Ye Maya Chesave Music Review

Music Director : A.R.Rahman
Vocals : Benny Dayal, Kalyani Menon, Devan Ekambaram, Chinmayee, Karthik, Vijay Prakash, Suzanne, Blaaze, Naresh Iyer, Shreya Ghosal, V.Alphonse.
Lyrics : Anantha Sriram

1. Kundanapu Bomma

Vocals: Benny Dayal, Kalyani Menon
Lyrics: Anantha Sriram, Malayalam Lyrics are by Kalyani Menon

This dreamy number starts off with a touch of music that reminds you of the Far East. The feel continues, very subtly, with the nagaswaram forming the backdrop playing the Bilahari raga. The lyrics are overpowered by the instruments, sure, but Rahman attempts to evoke a certain mood in the listeners with this song and he succeeds.

2. Manasaa

Vocals: Devan Ekambaram, Chinmayee
Lyrics: Anantha Sriram

A joyful union of hearts, as indicated by the lyrics, the merest whiff of ‘When the saints go marching in’, two minutes into the song. The chorus is cheery and the use of cello and mrudangam sounds adds depth. A lovable number, inspite of all the synthesized sounds.

3. Swaasye…..

Vocals: Karthik
Lyrics: Anantha Sriram

A joyful union of hearts, as indicated by the lyrics, the merest whiff of ‘When the saints go marching in’, two minutes into the song. The chorus is cheery and the use of cello and mrudangam sounds adds depth. A lovable number, inspite of all the synthesized sounds.

4. Hosanna

Vocals: Vijay Prakash, Suzanne, Blaaze
Lyrics: Anantha Sriram, English Rap lyric is by Blaaze

Christian tradition defines Hosanna as the cry of adoration of the Messiahship of Jesus on his entry into Jerusalem’. Rahman has boldly adopted it to express the joy that erupts in the heart of the hero when his soul mate walks into his life. This lovely number, a mix of a few genres, is richly layered with violin, flute and many other instruments and conceived very differently too. We hear bits of Mohanam and Natabairavi notes all along.

5. Aakaasam….

Vocals: Naresh Iyer
Lyrics: Anantha Sriram

Frantic appeals from the hero to his girlfriend to come back and heal him and the rhythms also have a fitting urgency about them. The shorter lines of the second charanam also carry the mood along. Neat notes from the strings for this number which seems to be based on the Harikamboji raga scale

6. Vintunaavaa

Vocals: Karthik, Shreya Ghosal
Lyrics: Anantha Sriram

Sabaash Rahman, for weaving some very pertinent Tirukkural couplets into this song, which has penitence as its strong underlying mood. Shreya’s voice conveys myriad moods as she moves softly through the song to the sweet accompaniment of guitars and violin. Again an unconventionally textured song.

7. Aaromale (Malayalam)

Vocals: V.Alphonse
Lyrics: Kaithapram

Oh, this song just defies description! But it has a Rahman-esque addictive charm that cannot be ignored. Sad and pleasant moods alternate. A curious blend of guitars and malayala lyrics. The gentle rhythms that break out with the line’swasti swasti sumuhurtham’ cut into the sobriety of the song in a refreshing manner. You need some repeated listening to savour this.

My Rating: 3.5/5

Ghajini Audio Review

EXPECTATIONS:

Huge with a capital H - That's the best way to describe the expectations that one has from the music of Ghajini. An Aamir Khan project is always big. When A.R. Rahman gets involved, it only becomes bigger. And when it's a project like Ghajini, which is a hardcore commercial fare, it has to be of one of the biggest, if not 'THE' biggest soundtrack of the year. Add in a name like Prasoon Joshi, who writes the lyrics for the film and you know that there is just no room for any error whatsoever. So what do we get here? Let's read on!

MUSIC:

Ever since the music release of Roja, the common saying for almost a decade and a half has been - 'Rahman's music takes time to grow'. That has indeed been the case for some of his best work ever which has gone on to be huge commercial success. Now imagine his music appealing to your ears in the very first go itself! The results are meant to be fantabulous and immediately acceptable, something which happens in case of Ghajini.

