Choice of Colors Review by Andrew Hamilton
The second of three Impressions singles that reached the number one spot on Billboard’s R&B chart begs the thought-provoking question: “If you had a choice of colors, which would you prefer, my brother?” The Curtis Mayfield composition featured a subtle but inspiring arrangement by Johnny Pate and Donny Hathaway and fit right in with the black equality movement of the times (1969). The lyrics still spark stimulating debates in barbershops and were the impetus for many African Americans to introspect their inner workings and educate themselves on their race’s history. The singing wasn’t bad either; Curtis with Fred Cash and Sam Gooden’s three-part harmonies, with Curtis’ lead and Fred and Sam’s stark interjections made this set of Impressions as popular as ice cream cones. The evergreen hit nearly made the exclusive pop Top 20 club but came up one rung short at number 21. The flip side, “Mighty, Mighty Spade & Whitey,” a unifying song, kept the controversy going; people that rarely played B-sides (the frontrunners) played this one because of its compelling title.
