"Raanjhanaa" is enchanting

Hello Reader,

I usually do not write reviews but I couldn't stop myself from writing this one. Actually, rather than a review, calling it a praise would be more precise. Yes, Dr. A R Rahman’s next music album “Raanjhana” is finally out and my ears are very happy about it. 

His last successful Hindi album was “Rockstar” after which his albums “Ekk deewana tha” and “Jab tak hai jaan” couldn’t do that well. Though, his last two Tamil albums “Kadal” and “Maryan” were exceptionally good. But, sadly regional music doesn’t get too much focus on a national level. 

“Raanjhanaa” brings back to us the brilliant, magical music we know Sir Rahman for. The album, as expected from the Mozart of Madras, is very versatile. Every song has a different flavour like his previous works in Rockstar, Rang de Basanti and Delhi 6. This album has 9 tracks consisting of both western and Hindustani music. Lyrics for all the songs are written by the very talented Irshad Kamil. 

Track 1: Raanjhana 

This is the title song sung by Shiraz Uppal and Jaswinder Singh. Song starts with a slow vocal solo on high notes and light synth chords and before you know, it progresses into a rustic foot tapping music with Desi Dhols that will make you wish to dance on the street and sing along the beautifully penned lyrics. Noteworthy pieces in this song are the violin chorus before the first interlude and the sitar & tabla, before the second interlude, giving the song a bit of classical touch. You’ll fall in love with this song on the first listen.

Track 2: Banarasiya

As the name suggests, this classical-folk song boasts about the colors of Banaras with the lyrics telling us the story of the city’s specialities like Paan, Bhaang, Ghats of Ganga and their culture. Sung by none other than the very talented Shreya Ghoshal, she titillates the listener with her little ‘harkats’ in this song. The sounds of Bansuri will take you directly to Banaras.  

Track 3: Piya Milenge

And the duo (Sukhwinder and Rahman) is back, which gave us songs like Chaiya Chaiya and Jai Ho! 

‘Piya Milenge’ is a sufi-qawwali song with western percussion beats which works brilliantly with the powerful voice of Sukhwinder. 

Song is also credited to the K M Music Conservatory student’s Sufi Ensemble for their amazing choir and back vocals. 

Track 4: Ay sakhi

A pure Hindustani classical song sung by two very sweet voices; Chinmayee and Madhushree. At times, their voices are so well synchronized that it’s hard to differ the singers. Also, apart from singing the lyrics and sargam, their voices have been used like a musical instrument which sounds like a shehnai. The song is very well accompanied with Indian percussion instruments; Tabla and Mridanga. Songs like these will always keep the Indian classical music alive. 

Track 5: Nazar Layee

A duet sung by Rashid Ali (Kabhi-Kabhi Aditi fame) and Neeti Mohan (Jiya  Re fame). This song is a usual soft-romantic number which is peaceful, with guitar and light beats supporting the vocals. Not much to say about this song.

Track 6: Tu Mun Shudi 

A contemporary song that balances between western and Indian music with its western beats and Shehnai leads. This is the second collaboration of A R Rahman with Rabbi Shergill after ‘Challa’. It is a very good fusion with mostly Punjabi lyrics. 

Track 7: Aise Na Dekho

‘Aise Na dekho’ is a Jazz number, a very soft and romantic song sung by A R Rahman and backed by Karthik. If you liked “Tu bole Main Bolun” (Jaane tu ya Jaane Na) then you’ll love this one too. Only that, instead of the saxophone, accordion is used along with the vocals. 

Track 8: Land of Shiva

An intense instrumental song with heavy Indian percussions used. This one sounds spiritual with some Aarti chants, temple bells and Shankh in the background. 

Track 9: Tum Tak

By now, most of you might have heard this song on the TV promos. Tum Tak is certainly the heart of the album and most refreshing song. The song begins with soft spiritual Aarti chimes and progresses into a romantic composition with Javed Ali’s ear-pleasing voice and the lyrics telling us that what we love is the zenith. The words of “Tum Tak” have been used to sound like the ‘bol’ of Tabla as in Indian classical music. The noteworthy parts of the song are the Shehnai chorus beautifully used and Keerthi Sagathia’s cameo in-between with his powerful high notes. This song is also the debut of another sweet voice; Pooja Vaidyanath. So, swing your head with the music and clap your hands along with the taal of “tum tak...tum tak...”

So, overall this album is a creation as good as Maestro’s previous works like Lagaan, Guru or Jodhaa Akbar. 

Rating?

Take 9/9 

Remarkable Tracks: Tum Tak, Raanjhnaa, Tu Mun Shudi and Ay Sakhi.

Its Folk-ing awesome! 

Buy Original. Do Not Download. It’s worth it.
Available on iTunes

Ashish