India Talks

IndiaGlitz [Monday, October 20, 2008]

Yippee! For those who yearned to heed over spellbinding musical scores, here comes A.R. Rahman's phenomenal gifts of composition, literary and playing skill surmounting to the extremum. The sensational duo combo Subash Ghai-Rahman electrified with their scintillating piece with 'Taal' and of course 'Yuvvraaj' offers chest-full-of delights. Perhaps, before owning a copy of this album, make sure it is not for those of you who want Rahman's full-toned sweet melodies, but those who desire to listen to the driving energies of Mozart, Yehudi Menuhin, Beethoven and indeed contemporary musician Rahman blended together. If you're gonna question, "Are the tunes so entrancing?" Obviously, it isn't a clich?d piece of work of turning Gulzar's lyrical lines into tunes. Singers have displayed their emotions and it's stupendously balanced by sharp clarity of instrumental texture. You're sure to lose yourselves out on the purity and sweetness of realistic music.

Dil Ka Rishta - Enchanting score by Rahman

Singers: Sonu Ningam, Roop Kumar Rathod, A.R.Rahman, Clinton Cerejo, Suzanne D'Mello, Vivinenne Pocha

The interlude goes on with fortepiano followed by fast flowing orchestral violins and stringed instruments played together. The elegantly noble Andante cantabile keeps accompanying throughout 7.39mins of songs turning down the spotlights and arresting your senses. Never-seen-before vocalisms of singers who keep sustaining at high level tones and A.R. Rahman rendering his voice in middle parts are fascinating. Sonu Ningam strides with his uttermost spirits in churning the best out of him. Roop Kumar Rathod, Clinton Cerejo, Suzanne D'Mello and Vivienne Pocha add more to the attractive quotients. Moreover, the song has a mix of symphonic genre blended with contemporary western beats and of course the carnatic ragas. This should have really evoked your previsions of how this exquisite melody would sound. Go ahead; get yourselves transfixed with it ?.

Shano Shano - Merely for disco floors

Singers: Sonu Nigam, Srinivas, Kartik, Timmy, Sunaina, Vivienne Pocha, Tina.

Again it's Sonu Ningam taking on lead along with Srinivas, Karthik and Sunaina. But their exquisite voices get eclipsed by the winkling techno-beats. Well, the melodious tunes seem to be bit mediocre at certain parts. But Subash Ghai with his sorcerous abilities in cinematography would have got the best on visuals. The song would go reiterated over and over straight onto the discotheques.

Shano Shano (Remix) - Sleek and stylish

Ember Rap

Distinctive peppy mix of instrumental synthesizers in hand with brilliantly engineered work gets the best sound. Jazzy beat with chorally-stringed chords blended with techno-bass all throughout the rap is sure to turn you zippy. Preludes are completely played on sync-thick leads and Ember sways tattling with rap lines are awesome. With refrains of 'Shano Shano' continually recapitulated by female chorus, makes the entire 2.35mins effectually lavish?

Mastam Mastam - Chilling your senses

Singers: Sonu Ningam, Alka Yagnik, Naresh and Benny

Looks like Sonu Ningam haps to be the ducky lad for Rahman. He fleets rendering his voice for end-to-end of different genres all throughout the album. Well, this song sounds to be having been placed in elated situation. So, what makes the song so special? A perfect orchestration of singers and instruments don't overshadow voices at any extent? Rhythmic Rumba chords on guitars keeps flowing through and last minute of the song you've the best combo of strings and percussions blended?. Probably, you can expect a better dance over there on the screen.

Manmohini Morey - Mix of classic 'n' western

Singer: Vijay Prakash

Merely, a fusion of Hindustani Ragas rendered by Gulzar and synthesized western beats by maestro. Vijay Prakash vocalizes more or less similar with the styles of Ustad Ali Khan and 'Sang-froid' would be the best term to entitle this number. Surely, you'll feel this to be an already experienced musical and of course it's alike 'Dheem Ta Dare' from Thakshak (singer: Suja Bhattacharya, Music: A.R.Rahman).

