True Colors (Zedd song)

"True Colors" was Kesha's first music release in over three years, as she has been locked in a court case with her producer Dr. Luke, after ten years of alleged abuse. Along with support from other famous celebrities, Zedd offered to produce a song with her.[6] She first performed the song as a guest during Zedd's set at Coachella 2016. In late April, both Kesha and Zedd posted photos to their social media accounts confirming they were recording together.[7]

"True Colors" is a mid-tempo ballad[8] in the key of D minor with a tempo of 126 beats per minute in half-time feel. It follows a chord progression of Dm-C-Gm-Dm. Kesha's vocals span from A₃ (F₃ in backing vocals) to D₅ (F₅ in backing vocals). The track opens and closes with a muted keyboard melody before gradually building to a climax of rollicking drums and bells, a departure from Kesha's previous "party anthem" singles.[8] According to a NME reviewer, it is "a moody, gothic electro ballad."[2]

Rolling Stone editor Brittany Spanos called it a "triumphant return" for Kesha. Comparing it to the album version, she stated "the style is more grandiose" in Kesha's take.[1] Agreeing with the latter, Nigel M. Smith from The Guardian wrote "Kesha's audible rage lends the track a fire that was missing in its earlier incarnation."[3] Lars Brandle of Billboard wrote the song "is a powerful, moody tune and, lyrically, Kesha is in a fighting frame."[9] August Brown in Los Angeles Times noted "At Coachella, her surprise appearance had the gravity of something more than just another pop-star cameo. This recorded version is a welcome reminder of Kesha's considerable vocal talent."[10] Lucas Villa of AXS praised Zedd's direction, writing, "Under Dr. Luke, her vocals were mostly processed to hell but with Zedd, Kesha beautifully bellows the song's powerful message." Despite minimal promotion from radios or a major record label, the song sold 52,000 copies in its 1st week and placed at #8 on the U.S ITunes Charts.[11]

They performed the song live at Coachella 2016.