Songs With Alarm Sounds

Sirens, alarms, and the buzzing of clocks have been used in creative ways to punctuate moments in music, symbolizing everything from impending danger to emotional upheaval. These songs don’t just hit you with beats—they wake you up with alarms, capturing an energy that’s impossible to ignore.

Take Beyoncé‘s “Hold Up,” where the underlying sense of jealousy and rage is amplified by the alarm-like pulse that echoes through the track. Missy Elliott’s “Pass That Dutch” poses the question “who touched my car alarm” with a sound effect to match. Pink Floyd’s “Time,” a rock classic, is famous for its opening sequence of ringing alarm clocks, reminding listeners of the relentless march of time, a theme that runs deep throughout the song.

Songs like Rihanna‘s “Shut Up and Drive” and HAIM’s “Up From A Dream” also feature moments of sharp intensity, with sirens or alarm-like sounds embedded into the fabric of the song, creating a sense of urgency. Whether the effect is subtle or central, these songs leverage sound design to take their storytelling to the next level. From Kendrick Lamar’s “XXX.,” where the blaring of sirens evokes social unrest, to Christina Aguilera’s “Dirrty,” which uses them to fuel the raw energy of the club anthem, this playlist packs a loud punch.

songs featuring alarm and alert sounds

• Pass That Dutch – Missy Elliott
• When I Grow Up – The Pussycat Dolls
• Hold Up – Beyoncé
• Dirrty (feat. Redman) – Christina Aguilera, Redman
• Up From A Dream – HAIM
• Man Down – Rihanna
• YES (feat. 2 Chainz) – Louisa Johnson, 2 Chainz
• Ring The Alarm – Beyoncé
• Black Racers – Fixions
• Police On My Back (Remastered) – The Clash
• Bonfire – Childish Gambino
• Psychedelic Siren – Daybreakers
• Time – Pink Floyd
• Red Alert (Jaxx Radio Mix) – Basement Jaxx
• Ain’t My Fault – Zara Larsson
• Salute – Little Mix
• Shut Up And Drive – Rihanna
• London Bridge – Fergie
• Scandalous (U.S. Radio Edit) – Mis-Teeq
• XXX. (feat. U2) – Kendrick Lamar, U2

Spotify playlist:

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