South Africa What’s The Colour Of Money? – Hollywood Beyond’s Synth-Pop Gem That Still Shimmers
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into South Africa What’s The Colour Of Money?, an album by Hollywood Beyond that dropped in 1986. It’s not exactly the kind of record you’d expect to find at your grandma’s garage sale (unless she was secretly cool). This UK-born synth-pop wonder comes courtesy of WEA Records and delivers some serious '80s vibes with its neon-soaked beats and glossy production. Let’s break it down.
First off, let’s talk about the title track, “What’s The Colour Of Money?” If this song doesn’t get your shoulders shimmying within ten seconds, check your pulse—you might be a mannequin. The track is pure ear candy: catchy hooks, bouncy synths, and lyrics that are just cryptic enough to make you feel smart while dancing like a goofball. I mean, who even thinks to ask what color money is? Genius. Or maybe they were just really high during the writing session. Either way, it sticks. You’ll hum it for days, trust me.
Then there’s “South Africa,” which takes things in a slightly more introspective direction. Okay, fine—it’s still dripping with ‘80s cheese, but there’s something oddly haunting about the way the melody builds over those shimmering electronic tones. Maybe it’s the vague sense of social commentary lurking beneath the surface, or maybe it’s just Stephen Evans’ sleek design work on the cover art messing with my brain. Whatever it is, it works. Plus, Cindy Palmano’s photography adds this moody vibe that makes you wanna grab a leather jacket and brood dramatically by a graffiti-covered wall.
Now, here’s the thing about albums like this—they’re products of their time, sure, but they also have this weird staying power. Listening to South Africa What’s The Colour Of Money? feels like stepping into a time machine where shoulder pads are big, hair is bigger, and everyone’s obsessed with shiny gadgets. And yet, somehow, these tracks don’t feel dated. They’re nostalgic without being cringey, fun without trying too hard.
So yeah, Hollywood Beyond may not have been household names back then, and honestly, they probably aren’t now either. But give this album a spin if you’re into synth-pop goodness that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Just don’t blame me when you catch yourself singing “What’s The Colour Of Money?” in the shower for the hundredth time.
Final thought: Whoever said money can’t buy happiness clearly never heard this album. Or maybe they just didn’t have a Walkman.
