Spenblog

Rainbow is one of the most complete, well rounded, personal, and moving records I can think of.

It is the product of Kesha wrestling back creative control of her music from Dr. Luke. At the time, Kesha was in a lengthy and highly publicized litigation with Dr. Luke over control of her music amid accusations of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse (it would not settle until 2023). She had also undergone treatment for eating disorders and wrote much of the record while in a rehabilitation center. There is a ton of background about the making of this record that is much more thorough and comprehensive than I am being here. But, suffice it to say, the album emerges from a tumultuous time in the singer’s life and represented her claiming ownership over her sound and image.

This album proves that Kesha’s authentic sound is incredible and spans genres with ease. The production on the record is unassailable. The track listing contains energetic pop-rock tracks (Boogie Feet, Let ‘Em Talk), heartfelt acoustic ballads (Praying, Hymn), catchy dance tracks (Boots, Woman), and never loses its pop sensibilities. Anybody can enjoy this record, even fans of Kesha’s older work.

Throughout the record, the theme of healing and finding joy in life persists. The Eagles of Death Metal, one of my favorite bands from when I was in high school, collaborate on two tracks of the album (Boogie Feet, Let ‘Em Talk). The EODM experienced a mass shooting at one of their concerts in Paris in which 90 of their fans were killed as well as a member of their crew. In their featured tracks, the EODM and Kesha exude joy in the face of tragedy. In Praying, Rainbow, and Learn to Let Go, Kesha reflects on letting go of the past and forgiveness in a way that feels cathartic and optimistic with an eye to the future. The album hits its climax with the Dolly Parton duet Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You, a song co-written by Kesha’s mother Pebe Sebert and initially made famous by Dolly Parton. Two contemplative tracks (Godzilla and Spaceship) serve as an epilogue that tie the record together.

Despite the miserable circumstances that inspired the record, the album is unabashedly positive and hopeful.

The album was released in August of 2017. Later that year, sexual assault allegations would surface against Harvey Weinstein, leading in part to a larger social movement and heightened awareness of sexual assault across the entertainment industry. As set forth above, these issues formed the backdrop of the production and writing of the record. Kesha addressed her experiences in “Praying,” which she performed at the 60th Grammy Awards on January 28, 2018.

The Grammy Awards announced their nominations on November 28, 2017. Rainbow was not among the nominees for Record of the Year or Album of the Year. Indeed, both those awards went to 24K Magic by Bruno Mars. Can you imagine? I have no problem with Bruno Mars but there is no world in which track for track 24K magic is in the same universe as Rainbow. The two nominations that Rainbow received were for best pop solo performance and best pop vocal album – and it lost both of those categories to Ed Sheeran for “Shape of You” and “Divide” respectively. WHAT? This oversight shows not only the musical lack of taste in the recording academy but the lack of interest in understanding of the world in which music operates.

Not only was Rainbow a meaningful reflection of the time and place it was released, but it is musically an incredible, moving, and well-rounded record. It has only gotten better with age and it will persist as a modern classic. It had all the ingredients for success at the Grammy Awards (including a memorable feature from a legacy artist) but lost out to a karaoke album from Bruno Mars and a competent but in no way as interesting record from Ed Sheeran.

Rainbow is a masterpiece and never got the respect it deserves.