Living Colour's exceptional debut is strong all the way through; there simply isn't any weak material on this album. Generally classified as hard rock, Vivid also contains touches of funk and even jazz, which keeps things interesting. Living Colour were also one of the few bands to succeed in writing socio-politically conscious songs that never sound preachy; they take on politicians ("Cult of Personality"), slumlords ("Open Letter (To a Landlord)"), modern life ("Desperate People" and "Glamour Boys"), and the gap between rich and poor in America ("Which Way to America?"). Outstanding music, skilled lyric-writing, and Corey Glover's strong singing make these songs entertaining and thought-provoking at the same time, something most bands never manage to do. -- Genevieve Williams