A.R. Rahman truly creates a soundtrack which makes an instant impact and yet retains the classy touch which is expected from him, especially noticeable in songs like 'Guzarish' and 'Kaise Mujhe'. Both being complex compositions due to the kind of variation that Rahman brings in spinning a melodic tale, 'Guzarish' and 'Kaise Mujhe' work and how! While 'Guzarish' is sweet-n-saccharine with Bollywood romance at its best, 'Kaise Mujhe' reminds of the kind of work that Ismail Darbar has been doing ever since his Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam days. Slow and pensive, it has a classy feel to it and sound even better in its 'instrumental' version. Someone bring on that 'Karaoke' please!

Only Rahman could have made something like this possible and if you have been a fan of 'Latka Dikha Diya Tumne' (Hindustani), then be sure that 'Aye Bachchu' would get the house on fire, which is a foot tapping track that is way beyond the likes of 'Shano Shano' (Yuuvraaj). It is a party track which has an out and out Western rhythm to it and should be quite some eye candy. Ditto for 'Latoo' which is heavy on orchestra, rightly so since the genre of the number requires that to be the case. The only number which is 'un-Rahmanish' in appeal and appears to be coming from the house of Pritam or Vishal-Shekhar, it is fast paced and boasts of an instant recollection quotient.

'Behka' could well be the 'Main Aisa Kyon Hoon' (Lakshya) moment for Aamir Khan in the way it is has been composed. The most unique composition of the album and something which Rahman has attempted after a long time. 'Behka' has an international sound in the way it is paced and arranged. Especially watch out for the 'antara' portion and you know for yourself that what sets it apart from any other Rahman song you would have heard in the recent times.

LYRICS:

With Prasoon Joshi around, lyrics are bound to be not just impressive but even way different from what one hears in a regular Bollywood album. Whether it is the poetic feel of 'Guzarish' or the intoxicated feel of 'Behka', Prasoon is in full form here. Of course when it comes to bringing on some fun on the house, 'Aye Bachchu' and 'Latoo' win hands down.

VOCALS:
Javed Ali makes best use of the opportunity that he gets with 'Guzarish'. First 'Jashn-E-Bahaaran' and now 'Guzarish', the young man is certainly looking up in his career. Another new singer, Benny Dayal, who made a worthy debut with 'Tu Meri Dost Hain' (Yuuvvraaj), is good once again in 'Kaise Mujhe'. What comes across as a pleasant surprise is to see Shreya Ghoshal letting her hair down for 'Latoo', a kind of track which, on any other day would have fell in Sunidhi Chauhan's lap. Suzanne, who continues to make an impression with every opportunity that comes to her, knows that 'Aye Bachchu' is the number for the dance floor and she gets the right attitude in place to justify her presence in the song as the chosen one.

OVERALL:

Ghajini is what one calls as a chartbuster album in the offering. Clearly boasting of Rahman's best soundtrack of the year (yes, it is better than Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa, Jodhaa Akbar, Yuvvraaj and Ada), Ghajini in fact, sees Rahman-Aamir collaboration being successful yet again after some of their best work together in Rang De Basanti, Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India and Rangeela. The music of Ghajini is all set to make waves way into 2009 after the Christmas release of the film. When 'best of the best' list would be compiled at the year end, it would be hard to ignore Ghajini.

Rating : 4/5

Sasirekha Parinayam Music Review

Krishna Vamsi's Sasirekha Parinayam stars Tarun and Genelia. The music is by Mani Sharma, with Mani Sharma and Vidyasagar teaming up for two songs, both of which are good. The music is nice and pleasant for the most part and a few of the songs are worth pressing the rewind button for. It's not The music of the season, but it's definitely an asset for the movie.

Elaa Entha Sepu : The song starts with lovely and casual strumming. Rahul Nambiar does a good job with the playback, singing Sirivennela's romantic in-love solo song. The instrumental is good, with a little softness and some Sharma keyboard trademarks. Nambiar voice, the lyrics and the strumming makes this song a clear winner and a very good start to the album.
Rating : 3.75

Gundelo Golisoda : Jai sings to Anatha Sriram's lines which is a stark contrast to the opening song. This song is Item-ish, club number-that genre. The chorus in English is a little silly, and it sounds like it was hastily put together.
Rating : 3

O Bujjamma : Mani Sharma and Vidyasagar get together to compose this number, for reasons best known to them. After a dark female solo, it's the turn of a lively male solo. The combi worked, and the song makes for pleasant music. Ranjith's solos always work out, and he carries the song on his shoulders really well. It's a playful number and the song ends on a sprightly note.
Rating : 3.5

