Balelakka: SPB, Raihanah, Benny & Chorus
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar
A Rajini introduction song is a non-negotiable instrument of sorts. It has to
have SPB belting it out with his unmistakable gusto. It has to have some
pulsating beats. It must make you snap the fingers and tap the foot. This song
makes you do all that and plus some more. SPB is amazing with his
breath-controlled rendering. This man never ceases to amaze us. He might be
over 60. But who would say that after listening to this number. The interludes
and the rhythms give an extra pep to the proceedings. Raihanah (Rahmans
sister) and Benny also chip in with their best. Muthukumars lyrics set out in
typical fashion.
Style: Rags, Tanvi, Suresh Peters, Blaaze
Lyrics: Pa Vijay
The song works in many ways as it has a variegated pattern to it. As the
initial words suggest, the song talks of style, which is the essence of Rajini.
But Rahman, as he is wont to, has worked the tune in a slightly recondite way,
in that it moves around an attractively bewildering manner. You have Blaaze
letting out his typical staccato rap bits while Suresh Peters bungs in his
anglicized rendering. And suddenly, almost catching you unawares, you have
Tanvi chipping in with a beautiful morsel in traditional Tamil. Though the song
is multi-dimensional, it works, especially with its surprise swerves and
Rahmans mastery over arrangements. Style is in Rajini and Rahman too.
Vaaji Vaaji: Hariharan, Madhushree & Chorus.
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
Perhaps this will be the anthem of the State for some time to come.
Musically, the song may have nothing new. But Rahmans genius lies in
packaging. Building layer by layer, he lets the song rise up like a beautifully
created skyscraper that is high on both aesthetics and utility. Rahman has made
Hariharan croon in a un-Hariharan-like manner. Perhaps that maybe the trick
that makes the song work and makes Vairamuthus lyrics stand out in beautiful
relief. Madhushree is adequate without being anything extraordinary. The tempo
and the beats make this a good mass song.
Athiradee: AR Rahman, Sayanora
Lyrics: Vaali
This is straight away Rahman turf. The man knows which song to pick and sing.
His nasal twang may not appeal the first time. But they just take control of
you over a period of time. Athiradee does. The lyrics are unabashedly Vaali as
he plays to the gallery big time. But his smart mind chisels out interesting
lines. Vaali deserves special plaudits for his ability to think in sync with
the modern generation. The rollicking beats and the guitar ensemble give a good
edifice for the song as Rahman gives it all he has. As a singer, Rahman has
also improvised, and innovated, with his voice. The effect is ethereal. The
song takes time to take effect on you, but once it does it doesnt vanish.
Thats Rahman effect for you. A high-octane song.
Sahana: Udit Narayanan, Chinmayee
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
When it comes to Tamil words, Udit Narayanans tongue becomes a knife of
sorts as they (words) are chopped mercilessly. But here you will almost forget
that failing as the song and its inherent melody fill you in a cool embrace.
Chinmayee is Rahmans big weapon. He uses her for songs that deserve something
special. Right from Kannathil Muthamittal we have been seeing that. Here too
the young girl sings with a rare elan which comes from the combination of
talent and intelligence. Chimayees speciality is that she is no one-type
singer. She can deliver according to the needs. The Rahman interlude (in voice)
adds a special mystique appeal to the number. A honey-dipped flower. That is
this song for you.
The Boss: Blaaze, Naresh Iyer, Raqueeb Alam
Lyrics: Na.Muthukumar, Blaaze
Probably the theme number. Or a kind of leitmotif in the movie. The song has
its limitations as it is perhaps situational. The lyrics too are puerile as the
words are forced and stretch for effect. The rap bit is on expected lines.
Naresh Iyer dulcet voice manages to leave a mark even in this small piece.
Sahara: Vijay Yesudas, Gomathi Sree & Chorus
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
This seems to be a modulated version of the Sahana song. But what a beauty it
is. Rahmans mastery is all pervading. He has fused a variety of ideas into
this one number and his unquestionable brilliance with soft instruments show up
elegantly. The way he has got Gomathi Sree slip in that Thirupavai bit
underscores his virtuosity. And she also rises to the occasion quite
brilliantly. But the song-stealer is Vijay Yesudas. The young man shows that he
is well and truly on the way to filling the perch that once belonged to his
illustrious dad. Vijay is very soothing and pleasing in this number. When he
and a tiny flute join forces, you could almost feel heaven A fitting finale to
a rocking album.
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/musicreview/7911.html
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