Here I am with the popular demand to review the long awaited album of ARR, "The Legend of Bhagat Singh". I must say that ARR has matured in his music not sticking to regular filmi tunes. This is because he is accepting films of different genres: period, romantic, patriotic, experimental, etc. And he has succeeded in all his attempts to create the appropriate feel of the subjects. "1947 Earth", "Lagaan", "Thakshak", "Iruvar", "Kannathil", "Alaipayuthey", "Pukar", have all proved to be masterpieces in their own senses. It also depend a lot on the director: like with Mani its just magical! Lyrics also play a very important role in shaping the whole song. Past works with Javed Akhtar, Gulzar and Majrooh Sultanpuri haas proved that Rahman understands poetry and the nuances of Hindi as well as Urdu literature. Compliments from Gulzarsaab and Lataji confirm this point that Rahman is the best among the new breed of MDs. Why not? After all, dedication and devotion to music finally pays off.
Lets just concentrate on the music of TLOBS for the time being. Another period film with lots of patriotic flavour like "Roja", "Bombay" or "Vande Mataram". I think he gives the best scores for period/patriotic subjects. TLOBS is no exception. When we all had heard that ARR is composing for this film, we knew something new and novel is in store for us. The movie based on the life of the freedom-fighter Bhagat Singh demands a typical period music with Punjabi dialect. The folk music of Rural Punjab was never attempted by ARR in the past. So it was a difficult task for him to create that era and that flavour thru his compositions. Considering the fact that he is very busy with "Bombay Dreams" and a handful of other projects, it would be unfair to say that he has composed this music in haste. Atleast, I dont feel that. The music is very interesting. Each song stands out for itits uniqueness and has something novel to offer. Lets examine them in detail:
Mera rang de basanti chola (Sonu Nigam, Manmohan Waris): Typical Punjabi song with traditional lyrics and minimal orchestration. One must understand the fact that all these songs have minimal instrumentation and a typical rhythm with less improvisations as it is folk-based and folk music is very simple, from the heart. Here the rhythm is like a qawwali. Lyrics play an important role. The song is based on Raga Bhairavi and has been sung well by both the singers. Though first-timer Manmohan Waris sounds a bit not-so-confident types as he sings all the notes very straight (Hans Raj Hans would have been preferred). Sonu as usual is at his best, filling in emotions, providing the variations and showcasing his range. It has a simple rhythm with dholak, dhol, claps and cymbals which give a folk appeal. The interludes are also short and crisp with flute and harmony.The second interlude has the santoor. In the first interlude, the raga structure changes a bit and then returns to the basic melody (like in the 2nd interlude of "Varaaga" from Sangamam). A regular ARR speciality! Overall the song is good and has got all the ingredients of becoming a commercial hit.Lyrics are apt. All the 4 Bhagat Singhs' have this common song and I feel this is the best. The rest of them give u a more Bhangra-Pop kinda feel. Rating: 7/10.
Pagdi sambhal jatta (Sukhwinder Singh, chorus): ARR composing a Bhangra! Quite successful. The song starts with Sukhwinder's beautiful rendition of some sufi doha with beautiful Harmonium in the background. The song suddenly picks up pace with manjiras, cymbals and fast rhythm on the dhol and dholak. Then there are these typical Punjabi words like "tunak tunak", "balle balle", "Harippa" and all. Remember "Lagaan"'s last scene when Deva takes a wicket. The same beats and "harippa" were used. The song has some nice banjo pieces. Interludes are primarily rhythm-oriented. Good attempt. Could be popular among masses. Lets wait and watch for the picturisation. Rating: 6 1/2/10.
Mahive (Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan): Beautiful...simply melodius! The same ARR melody with oodles of chords and string arrangements like "Mehki mehki" from Zubeidaa, "O re chhori" from Lagaan or "Nee than en desiya geetham" from PP. The song starts with Alka's beautiful voice singing "Chirewaaliyan" and vibrophones giving it a support. The song develops a continuous rhythm on the dholak with thaaps. The raga could be the popular folksy Maand (using all shuddha notes). The interludes have fast strings (violins, violas, cellos, flute and keyboards) which give a beautiful effect. Alka has indeed improved a lot and this is why ARR has started using her in most of his Hindi songs. Udit gives an able support with his typical pronounciations. Best song of the album. Just love all ARR melodies! My personal favourite...I cant get enough of it! Rating : 9/10.
