As usual, was waiting for this one by the genius. With a name like Rockstar who better to helm the megaphone(music wise of course!) than Rahman. So is it worth the hype? Read on.
14 tracks(including themes)!Duh its a musical! But you aren’t tired listening to it and probably not tired reviewing it as well for several reasons. I must tell you although the title suggests a lot of Guitar which it has, you will be surprised by its variety. So, lets jump in straight away.
Phir se Ud chala. *a soft but firm start to the album. Mohit Chauhan( sung 9 out of the 14 tracks) croons this one in his typical ever so slightly nasal style. Its one of those songs where singers sweetly ask about the miracle that is life. This could be your new morning song. A likable tune, easy on the ears and the right amount of energy.
Jo bhi main. *a real winner this one. Mohit gives it that bluish sound and he does well with a bit of lazy elegance( or does it sound like that?!) A true blue song. As usual lyrics are deep not sure why he asks about life but I guess it will be clearer when we see the movie. hopefully. but nonetheless will grow on you.
Katiyan Karoon. *I’m sure Imtiaz Ali specifically asked for a Punjabi folk song and probably like all his screenplays this one too has Mauja Mauja moment! Of course its the sheer genius of Rahman that turns the song on its head. An immensely likable song with trademark flashes of a Rahman melody. Sung effectively by Harshdeep Kaur and Sapna Awasthi( remember chaiyya chaiyya!) will surely have you humming.
Kun Faaya Kun . *A spiritual, sufi number this one. Musicians are inspired by’the big guy upstairs’ and probably be the way they reach salvation by crooning for the Lord. A notch above khwaja mere khwaja, this one is the necessary change in the otherwise really High octane tracks coming up. Rahman, Mohit and Javed Ali do justice to the longest track of this album.
Sheher Main. *A situational song with a recording of a song in two different voices. Really interesting mix this one! You will enjoy the distinct styles of Mohit and Karthik who match each other line for line. whats better, simple lyrics, its hummable and upbeat as well!
Hawa Hawa. *A song with a Turkish/Arabic feel. May remind you of Udi from Guzaarish. But of course has the Rahman touch. Gives the album that extra bit of diversity. Catchy beats and fantastic guitaring. the lyrics are fairly simple and well sung by Mohit.
Aur Ho. *The haunting number of the album. The pain, the darkness the vulnerability all put together is
Aur Ho. *The music arrangement and brilliant symphony deserves a special mention here. Mohit gets it right again with subtle and strong expressions at the same time. He just surprises you with his variety.
Nadaan parindey. *Probably a weak point in this album if any would be this number. Again thats one’s choice. There is a bit of good guitar and drumming. Rahman and Mohit do a fair job. I think you would enjoy the musical interludes better than the vocals itself!
Tum ko. *I was pleasantly surprised seeing a favorite -’ Kavitha(Krishnamurthy) Subbramaniam’ on the label. I missed her voice . She is back and in full form and I hope she sings more and more. Soft, romantic number and probably an extension of Tum Ho. *which figures later on. It has that feel when you hear a’Kahin toh’ or’Call Me dil’ . Beautiful to say the least.
Sadda Haq. *This could easily be an anthem and am sure on the way of becoming one. Rebellious, raw honesty and’in your face’ is what this one is all about. Listen to the hard hitting lyrics and you will feel the need to be a rebel. Let me sample it for you ’Kyun sach ka sabak sikhaye jab sach sunne na paaye.’ Got the feel?! Go on, claim whats yours!
Tum Ho. *My favourite of the album. I have been a sucker for the romantic numbers and yes this one’s on my list as well. Add this one to Mohits best: Tujhe Bhula diya, Masakali, Yeh dooriyan, Tum se hi, Khoon chala and now. Tum Ho. *Easy on the ears and just slows down time as well! Brilliant and I love it!
Now for the themes included in the album:
Tango for Taj. Like the title, is a song to Tango with! You will enjoy this if you enjoy the sound of an Accordian.
The Dichotomy of Fame. A shehnai, a guitar and a base of course. May not be the most memorable tune but you will enjoy it while it lasts. On the down side, the shehnai did annoy me just a bit.
The meeting place. You hear Ranbir saying: Pata hai, Yahan se bohat door, galat aur sahi ke paar ek maidan hai, main wahan miloonga tujhe. sounds profound doesn’t it? But I have no idea what he’s saying. Maybe we should wait for the movie.
So there it is the longest album by Rahman. It has its share of glitches but the plusses are way too many. You will be surprised by the variety it has. Spiritual, catchy, deeply haunting, rebellious and just awesome all at the same time. Mohit Chauhan deserves a special mention for the class he has brought to this album. As with every album by Rahman, it will grow on you. I guarantee it.
Verdict - A wholesome album by Rahman sir. Please oh please . GO GET IT!