Black music" wasn't being properly respected by the existing music labels.
Although there are divisions...anyone can play anything. There are black country music legends. There are white Hip Hop or Rap legends, too. America is free like that.
@@kathyp1563 I meant division within the audience.
I have everything from Rare Earth to Parliament to John Denver to Mozart and Led Zeppelin.
Labels are part of the intuition that's trying to keep us from binding together.
@@deannacrownover3 Ah. I agree whole-heartedly. The audience always liked what they liked. The audience always just respected talent. The labels made assumptions & created divisions.
@@kathyp1563 AMEN!
I've heard this a million times. Still as good as it was back when i was a teenager. These men can rock, and still do. I second the Fishbone recommendation. I remember seeing them on SNL back in the 80's wondering what in the hell i had just seen.
Dude, one of my favorite CDs in high school. I am only sad that more black dudes didn't pick up guitar -- I'm glad you're on board!
I opened a compact disc store in 1988. Three groundbreaking albums came out that year. Every one of them still sounds fresh and pertinent today. Joe Satriani - Surfing With The Alien; Living Colour - Vivid (pick any song); Guns N Roses- Appetite for Destruction. And I like to add an honorable mentions for Melissa Etheridge’s self-titled first album with som terrific acoustic guitar work (6 and 12 string) coupled with very well crafted songwriting and singing.. “Like The Way I Do” Somebody Bring Me Some Water are written with beautifully unusual construction for rock songs IMO.
My favorite lyric from Cult: is: You Gave Me Fortune, You gave me fame, You gave me power in your Fod’s name”
Loved this reaction, Jay. Almost everybody of any race felt the same way when we first heard and saw them on MTV! Not sure how I missed it when you originally did this one. Thank you.
I think you mean 1988.
@@GS-Das yeah, typo thanks. I will try to edit it.
The iconic guitar riff to this song is now just as instantly recognizable as 'Smoke on the Water.'
Well put!
And absolutely spot on!
There was a band in the late 70s I believe they we're called slade..a black band.. They were great
This song will never get old. One of the best metal/rock songs and solos of the eighties.
Here for ‘that’ moment. 😁🔥
Incredible right? Just incredible!!! A timeless song!! I’m happy you really enjoyed this, and believe me so did we!
This couldn't ring more true in today's social media world...they knew things back then...
Ohh 😍 memories! Saw them open for The Rolling Stones. I think 😅
Look at you! haha! How can you NOT head Bang to this! Your whole body and mind is IN right NOW! Classic! Best Rippin Dirty Metal Riff ever! Glad you discovered it. Enjoying it all over again with you! Your reaction makes me feel good ROB!
Such a relevant song, even today. Top notch talent here. I remember when it was released, blew everyone's minds! So glad you are having the experience ☺️
When this burst onto the radio, not many folks knew they were black. They were unbelievable and a breath of amazing, electric fresh air. And their lyrics are even more appropriate today.
How could have you not known. In 1988 most everything Debuted on MTV. You know ,back when music video's actually played on "Music Television" ;)
@@larzakalazerath6655 Always too busy with other things in life to watch tv.
@@vickiroman189 I found Living Color because of Corey Glover's acting. Herd he had a band and I wanted to check it out. Then they blew up on MTV. Just thought everyone knew the band was black, Never really thought it that strange back then.
@@larzakalazerath6655 Guess I should have said most folks I knew didn't know they were black. I am surprised about the number of black reactors who are shocked when they see them. Just another example proving great music has no color. Have a great day, fellow music lover!
@@vickiroman189 I find it funny too. Especially since Rock n roll and metal was so inspired by a lot of blues and Motown which has been dominated by all kinds of black Artist.
You are so right about great music. It has always broke though all divides that we silly humans make. Hope your day has been grate as well !
This is from a time when you needed talent to succeed, no auto tune in sight. I remember when this first came out, we didn't care that they were black, we just recognized a banger when we heard it.
This song is still on my Spotify’s regular play list.
Same. I even put it on my kid's playlist. I love introducing them to great music and great bands.
I love the way that you two close your eyes and just take in the music. You actually listen to the lyrics. Love you!
This reaction was everything.... hella SHOOK!!! This song is so relevant even to today. Hot classic!
Oh it’s super relevant today and yes I was shook
I saw them when they opened for the Rolling Stones. They were FIRE!
