strike a (kind of) note
Of speech, to have or communicate a certain kind of tone or attitude. The president struck an beleaguered note in his address to congress, as he tried to convince them to vote for the healthcare bill he is backing. The manager struck a rather insincere note as he expressed his sorrow at the round of layoffs.
strike (or sound) a — note
express a feeling or view of a particular kind. 2000 Times John McCain …was expected to strike a hawkish note last night, calling for the upgrading of the Armed Forces.