About The Song
Within the dynamic and emotionally charged landscape of Frida Lyngstad’s 1982 solo album, Something’s Going On, produced by Phil Collins, the track “I See Red” stands out as a potent and assertive exploration of the destructive power of jealousy. Penned by the renowned songwriter Jim Vallance, known for his collaborations with Bryan Adams and other rock luminaries, this song injects a raw and edgy energy into the album, showcasing a different facet of Frida’s vocal capabilities and her willingness to tackle darker, more intense emotional themes. While not a ballad like some of her other notable solo work, “I See Red” delivers a powerful punch, capturing the visceral and often irrational nature of envy.
The songwriting contribution of Jim Vallance is crucial to understanding the driving force behind “I See Red“. Vallance’s knack for crafting strong melodies and lyrics that resonate with raw emotion is evident throughout the track. His collaboration with Frida on this song results in a dynamic interplay between the assertive lyrics and her powerful vocal delivery, creating a compelling portrayal of a woman grappling with the consuming grip of jealousy.
The production of Something’s Going On by Phil Collins once again plays a significant role in shaping the sonic landscape of “I See Red“. In contrast to the album’s more ballad-oriented tracks, Collins’ production here leans towards a more rock-infused sound, characterized by driving rhythms, prominent drums, and a sense of urgency. This energetic backdrop perfectly complements the lyrical themes of anger and possessiveness, amplifying the emotional intensity of the song.
Frida’s vocal performance on “I See Red” is a revelation, showcasing a more assertive and almost defiant side of her vocal artistry. While her signature clarity and emotional depth remain, she injects a newfound power and edge into her delivery, conveying the burning intensity of jealousy with palpable conviction. Her voice soars through the track with a controlled ferocity, capturing the internal struggle and the potential for explosive emotion that the lyrics depict. It’s a performance that demonstrates her versatility and her ability to inhabit a range of emotional landscapes within her music.
The lyrics of “I See Red” directly confront the corrosive nature of jealousy, using the vivid imagery of the color red to symbolize the intense and often blinding emotion. The opening lines, “Every time I see you with her / I see red, red, red, red,” immediately establish the central theme and the visceral reaction it provokes. The repetition of “red” emphasizes the all-consuming nature of this feeling, suggesting that it clouds judgment and distorts perception.
The verses elaborate on the specific triggers of this jealousy and the internal turmoil it creates: “It’s a feeling I can’t control / Burning deep down in my soul / Like a fire about to explode.” These lines paint a picture of an internal struggle, a battle to contain the overwhelming emotions that threaten to erupt. The metaphors of “burning deep down” and “fire about to explode” effectively convey the destructive potential of unchecked jealousy.
The chorus serves as a powerful and direct expression of this consuming emotion: “I see red, it’s all around me / I see red, can’t you see? / I see red, it’s got me blinded / And it’s tearing me apart, tearing me apart.” The repetition of “I see red” reinforces its dominance over the singer’s thoughts and feelings. The lines “it’s got me blinded” and “it’s tearing me apart” highlight the damaging effects of jealousy, both on oneself and potentially on the relationship.
The bridge offers a moment of self-awareness, acknowledging the irrationality of the emotion: “I know it’s foolish, I know it’s wrong / But the feeling’s just too strong / Every time you look her way / I just can’t help but feel this way.” This honesty adds a layer of complexity to the portrayal of jealousy. The singer recognizes its negativity but admits to being overwhelmed by its power, highlighting the often illogical nature of intense emotions.
Musically, “I See Red” is a dynamic and energetic track that mirrors the intensity of its lyrical themes. The arrangement likely features a driving rhythm section, prominent electric guitars, and layered vocals, creating a powerful and assertive sound. The tempo is upbeat, contributing to the overall sense of urgency and emotional intensity. The musical elements work in tandem with Frida’s vocal performance to create a compelling and visceral portrayal of jealousy.
In contrast to some of the more melancholic ballads on Something’s Going On, “I See Red” showcases a different dimension of Frida’s artistry, demonstrating her ability to tackle more aggressive and emotionally charged themes with conviction and power. The collaboration with Jim Vallance and the energetic production of Phil Collins result in a standout track that explores the darker side of human emotions with unflinching honesty. “I See Red” remains a compelling example of Frida’s versatility as a vocalist and her willingness to delve into the complexities of the human experience in her solo work, offering a fiery and unforgettable portrayal of the consuming power of jealousy in 1982.