Culture Club - 'Karma Chameleon' Reaction! A Harmonica, Soulful Sounds, and a Riverboat Charlatan!

"Karma Chameleon" is a song by the British band Culture Club, released in 1983. The band, fronted by Boy George, achieved international success with this single. The song is known for its catchy melody and distinctive new wave sound.
"Karma Chameleon" was part of the album "Colour by Numbers," which also included other hits like "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" and "Church of the Poison Mind." The song topped the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, where it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics of "Karma Chameleon" explore themes of love, deception, and the changing nature of relationships. The catchy chorus and upbeat musical arrangement contributed to its widespread popularity. The music video for the song, featuring Boy George in various colorful and elaborate outfits, also played a significant role in the song's success.
"Karma Chameleon" remains one of Culture Club's most iconic and recognizable songs, representing the band's unique blend of pop, new wave, and soul influences.

[@thisisitreactions]

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[@GodLovesComics]

COREY got it right that it's so easy to take it for granted how revolutionary Boy George was in the 1980's. He's been around for 40 years now, but when he appeared in the 80's (even with all the bands that wore pancake makeup and eyeliner) he was a major shock to the system. The ONLY reason he was accepted and Culture Club became more than just a novelty is because the songs were so good and no one could deny what a great singer he was.

[@jemmajames6719]

Also when he spoke he wasn’t an idiot.

[@dansby37]

Im my opinion its that he looked so much like a woman, and a GOREOUS one at that, my young 12yr old mind then though, oh she just has a deep voice, LOL. He was something completely different when he and his band burst onto the US music scene in the 1980s, but they had so many huge hits, that we just grooved to them.

[@chrisjarvis2287]

Always liked this song. Culture Club made some great hits. Miss Me Blind, I'll Tumble For Ya. Time (Clock of the Heart).

[@TheDivayenta]

A late 80’s Soul PHENOMENON was Terence Trent D’Arby! Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, MJ and Prince- all rolled into one of the best singers around to this day! “ Wishing Well”. ❤❤❤❤

[@jaquettajones]

You speak facts :-D

[@kgardneriii]

Terence Trent D’Arby has changed his name to Sananda Maitreya. On some streaming platforms, his music is now listed under that name.

[@gheller2261]

He had one hit. One.

[@JeffPhillips-dn2fg]

Hold Me Now- Thompson Twins. Guys this banger was around approx same time as Karma Chameleon and was a top 3 billboard charter (1983). It has a real funky groove and bet you guys would like it. Love to see you React to the music video also. Keep up with the honest great reactions to these classic songs. Love it and you guys are great! Thanks again.

[@barr790]

Church Of The Poison Mind by Culture Club was really good, i loved this band, dont hear much of them these days so this reaction was cool ❤

[@bossfan49]

Both songs had awesome harmonica parts.

[@shwicaz]

@Barr They released an album called 'LIFE' in 2018 that shows they haven't lost a thing. George's voice is rougher but richer (if that makes sense). He had a solo release as well, and the song 'king of everything' resonated with me--give it a listen and you will see what I mean about his voice. Enjoy the day!

[@barr790]

@@shwicaz Thanks for the heads up, I didn't know about the 2018 album. You enjoy your day too! 🥰

[@emcsquared8681]

They’re on tour now actually

[@jaquettajones]

Your next Culture Club MUST is CHURCH OF THE POISONED MIND - Ya'll will Flip! :-D

[@angelagreen778]

Please! GREAT SONG!

[@willynilly2545]

Love that you guys did this song! Boy George was so ahead of his time. And what a rich voice! You should revisit their song, TIME, CLOCK OF THE HEART. His vocals on that are exquisite

[@JenoFletter]

This band was ahead of their time and was awesome.

[@70s_GIRL]

WOW! I’m with you guys. They played this song on the radio until it was over saturated. I knew of Boy George, his flamboyance, and his appearance. But…now…WOW! The song is awesome and intelligent, he has a wonderful voice, he’s nice looking, and he has CHARISMA!!! I did not realize any of this until just now, with you guys! Thank you!!! ☮️💜☮️💜 I haven’t been around because I had a massive heart attack. My son woke up and called 911, because I blacked out and broke my nose and had a huge cut near my eye. Don’t worry now…I’m still hot! 😂😂 Ten more minutes and I would have been dead.

