Colours was Resurrection Band's first release for Christian label Light Records, which had up to this time been known as the primary record label for Andraé Crouch and similar gospel artists.

Colours is also considered by some music critics to be one of the band's defining works.

Resurrection Band embraced a more radio-friendly rock and metal sound with this album, which is a mix of personal reflections on God's sovereignty and love ("Autograph," "Amazing" and the title track), the harsh life of the inner city ("N.Y.C.

"American Dream" is significant for being the first of many songs that Resurrection Band would write about the moral rot at the center of America's political and media culture, indicating a more progressive political worldview than most Christian musicians would sing about at the time.

The photos of the children inside the gatefold cover are those of Jesus People USA community members.