I was checking out some music at rhythm house the other day and I came across this latest album by Sonu Nigam titled Classically Mild. I must admit I am not much of an Indian Classical music follower but I have always been attracted to different sounds and music that makes you lose yourself. Classically Mild is one such album that lures you into a world that you will be left to explore.
The use of contemporary sound spruced with Hindustani Raags makes it an album which stands out of the clutter. Plus - this album has this "feel good" factor about it. I bet you must have heard a lot of Buddha Bar and must be hooked on to psychedelic trance but this album presents a new face of classical sangeet. Sonu Nigam has delivered soul touching vocals. He has truly excelled in this album and has proven that music has so much more to offer and the potential of the classics is ever so abundant. The sound, the vocals, the lyrics all are quite in sync and create quite a magnanimous picture.
This is not an hardcore Indian classical but a fusionesque album that is easy on your ears(and pockets as well lol!) and even if you don’t know the "R" of Raaga, it still makes sense. Don’t take my word for it. Just check out the video. You can catch a glimpse of it here.
As for the song ratings, here is my personal rating:
Sochta Hoon Main - Raag Sindh Bhairavi - 8/10 - this song is very philosophical in nature with simple https://lyrics.
Bheege Bheege - Raag Ahir Bhairav, Puriya Dhansri and Lalit - 9/10 for the romantic feel and the guitar!
Soona Soona - Raag Des, Jaijaivanti, Mishr Patdeep - 10/10 for direction, lyrics, music.
Suratiya - Raag Holy Kaafi - 8/10 - great composition
Chalki Chalki- Raag Mishr Saarang, Mishr Khamaj and Bihag - 10/10 for the sheer brilliance of the composition and Sonu’s alaaps!
Dhanya Dhanya - Raag Maand - 5/10 - perhaps my least favorite song. Maybe because of the preachy nature of it.
Lamha Lamha - Raag Bilawal - 7/10 It could have been better!
Aai Dil Mat Ro - Raag Log Kauns - 10/10 for sheer https://lyrics. I am curious to see the video of this one.