Songs with colors in the title have been popular for decades. Colors can evoke emotions, memories, and connections for listeners. Looking specifically at international hit songs, there are many great examples of colors used creatively in song titles over the years. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular and memorable international hit songs that have a color in the title.
Notable Examples Through the Decades
Here are some notable examples of hit international songs with a color in the title over the past several decades:
1960s:
– “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles (1966)
– “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix (1967)
– “Green, Green Grass of Home” by Tom Jones (1967)
1970s:
– “Blue Bayou” by Linda Ronstadt (1977)
– “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” by Crystal Gayle (1977)
– “Bluer Than Blue” by Michael Johnson (1978)
1980s:
– “99 Red Balloons” by Nena (1983)
– “Purple Rain” by Prince and The Revolution (1984)
– “Red Red Wine” by UB40 (1988)
1990s:
– “Black or White” by Michael Jackson (1991)
– “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” by Eiffel 65 (1998)
– “Yellow” by Coldplay (2000)
2000s:
– “Lady in Red” by Chris de Burgh (1986)
– “Blue Monday” by New Order (1983)
– “Red Red Wine” by UB40 (1988)
2010s:
– “Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban (2016)
– “Redbone” by Childish Gambino (2016)
– “Green Light” by Lorde (2017)
Factors in Popularity
There are a few key factors that help make songs with a color in the title become international hits:
Memorable melodies and hooks: The most successful pop songs almost always have an infectious, hummable melody and hook. If the color name is part of the hook, it helps make the song title instantly recognizable. “Yellow Submarine” and “99 Red Balloons” are perfect examples of this.
Vivid imagery and associations: Colors naturally conjure up visuals andassociations in our minds. Using evocative color names like “Purple Rain” or “Blue Bayou” sparks the imagination.
Nostalgia and themes: Songs about colors can elicit nostalgia by reminding us of specific times, memories, feelings, and themes tied to that color. For example, “Lady in Red” is a nostalgic song about romance.
Unique titles: Having a color in the title helps songs stand out from other similar-sounding titles. The color adds a splash of individuality and personality.
Universal meaning: Colors hold broadly shared associations and meanings across languages and cultures. So color-themed titles can more easily resonate internationally.
Most Internationally Successful Examples
Based on certified global sales and chart performance, here are 5 of the most internationally successful songs with a color in the title:
1. “Lady in Red” by Chris de Burgh (1986)
– Over 5 million copies sold worldwide
– #1 in 25 countries across North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia
– Simple love ballad evoking nostalgia and romance
2. “Purple Rain” by Prince and The Revolution (1984)
– Over 2.5 million copies sold globally
– #1 on US Billboard Hot 100 chart
– Title track from Prince’s hugely popular film Purple Rain
3. “99 Red Balloons” by Nena (1983)
– Reached #1 in over a dozen countries
– One of the best-selling German-language singles of all time
– Whimsical imagery of red balloons sparked widespread popularity
4. “Blue Monday” by New Order (1983)
– Biggest selling 12″ vinyl single of all time
– Reached #3 on UK charts and top 10 in several countries
– Dance-rock hit still inspires cover versions today
5. “Yellow” by Coldplay (2000)
– Over 1 million copies sold worldwide
– Broke into top 40 charts across Europe, Asia and Oceania
– Coldplay’s first big breakthrough hit and signature song
Most Covered Examples
Some color-themed hit songs have inspired countless cover versions by other artists. Here are 3 of the most covered international hits with a color title:
1. “Red Red Wine” by Neil Diamond (1968) and UB40 (1983)
– Neil Diamond’s original reached #62 on Billboard Hot 100
– UB40 version hit #1 in US and UK, selling over 4 million copies
– Covered by over 75 artists including Tony Tribe, Jimmy James, and more
2. “Purple Haze” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)
– Hendrix’s iconic psychedelic rock anthem
– Covered by blues greats like Stevie Ray Vaughan, heavy metal bands, and countless others
– One of the most influential and interpreted rock songs ever
3. “Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins (1956)
– Perkins’ version hit #2 on US charts in 1956
– Immensely popularized by Elvis Presley’s cover version same year
– Covered by Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and dozens more
Conclusion
Songs featuring a color in the title have consistently captivated listeners and dominated charts for over 60 years. The combination of vivid imagery, nostalgic themes, unique titles, and universal associations have helped propel many color-themed songs to international stardom. From The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” to Prince’s “Purple Rain” to Coldplay’s “Yellow,” colors have been an instantly recognizable staple of hit pop music for decades. Though musical styles keep evolving, it’s clear that color titles will continue inspiring both artists and audiences well into the future.