Tu Hi Meri Dost - Ever-cherishing melody

Singers: Benny Dayal, Shreya Ghosal, A.R. Rahman

Over-the-top! No other words to ennoble this splendiferous song. Gulzar's transfixing lyrical lines and the ostentatious music. Well, Benny Dayal stuns rendering voice on higher octaves. Well, A.R. Rahman and Shreya Ghosal scintillate proportionally? Highlighting part of the tunes keeps shifting on scales during versus. Again, stringed instruments keep flowing all through and don't miss the strings part in the interlude?

Main Hoon Yuvvraaj - For fans of Sallu Bhai

Singer: Salman Khan

Looks like it's a part of librettos in the flick and merely, fans of Salman Khan will have great likeability his voice. It isn't an original piece tuned by Rahman and nothing much to appreciate about him? Preferably, you would find this orchestral tune somewhere in best music libraries. (You could have noticed this on Background for Vikram Bhatt's 1920)

Tu Muskura - Hear it for Alka Yagnik

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Javed Ali

It's been a long time; Rahman spells his best clich?d melody with his favorite singer Alka Yagnik. Awesome! Rhythm may sound to be bit silent, but there is something more you discover on heeding your ears so keenly. There is blend of strings, harp, Cello and vibes all through and music buffs would really get spell-bound. Javed Ali grabs your attention with his portions?

Zindagi - Gulzar's show

Singers: Srinivas

Gulzar's Ghazal style of lyrics rules and it's a complete show by Srinivas. Perhaps, for our best guess after glimpsing through the lyrics, assumptions may be drawn it's a pure ballad. Individualistic emotions are precisely spelled through words while plain chords on guitars stimulate the same feel for listeners.

Verdict: Hip Hip Hooray! An Indian Mozart indeed

Rating : 4.5/5

First OFFICIAL Reivew of Yuvvraaj music is out, by Planet Bollywood

Reviewed by: Atta Khan - Rating: 9.0 / 10
Public Rating : 9.37 / 10 (by 35 listeners)

IT?S OFFICIAL! By some astonishing miracle, 2008 WILL be a memorable year for music. Yes indeed! But that miracle has come solely by way of A.R. Rahman. Because without the outstanding music of Jodhaa Akbar, Ada and JTYJN, the year is arguably one of the worst in recent times littered with mediocrity and devoid of what we all know and love to be the ?essence? of music, it?s soul and passion. This is largely due to the complacency of other music directors who have lost their focus but let?s not dwell on them. Because this is the era of Rahman and this is the year of a maestro who has truly been a ?godsend? (no pun intended) for all music lovers.

Any comparisons to Taal are consequently inevitable but unfortunate as that is a true classic and a perfect score in so many ways but if anyone can do it, it?s the legend himself! So having set the scene dear listener, it is time to head towards the soundtrack and as long as you are prepared to stick by it, another journey into musical heaven beckon.

A journey starting with Symphony No.5 (Beethoven) is setting some precedence for the OST. The first track Main Hoon Yuvvraaj does exactly that (performed by Chennai String Orchestra) and provides a short introduction to the movie with vocals by none other than Salman Khan himself. In this he reveals a number of interesting cues but one thing is for sure?.he is a 'bad guy' and he is Yuvvraaj out to prove he can be a superstar with his singing!

And his first attempt at stardom comes immediately with the next track, the quite wonderfully composed Tu Meri Dost Hain. The music, starting on a simple note, is eerily soft yet ever so alluring eventually developing into a blissful tune that will undoubtedly mesmerize you upon repeated listening. But why are you surprised? These are the hallmarks of classic Rahman! In particular the melodious cello play just takes the track to another level and the accompanying symphony effects are fabulous as are the dovetailing beats?everything links together so harmoniously, I am simply at a lost for words to describe the beauty of this composition. Special mention also to Gulzar saab for his gifted lyrics that add so much meaning to the song. Furthermore it appears that Rahman?s singing dynasty has added another sensation in the form of Benny (who also sang in Jaane Tu) who sings in stunning fashin alongside the maestro himself. But it?s Shreya?s entry midway through that is a masterstroke and just the icing on the cake. Honestly, if it wasn?t for Rahman?s earlier release this year from Jodhaa Akbar i.e. the amazing Khwaja Mere Khwaja, this would be my pick for the most outstanding track of 2008. Genius!