[@wendyryder2708]

I hope you are feeling better now Carolyn! Take care! Merry Christmas! Peace and Blessings to you and your family from Australia.

[@70s_GIRL]

@@wendyryder2708 Thank you Wendy. Today he would have been 41. 🥺🥺

[@michaelmchone9239]

The 80s was amazing! We had all types of creative people making creative, feel good music. There was no judgements about your style or anything the MSM pushes now. I know because I lived it and gen x accepted anyone that made good music..We were NOT divided. Hence the need for the evil world leaders to create division, they can't have us getting along 😢 music is so uniting and I miss those times. Please remember it's us against them! Thanks for all you do to support good music..the universal language. Blessings to you and yours!

[@shwicaz]

I've been lucky to see Culture Club (the group) and Boy George as a solo performer as well in the past few years. Still touring. Still sound great. You talk about how George, in 1983 was not afraid to be who he was and let the talent speak for itself. He was basically one of the inspirations for my own coming out (years later, I was only 11 or 12 at the time). When I saw George (and later, Annie Lennox doing her androgynous thing w/ Sweet Dreams) I found myself fascinated by both. Now, as an out gay man in his 50's (who just celebrated his 30th anniversary together w/ my now husband) I look back on this song/album as being a major factor in my realizing I was gay. Now, if you want to see Culture Club (classic CC from back in the day) then I would say "Miss Me Blind" and "Victims". For More Recent recommendations, check out 'What Does Sorry Mean' from their 2018 album "Life" (yes, I still say album-haha) OR Boy George's solo offering "King of Everything" Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

[@JeffPhillips-dn2fg]

Rock This Town- Stray Cats. Gents, another music genre that you guys should check out is Rockabilly and the Rockabilly sound. 1981-1983 the Stray Cats had multiple billboard top 10 songs with that Rockabilly sound. Bet you guys would like Rock This Town. Love to see you react to it! Stray cat Strut was a huge rockabilly hit by them also. Keep on keeping on boys and thank you!

[@minxiv7]

I have heard this song a million times, I never saw the video! Boy George took a lot of shit, but he was a revolutionary! "I'll Tumble 4 Ya" is still a banger!

[@danielapagano3171]

The very first albums I've bought in my life were Kissing to be Clever and Colors by numbers, in 1983. I have with me now and three day ago when I was driving, I've listened a Culture Club compilation. Boy George is a very famous di. When Band Aid recorded Do the know it's Christmas in 1984, he arrived late and recorded his solo alone because the night before he was in N.Y. in a club as d.j😊

[@cindyshawver9986]

I'd love you to do a reaction to the band Dead or Alive with the song "You Spin Me Round".......it's somewhat similar to this one in ways. Give it a shot !!!

[@bossfan49]

Not at all similar except that the singer is also androgynous.

[@cindyshawver9986]

@@bossfan49 that's why i said somewhat similar, but it's a great song and Pete had a great voice......as does Boy George.

[@user-kv2tj4du8p]

as a gay man in my late 50's-i was 14/15 when this song came out-so to hear you give a shout out to boy george, and to really trumpet boy George being out and the front man of culture club means so much. thank you for your positivity and your support. amazing talent is amazing talent! I love your channel. thanks for posting.

[@johnow7]

Most of the songs that he wrote during this time were referencing his love affair with the drummer in the band.

[@randywatson8347]

I love Time, clock of the heart.

[@TisJustMe...]

The singer Boy George also put this song out for his band mate boyfriend who wouldn't publicly socialize his relationship with George. There is a movie called The Crying Game which carries George's song with same name ya;ll should check out.

[@GodLovesComics]

The Crying game was not only an amazing movie, but I think that song is Boy George's best vocal performance.

[@weezy8029]

Still gets my toes tapping!😄🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶❤️❤️❤️

[@janicepowell2188]

I like culture Club and their songs.

