The most anticipated Jodhaa Akbar music review is here...(For me though
atleast,you were so eager and desparate)
Excellent review...got to know the speciality of Khwaja Mere
Khwaja(Instrumental) after reading yours..so..now i would enjoy it even more..
Cheers
Pavan
Chord <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
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.
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