Ladies and gentleman.....
Main hoon Raaj, Aap ka apna Raaj ('Raaj' nickname
for 'Rajesh')
Maaf karna Rahman sahib
They think Yuvvraaj music didn't live up,
They are wrong, very wrong
Thoda sa classic
Thoda sa epic
Thoda sa urban
Thoda sa groovy
Thoda sa emotional
Yeh sab mila ke, Yuvvraaj music is simply a masterpiece
Aur Yeh India ke log
Jo sochteh hai ke Rahman ka poorest album hai yeh aur Gulzar ka
weakest lyrics
Na sur hai na taal
Par Yuvvraaj benega Blockbuster..... Musically aur Film bhi....
Toh o bekhabar, jaan lo ek raaz
Ab padhlo mera review of Yuvvraaj......
So, here we are.... Yuvvraaj music is out and it's out with a
BANG..... It's my most anticipated album, film, and everything
related with Bollywood this year. Did it live up the hype? Was it
Rahman at his best? What did the combination of Ghai-Rahman-Guzar
create? Aaja mein haawaon pe bitha kar le chalo..... Tum hi to meri
dost ho.......
Here song by song review of Yuvvraaj:
1. Main Hoon Yuvvraaj
The magnificence of the album is immediately brought to the attention
of the listener with the first track, "Main Hoon Yuvvraaj With the
Fifth Of Beethovan". The track is a befitting introduction to the
main protagonist of the film, Deven Yuvraj, played by Salman Khan.
And so naturally we have Salman mouthing dialogues in his
characteristic charming, confident and unassuming manner, cashing on
his bad boy image. Salman's dialogues are well supported by
the "Fifth of Beethovan". Ludwig van Beethovan needs no introduction
to the followers of Western classical music and this (performed to
perfection by The Chennai String Orchestra) is the fifth symphony. It
is one of the most popular and well-known compositions in all of
European classical music, and one of the most often-played
symphonies. Why the genius music wizard A. R. Rahman has chosen this
particular piece (in all probability) is because Beethovan himself
had dedicated this symphony to two of his patrons, one of whom was
Prince Franz Joseph von Lobkowitz. And Salman plays the title role
of 'Yuvraj', a prince.
2. Tu Hi Tu Meri dost Hai
With such a brilliant and fulfilling start we move forward with huge
expectations and come across another brilliantly crafted "Tu Meri
Dost Hain". The lilting signature tune sung by the composer, music
maestro, A.R.Rahman that heralds the commencement of the track is
absolutely divine (and so very infectious that one simply cannot help
but repeat it!) and the portion that follows, heavenly. Rahman's
melody is breathtakingly simple and comes as whiff of fresh air in
this era of mediocrity and plagiarism. The musical arrangements are
mind-blowing- simple guitar strums, bead sounds and of course the
cello, (a stringed instrument, part of the violin family) played (in
YUVVRAAJ) by Katrina who is supposed to be a musician, adept at
playing the cello. Shreya Ghoshal and Benny Dayal are simply
extraordinary. Benny Dayal is a new find; he was fantastic in JAANE
TU
YA JAANE NA and he shows that "Pappu "was not a flash in the pan
through some superlative rendition in the present track. He will
definitely earn a foothold in the music industry, in the field of
playback singing. He has a distinct voice that is very macho as well
as sweet and his voice structure matches that of Salman Khan
perfectly. Gulzar's lyrics are simple yet classy and very much
identifiable, giving an insight into the relationship shared by the
two main protagonists of the film, Salman and Katrina. In other
words, simply fantabulous! I am simply at a lost for words to
describe the beauty of this composition. Special mention also to
Gulzar saab for his gifted lyrics that add so much meaning to the
song. Honestly, if it wasn't for Rahman's earlier release this year
from Jodhaa Akbar i.e. the amazing Khwaja Mere Khwaja, this would be
my pick for the most outstanding track of 2008. Genius!
3. Shano Shano
After "Pappu Can't Dance" Rahman targets the Gen X yet again
with "Shano Shano" a very contemporary and in sync with today's time
dance floor composition. And, the initial beats are just rocking.
It's interesting to see what Gulzar delivers here because is
this "rock-n-roll" type of songs. Shano Shano made me all energetic
when listening. It has the groove, the mastee, and the smashing
composition of Rahman. The start of the vocals shifts the song into
another tone, and it mixes typical Bollywood romantic songs with the
Rahman groove and roll. This is unique stuff by Rahman and that's
what he always does. When was the last time you heard such a song?