Yedho Yedho : Saindhavi sings this old-school song that makes for a refreshing change after the utterly commercial and vague sounds of the past few releases. There is a tune you can catch, a beat you can differentiate, lyrics you can understand and a song you can hear. If you like music and like to listen as opposed to hear, this song is for you. Oh and old-schoolers should stop complaining about 'today's music'. It has variety, it's evolving and it's an experimental period right now for Telugu music. Lyrics courtesy Anantha Sriram and one more Mani Sharma-Vidyasagar combination. As far as combinations go, this as Paisa Vasool as McDonald's.
Rating : 3.5

Bejawada Bachelor : Naveen and Rita team up for this 'Youth' song. Anantha Sriram's lines and Sharma's music for this song grows on you a little and stops. Nothing fresh or new, just a regular youthful duet.
Rating : 3

Yedho Yedho : Saindhavi sings this second version of the same number, with lyrics by Sirivennela this time. This seems slightly more cheerful than the other version. Saindhavi's lilting vocals deserve a mention.
Rating : 3.5

Ninne Ninne : Chitra renders this song with a classical touch and by this time you are bored of it already (enough for one album) but for Chitra's voice. Her vocals are always refreshing and she sings like a lark, so the album finishes off pretty well. Rating : 3

Last Word A lot of softness, melody and a few typical Sharma numbers. The two music composers get together to make good music for two of the songs. The music goes with the title and makes for a decent hear. Overall, there will be an appreciative audience for this music, but front-benchers will avoid like plague. It's nice to see mainstream makers and composers go in for a little (very little) variety now and then. Again, not awesome-mind blowing-classic category, but good music and an asset for the movie.

Overall Rating : 3.5

Courtesy : www.cinegoer.com

Raaz - The Mystery Continues

Any follower of Bollywood, especially when it comes to good music, would certainly know by heart the entire catalogue that Vishesh Films has created in last two decades. And now when Bhatt brothers are ready to strike again with Raaz - The Mystery Continues (which is not a sequel to Raaz and mainly extends the horror-n-mystery genre forward), their music is in news once again.

Would it impress yet again, just like majority of films coming from the house of Bhatts do? Would it have soulful tunes which would make Raaz - TMC yet another addition to the enviable music catalogue of the Bhatts?

Would Emraan Hashmi's lucky charm rub over Raaz - TMC too when it comes to popularity of music? Would Raaz - TMC match up to Raaz that had some haunting melodies by Nadeem-Shravan and still registers sales at the music stands?

MUSIC:
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Raaz - TMC takes an excellent start with 'Mahi Ve' which can be comfortably placed as the flagship number of the album. Though in essence 'Mahi Ve' is a love song, it has an element of pain and a wait for togetherness attached to it that brings with it some trademark Bhatt element.

Also, this melodious track by Sharib-Toshi has a good fusion of Indian and Western instruments that come together to make it a piece which gets on you after the first listening itself. A chartbuster number that also appears in a 'Rock With Me' version, it is waiting to make waves in weeks to come.

If you liked 'Bheege Hoth Tere' (Murder), chances are high that you would fall for 'Soniyo' as well.

Picturised on Adhyayan Suman and Kangna, this Raju Singh composed has a serene feel to it and celebrates the coming together of two hearts who have perhaps found true love for the first time.

With a hint of Western touch to it, 'Soniyo' is a soft romantic number which has it's moments, especially in the 'antara' portions, where time tends to stand still!

However, not just time but your feet also start moving the moment the rhythm of Raju Singh composed 'O Jaana' begins.

A true follow up to 'Kaho Na Kaho' (Murder), 'O Jaana' is a dance floor number and more than anything else, one looks forward to seeing Kangna in a chilled out form for perhaps the first time ever in a Hindi film.

A track with just the right kind of punch required to attract youngsters, especially in the 'Dance With Me Mix' version by DJ Suketu, 'O Jaana' is all set to be a number that would rock the charts other than 'Mahi Ve'.

Pranay M. Rijia, a new composer, gets an entry into the world of Bhatts with the responsibility of creating the title song 'Kaisa Ye Raaz Hai'.