Ok it?s now time for some party as the spotlight moves onto Zayed Khan and so beckons the next track Shano Shano. Let?s be honest from the outset, this is the weakest track of Yuvvraaj by some distance. However it?s not a total disaster when you take it in the context of the movie. Yes the music sounds like something out of a 1980s disco floor but if Zayed wants to groove to some chaotic music, as a composer, that is what you have to deliver! At the very least Rahman provides variety with some interesting musical instruments (it?s not all synth) and the use of multiple singers including Sonu Nigam, Srinivas, Karthik, Timmy, Sunaida, Vivienne Pocha, Tina. Lyrics are about as good as they get for such a track. This is passable but the soundtrack offers so much more so let?s move on. Incidentally Shano Shano Remix by Krishna Chetan contains more vocals by Ember that are reminiscent of a ?bad boy? Yuvvraaj and hence the song is quite fitting for the movie. Nice alternative but nothing more.

After that minor blip, the soundtrack diverts itself onto the SOUL of Yuvvraaj with the utterly spellbinding Tu Muskura. The cello marks a sensational return and solo cellist V.R. Sekar and Elidh Martin (K M M C Faculty) do Rahman proud with some fine performances. Their cello play is underpinned by a percussion that hypnotises you soothingly from the start and keeps you firmly in a trance until the very end. As if that wasn?t enough, the allure of a previous melody (belonging to Tu Meri Dost) sweeps past you briefly as Rahman magically weaves it into the song via the deft strings of Seenu's Mandolin play.

And yet, we have not even discussed the true catalyst of the song. So many have written her off but Rahman as we know, is loyal to his singing dynasty. And so marks the return of an old favourite: Alka Yagnik. Well in my opinion (based on her singing here) it will be a travesty if she is not nominated for the best female playback singer (award) for a performance that is as mesmerizing as the musical backdrop that she sings against. She is simply a transformed singer here, sometimes unrecognizable and from recollection, her last performance of such magnitude was Rang Hai (Meenaxi) which confirms the mastery of ARR over his singers. Javed Ali did a great job in Jashn-e-Bahaara but plays second fiddle here to the bewitching vocals of Alka. Gulzar?s lyrics grab your inner soul and churn out what is left of your emotions? WOW! This is definitely one step closer to musical heaven?.you could quite literally waste away hours, even days listening to this soul stirring masterpiece!

After such an emotionally draining roller coaster that was Tu Muskura one feels the need for a break and a diversion. Rahman duly obliges with Mastam Mastam, a delightfully uplifting track that also ranks as the most innovative of the soundtrack and also one of the best of 2008. The music is simple yet oozes witchcraft (the dhol and cello in tandem, play mind games on you like you have never heard before!), playful but at times melancholy, witty but with an underlying message. The interaction between the singers, Sonu Nigaam (outstanding as ever), Alka Yagnik, Naresh & Benny, is another highlight as are the incredibly unique and diverse lyrics, hats off to you Gulzar saab! Where Mastam Mastam lacks in instant attraction or a catchy melody, it more than makes up for after repeated listening and becomes an extremely enjoyable outing. Just be ready to click your fingers to one of Rahman?s most underrated song of 2008.

The soulful journey of Yuvvraaj ends with Zindagi in which the composer continues to amaze in more ways than one. Depending on your preferences and mood swings, you could potentially enjoy this more than Tu Muskura. First up expect to be blown away by the Woodwinds play by P M K Naveen Kumar. If you recover from that, there is the enticing piano and strings of the Chennai String Orchestra. Rahman?s fusion of these incredible sounds is the best remedy for a stressful mind! The distinct vocals are instantly recognizable but this is not Hariharan listeners, this is Srinivas, another long time favourite of Rahman who also sang in the brilliant Yeh Jo Zindagi Hai (Earth 1947). In fact with such awesome vocals, one wonders why we have not heard more from him. Gulzar outdoes himself once again and for his complete collection in Yuvvraaj, runs away with the best lyrics of the year award. Zindagi is another must listen.