Never. Rahman experiments and delivers big time here. I'm already in
love with this song. It has the requisite thump, required disco
beats, the usual rap and combined with (at times) quite unique as
well as funny style of singing by a host of artists like Sonu Nigam,
Srinivas, Karthik, Timmy, Sunaina, Vivienne Pocha and Tina makes it a
happening song and dance number. What must be kept in mind is that
the picturisations will be superb (with Ghai at the helm of affairs)
and so it will definitely serve as a tension reliever.
4. Tu Muskura
The soundtrack then diverts itself onto the SOUL of Yuvvraaj with the
utterly spellbinding Tu Muskura. The cello marks a sensational return
and solo cellist V.R. Sekar and Elidh Martin (K M M C Faculty) do
Rahman proud with some fine performances. Their cello play is
underpinned by a percussion that hypnotises you soothingly from the
start and keeps you firmly in a trance until the very end. As if that
wasn't enough, the allure of a previous melody (belonging to Tu Meri
Dost Hain) sweeps past you briefly as Rahman magically weaves it into
the song via the deft strings of Seenu's Mandolin play.
And yet, we have not even discussed the true catalyst of the song. So
many have written her off but Rahman as we know, is loyal to his
singing dynasty. And so marks the return of an old favourite: Alka
Yagnik. Alka Yagnik sounding a bit like the nightingale of India,
Lata Mangeshkar, holds fort in this soothing love ballad , "Tu
Muskura" and Javed Ali who impressed all with "Jashne Bahara"
supports her with his high octave singing. Well in my opinion (based
on her singing here) it will be a travesty if she is not nominated
for the best female playback singer (award) for a performance that is
as mesmerizing as the musical backdrop that she sings against. She is
simply a transformed singer here, sometimes unrecognizable and from
recollection, her last performance of such magnitude was Rang Hai
(Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities) which confirms the mastery of ARR
over his singers. Javed Ali did a great job in Jashn-e-Bahaara but
plays second fiddle here to the bewitching vocals of Alka. Gulzar's
lyrics grab your inner soul and churn out what is left of your
emotions
WOW! This is definitely one step closer to musical
heaven
.you could quite literally waste away hours, even days
listening to this soul stirring masterpiece!
K M M C - KM Music Conservatory, an Institution, started by Rahman
this year.
5. Mastam Mastam
After such an emotionally draining roller coaster that was Tu Muskura
one feels the need for a break and a diversion. Rahman duly obliges
with Mastam Mastam, a delightfully uplifting track that also ranks as
the most innovative of the soundtrack and also one of the best of
2008. The music is simple yet oozes witchcraft (the dhol and cello in
tandem, play mind games on you like you have never heard before!),
playful but at times melancholy, witty but with an underlying
message. The interaction between the singers, Sonu Nigaam
(outstanding as ever), Alka Yagnik, Naresh & Benny, is another
highlight as are the incredibly unique and diverse lyrics, hats off
to you Gulzar saab! The Broadway musical influence shines through in
Mastam Mastam. Now, with this, as with most other tracks of this
album, picturisation would play an important part in its
appreciation. Seems like a heavily choreographed fun song, with
references to cats and other animals and the same captured in the
sound effects. Extremely dramatic and lively the song stands out for
its skillful use of backing vocals, a touch of accordion and a robust
rhythm section. The rock and roll touch and the style of singing take
us back to the era of the fifties and sixties, the Shammi Kapoor
times. However, once again the plus point of the song are the lyrics
by Gulzar .We have heard of Hinglish but Gulzar Sahab comes up with
Hindi-Persian, although this is not the first time that he has done
it to perfection before. Who can forget his classic super hit, all
time favourite number "Zee haal-e-maskin makun ba ranjhish"
(J.P.Dutta's GHULAMI)? All in all another superlative number that
will look fabulous on screen with some frenzied, rock and rollish
dancing.
