I have been waiting for what seems like eons to finally listen to the music of Jodha Akbar. From the very beginning when I first heard of the project, being a period film with Ashutosh as director, I surmised and hoped that Rahman's best would be tapped once more. I honestly feel that Rahman's best was not tapped in his recent Hindi or Tamil efforts, but that is another debate (not that I don't enjoy his latest offerings). I have been very vocal about JA recently, not only because of all the delays (I needed to vent!), but also due to cautious excitement in believing that something very special was about to be delivered by our Boss. Like with all ARR albums, this album has yet to fully absorb itself within my psyche as it's just in its infancy of release. Here are my opinions on each track as I have formed until now, possibly subject to some modification over time, but likely to stick at its core
1) Azeem O Shaan - Song spells grandeur and pomp. Like the loopy, punchy rhythm with some variations in between. Incredible use of drums, percussion as Shivamani has outdone himself. Of particular amazement if use of the the Japanese sword sound and rhythms in the second interlude. That is so awesome. I like the chorus overdubs too. However, I found the track overall a bit musically "dry" with little musical interludes and emphasis more on rhythm, which may be appropriate for the film situation. My least favorite track relatively. (7/10) 2) Jashne Bahaar - Love the use of the Oud throughout this beautifully crafted and melodically simple track. Simple, but brilliant and heartwarming melody rendered to perfection by Javed Ali, who has sung his best song to date with this in all probability. I like his strong, clear voice a lot and he sings with good emotional strength. Love the intense Santoor flurry at the end of the first musical interlude preceded by a melodically beautiful Oud solo. Rahman has used beautiful synth warm pads with soft strings to create a texturally delicious aural backdrop and soundscape to the song with his vintage trademark of delicate chord sequences. 8/10 3) Khwaja Mere Khwaja - Wah! Kya Baat Hai Rahman Saab!!! I have never heard Rahman sing in such pure classical form during his frequent alaaps. Though we have heard him run away with sargams in other tracks, he has delved into the heavier side of classical singing with this piece de resistance of a track. The song builds so beautifully beginning with harmonium and alaap, transitioning to the chordal piano loop, eventually to tabla with madham khayal (medium tempo) to drut khayal (fast tempo at the end). Love the claps on the downbeat rhythms. Last but not least, what an amazing musical interlude as Rahman changes raagas from Alaya Bilawal to Kalingda with use of what sounds like a flute and oboe combined. Gives the interlude a strong middle eastern, moghul flavor. Rahman uses the same interlude melody overlayed during the song's final stanzas with amazing harmonization that only a musical genius can accomplish. Mindblowing track sung with great passion and devotional love. (10/10) 4) In Lamhon Ke - Such a dynamic track, unusual in structure without sounding too experimental. Incredible singing by Sonu and Madhushree with breath-taking melodies. Arrangement wise, there is too much going on for me to get into detail here. There are so many beautiful ornamental touches throughout the song with flute and santoor weaving in and out to create one of the most beautiful aural tapestries. The first interlude is mindblowing with heavy chorus rendering fast taranas in raaga Desh followed by a heavy and dramatic antara with raaga Kirwani following a crescending melodic contour with eventual denuvement back to the main melodic theme. I wish the sitar piece in the second interlude was longer and more elaborated as it just teased a bit before Madhushree joins. She sings her part with such sweetness and smoothness with incredible melodic lilt. (9/10) 5)Man Mohanna - When I first heard that there was going to be a Bhajan, I was very happy as I loved the previous two Bhajans from Lagaan and Swades. This track totally blew me away with its intense devotional rendering by Bela Shende and heavy classical style of singing which is performed to perfection in raaga Mishra Bhairavi. I've said before that I'm a sucker for semi classical forms of music and to me, nobody does it better today than Rahman in film compositions. The instrumental interludes with flute and strings create some of the most haunting and expansive sounds and melodies we've heard from Rahman in a long time. The thythms are so beautifully crafted with tabla and ghattam? moving along a steady, meditative pace. This song has a meditative quality to it which is really appealing to me. It is so incredibly rich in instrumentation and arrangements along with the classical singing that I literally sat stunned in amazed silence, paralyzed when I first heard it. Many, many goose-pimple moments in this song for me. For now, this track is my favorite. I realize that for many, it's their least favorite due to heavy classical singing and devotional, situational nature of the song. (10/10) 6) Jashne Bahar Instrumental - Naveen is in top form here, playing not only the main melody, but adding improv and variation hitting the higher notes with such passion and restraint. I like it when he adds on to the first musical interlude, overlaying the Oud. This is not your usual instrumental rendition of the main song. There is so much beauty and depth to Naveen's playing. It just sounds so soothing. Musical therapy here. (9/10) 7) Khwaja Instrumental - This one took me by surprise in a very, very good way. Only Rahman can compose an instrumental variation of a song that sounds so unlike the original song in form and structure! >From the beautifully looped harp rhythm to the magical oboe and string/symphonic arrangements, this is an instrumental that speaks of Rahman's purity of soul and quiet love for all of humanity. It is one of the most peaceful pieces of music I have heard. It reminds me of a beautiful painting, pure untampered art straight from the heart and soul. Amazing chords with an incredible hook at the 2:21 mark. Absolutely heavenly piece that just melts in your ears. WIsh it was longer. (10/10) This is by far one of Rahman's finest set of compositions and will likely reach my top 5 Rahman albums in due time. THere is not one single track that I can say is sub-par or not up to the mark. All the delays, frustrations, waiting was well worth it with this amazing masterpiece. I am just in total awe. How in God's name does Rahman come up with music that's so larger than life? Top form in ALL areas of musical composition - melody, harmony, arrangements, instrumentation, percussion, singing, lyrics, emotion, diversity of form and style. Rahman has also returned to his trademark crispness of sound and lack of cluttered arrangements that have not been a part of some of his compositions of late. He has returned with mindblowing musical interludes and delicate ornamentation, which I have missed of late. The soundtrack just oozes with incredible melody, as someone here posted, right there with the most beautifully melodic albums of our times. A modern classic that will be cherished by music lovers for generations, esp. if the film does well. Some have criticized that the music sounds too modern for a period film of this type. I don't agree with that criticism as I feel that Rahman has balanced contemporary sound with traditional forms just perfectly. I fear that the music may not reach as much commercial succsss as hoped due to its emphasis on classical style and since hip hop seems to be the thing that sells today. The film needs to do very well for the music to reach all corners. But, there is no denying that a soundtrack like this only comes along once in a blue moon. Rahmanji, you are just beyond words of praise. We are so lucky to be living in the same era as you and your music. In this soundtrack, like your very best ones, the pure divinity that is channeled through your music shines like the brilliant sun. My God, what a masterpiece, a true work of brilliant art, wonderful magic, extraordinary brilliance, soulful passion, pure devotion.