The penultimate track Dil Ka Rishta is a diversion of a completely different kind that takes you by complete surprise! Initially you don?t realize as a beautiful piano introduction is cut short by a cello play but your senses are instantly awestruck by the powerful nature of the drums and the full-blown orchestration that follows immediately after that. Welcome to the PASSION of Yuvvraaj and another unique twist to the soundtrack! This one has it all; a catchy tune, peppy beats, symphony orchestra, English verses (Blazze) and some killer vocals by Sonu Nigaam, Roopkumar Rathod and ARR himself. Rahman puts this potpourri of ingredients to amazing use and delivers another winner even thought strictly speaking, the song is clearly situational and is attached to the relationship of the three brothers in the movie. Fascinating yet irresistibly Rahman!

Manmohini Morey ends the OST with a short classical piece that Rahman enhances with the use of synth to suit the taste of modern listeners. Vijay Prakash provides the vocals against Gulzar?s verses. Undoubtedly a commendable effort with addictive nuances, the track is too short to make any lasting impression. However do listen out for the chilling return of the cello fromTu Muskura around the 1:50 mark. Clearly the maestro couldn?t resist one last rendezvous!

So where does Yuvvraaj OST sit in the hallmarks of all time great Rahman soundtracks? It will probably be years before we can answer that, will it stand the test of time? Without question. However what is clear is that it is not flawless in its execution like say a Taal OST which was perfect from A-Z. However we cannot underestimate the impact the soundtrack will have on the movie, the potential is colossal whatever the fate of the movie at the box office.

Comparisons with his other releases in 2008 are also unnecessary and futile. Each one stood it?s own tests respectively and more than satisfied audiences, fans and producers/directors alike. With the odd exception, everything else (outside of Rahman?s court) this year is so far behind for quality it?s embarrassing. So instead, let us simply rejoice this moment, your moment, the minutes, the hours, the days and the year 2008 when our finest music composer (at least of this era) gifted us an unprecedented array of compositions that became for us, Musical Nirvana in several guises. Yuvvraaj sits proudly towards the top for having outstanding music.

And in case you are wondering, the magic continues shortly with the soundtrack to Ghajini. Long live the legend. Long live AR Rahman.

Link - http://planetbollywood.com/displayRe...=m101608064638

AVS Review -

Music Review: Yuvraaj
By Aakash Gandhi on October 16, 2008

In a year marked by musical drought, music lovers are blessed by the sudden reinvigoration of A.R. Rahman, who is turning out a modestly prolific year, with YUVRAAJ being his fourth release (following Jodhaa-Akbar, Ada, and Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na). It's quite ironic. 2008, a year that has heard quality music sparingly, is the one year in which India's greatest MD decides to put out an astonishing four soundtracks. And if Ghajini is released this year, that would be number five; making it the most productive year in Rahman's legendary career with the Hindi Film Industry.

Although Rahman's unparalleled works do not make up for the lackluster year, they certainly do provide us with a touch of class and musical versatility that has drastically faded in 2008. The man of the hour is most certainly A.R. Rahman. And when such a showman as Subhash Ghai, the creator of Yuvraaj himself, tells you that the film belongs first to A.R. Rahman and then to him - that my friends is one of those rare compliments you wish you could frame and hang on the wall. Master poet Gulzar saab will be adding meaning to sound with his beautiful words. When you have three individuals who are considered legends in their respective fields and who have an undeniably remarkable track record, one can't help but salivate all over the CD of Yuvraaj.

We begin the journey with a short dialogue-based introductory piece Main Hoon Yuvraaj. Not much to write from a critic's perspective, the track hinges on Beethoven's masterpiece, his 5th Symphony, which has been re-created flawlessly by the Chennai String Orchestra. Salman Khan, who renders the dialogue, sets up the aura of the film and the theme of the soundtrack. Verdict: A simple beginning to a very different side of Rahman...

In deed this soundtrack is noteworthy because for the very first time Rahman infuses a very healthy dose of pop elements in almost each and every one of his songs. It's something we're not very used to hearing from the virtuoso. The key is to see if Rahman can maintain his distinction while delving deeper into these very conventional styles of arranging and composing.