[@mrmagassi]

The Karma Chamelon in this song was the drummer Ron Moss (who was "straight" but was having an affair with Boy George). In fact, all of the songs George wrote at that time were about his relationship with him and how he felt manipulated every time Moss went off with the ladies... it's a classic pop hook!

[@deegomez2089]

Great reaction guys. I just saw a recent video of Suzi Quattro and Boy George singing her hit, Strumblin' In. It was really good 🎵🎶💚

[@stevencantrellzenroom7383]

Loving y’all for being real and cool…loving would be easy if your colors were like my dreams… That’s amazing and his voice is great. U guys should check out The War Song..

[@susanlittle8135]

Boy George - Life, released in 2018, is also GREAT!

[@Ltforlife22]

Life was so much easier back in the 80s

[@christinewaide5249]

I never knew that was what the song was about!

[@mrgrumpy6408]

Things were much simpler back then

[@thunderstruck13]

Culture club grows on you....boy George great voice..if you haven't listened to Jack Russell of Great White u should...video for the song Rock Me or others of theirs

[@randychampion184]

"War" is another good one to react too as well!

[@Paninaro98]

Please react to other Culture Club hits - Miss Me Blind, Black Money (studio version), Time (Clock of the Heart), Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, Victims.

[@jannigirl]

They never did a bad song! Ever! Pick some and play them, you need to go down the rabbit hole in these guys!!

[@jaysanchez5804]

Anyone else remember when they were on the A-team

[@shwicaz]

OMG! YES. I got to stay up late to watch it. 😂

[@jimilemons7680]

I don’t know what you googled but that’s NOT what the song is about. When he says “I’m a man, he’s speaking from his lovers perspective… ‘If I listened to your lies would you say’ ‘I’m a man without conviction’ ‘I’m a man who doesn’t know’ ‘How to sell the contradiction’ ‘You come and go’ He had a brief affair with the drummer and was in love but the drummer was in a relationship with a woman. The drummer is the Karma Chameleon not Boy George. The unrequited love nearly destroyed him - lead to abuse of drugs and alcohol. Appreciate you guys, hope that helps.

[@tombreeden595]

Band - Gorillaz Song-Stylo Live version with Mo Def and Bobby Womack

[@martinleahy5347]

Both his parents were Irish, ( George O Dowd ) He was in a serious relationship with Jon Moss (drummer) at the time. You guys would really enjoy the single “ Do you really want to hurt me?” Culture club’s hit before Karma Chameleon, great vibe, brilliant video, enigmatic controversial and beautiful ( cinematic) at the same time. !! ( there’s a choir of gold bowler hatted men in minstrel black face, ( but they’re black men in black face ,so it’s subversive, twisty turny and symbolic of the whole video’s challenging of expectations norms and orthodoxies. I remember when I first saw this I was blown away by the originality and the fabulous earworm tune with its Caribbean vibes and rich enigmatic visuals. I think it’s a superior track to Karma Chameleon . Enjoy as much as I enjoy your reaction videos Best wishes 🫶🏻💕

[@christinewaide5249]

I know this is a different type of music, but I think you guys would really love it. Atlanta Rhythm Section “So Into You”.

[@dennisdman11]

Always loved that group and his voice makes the music .

[@pennymcneela7095]

What's the odds you'll get a Royal Flush ?. Great tune and Video...❤

[@tresianyfb5865]

Oh my there's my childhood😊

[@aben5267]

Well, an education for me too! Never knew what the meaning was behind Karma Chameleon meant.

[@susanmurray7654]

Now I wanna see The Wedding Singer...hysterical tie in

[@Baddiesc7gn]

MY BOY! I Love Time and Do You Really want to Hurt Me. George was taking digs at his DL boyfriend who was the drummer in the band. George was pissed the whole time because his relationship was undercover. I Loved Me Some BG and CC. Bought their music.

[@sts6388]

Love this song ❤. Total 80's classic. I got it as a single for christmas in 1983, I think. Still have it somewhere.

