This review covers the house track Basement Jaxx – Red Alert.
This track was released in 1999 on a self-titled album.
The track starts off with some filtered sound, samples, and a few effects. There are also distant voice samples in the background. After that, some filtered synth takes over with the occasional vocal sample. The samples heard earlier continues as the synth melody continues more fully.
From there, the female vocals take over. They eventually take the music into the main chorus. They smoothly take the track into the next verse. After that, they take the track back into the main chorus. Some backup vocals come in.
The main vocals then repeat the main chorus as the backup vocals repeat the same line over and over again. After that, the track pulls back somewhat. An orchestral sample makes an appearance briefly after.
From there, an instrumental section takes over with the main synths and drum kit. The backup vocals make a return. Those main female vocals return to join them. Shortly after, the main vocals take the track back into another round in the main chorus again, though with the backup vocals continuing to repeat in the background.
The track suddenly drop as the main vocals lead the track out with the old orchestral sample playing in the background.
One thing this track has going for it is the fact that the main synth melody is quite catchy. That brief guitar element really offsets the synth nicely even if it’s rather subtle.
Additionally, the main vocals work very well. They sound great and gives the track a nice lively feel to it. They do some slightly odd things part way through, but this is just for a brief few moments.
Overall, though, this is a great track. It has nicely done vocals, good lyrics, and has a catchy melody throughout. With nothing to really complain about in this track, I’d say it’s a great one all around.
Score
8/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
