Read about RAINBOW SOUL
GROOVER CITY 1/1/26 *** Rainbow Soul by Chris Oledude: Love, Groove, and Memory:
Brand new year, the grace of 2026, and a strong start – if you think you’re ready for this. Yeah: funk, gospel, upbeat, call it whatever you want. What matters is the way it moves people, the way it brings voices together, the way it carries history without dragging it behind.
That sense of movement sits at the heart of Rainbow Soul, the latest release from Chris Oledude. The song has roots going back to 1984, written during the surge around Rev. Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaigns and the rise of the Rainbow Coalition. It comes back now with time behind it and people at the center.
Brooklyn, politics, and inherited fire
Growing up in Brooklyn, Chris Oledude watched civic life unfold up close. His father, the late Congressman Major Owens, stood inside those movements, and that proximity left a permanent mark. I hear that imprint all through Rainbow Soul: trust between people, shared responsibility, and the idea that democracy breathes through participation. The words come out straight. I hear streets and long nights all over it.
Listening, I hear someone who witnessed history forming rather than reading it later. I hear a song that takes its time and speaks clearly.
From gospel speed to funk depth
Musically, the 2025 version shifts gears. The original fast gospel pulse opens into a funk-driven groove, giving the song enough space to stretch and gather momentum. The chorus opens up, and suddenly it’s not one voice anymore. It stops sounding like one person and starts sounding like everyone.
The rainbow itself grows as a symbol here, extending naturally toward LGBTQIA communities as part of the same human story. Love, peace, and dignity sit at the center, kept the way it was meant to be.
A song that keeps pace with the times
Rainbow Soul fits seamlessly within Chris Oledude’s recent body of work, alongside releases like No Crowns For Clowns and the album Preacher Man – Vol. 1. These pieces feel informed by civic life, and obviously by studio craft. When I listen, I hear songs taking a side, and it’s a human one.
I spend a lot of time listening, and this one is clear about what it’s saying: policy keeps human lives inside it, community shapes direction, and music works best when it brings people together.
Find Chris Oledude on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, YouTube – then follow your ears wherever they feel curious.
Full review at https://groovercity.com/rainbow-soul-by-chris-oledude-love-groove-and-memory/
BERLIN ON AIR 12/30/25 *** Chris Oledude – Rainbow Soul (Soul | Pop): 🕑 Lesedauer: 2 min / 📷 CTTO / Chris Oledude. Offizielles Erscheinungsdatum: 30.12.2025
Ich kann euch versprechen, es wird keine Minute dauern, bis euch die neue Single ‘Rainbow Soul’ von Chris Oledude in einen unvergleichlich guten Groove versetzt und zum Aufstehen und vielleicht sogar Tanzen animiert.
Zum Vorschein kommt ein genialer Soul- und Pop-Track, der mit einer verdammt guten Note Funk einhergeht und sowohl rhythmisch und musikalisch als auch lyrisch etwas absolut Fesselndes verkörpert. Die Zeilen erwecken in mir ein starkes Gemeinschaftsgefühl und motivieren zu einem festen Zusammenhalt.
Im Fokus steht eine beachtlich ausdrucksstarke Stimme, begleitet von einem exzellenten Gospelchor, welcher die lyrische Message und die stimmungsvolle Atmosphäre ungemein stärkt. Für mich ist es der perfekte Track, um mit Feierlichkeit und guten Vorsätzen in das neue Jahr zu starten! Wenn euch 'Rainbow Soul’ gefällt, könnt ihr Chris Oledude bei Spotify und Instagram folgen, um mehr zu erfahren:
I can promise you, it won't take a minute until the new single 'Rainbow Soul' by Chris Oledude puts you in an incomparably good groove and animates you to get up and maybe even dance.
What emerges is a brilliant soul and pop track, which goes hand in hand with a damn good note of funk and embodies something absolutely captivating both rhythmically and musically as well as lyrically. The lines awaken a strong sense of community in me and motivate me to a firm sense of solidarity.
The focus is on a remarkably expressive voice, accompanied by an excellent gospel choir, which strengthens the lyrical message and the atmospheric atmosphere immensely. For me, it's the perfect track to start the new year with celebration and good intentions! If you like 'Rainbow Soul', you can follow Chris Oledude on Spotify and Instagram to learn more:
Full review at https://www.berlinonair.cc/post/804526220617433088/chris-oledude-rainbow-soul-soul-pop
KARLISMYUNCLE 12/20/25 *** Chris Oledude shares a progressive anthem of peace and unity with Rainbow Soul:
“There’s a rainbow in my soul, there’s a rainbow in your soul, there’s a rainbow in our souls…” feels so powerful and inclusive. The chord changes are joyous and emotive, and the instrumentation is sublime. There is no doubt that the song could form part of a future Broadway production. The spoken word moments add a uniqueness that cements the progressive gospel message.
What makes Rainbow Soul particularly unique is its rare fusion of personal history, political legacy and musical evolution across four decades. It was originally written in 1984 and then revived in 2025 – bridging generations by carrying the same core message.
Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Rainbow Soul to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the growing discography of Chris Oledude, including Turning Tables, and We Will Get Through This.
Full review at https://karlismyunkle.com/2025/12/30/chris-oledude-shares-a-progressive-anthem-of-peace-and-unity-with-rainbow-soul/
NUVAPULSE 1/1/26 *** Rainbow Soul: Chris Oledude’s Funk-Infused Anthem for Love and Unity:
Rainbow Soul reminds us why Chris Oledude has been worth following for so long. It’s energetic, socially conscious, and incredibly human. For anyone looking for music that moves both the body and the heart, this track is a perfect example. It’s fun, it’s thoughtful, and it’s a timely anthem that proves music can still connect people and inspire change.
Full review at https://nuvapulse.com/rainbow-soul-chris-oledudes-funk-infused-anthem-for-love-and-unity/
FREQUENZE MUSICALI 1/2/26 *** Chris Oleduide scatena l’energia della speranza: “RAINBOW SOUL” è l’inno di cui abbiamo bisogno:
In un panorama musicale spesso dominato da sonorità cupe o introspezioni malinconiche, Chris Oleduide irrompe sulla scena con una scarica di adrenalina pura e un messaggio che arriva dritto al cuore. Il suo nuovo singolo, “RAINBOW SOUL (Single Mix)”, non è solo una canzone: è un manifesto di unità, una celebrazione della diversità e un invito irresistibile a guardare al futuro con occhi nuovi.
Un Sound che Vibra di Vita
Fin dalle prime note, “RAINBOW SOUL” si presenta come un mix esplosivo di Soul, Gospel e Pop moderno. La produzione è impeccabile, capace di intrecciare ritmi incalzanti con arrangiamenti corali che tolgono il fiato. La voce di Oleduide guida l’ascoltatore attraverso un crescendo emozionale che esplode in un ritornello destinato a restare impresso nella mente: un inno collettivo che invita a “essere l’arcobaleno” in un mondo che troppo spesso si accontenta del grigio.
Oltre la Musica: Un Messaggio Politico e Sociale
Ma è nel testo che il brano rivela la sua anima più profonda. Con riferimenti espliciti alla giustizia sociale e alla democrazia (“Justice for all”, “Democracy in flames”), Oleduide non si nasconde dietro metafore astratte. Il video, che mostra una marcia simbolica verso Washington D.C., trasforma la canzone in una colonna sonora per il cambiamento. È un richiamo alla resilienza, alla forza di chi non si arrende e alla bellezza di un’umanità che ritrova se stessa nella solidarietà.
“C’è una luce alla fine di ogni tunnel” canta Oleduide, e ascoltando questo brano è impossibile non credergli.
Perché Ascoltarla (e Condividerla)
“RAINBOW SOUL” ha quella rara capacità di essere contemporaneamente un pezzo da ballare e un brano su cui riflettere. È la musica perfetta per chi crede che l’arte possa ancora avere un impatto reale sulla società. Chris Oleduide ci ricorda che la nostra “anima arcobaleno” è la nostra arma migliore contro l’odio e l’indifferenza.
Se cercate una traccia che vi dia la carica per affrontare la giornata e vi faccia sentire parte di qualcosa di più grande, non cercate oltre.
MUSICAL FREQUENCIES 1/2/26 *** Chris Oleduide unleashes the energy of hope: "RAINBOW SOUL" is the anthem we need:
In a musical landscape often dominated by dark sounds or melancholic introspections, Chris Oleduide bursts onto the scene with a rush of pure adrenaline and a message that goes straight to the heart. His new single, "RAINBOW SOUL (Single Mix)", is not just a song: it is a manifesto of unity, a celebration of diversity and an irresistible invitation to look to the future with new eyes.
A Sound That Vibrates With Life
From the very first notes, "RAINBOW SOUL" presents itself as an explosive mix of Soul, Gospel and modern Pop. The production is impeccable, capable of intertwining pressing rhythms with choral arrangements that take your breath away. Oleduide's voice guides the listener through an emotional crescendo that explodes in a refrain destined to remain etched in the mind: a collective hymn that invites us to "be the rainbow" in a world that is too often satisfied with gray.
Beyond Music: A Political and Social Message
But it is in the lyrics that the song reveals its deepest soul. With explicit references to social justice and democracy ("Justice for all", "Democracy in flames"), Oleduide does not hide behind abstract metaphors. The video, which shows a symbolic march to Washington D.C., turns the song into a soundtrack for change. It is a call to resilience, to the strength of those who do not give up and to the beauty of a humanity that finds itself in solidarity. "There is a light at the end of every tunnel" sings Oleduide, and listening to this song it is impossible not to believe him.
Why Listen to it (and Share it)
"RAINBOW SOUL" has that rare ability to be simultaneously a piece to dance to and a song to reflect on. It's the perfect music for those who believe that art can still have a real impact on society. Chris Oleduide reminds us that our "rainbow soul" is our best weapon against hatred and indifference.
