Let's just say it's growing fast, very fast..... Strengths: 1) Very pathbreaking in parts. Look at the singing styles in Rehna Tu and Dil Gira Dafatan. Very lounge, spontaneous, off beat, but poetically so beautiful with amazing arrangements; things I'm hearing Rahman has never done before. Rehna Tu and Dil Gira Dafatan are perfect examples of why Rahman is THE greatest most versatile composer of the modern era, if not ever. He is truly a bonfide international artist. 2) Superb variety. Look at the genres of music sampled in this soundtrack, just mindblowing. Indian classical, both Hindustani and Carnatic Claasical, Western Folk, Scottish, Rock, Chinese, Latin, Lounge, Rap, Hip Hop, Bhajan, Qawali....... It's one of the most complete soundtracks by Rahman recently at almost 45 minutes. 3) Great sound quality. Very crisp with no noise and very nice textured arrangements, nicely separated in the mix. 4) Lots and lots of soul. To me, a great Rahman soundtrack has to have a lot of soul, and this one has it in abundance. 5) Lyrics are awesome. Very in depth, soulful, poetic, lively. Prasoon here has a much, much better outing than he did in Ghajini.
Weaknesses: 1) Limited rhythmic variations and only minimal musical interludes. For example, for an almost 9 minute Qawali, it's the same rhythm throughout with not much of interludes, like in Khwaja. In Khwaja too, the rhythm picks up in the end. It's a bit plain jane, even if the melody and lyrics are truly outstanding. 2) The Kaala Bandar song didn't strike me as well as it has for some. Sounds too plain bollywoodish, but it might grow on me later. 3) The wedding number and the Aarti are a bit too monotonous sounding, but probably by design and nature. For example, I wish the Aarti would have a bit more melodic variation, same for Genda Phool. Anyways, they probably fit well with the narrative. I really can't complain too much about this. 4) The Aarti and the classical numbers are too short! The same criticsm I had for Man Mohiney More in Yuvvraaj. Overall, this really is a special album in Rahman's repertoire, no doubt about it. I hope it succeeds commercially and I think it will. Will comment more in the days and weeks to come!
