We have seen the magic of the Rahman-Ratnam combination in the past. So it is obvious that when these two biggies in their own field, the expectations are sky high. And Yuva, does not only meet those expectations it goes way beyond them.
First of all, let me tell you that this album is not for the Nadeem-Shravan or Anu Malik types. Its the first time in the history of Indian Music that this kind of genre has been attempted. And also it is different from the traditional Rahman kind of music too.
Yuva is Mani Ratnam’s second venture into Bollywood, the first being Dil Se. Going by Dil Se’s music, it is still regarded as one of the best compilations of Rahman.
Rahman, after his so called duds in Tehzeeb and Lakeer, springs back to his true form with Meenaxi and Yuva. There has been a noticeable change in the style of his music since Tehzeeb. He had attempted a lounge style music in Tehzeeb, and now in Yuva, the genre is simply techno.
The first song on side A, ’’Dhakka Laga Bhukka’’, is sung by Rahman, the lyricist himself, Mehboob and Karthik. One can call this a very rowdy song with the glass crashing sounds and lyrics like ’’Dhakka Laga Bukka Khaega re Mukka, Hat ja Hat ja re’’ but then the rowdiness is immediately transformed by Rahman’s melodious rendition of the title of the movie in a melodious way.
Next is ’’Khuda Hafiz’’ sung by Sunitha Sarathy, Lucky Ali and Karthik again. This is the song whose trailors are currently on air. It starts with Sunitha whispering the lyrics and then Lucky Ali continues at full blast. An amazingly refreshing song and sure to find favor with the youth. The picturization is also awesome. Suddenly admist the techno music in the song, u hear Rahman on the piano tuning to Sunitha’s vocals. The fusion just goes to show why Rahman is considered as the King of Music in the industry.
The last song on the A side is a soft song ’’Kabhi Neem Neem’’ rendered by Madhushree and Rahman providing the rustic vocals. Madhushree sounds smooth and almost like Alka Yagnik in the song. It has got that special Rahman touch which he gives to his soft melodies. The song also shows Mehboob’s talent as the lyrics of the song are rich in content.
Side B starts with ’’Dol Dol’’, an instrumental which has vocals by Shaheen and rap by Blaaze. Blaaze had proved his talent in the song ’’Set Me Free’’ in Tehzeeb. This time he improves considerably. The instrumental is so good that it makes u feel that u want to dance on this and hear it again and again. Shaheen, though does not get much scope with the electronics dissecting her voice completely.
Then in complete contrast to the instrumental, is a romantic track ’’Baadal’’, sung by Adnan Sami and Alka Yagnik. The vocals of both the professionals blend superbly with Rahman’s synthesizer. A sensuous song all the way and sure to be enjoyed by one and all.
Next is ’’Fanaa’’, the best song in the album. It means ’’completely destroyed’’ in Urdu. This song is sure to turn your mood up whenever u listen to it. This is a guarantee that once u listen to this song, you would want to hear it again and again. This song belongs to Rahman and only Rahman. Sunitha Sarathy and Tanvi only help in the chorus. Rahman’s rendering of the word ’’Fanaa’’ is simply enchanting and only he could have fused the classical alaap with techno music. The albums would disappear from music stores once this song is on air. Hope the picturization is as good.
All in all, this is one of Rahman’s best enterprise in his career. The music grows on you the more u listen to it.