If you're looking for a track that will energize you to get through the day and make you feel like you're part of something bigger, look no further.
HIT HARMONY HAVEN 1/1/26 *** “Rainbow Soul” by Chris Oledude:
The song’s conceptual roots in the 1984 presidential campaign of Rev. Jesse Jackson give it historical gravity without anchoring it to nostalgia. By invoking the spirit of the “Rainbow Coalition,” Oledude connects past progressive movements to present-day struggles, underscoring how many of the same issues—racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, economic equity, global human rights—remain unresolved. What’s striking is how seamlessly this context translates into a modern anthem. Rather than sounding dated or referential, “Rainbow Soul” reframes the coalition as a living idea, one that transcends political cycles and party lines.
The track feels like a bridge between generations, reminding listeners that progress is cumulative and that every era inherits unfinished work.
Full review at https://www.hitharmonyhaven.com/rainbow-soul-by-chris-oledude/
GROOVEAFRICA 2/9/26 *** Chris Oledude Releases Funk-Driven Anthem for Unity, Justice, and Humanity “Rainbow Soul (Single Mix)”:
Released on December 30, 2025, “Rainbow Soul (Single Mix)” marks a powerful new chapter for Chris Oledude, delivering a timely and deeply resonant song rooted in inclusivity, humanity, and social justice. The single stands as both a musical statement and a moral reminder, calling for compassion and dignity within policy, politics, and everyday life.
Inspired by progressive movements of the past, “Rainbow Soul” weaves together themes of unity, love, and collective responsibility. Musically, the track shifts toward a more funk-infused sound, pairing groove and rhythm with lyrical intention. The result is a song that feels hopeful and uplifting while remaining grounded in real-world urgency. It speaks to listeners across generations, reminding them that the values of solidarity and justice remain as relevant now as ever.
Chris Oledude, born Christopher R. Owens, is a Puerto Rican–born artist with a lifelong dedication to truth-telling through music. Raised in a creative household, he grew up harmonizing with his two brothers in an environment filled with classical, folk, pop, funk, and protest music. His mother, the late Ethel Werfel Owens, was his first music teacher, while his father, the late Major R. Owens, was a librarian who later became an elected official. These influences shaped both his artistic voice and his commitment to social awareness.
In the 1980s, Chris performed on the streets of New York City, played in dance bands, and worked alongside his brother Geoffrey Owens. His cassette-only album Anyone’s Revolution (1984) expressed frustration with the Reagan era and caught the attention of folk icon Pete Seeger, who encouraged him to continue writing songs for peace and justice and to collaborate with like-minded artists. During this time, Chris became involved with the People’s Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle.
For the next 35 years, however, Chris focused more on civic and political activism than on music. The death of his father led him to form a band with his brothers and return to performing. Later, the loss of his wife, Sandra Dixon, prompted a deeper re-examination of his life and a renewed connection to music. In 2020, reborn as Chris Oledude, he re-emerged in the digital era with a clear mission: to blend “old-school” genres, especially pop, funk, and R&B, with the urgency of modern times.
Since then, Oledude has released a series of socially conscious works. His song-video tribute “George Floyd: Say Their Names” (directed by Alyssa Dann) earned more than 150 film festival accolades worldwide. Other notable releases include “Orange Blues 24,” a blistering blues track accompanied by an award-winning stop-motion video created from over 2,000 photographs, and “No Crowns For Clowns” (2025), a sharp critique of the political environment.
“Rainbow Soul” has deep historical roots. The song traces its inspiration back to the Rainbow Coalition movement that emerged during Rev. Jesse Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, which followed the groundbreaking candidacy of Shirley Chisholm. Those campaigns challenged exclusion within the Democratic Party and pushed for broader representation, civil rights, and progressive policies—ideals that echo strongly throughout the song’s message.
The single appears alongside a growing catalog of modern-era releases, including My Tower (2020), Turning Tables (2025), and We Will Get Through This (2025), leading up to Oledude’s debut album PREACHER MAN – VOL. 1 (2025). That album takes listeners on a journey from social unrest to enduring hope, blending rhythm, roots, and righteous storytelling across decades of songwriting.
“Rainbow Soul (Single Mix)” is supported by a strong creative team. Production and mastering were handled by Mark Dann at Mark Dann Studio in Woodstock, NY, with additional recording by Kat Lewis at Sheriff Bob Studio in NYC. The track features lead vocals by Chris Oledude, background vocals from Kiena Williams and a large ensemble of collaborators, drums by Beau Brady, lead guitar by Greg DiBenedetto, and instrument programming by Oledude himself.
With “Rainbow Soul,” Chris Oledude once again proves that music can be both deeply personal and broadly political. His work stands as a testament to the power of song to inspire reflection, connection, and change. For listeners seeking music that speaks honestly to these times, “Rainbow Soul” offers groove, history, and hope in equal measure.
Full review at https://groove-africa.com/chris-oledude-releases-funk-driven-anthem-for-unity-justice-and-humanity-rainbow-soul-single-mix/