Fishbone is a little lighter than them. One of my all time favorites… Ska/Reggae mixed with rock. Bad Brains are🔥. They are heavy heavy punk rock . Representation matters and the Rock genre needs more black musicians that can melt faces.
They just started a tour as of last week!! Great BAND! GREAT MUSIC AND GREAT MUSIC
👍👍👍Great song!!!
Great reaction!!!
Man you have a lot to learn!!! 😁
Nobody ever mentiones
Hootie and the blowfish!!!
I know! I think J would really enjoy *Let Her Cry* +...
We keep telling y'all the 80's and 90's were the best decades. I literally just played that sound a couple weeks ago introducing it to my 3 kids. Love that song.
Used to watch this on MTV back in my college days.
Just awesome from every angle you can name!
It was so cool!
Years ahead of its time
Wait until he finds out who Jimi Hendrix is, and that he’s the reason SRV existed.
I think SRV's Momma and Daddy would argue with that! 😂
@@BootLegJustice - LOL
...and finds out the roots of funk & metal had a single source - PFD (Long Live George Clinton!)
@@g2s2j2 and James Brown!
Or that Slash's mother is African American.
Living Colour… still legendary… grew up with them. Saw them 4 years ago live and they are still incredible.
Vernon is a beyond awesome guitarist!! This was such a great band. So glad you newbie reactioners are finding great musicians!!! :)
Couldn't agree more!
I saw them on Arsenio. Amazing talent and I wish they did more. Vernon Reid one of the best guitar players many never heard of. Awesome group!
4:26, guitarist flies like he was launched from a cannon, my favorite part.
It was awesome
Your backdrop was MADE for that review.
"I'M SHOOK" ....great merch logo idea!🤘
😎👍
This on of my favorite 80s rock songs. When it comes on the radio, I never turn it off. It still sounds fresh to me. Vernon Reid is an underrated and underappreciated guitarist.
Cory Glover(singer) was in the movie "Platoon" he's the guy who stab's himself in the leg's too get sent home.
He’s also the son of Danny glover from lethal weapon
I just fell in love with this song AGAIN. It was always one of my favorites.
These guys were great and way too underrated.
We heard that song on WEBN local radio station when it debut and rocked out! Later that day saw the Premiere Video on MTV and had our minds blown when we saw it was a all black band! They rock and one of my top 5 songs! When we heard it on the radio you couldn’t tell, love Living Colour!
You should check out their song “Open Letter (To A Landlord)” off the same album!!!
YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY SINCE THIS VIDEO.... 🙌😎🖤💣🎼 MAD LOVE, FOR BOTH YOU AND AMBER 🌹🖤
It is actually a pretty deep song if you listen to what he is talking about. Kind of difficult though at first because this is a really amazing song.
I’m so glad for your reaction! This song was huge back in the day. I didn’t appreciate the deeper meaning as much when I was a teen, but I never get tired of this song. I’m glad it blew you away. The twins who react on UA-cam mostly commented on their tight pants and missed the significance of the band and song.
Enjoy the ride! I''m envious of all your first times... at least we get to tag along as you experience all the music we grew up with. Saw the title and knew exactly what was gonna happen :) Okay, here's my Top 10 songs for you to try:
Tracy Chapman - Fast Car
Alter Bridge - Words Darker than Their Wings (Live at Royal Albert Hall)
Beth Hart - Am I the One (Live at Paradiso)
Pearl Jam - Black (MTV Unplugged)
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Texas Flood (Live at El Mocambo)
PMJ ft Haley Reinhart - Creep (Radiohead cover)
Chris Stapleton - Sometimes I Cry (Bing Lounge)
Marcus King - Wildflowers & Wine (World Cafe)
Sturgill Simpson - Call to Arms (SNL)
Jason Isbell - Vampires (Austin City Limits)
Ditto!
I'm loving this too. Watching him experience all of this great music is inspiring
OMG, you're reaction! Love it. This is a great band and we love them in Holland, great sound, great voice
You asked what the cult of personality was. It's referring to the ability of charismatic people to gather huge followings of people no matter what the people are spouting, good or bad simply based on how charming they are. And that people will blindly follow those people even if what they're saying makes no sense at all to humanity.
Yep!
This is a rock classic. As others have said, this band was so underrated. It was so different seeing a back rock band back in the day.