Posted:
Disclaimer: I have a very rudimentary understanding of music and am certainly ignorant of all technical aspects. This is just a reflection of what I hear as I go through AR Rahman's latest work. Feel free to correct me, add information and discuss the work at whatever level you are comfortable at.
Barso Re
This song had a very rustic and south indian feel to it initially. A lot of traditional instruments were used, maintaining the village feel throughout. A bit Saathiya meets Bombay meets Rangeela (kind of meets Lagaan) but in its own unique way. Very danceable to.
Tere Bina
Very reminescent of Saathiya's "Mera Yaar" or "Naina Milaike" with some reflection of Yuva as well. Again a south indian influence in the song, with emphasis on the classical feel. Was that a guitar I heard being used?
Ek Lo Ek Muft
Bappida in this one... interesting choice. After having heard him throughout L'il Champs...I don't think I'll ever forget his voice! I'm not sure he was the right choice after all. I am aware ARR wanted ABjr to sing it originally but timing didn't work out. It will be interesting to see the picturization of this song especially. It's very simplistic and village-like. I am guessing AB is drunk in this sequence...
Mayya
A very interesting infusion of Indian, Persian/Turkish and Arabic music. I am rather disappointed. There were two, blatant lifts of work from Asoka. There were also hints of his work from Saathiya and Dil Se. Good use of the orchestra (violins right?) All together however, it felt like a bit too much. Overall this song was not of the ARR standard I've been used to.
Ay Hairathe
Well sung by Hariharan. A decent job by Alka Yagnik as well. Again, a fusion of the east and west (a Scottish or Irish influence this time I believe). Overally a very bland composition...nothing to get excited over. It is also not bad. Very soothing melody..something you could put on for mellow listening (wine anyone? ).
Bazi Laga
Catchy enough tune...but nothing spectacular again. Well composed. Udit Narayan's voice had me picturizing SRK; it just doesn't suit ABjr. Somehow when he and Madhushree (I believe, there were 3 female singers) sang...I kept thinking of One 2 Ka 4. It's got a slight latin flavor thrown in. I'm hoping with time and increased exposure, I'll grow to this song. I have a feeling that won't happen though.
Jaage Hain
A slow lilting composition heavily favoring a traditional western orchestra. Worth listening to for Rahman's voice - it's got a rather haunting quality. The orchestra is a bit overpowering at points, nearly drowning out the vocals. Reminds me of "Hey ram ye kya kar daala"... what is that song from? Another wine song.
Final Notes:
Strong consideration was given to the lyrics of the music, as is typical of ARR's work.
There were several different styles of music used throughout. Makes me wonder about the movie. Do the styles correspond to the scenes and theme of the movie, or are they on a tangent in places. Mayya certainly seems to be a black sheep.
It would have helped if I'd gone in with some background knowledge of the theme of this movie. As it is, my comments are based solely on the music I heard. I probably missed out on a lot (culturally) because I didn't know what the movie was about (okay still don't :D).
My favorite would be Barso Re. It was the most original, pleasing to the ear and well composed throughout.
A 3.5 out of 5 for ARR this time around. I was frankly very disappointed in noticing just how much of his work in this album was "inspired" (mostly to a haunting quality extent) regardless that much of it was from his own work.
Barso Re
This song had a very rustic and south indian feel to it initially. A lot of traditional instruments were used, maintaining the village feel throughout. A bit Saathiya meets Bombay meets Rangeela (kind of meets Lagaan) but in its own unique way. Very danceable to.
Tere Bina
Very reminescent of Saathiya's "Mera Yaar" or "Naina Milaike" with some reflection of Yuva as well. Again a south indian influence in the song, with emphasis on the classical feel. Was that a guitar I heard being used?
Ek Lo Ek Muft
Bappida in this one... interesting choice. After having heard him throughout L'il Champs...I don't think I'll ever forget his voice! I'm not sure he was the right choice after all. I am aware ARR wanted ABjr to sing it originally but timing didn't work out. It will be interesting to see the picturization of this song especially. It's very simplistic and village-like. I am guessing AB is drunk in this sequence...
Mayya
A very interesting infusion of Indian, Persian/Turkish and Arabic music. I am rather disappointed. There were two, blatant lifts of work from Asoka. There were also hints of his work from Saathiya and Dil Se. Good use of the orchestra (violins right?) All together however, it felt like a bit too much. Overall this song was not of the ARR standard I've been used to.
Ay Hairathe
Well sung by Hariharan. A decent job by Alka Yagnik as well. Again, a fusion of the east and west (a Scottish or Irish influence this time I believe). Overally a very bland composition...nothing to get excited over. It is also not bad. Very soothing melody..something you could put on for mellow listening (wine anyone? ).
Bazi Laga
Catchy enough tune...but nothing spectacular again. Well composed. Udit Narayan's voice had me picturizing SRK; it just doesn't suit ABjr. Somehow when he and Madhushree (I believe, there were 3 female singers) sang...I kept thinking of One 2 Ka 4. It's got a slight latin flavor thrown in. I'm hoping with time and increased exposure, I'll grow to this song. I have a feeling that won't happen though.
Jaage Hain
A slow lilting composition heavily favoring a traditional western orchestra. Worth listening to for Rahman's voice - it's got a rather haunting quality. The orchestra is a bit overpowering at points, nearly drowning out the vocals. Reminds me of "Hey ram ye kya kar daala"... what is that song from? Another wine song.
Final Notes:
Strong consideration was given to the lyrics of the music, as is typical of ARR's work.
There were several different styles of music used throughout. Makes me wonder about the movie. Do the styles correspond to the scenes and theme of the movie, or are they on a tangent in places. Mayya certainly seems to be a black sheep.
It would have helped if I'd gone in with some background knowledge of the theme of this movie. As it is, my comments are based solely on the music I heard. I probably missed out on a lot (culturally) because I didn't know what the movie was about (okay still don't :D).
My favorite would be Barso Re. It was the most original, pleasing to the ear and well composed throughout.
A 3.5 out of 5 for ARR this time around. I was frankly very disappointed in noticing just how much of his work in this album was "inspired" (mostly to a haunting quality extent) regardless that much of it was from his own work.
CID
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
