Is it only by consensus that we can say one album is superior to another? There are many opinions out there that go against consensus. Are they wrong? Perception of art is subjective. It's amazing how opinions differ so widely for one piece of art, although again, there is the consensus factor.
I keep hearing from people everywhere that Yuvvraaj is nowhere near ARR's best, Taal is much better, etc. I feel disappointed by these comments. I feel we should try to enjoy new art without retroactive interference. My motto is: Enjoy a new album for what it is, not what you think it should be. It doesn't mean you have to like it. If you don't like it, you don't like it. But, it bothers me that some people don't like a new album BECAUSE it doesn't live up to a subjective standard of theirs for a previous album like Taal, Dil Se, etc. I guess part of this is just human nature. What makes Rahman so legendary is the fact each of his albums have a completely different sound and identity, yet keeping his signature standards. Let's celebrate that. If Rahman kept Taal in mind when he created Yuvvraaj, people would immediately say he is repetitive. But, when he does something totally different, people immediately say it's not as good as X or Y. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Anyway, I don't think Rahman cares too much those comments. It's his creative satisfaction that's most important to him and I think that when we hear a new album, we should judge it also from a creative standpoint, innovativeness, freshness.
