I m hooked to Saathiya as usual. Though I admit, its not as good as the Tamil version but its not that bad too. Initially, one may feel its average or even worse...but guys, give it a chance. I m writing this review coz I wasnt a part of this group when 'Alaipayuthey' released.
'Saathiya'- All those who say that Sonu has screwed up the song...infact...he's given his best. Hari is good in his own way. May be the voice didnt suit Vivek Oberoi. He needed a much younger voice. He's done a brilliant job. Gulzar, whom I respect a lot, has not let me down. The Tamil lyrics are outstanding but Gulzar has given it a different meaning. He's concentrated on the girl's laughter instead of colours. Its very difficult...I know...being a poet myself, I tell you this. He's still mentioned some colours: 'peeli dhoop pehenke tum...', 'kabhi neele asmaan pe...', 'sabz laal par lete hue...saat rang hain bahar ke...'. Rating: ***
'Chhalka chhalka re'- is excellent. All the singers,esp. Mahalaxmi, r astounding. Rahman has replaced the Nadhaswaram by Shehnai in the 1st interlude which gives it a North-Indian (marriage) feel. Rating: ***1/2
'Aye udi udi'- hasnt sunk in much yet...as SP Charan's voice is still echoing in my ears. Somehow the words 'nageela..' dont fit in. Adnan is good but needs to improve on his diction. It seems as if he's singing with a half-open mouth. The original was much much better. Rating: **1/2
'Chupke se'- I am totally mesmerised by this song...be it the composition or vocals or instrumentation, whatever. Its one of the most beautiful gems of ARR's career. Sadhana once again proves that she can deliver the best (Hindi composers r u listening?) The lyrics r very imaginative. Just think twice...'chupke se...raat ki chaadar tale, chaand ki bhi aahat na ho..raat hi raat chale...farvari ki sardiyon ki dhoop mein...moondi-moondi ankhiyon se dekhna-haath ki aadh se...nimmi-nimmi thand aur aag mein...haule haule Marwa ke raag mein (marwa is a dusk-time raag)...Meer ki baat ho (meer is one of the Urdu shayars like Ghalib and Daag). He's come out with such a beautiful thought! Gulzar was and is the best. Though it takes time to understand his lyrics...as he is a very straigh-forward shayar. He expresses with simple routine words...not like the normal filmi tone. Murtuza & Qadir sound good...again very unclear in diction. The best song! Rating: ****1/2
'O humdum'/'Mangalyam'- I still like "endrendrum"...Kunal's voice is exactly similar to Clinton's. KK, Shaan dont have much to do. It cud be popular bcoz of the rhythm and the rap. Mangalyam is still better. Rating: ***
'Menda yaar mila de'- Very complexly composed...a lot of pain and passion. Only Rahman cud have sung it. The beginning sound very much like the start of "jumpalakka" from En swasa katre with the Hawaiin guitars. The rhythm is very sufiana. I can imagine a baba-type of a person singing it. The words impress again..."banjar hai sab banjar hai..."Rahman has crafted the song with much intelligence. Suddenly in between, u can hear shades of Banthuwarali (Puriya Dhanashree) and then again it shifts to Ahir Bhairav. Its definitely a 'Satrangi' kinda song. The strings after the 1st charnam sound like those of "tanhaayee" from DCH. The rhythm sound like "rajyammaa" from Baba. The duff is the prime percussion. Good attempt. Rating: ***1/2
'Naina milaike'- Another stunner! I just love such kinda songs. It reminds me of old composers like Naushad and O.P.Nayyar. Its a typical mujra-kinda song...like ones from Paakezah or Umrao Jaan. Madhushree is very good when she starts of the song, improvising just on 3-4 notes 'pa ni sa re sa'. The swarmandal glides r amazing. The song is based on light-classical Raag Khamaj, having both Nishadhs. Sadhana is too good with her improvisations.Listen to her whenever she sings "Naina milaike". Everytime it s different. The dholak, tabla r good giving it a typical Bhojpuri feel. The dialect is bhojpuri too. The words r not normal Hindi. This again sounds un-rahmanesque. We r so used to his digital sound that such pure songs go unnoticed. The interludes are predominantly those of Dilruba (sarangi-kind of instrument). Rating: ****
'Chori pe chori'- again..Ashaji croons the song. Nice to hear Karthik singing in Hindi. I think he's become ARR's fav. The tune is very 'RD'..listen to "piya tu ab to aaja...', or 'duniya mein logon ko...' or 'dum maro dum...'. Especially when u hear her singing 'aha..aa..ahaha...' after the 1st charnam, u'll agree. She used to do such things fro RD's songs. The rap part is amazing. The rhythm is catchy. Sure to be played in the discs. I think this song will become popular among others. ARR has removed the thavil as it wud sound very south-indian. The programming by Pravin Mani is extremely good. ARR has always got support from his technicians and musicians. Rating: ***1/2
I like the album..though after 4-5 hearings. Thats usual Rahman. Listen to the lyrics n try to understand. I m sure u'll stop complaining.
Swaps
posted at: 13:11 | permanent link to this entry