Synth Single Review: "Mahwoos" by Yusuy
Synthwave music might be seen as a largely Western, English-speaking genre but like all music, it can reach everywhere and express universal themes. Yusuy is an Egypt-based synthwave producer and his single Yours Truly (Mahwoos) is an expressive, emotive piece of classic synthwave that adds the unique sound of the Arabic language to the mix.
This song has the hallmarks of quality synthwave from the warmth of drifting analog synths to the driving drums and throbbing waves of bass that fill the music. I also find the guitar work excellent as it howls and flies over the charging beat and deep bass. There’s a nice smoothness to the music.
Yusuy’s voice has an expressive feeling to it and I dig the singing style that reminds me of the Arabic pop to which I’ve listened. There’s a trembling emotion in his voice that does a good job of conveying the aching, obsessional yearning that finds expression in the lyrics.
There’s a glowing feeling which pours from the synths on the track that adds more shine to the whole song and fills it with the richness that only analog synth sounds can give, swelling under the emotive vocals and the driving guitar.
Mahwoos means “obsession” in Arabic and this song deeply explores that theme. In translation, the emotional power of the lyrics doesn’t diminish. Yusuy pleads, “Don't just leave me there. Stay waiting for me.” He’s “drowning” in temptation and puzzled at his own decisions and cries out, “I dream of you every day.”
As the song goes on, he talks about how he can’t stop thinking of the song’s subject. He says, “You've had my mind for a while now. I see you everywhere I go” and adds that even in his dreams he’s “surrounded.” The strength of the song’s emotion is best shown in the lines, “I'm obsessed with you. Stranded along the way. Bedazzled by you.”
As the song concludes, our narrator says that he’s tried to escape but “it always leads me back to you” and he begs, “Please don't leave me all by myself. I just can't help it. You're my only escape.”
Yusuy’s song Mahwoos goes to show that synth-based music can extend anywhere and share emotions common to us all. The way that this music can transcend boundaries and borders is great to hear. I am hoping that Yusuy eventually releases a full album because I’m pretty eager to hear it.