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The midway point between Talk Talk's synth-pop beginnings and its experimental ambient-jazz finale, THE COLOUR OF SPRING presents a band in the midst of radical reinvention. Remarkably, though, this 1986 outing doesn't carry the air of an awkward transitional album; in fact, it's arguably the British group's finest and most assured record.
Working closely with producer/multi-instrumentalist Tim Friese-Greene, Talk Talk takes a sizable step away from its glossy early work, opting for a warm, organic sound that perfectly complements frontman Mark Hollis's plaintive vocals and pensive, existential lyrics. While THE COLOUR OF SPRING features a handful of wonderful pop moments, most notably the uplifting opener, "Happiness Is Easy," and the surging hit "Life's What You Make It," the album also offers up delicate compositions such as the hauntingly gorgeous "April 5th" and the achingly spare "Chameleon Day." Although Hollis and Friese-Greene are clearly SPRING's sonic architects, bassist Paul Webb and drummer Lee Harris ably anchor the melodies, leaving room for guest musicians such as Steve Winwood, who offers crucial but surprisingly low-key support on organ. This is a snapshot of an ensemble deftly balancing art and accessibility, and it remains an under-the-radar classic.
2003 DSD remastered reissue of 1986 album features eight tracks. This Hybrid SACD can be played on any standard compact disc player. EMI.
Additional personnel includes: Steve Winwood (organ); Morris Pert (percussion); The Ambrosia Choir (background vocals).
Engineers include: Pete Wooliscroft, Dennis Weinrich, Paul Schroeder.
Talk Talk includes: Mark Hollis (vocals, guitar, melodica, piano, organ, Mellotron); Tim Friese-Greene (piano, organ, Mellotron).
Q (2/04, p.119) - 4 stars out of 5 - "Mark Hollis's emotionally bruised mumble implores on an album loaded with rainy-day melancholia..."
**Super Audio CD (SACD) Hybrid**
This CD will play in standard CD players.
A Super Audio CD player is required to take advantage of the SACD sound technology.
Talk Talk - Colour of Spring Songs
Colour of Spring Music Review
Average Rating: (4.3 out of 5 stars)    List All 6 Reviews Glorious!
The ultimate moment on this record is where in the middle of "Living in another world" the piano keys are crashed, breaking the heart wrenching build up. There are few harmonica solos that are better than in that song. It alone makes it a worthwhile purchase. I love this album.
Submitted by Kyle (Olympia, WA) 
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A geat addition to any collection
The album is so significantly better than Talk Talk's previous efforts it almost seems as though it is from a different band.
Submitted by a reviewer (Atlanta)
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This review is for a different format. Agree with the last review
I agree completely with the last review. The colour of Spring is one of the few albums that was made in the eighties and still hasn't lost its magic. A good book, a glass of wine, and Talk Talk, David Sylvian or Perry Blake, and a great evening....
Submitted by Lumen (Dinteloord)
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This review is for a different format.  The Colour Of Spring
I had heard a song or two on the radio from their previous album in 1984, and when I saw a cassette of The Colour Of Spring for sale in a record shop in Hereford, not having been aware of its release, I took a chance and bought it.
I absolutely loved every note from the moment I first heard it. In those days I was doing a lot of long distance driving as a singer songwriter, and it was my constant companion for years. The next year I bought my first Hammond C3 organ, in large part inspired by this record, and a decade later I finally managed to afford a Dobro resonating guitar, inspired by the amazing touches of colour provided by the wonderful guitarist and Dobro player Robbie Mackintosh on this and the later Talk Talk releases.
I love the way this record is totally accessible and warm and human, yet completely at odds with everything else in 80s music except perhaps my other favourites - David Sylvian & Riuichi Sakamoto. All geniuses, they ought to be in the House Of Lords, not the wilderness, ignored and forgotten.
18 Sept 2007
Submitted by John Hardy Music (Cardiff, Wales, UK)
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This review is for a different format.
 Their Best Album
This is their best album with the beautiful ballad I Don't Believe In You.
Submitted by Mario (San Francisco,Ca,USA.)
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