>From Aamirkhan.org Rang De Basanti: Music Review
Written By: Alikhan Ladhani Rang De Basanti (2006) Music Review Directed by: Rakeysh Omparakash Mehra Music by: A.R. Rahman Lyrics by: Prasoon Joshi & Nacim (Guest appearance) Singers: Harshdeep Kaur, Daler Mehndi, Chitra, Naresh Iyer, Madhushree, Mohammed Aslam, Mohit Chauhan, Lata Mangeshkar, Blaaze, Aamir Khan, AR Rahman After The Rising, AR Rahman and Aamir Khan team up once again for the Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directed film RANG DE BASANTI, a film about youth, their attitudes, and the legacies they will leave upon India. The first question that pops into a listeners mind when listening to this album is simply: Is this really an A.R. Rahman album? It is a stark contrast from all of Rahman's works in recent memory, especially this year, where BOSE and MANGAL PANDEY were period-based and met with more critical acclaim than commercial success. The album has many factors in its favour, including the return of Aamir Khan behind the microphone after his GHULAM stint. Plus, the first ever duet between the maestro and the Nightingale, Lata Mangeshkar. Plus lyrics by Prasoon Joshi will bring another dimension to the already built-up album. How does the album fare? On a spiritual note, the album begins with "Ek Onkar", a Punjabi devotional song rendered by Harshdeep Kaur. A soulful number, it is a memorable way to open up the track. Harshdeep's rendition is like pure silk; it soothes and resonates deep within the listener. An excellent opening to the album. The much-publicized blockbuster song, Daler Mehndi renders "Rang De Basanti" in true bhangra fashion. Daler Mehndi rules the song with his powerful vocals, and makes the song memorable. Chitra is also featured on the song, but is sadly relegated to a guest appearance, leaving little impression. Notably, the Rahman-stamp orchestration in the song is missing, leaving out a critical soulful quality that many listeners love and enjoy from his songs. Prasoon Joshi's lyrics bring out a festive mood in the song, and add a new level to the number. A good song, but a little less of what expectations for this song had elevated its status to. If there is a number that does have the Rahman-stamp on them, its "Paathshala" and "Paathsala Be A Rebel". Rahman's innovativeness comes through in this track, combining hip hop style renditions with electric guitar and excellent instrumentation. Naresh Iyer, who has sang for Rahman's Tamil Album "Aah Aah" makes his debut in this song, accompanied by Mohammed Aslam. The "Be A Rebel" version features english rapping by Blaaze. Both versions stand strong, with the original being the more memorable version. And with the picturization on Aamir Khan, this one is sure to be a chartbuster for weeks to come! Naresh Iyer joins Madhushree in the poetically brilliant "Tu Bin Bataye". Easily the best song of the album, this song can be classified as brilliant return to the classic Indian melody we have seen from Rahman in such songs as "Tu Hi Re" and "Saathiya". Madhushree opens the song with a soothing rendition, and by the time Naresh Iyer enters the song, listeners are already on cloud 9. Regardless of the picturization, this song will be remembered as one of Rahman's best in recent memory. As for the lyrics, Prasoon Joshi is at his memorable best in this number. The song alone is worth the soundtrack! A must-listen! AR Rahman takes the microphone along with Mohammed Aslam with lyrics by guest lyricist Nacim for "Khalbali", a stylish arabic number. Rahman uses a unique instrumentation to build the environment of the song, and may take a few listens to appreciate. While the song does have the feel of "Dhol Dhol" from Rahman's previous Yuva album, it is very distinct and adds another dimension to the album. It may not have many takers upon first listen, the picturization on Kunal Kapoor's arab character will surely be explosive. Deserves a listen! Prasoon Joshi and Mohit Chauhan, who had previously worked together with the Independent Band Silk Route, come together to Rahman's haunting music in "Khoon Chala". A beautifully crafted piece, Chauhan's rendition is the best part of this song, displaying nuances that one would not expect from a relative newcomer. A darker number, it will likely find more appreciation upon the film's release in theatres. If Tu Bin Bataye and Khoon Chala brought the album to a whole new level, the Lata Mangeshkar and AR Rahman duet "Lukka Chuppi" extend that. Through Prasoons lyrics, a symbolic song is painted, of a mother at her son's funeral. Lata Mangeshkar rises to the occasion, and Rahman complements her perfectly, adding a soulful orchestration that makes the song much more than just a mother-son song. The classical raagas in the song also make for a treat, not heard in recent times. A true feather in the caps of Rahman and Lataji! Re-creating Ram Prasad Bismil's classic lyrics "Sarfarosh Ki Tamanna, Ab Hamare Dil Mein Hai" into "Lalkaar" would indeed have been a challenge for Prasoon Joshi, but in the long run has paid off. Aamir Khan returns to the microphone for a husky chant, but it is a combination of this and the lyrics by Prasoon Joshi that make it very hard hitting. Rahman's music complements the chant, and creates a dark, haunting environment for the listener. Overall, one song that will succeed more given its picturization in the film. The album ends with "Rubaroo" with Rahman returning to the microphone along with Naresh Iyer. A more easygoing song to finish, the lyrics paint a picture of light and hope for the future. The song has a feel of "Yun Hi Chala" from Swades, because of the handling of Naresh Iyer's rendition. Both Rahman and Naresh do an excellent job rendering the song, while Joshi's lyrics reflect the mood well. Another pleasant number, it will please lovers of Indian melody. If there is a winner from this album, it is Rahman. The music of Rang De Basanti is versatility embodied. After Tehzeeb and Meenaxi, it is one of Rahman's most versatile and modern albums. The maestro treads new territory with many of his songs, and the result of this experiment is largely positive. It is not the AR Rahman of old that many are used to. For the songs of RANG DE BASANTI are those of change, of versatility, and the modern era. Keeping this in mind, the music is perfect for the film, whose premise is based on the same qualities. The album is a powerful effort, on both the parts of AR Rahman and Prasoon Joshi. A fantastic way to close out the year of music in 2005, and an overall powerful album! Rating: 9/10 ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Know an art & music fan? 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