“Red Light” is the perfect vehicle for displaying Chris Noah’s organic, convincing, heart-wrenchingly raw vocal delivery. This track taps into something intangible that every musician can only hope to achieve: fierce emotional gravity. Lyrically, it’s accessible. Vocally, it’s warm, inviting, and effortless. Musically, this piece will send chills down your spine.
The intro sports a sweet major seven-chord strummed on an acoustic guitar. Brief, reversed samples of something unrecognizable peek in and out, giving the intro a more compelling texture. “I hear you cry,” Chris utters, doused in tight, shimmery harmonies. It’s at this point you know the whole song is going to be good. Chris’s energy shines through his performance immediately, and it’s completely gripping.
The chorus strips down to just one vocal and acoustic guitar. The melody rockets into a belt, and the simplified instrumentation allows the power of Chris’s voice to momentarily take center stage. Suddenly, drums and bass swarm the mix, and a distorted melody adorns the newly heavy, grounded track. The motifs from earlier return, but this time heightened by this tonal fullness. A guitar solo even enters the scene at some point, distant and melodic, elevating the drama even more.
If you like Harry Styles, this song has a really similar production style and a comparable mood. As far as indie pop music goes, “Red Light” is as moving as it gets. Be sure to give Chris Noah a listen, a like, and a follow. You won’t regret doing a deep dive through his discography.
Written by Alyce lindberg