[@maha77]

Enjoyed your reaction. Check out a synth classic fro 1982 see if you know/remember it: *Yazoo - Dont Go*

[@randychampion184]

Have these guys reacted to "Time" yet/? If not i hope that's what they do next!

[@catserver8577]

Church of the Poison Mind is one that doesn't get as much attention as the others, including Do You Really want To Hurt Me? I lived through the breakout of this band, and I am fortunate!

[@kimByhurst-px1zd]

Just to me personal it’s say stop being anti everything just discrimination against everything be yourself god made you are beautiful

[@ReleaseTheQuackers]

"Church of the Poison Mind" will blow your minds! Boy George has some serious blues chops and Helen Terry, who sings back up, will take you to church and make you repent!

[@Zebred2001]

Guys, please check out Culture Club's smooth and soulful - Time (Clock of the Heart).

[@Guy-lo3ld]

This is a great pop song! 💯 I think he was about 21 years old when this album was released. Please also react to Madonna as well! Like A Prayer, La Isla Bonita, Dress you up, anything from her 80s hits!

[@JeffPhillips-dn2fg]

Gents, do you have a Patreon site? If yes, can you post the link? Really enjoy all your reactions and thoughtful commentary to the dive through the past classic music you’re listening and reacting to.

[@TheDivayenta]

I don’t know about the videos, but George was a good singer- his biggest hit was Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? Fenom, do you mean Rosanna Arquette? ❤

[@TracyVoD]

There were 4 Arquette siblings - all actors.

[@susanmurray7654]

Boy George was excellent on Celebrity Apprentice.

[@Anne.Pinkerton]

Let's hope that's not the REAL Mississippi river or that dude's gonna wind up getting spit out around New Orleans! LOL LOL LOL My great grandson starting singing it one day and blew my mind! He learned it at school!

[@DonLovelace]

Time is a great song by CC

[@klipkultur3680]

Corey seems to be the coolest dude to hang out with, but hey, it's just a facade...

[@mikeyg3202]

not sure if he’s born in england but he’s as irish as the day is long

[@macjam9090]

Boy George is English of Irish descent.

[@Jessryan0606]

❤❤ Tell it like it is - Aaron Neville plzzz

[@Peggi109]

Love Culture Club and love George Alan O'Dowd Boy George. ✌

[@user-ep6kl1ej2i]

Reacted to his poison of the mind.

[@bossfan49]

Great harmonica riff. Great catchy pop tune. Their song Church of the Poison Mind had more awesome harmonica. Sadly, it wasn't a band member. They had a hired gun for that.

[@kathyyoung9539]

Check out the Greatest Guitar Player EVER. Stevie Ray Vaughan live Texas Flood El Macambo. ❤❤

[@jennihj]

He is Irish decent lots of English born are of Irish parents or grandparents

[@miked2445]

Tell me that aint Keagan Michael Key in a top hat...

[@willynilly2545]

Check out THE METRO by BERLIN! A new wave classic!

[@user-ep6kl1ej2i]

Reacted to aus group men at work down under,Johnny be good,it's a mistake,overkill,merina.

[@dahliapatricia750]

plsssss react more culture club songs plss

[@melaniebrown4660]

It’s been said that Boy George was in a relationship with a member of the band, and that that person refused to admit he was gay or go public with their relationship, and Boy wrote the song about him.

[@fuzzylogics139]

I always thought this song just makes one feel happy and gay, right?! It’s like it just has this happy and gay vibe to it you know!?

[@duncantanguay4820]

UK pop has gone off since evil Simon cowl but are rap beats even american stuff

[@annettejohnson9074]

Love Boy George but also love Britney Spears if you dare listen to Toxic or Womanizer or maybe Work Bitch she is more than a pop princess.

[@KneeJerkReactions13]

Hated this when it came out. Still have no appreciatin for the music. And this was rye beginning of the alphabet mafia. All the guys knew Boy George loved dudes, all rhe girks thought ge was "cute". Eww

[@davidroseman4917]

Damn y'all picked one of the worst songs ever recorded.

[@longlegsdiane]

his outfits were his mothers