Sarfaroshi ki tamanna I & II (Sonu Nigam, Hariharan): Part one is fast with an unusual 6/4 metre (12 beats). Its a marching-type of a song where the words have been sung in double metre. This song was there in the old Bhagat Singh too but this one's completely different. The second version is amazing. Its the slower version in 2/4 metre (8 beats, Keherwa taal). Sonu starts the song with required emotions (Vibrophones provide the chords) and Hari continues the mukhda. The song is based on Raga Des and then partly shifts to a variation of Des: Des Mahlar employing the Komal Gandhar. The slide on Komal Gandhar in the upper octave is beautiful. The first interlude starts with Santoor and Mohan Veena (or Sitar). The raga keeps on shifting to different shades of Des and Jaijaiwanti. The second interlude has the tabla with Santoor and chorus. It gives u a feel of "O palanhaare" from Lagaan. After the 2 nd antara, the pace is increased and the tabla plays the Addha Taal (16 beats) with glides of the swarmandal (Harp) and both Hari and Sonu singing together like singing a jugalbandi.The overall mood of the song is that of Bhakti or devotion. The lyrics are very touchy and quite nicely structured. Good work by Sameer! In the end the rhythm becomes double and there is a very fast strings progression while both the singers sing. The song builds a crescendo towards the end. It would be really exciting to watch the song in the film. It definitely evokes a patriotic appeal and concern for the grievances of the freedom-fighters. Its a song of motherland and sacrifices given by them.It has a Naushad-feel to it if u hear it sincerely. I liked it very much as it has a classical touch. Moreover it is the longest song in the album!No wonder Sonu's expecting a Natioanl award. Truly, he's sung the best! Rating: 9/10.
Desh mere/ Dil se niklegi/ Kasam tumko watan (Sukhwinder Singh, ARR): This is the song that comes on TV and its again a patriotic song. ARR sings only 2 lines through out "Des mere" while Sukhwinder does the rest. The song starts with trumpets and bugle and western percussions. It gives u the feel of the Victorian era with symphony kind of interludes.The antaras are good with the use of both Madhyams together towards the end (chromatic notes). The song is based on raga Shuddha Sarang/ Shyam Kalyan. The other two versions are sad versions sung by Sukhwinder. Good songs but short ones! They could be playing it in the background. The rhythm is similar to the Theme of Lagaan. In the second version there are traces of Shehnaai in the background. Rating: 8 /10.
Shora so pahchaniye (Karthik, Raquib, Sukhwinder): The first promo to be aired...its more like a theme song. No tune, only words said with vigour and energy. Its a chorus song. Must be one of those aggressive patriotic numbers. God knows what the words mean! It ends with elongated "Inqilab Zindabad". Lots of percussions. Very short ( approx 2 mins.)! Rating: 6/10.
Jogiya (Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan): Of late ARR has been composing songs in the 14-beat metre ("Sona nahin" from 1 2 ka 4, "Azhage sugama" from PP). Its the Deepchandi taal. The song starts with the dholak beats and flute building the right ambience of a romantic duet.The flute begins with shades of Yaman Kalyan. Again a melodius number. The main song starts with "Jogiya jogiya..." (there is some other female too!) The melody is based on Raga Chhayanat. It resembles a lot to "Azhage sugama" from PP. The antara is also good with Udit entering at regular intervals. This is also a melody of Punjab-origin, dholak being the principal percussion. The metre is not regular deepchandi but the structure has been changed. We call it the "Wazan" of the beat.It could a marriage song. There is the flute, shehnaai, keyboards and strings. Apt for the situation. Overall the song is hummable. Rating: 7 1/2/10.
Overall Album Rating: 8/10.
So heres it! Detailed review of the album.Hope u agree with me! Do send in ur suggestions and opinions. I got Karthik S (IT)'s mail saying that he wants the review at the earliest. My exams r goin on but then even I couldnt resist the temptation to write this review. 9 beautiful songs and one master creator! I think we r experiencing ARR's best works of late. The other versions of Bhagat Singh with MDs like Anand Raaj Anand and Sardool Sikandar will have a tough time to catch the audience's attention once they have had heard this one. I think, half the battle is already won by Rajkumar Santoshi with powerhouse performers like Ajay Devgan, Sushant Singh, Farida Jalal and above all ARR with other technical crew. Lets wait n watch for BD and other releases. For the time being, enjoy the album!
Amar Rahe Rahman
Swapnil
posted at: 13:11 | permanent link to this entry