The track has a haunting-n-silent beginning to it and while the pace is quite slow here, it is just right for a number belonging to this genre. A situational song, it is expected to be placed at numerous junctures in the narrative.

'Bandaa Re' marks an end to this album which has a devotional feel to it. A number which gives the message of God being right in front of you rather than at pilgrimage spots, it brings with it a fusion of Indian classical and 'Sufi' flavor.

LYRICS:
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As has been the case in majority of his songs, Sayeed Quadri's lyrics succeed in telling the most complex tale in the simplest of manners. One hear of 'Mahi Ve' and you understand why association between Bhatts and Quadri is for the keeps.

However, beats hold center stage in 'O Jaana' due to which one doesn't delve deep into Quadri's lyrics. The tide reverses though for this third track in the album, 'Kaisa Yeh Raaz Hai', where quite a few questions are raised and then left unanswered in a quest to be explored further in the film's narrative.

Kumaar, an emerging talent, proves his versatility once again by writing a mushy 'Soniyo' that is a far cry from the fun mood of his very own 'Maa Da Laadla' (Dostana). Surprisingly though, the lyricist of 'Bandaa Re' doesn't find his/her mention on the album's credit details!

VOCALS:
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Will Toshi be the next voice for Emraan Hashmi? By the look of things, it may well be the case after hearing him singing excellently for the young actor in 'Mahi Ve'.

If Himesh Reshammiya's voice has contributed in a major way to Emraan's popularity, Toshi too has it in him to have an extended association with Emraan.

Sonu Niigaam and Shreya Ghoshal are expectedly good in 'Soniyo' though both of them are best when it comes to the 'antara' part which musically too is far more impressive than the 'mukhda'.

Krishna sings the 'From The Heart' version which is almost unplugged and has a far more haunting appeal than the version heard first.

Listen to this solo track when you wish to just think about the one you love most with no interference whatsoever from the outside world. Later, he is also heard in 'Bandaa Re' where he makes the maximum impression during the 'Sufi' part of the song.

KK proves why he is the man of all seasons the moment his voice is heard in 'O Jaana' and 'Kaisa Yeh Raaz Hai'. While he is all spirited in the former, he goes pensive in the latter, hence bringing variation in the diverse moods that the two songs are set in.

OVERALL:
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There were four questions raised at the beginning of this reviews for which the respective answers are: a) The music of Raaz - TMC indeed impresses, b) The soundtrack here is yet another good addition to the enviable music catalogue of the Bhatts and c) Emraan would certainly have some more chartbusters to add to his name.

As for the last question i.e. whether Raaz - TMC matches up to Nadeem-Shravan's Raaz, then well, let's put it this way that albums like Aashique, Raaz or a Saajan are made only once and there shouldn't even be a conscious effort to replicate or surpass them.

In this regard, the music of Raaz - TMC has its own place under the sun and what matters in the end is whether it works for the film or not. Well, the answer for this one is a firm Yes!

Rating: 3.5

Surya s/o Krishnan Audio Review

Producer : AASCAR Films

Director : Gautham Vasudev Menon

Music : Harris Jayraj



01 - Yedhane Koiyyake
Singer(s) : Krish, Benny Dayal, Bhargavi Pillai
Lyrics : Veturi
Review : Some heavy guitar stuff here to begin with and heavy rhythms to go along with it too. Clearly targeting Pop and Heavy Metal fans. Both the male singers use a slightly rasping voice.
Rating : 4/5

02 - Naalona Pongenu
Singer(s) : Harish Raghavendra, Devan, V. Prasanna
Lyrics : Veturi
Review : Cool melodious composition by Harris.The guitar works magic in this song. Seems to be patterned on country music, the kind you hear from John Denver and others. All soft and flowy and the lyrics smoothly tag along. And when Harish Raghavendra’s rich voice combines with all this, the charm is all the more noticeable.
Rating : 5/5

03 - Yegasi Yegasi
Singer(s) : Benny Dayal, Naresh Iyer, Chandran
Lyrics : Veturi
Review : It is based on middle eastern rhythms but the song is totally pettai stuff and full of boyish bravado. The song has drums, guitar and some whistling sounds built attractively into it.
Rating : 3.5/5

