ALARM / STROBE

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1. ALARM – Namie Amuro – ALARM Single/Queen of Hip-hop

This was actually one of the two songs that got me into Namie (the other was Violet Sauce). This song comes directly out of Namie’s most hip-hop of eras, so that’s the style represented here, and pretty damn well, might I add. The beginning starts off with some stacatto notes from something like a synthetic clavichord, and then launches into a electro-influenced hip-hop beat. There is a lack of any kind of electro beat, however- only the sounds used are reminiscent of electro at all. There’s some wobbling bass and waspy sines paired with the standard drum-and-cymbals combo for the backbeat. Honestly, it’s a very interesting combination that blends nicely with Namie’s strong and smoky vocals. Something I enjoy in particular about this song is how Namie is able to get your blood boiling without even having to hit a high note. A very sexy, danceable tune. I love everything about this- yes, even her Engrish, which, by the way, is great for the entire tone of the song.

A fuschia song with swirls of violet

2. STROBE – Namie Amuro – ALARM Single

To be honest, STROBE is just as strong as ALARM, which is why I’m surprised that it isn’t on the album Queen of Hip-Hop along with its A-Side. STROBE gives you the same kinds of sounds as ALARM, but slows the tempo way down so that you have less of a pussy-popper and more of a sway n’ flow. You can hear the beginnings of a cricket-filled night at the very start of the song, and throughout there are little disc scratches and the shooka-shooka of maracas. Kind of edgy and sensual all at once. Namie does hit some higher notes this time around, but she does also sing in a lighter, softer voice at the end of the chorus (and the end of the song). This song feels like an intense lullaby…or, whatever your mind goes to when she says…those things in English that she says xD I shan’t repeat them…I can’t bring myself to, but still. Sensualllllll~!

A smooth creamy orange color, like candlelight, or cashmere.

~ by MiZPYRO on February 21, 2013.