Sunday, October 2, 2011

Rockstar Music Review

Everytime a A.R Rehman album strikes the music circuits there is a tremendous amount of curiosity and enthusiasm among his patrons who consider him no less than god (god of music) , his naysayers not many though ready to inflect his current work with previous endeavors and finally his counterparts who know,their must be something new to learn each time the Mozart comes out with his latest venture.So is Imtiaz Ali's musical magnum opus Rockstar the album that will bring back true magic of Rehman that seems to be missing from last two albums Raavan (had glimpses of his brilliance) and Jhoota hi sahi(good but not upto his demeanor)?. The answer is a resounding yes! How? Lets go through this mesmerizing array of songs that will spell a cast on you once the album is over!

The album starts on a soothing note with Phir se udd chala which gives you the account of the kind of joy and freedom the protagonist would enjoy once he goes out to discover the world on the wheels of music!  The song that starts on a slow note gathers momentum in the mid with lyrics by Irshad Kamil being perfect amalgamation of philosophy and poetry. The vocals by Mohit Chauhan brings the right amount of serenity to the proceedings and the music is pure magic to say the least. Wow! what a begining I must say!

Next in line Jo Bhi Main  is  a perfect  number for any stage performance if you are an aspiring talent in the field of music. The lyrics ''Jo bhi main kehna chahoon barbaad kare alfaaz mere" is a poet's envy and is ably supported by a equally foot tapping music n energetic vocals of Mohit Chauhan  with the signature "Ye Ye Ye" which will keep you swooning even after the song is over. Truely a classic number which is rich in every sense and will keep the youngsters hooked in the days to come.

The third track is by now illustrious  Katiyaan Karoon thanks to its aggresive promotions on  the music channels . The song though may be Punjabi in flavor is a class apart from any run of the mill punjaabi numbers that one is used to listen and makes for a rather  enjoyable hearing experience due to its unique lyrics and catchy tone. The use of flutes in the middle makes it a treat for the ears with equally malicious vocals by Harshdeep Kaur who is slowly but surely making a niche for herself in bollywood.There is a point in the song  probably after the second para where any other music director would have gone for a routine stuff but Rehman shows his genius and takes this song on a different route by slowing  down the proceedings and gives the song a new depth and solidarity.

After the hugely successful Khwaja Mere Khwaja comes another spellbinding qawali Kun Faya Kun(taking its origin from Islamic culture) which will surely sent you in a trans once you serender your senses to the  magician of such soulful and artistic tracks that strikes a chord between you and god thus filling your heart with warmth and purity. The voices of A.R Rehmaan ,Jaaved Ali another regular of the maestro along with Mohit Chauhan who seems to have his dream come true with this venture are perfectly in sync with the mood and aura of the song of this nature. A real gem of a song!

The next Sheher Main is a peppy and energetic number that will surely find its takers who prefer experimentation over routine stuffs. The song stands tall due to innovative and funky lyrics as well as interesting musical arrangements  and confident vocals from Karthik and Mohit. Surely light and rejuvenating stuff that will surely enlighten your spirits when down.

Hawa Hawa brings back all the old world memories the moment it stats off with an accordion that was associated with many golden melodies of the bygone era. The song is also a reminiscence of 'Beheke Beheke Nain'' from aisha in terms of its musical treatment and is a absolute treat in every department whether lyrics, vocals or music. It is  ably supported by equally mellifluous chorus that brings  the right amount of mischievousness and beauty to the song. Rehman seems to be in full form with this one!

Aur Ho sung in a rather subdued voice by Mohit Chauhan in the beginning takes no time  in hitting the high notes and takes you into a mystical journey of the protagonist with lyrics being top notch like "Ras 'Hasrat Ka Nichod Doon Kas Bahoon Main Aa Tod Doon" simply brilliant and music exuding a sense of agony and helplessness of the  character. But for once the lyricist Irshaad kaamil dares to overshadow the brilliance of Rehmaan with his thought provoking lyrics even the middle like ''Main Dastak Hoon Tu Band Kivadon Sa " which has class written all over it!

As you thought that after such a musical marathon the quality of the album may dip, you encounter Nadaan Parinday which to say is the best song of the year will be an understatement . A.R Rehmaan rarely shows his singing talent but when he does he surely know  how to touch the souls of his avid listeners.Sung with such innocence and purity that your heat just goes out for the protagonist who is yearning to come back to his roots after being at the receiving end of this mean world. Simply breathtaking with again lyrics being brilliant to say the least, take this " Kaagar kaagar
                                          Morhi itni araj tohse
                                         Chun chun khahiyoo maas
                                         Arajiya re khahiyoo na
                                         Do nain mohe
                                         Khahiyoo na do nain mohe
                                         Piya ke milan ki aas" simply speechless!


Tum Ko marks the comeback of powerhouse of talent Kavita Krishnamurthi and what a comeback it turns out to be! The beats of tabla and her soulful voice makes for an enchanting hearing. This is one song that might take time to enter your system but once it does then there's no looking back as it works like a slow poison and has a lasting effect on your musical genes.

The powerful tone of guitar marks the beginning of the instant chartbuster of the album Sada Haq which is sure to keeping the music charts rocking for a very long time indeed!  Mohit Chauhan throws himself in the hands of the composer and renders a most impactful  track of the album. That this song will become a rage among youth is a given but the words "Sada Haq Aithe Rakh" will also find a place in many protests that one may see in near future. Truly an Inspirational track to the core!

The mystical voice of yes again Mohit Chauhaan introduces Tum Ho to you and once again succeeds in touching your romantic side with its sheer simple yet enigmatic and  magical music from the veteran. Surely a befitting finale to the gems that this album is filled with! Credit to the singer as well for taking this song to an altogether different level with his silk like voice!

The album concludes with two instrumentals the first one being Taj To Tango which binds together the accordion and clapping tones beautifully to make it an fulfilling experience. The Second Dichotomy Of Fame brings the magical shehnai to the proceeding after a long hiatus making it a unique venture and is said to be filmed on the late Shammi Kapoor.Worth a listen!

The album concludes with The Meeting Place a 1.13 minute monologue in the voice of Ranbeer Kapoor supported by a musical waterfall from the maestro. But its too short to make any impact.

Rockstar from A.R Rehmaan will certainly stand tall among his previous brilliant works as it surely joins the elite list of Roja,  Dil Se, Taal,  n Saathiyaa and may even topple them in terms of patronage as it has the charm of Roja , the technical depth of dil se,  the style of taal and the soul of saathiyaa. Missing this one will be a musical sin which I am sure the connoisseurs of music would not dare to commit! Worth your every penny! Just grab a copy asap!

Rating : - **** 1/2

















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