Rahman eases past the first test with a splendid composition in Tu Meri Dost Hain. The major highlights of this piece lie beneath the grooves and instrumental add-ons. Rahman throws everything except the kitchen sink into the pop rhythm, with the soulful play of the Cello taking centre stage. The true beauty of music is realized when a full orchestration of acoustics, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussions, synths, and pads liquefy into an other-worldly phenomenon set to light your soul ablaze. This is how Tu Meri Dost Hai ravishes. However, I do not want to take anything away from the simple yet soothingly catchy tune rendered with grace by Benny Dayal, while Shreya Ghoshal and Rahman provide tremendous support. Gulzar's lyrics, as the title suggests, are poetic in their simplicity. Verdict: It's a song that's already spreading like wildfire and for very good reason.

After the questionable Pappu Can't Dance (JTYJN), Rahman returns to the dance floors with Shano Shano. Although the number has a cool groove, Rahman fails to make this hip-hop dance number his own. Nevertheless, the song grows on you as you listen to it. The title line is quite addicting as it's repeated throughout. It's after a while, once Sonu Nigam makes his entrance, does the song truly take off and reach its full enjoyment potential. Verdict: Enjoyable for commercial/conventional standards, both Rahman and Gulzar are well out of their comfort zone here and it shows.

Rahman quickly reunites with his spellbinding ways to give birth to a truly beautiful spectacle of sound in Tu Muskura. V.R. Sekar and Elidh Martin's fragile cello nudges Rahman's composition onto a stable yet subtle groove upon which Rahman writes one of the most poignant and tender melodies of his illustrious career. And if there is one performer in Yuvraaj who, for even a moment, steals the light away from Rahman, it's Alka Yagnik in Tu Muskura. Her vocals simply glow in exuberance as Gulzar's metaphorically touching words kiss Yagnik's lips with a resonating shower of aural supremacy. Javed Ali (of Jashn-E-Bahara fame) makes a tremendous delayed entrance to provide a nuanced balance to Alka's rendition. It is in the latter portions of the song where Rahman begins to seek guidance from the Creative Gods as he deftly builds a crescendo amidst the synergistic blend of the vibrant cello, the earthy groove, Yagnik's title rendition, and Ali's passionate swaras. Verdict: Rahman creates a cross-cultural sound the unites semi-pop (groove), western classical (cello), and eastern classical (Ali's vocals). Needless to say, the result is awe-inspiring.

Mastam Mastam is instant gratification personified! Rahman goes free-style while composing this youthfully animated track. The major selling point of this song is Rahman's soothing and extremely catchy melody like you've never heard before, along with the man who sings it - Sonu Nigam. Is there any doubt that Nigam is one of the best singers alive? Rahman creates a very folksy environment in the backgrounds, yet never does he take attention away from the composition itself. Speaking of the background, Rahman really excels in this free-style of arranging, where you actually hear him spreading his wings of creativity. But it is the foreground tune that entices and wins your heart. Alka Yagnik, Benny Dayal, and Naresh Iyer provide wonderful support. Their group chemistry is tremendous. Verdict: One of those rare tracks that will seem to remain on your playlist for ever and ever.

And that brings us to another one of my favorites - Zindagi. What soul. What passion. It all starts off with the Bandoneon, an instrument unfortunately rarely ever heard in today's music. Rahman creates a very gentle groove, led by shakers, light percussion, and acoustics. Later, the rhythm blends into more of a pop influenced groove with some pleasing synths and pads filling the musical aura with color and flavor. However, what makes this song flourish is vocalist Srinivas and Rahman's peaceful composition. It's a unity that's brought us masterpieces in the past, and it once again reaches for the stars. Not to be outdone, Gulzar's ode to life's miscues is one of sorrowful beauty. Verdict: A masterful composition that will appeal to a specific segment of music enthusiasts.

Rahman is all attitude and business in the passionate Dil Ka Rishta. The opening is a complete antithesis to the rest of the song, where Rahman opens with a hauntingly beautiful play of the piano. This makes way for a mesmerizing orchestral performance that would rival much of the western world's orchestral prowess. The song erupts with a very strong pop groove paving the rhythmic paths. Although the melody isn't as prominent as Rahman's usual soul-stirring compositions, this one hinges heavily on the brilliant renditions of Sonu Nigam, