Nothing Censored About This Album

For their third album, Censored Colors, Portugal. The Man transports listeners into the 1970’s. With the combination of intense lyrics mixed with jazz, folk, blues and a 70’s sound, listeners might think they’ve stumbled upon their parents Led Zeppelin record collection. Censored Colors seems to be divided stylistically, with a poppy first half and a slower finish. The album’s lead-off track, “Lay Me Back Down,” sucks listeners in with its simple piano and catchy chorus, “Lay me back down / In the bed where they called all the people / Listen to the world, lay me back down.” It and other first half tracks will have people humming for days.

After “Intermission”, Portugal. The Man begins to showcase its jazz influences with the horn-section backed “New Orleans.” Lead singer John Gourley’s shrieking vocals are showcased in “Never Pleased,” a track in which Gourley is almost inaudible for all but the song’s chorus in which he protests, “I know that you know that I know / That you know / I try.” Gourley’s inaudible voice may be the most frustrating part of this album. Listeners may spend more time looking up lyrics then enjoying Censored Colors.

Vocals aside, musically the album is fantastic and finishes strong. Minimal drums and acoustic guitars mixed with unique vocal styling make Censored Colors a solid third album for Portugal. The Man. who have a refreshing take on musical styles many generations have loved.