04 - Monna Kanipinchavu
Singer(s): Naresh Iyer, Prashanthini
Lyrics : Veturi
Review : This is again a wonderful melodious duet by Harris with magical voices of Naresh Iyer & Prashanthini. Sometimes the male voice croons and the lady’s voice sounds shrill. Looks like Harikamboji scale and apart from the delightful guitar.
Rating : 4/5

05 - O Shanthi Shanthi
Singer(s): Krish, S.P.B. Charan
Lyrics : Veturi
Review : This is one the outstanding compositions of Harris Jayraj which starts with normal tempo and it goes to very high. Voices of SPB charan is apt for the song. A small trumpet-like interlude breaks the monotony in this song.
Rating : 4/5

06 - Adhey Nannu
Singer(s): Karthik, V. Prasanna
Lyrics : Veturi
Review : This is a typical number in the album which is composed of a melody tune mixed up desi music beats.This song truly reflects what Harris is capable of.. A very interestingly conceived song with slight sruti variations that add charm to the whole piece. Karthik is faultless in rendering.And the guitar, sitar, thavil and native drums combine so beautifully after the first minute. Tender sprinkles of guitar and santoor, sometimes drums and ghatam need to be savoured here. Though we have some Anandabairavi shades, the raga scale seems to be Harikamboji. Interesting!
Rating : 3.5/5

07 - Nidhare Kala
Singer(s): Sudha Raghunathan
Lyrics : Veturi
Review : An exceptionally well composed song on the Natabairavi scale. And rendered with perfection by Sudha Raghunathan. We have some nice sitar and violin pieces woven into the song. Some interesting swara patterns repeat through the song, which reveal the raga to be what it is and not Sindubairavi as it sometimes appears Could stay on the charts easily for some time for its plaintiveness.
Rating : 5/5

Overall Rating : 4.5/5

King Audio Review

King Audio Review:
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01 - King
singers : Lessle Lewis, Mamata Mohandas
Lyrics : Ramajogayya Shastry
Review : This is just a regular DSP's title song which is all about the Hero's description. Lyrics written by Ramajogayya Shastry are good. Voices of Lessle Lewis & Mamatha Mohandas are added advantages to this song.
Rating : 3/5


02 - A to Z
singers : Naveen Madhav, Priya Hemesh
Lyrics : Ramajogayya Shastry
Review : This is a good peppy composition from DSP with good lyrics. Naveen Madhav's voice is good and it resembles the voice of Neeraj Sridhar's(Singer of "Om Namstey Bolo..." from Ready ). The Instrumental music in the begining of the song may resemble "My Heart is Beating.. " music from "Jalsa".
Rating : 4/5


03 - O Manmadhuda
singers : Sagar, Divya
Lyrics : Ramajogayya Shastry
Review : This is one more DSP's mark melody number in which hero & heroine expresses their love with each other. Sagar rocked usually in the track and Divya's voice is also good.
Rating : 3.5/5


04 - Yenthapani Chesthiviro
singers : Vaddepalli Srinivas, Priya Hemesh
Lyrics : Sahiti
Review : This is a pakka mass number with thelangana flavour. V.Srinivas's voice is apt for the song and Priya also sang well.
Rating : 3/5



05 - Ghanana Ghanana
singers : Ujjayinee
Lyrics : Ramajogayya Shastry
Review : This is an excellent classical melody from Devi Sri Prasad. Ujjayinee's voice is excellent and the number would be outstanding if it has some more lyrics.
Rating : 4/5


06 - Nenu Nee Raja
singers : Rahul Nambiar, Andrea
Lyrics : Ramajogayya Shastry
Review : It is again a DSP mark peppy number.
Rating : 3/5


07 - Ghanana (Funny)
singers : Mamata Mohandas
Lyrics : Ramajogayya Shastry
Review : This is a hindi version of "Ghanana Ghanana..". Its funny because the lyrics of the song were made by the names of the popular bollywood movies like "Kal Ho Na Ho, Taare Zameen par...".
Rating : 4/5


08 - Nuvvu Ready
singers : Shankar Mahadevan, Gopika Purnima
Lyrics : Ramajogayya Shastry
Review : It is again a DSP mark peppy number.
Rating : 3/5


09 - King (The DSP Mix)
Lyrics : Ramajogayya Shastry
Review : This is a remix Version of King with normal DJ Mix. Here the DJ is non other than DSP.
Rating : 3/5

Overall Rating : 3.5/5