6. Zindagi
The soulful journey of Yuvvraaj passes through Zindagi in which the
composer continues to amaze in more ways than one. Depending on your
preferences and mood swings, you could potentially enjoy this more
than Tu Muskura. First up expect to be blown away by the Woodwinds
play by P M K Naveen Kumar. If you recover from that, there is the
enticing piano and strings of the Chennai String Orchestra. Rahman's
fusion of these incredible sounds is the best remedy for a stressful
mind! The distinct vocals are instantly recognizable but this is not
Hariharan listeners, this is Srinivas, another long time favourite of
Rahman who also sang in the brilliant Yeh Jo Zindagi Hai (Earth
1947). In fact with such awesome vocals, one wonders why we have not
heard more from him. Gulzar outdoes himself once again and for his
complete collection in Yuvvraaj, runs away with the best lyrics of
the year award. Zindagi is another must listen.
7. Dil Ka Rishta
After this, Dil Ka Rishta follows the suite, and what can I say here?
The song starts with a grand opening - a terrific start. It moves you
completely and puts you in a trance. The song is an epic musically.
Beautiful, soulful, colorful, fascinating..... I mean, words aren't
enough really. Dil Ka Rishta is a musical novel literally. It
completely took me in awe. The composition is as unique as it can get
really. Again, who others could have composed this? Some could have
tried, but they certainly couldn't have reached this level. Rehman's
classical vocals are just off the charts. The songs blends Indian
classic with Western folklore. And, Yuvvraaj's background plays with
so grinding resonance. The song clearly demonstrates a magnum opus.
It's like those Shakespeare's plays, but in musical tones. This is my
favorite song of the album, and the best song of the year.
Dil Ka Rishta begins with a full-blown orchestral prelude and the
song takes off from there. The track enjoys a fusion of styles,
Indian, and western classical, instrumental and vocal, with Rahman
doing a bit of voice percussion as well. The penultimate track Dil Ka
Rishta is a diversion of a completely different kind that takes you
by complete surprise! Initially you don't realize as a beautiful
piano introduction is cut short by a cello play but your senses are
instantly awestruck by the powerful nature of the drums and the full-
blown orchestration that follows immediately after that. Welcome to
the PASSION of Yuvvraaj and another unique twist to the soundtrack!
This one has it all; a catchy tune, peppy beats, symphony orchestra,
English verses (by Blazze) and some killer vocals by Sonu Nigaam,
Roopkumar Rathod and ARR himself. Rahman puts this potpourri of
ingredients to amazing use and delivers another winner even thought
strictly speaking, the song is clearly situational and is attached to
the relationship of the three brothers in the movie. Fascinating yet
irresistibly Rahman! One is amazed at the versatility of the creative
genius called Allah Rakha Rahman and the YUVVRAAJ soundtrack dons a
magnificent garb through this track. And before the song gets all
instrumental and hi-fi in comes Sonu Nigam and Roop Kumar Rathod and
the number assumes a completely new shade with normal peppy tune,
English lyrics by Blazze and chorus singing by Suzanne D'Mello,
Clinton Crejo and Viveinne Pocha. A truly world class composition
this one!
8. Manmohine Morey
Manmohini Morey starts so melodiously. What a humming start. It's
those classical Indian songs, but with urban beats and modern music.
Rahman beautifully mixes Indian classic with modern beats. It's so,
so good classical number. It's picturized on Anil I think and on the
screen - Anil will create fire with this one. It's among the best
trans-composition I've heard and Vijay Prakash sings it like an ace.
The lyric is simple here, but serves its purpose. Superb fusion of
cello string sounds and mild classical alaap brings forth "Manmohini
Morey". Those who loved the "Man Mohini" of HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM
will definitely relish this one here is another treat in store for
the die-hard semi-classical patrons who do not mind some good fusion
with normal commercial tunes. Vijay Prakash shows his vocal control
and is quite good. The "Tu Muskura" cello piece gels with the
composition and a sense of pain and suffering and of being separated
from the beloved is conveyed well through it. A fantastic conclusion
to a brilliant album.
The year 2008 has been a good one for Rahmanics, what with JODHAA
AKBAR, ADA-A WAY OF LIFE and JAANE TU...YA JAANE NA (and GHAJINI to
follow!) all hitting the stands, which is very rare as Rahman has
become very selective of late. Well, we want to say 'Eureka' as we
finally run into YUVVRAAJ! One just cannot find a single composition
that can be classified as less than masterpiece.
NOTE: Grab the YUVVRAAJ audio album, snatch it or go ahead and even
steal it!
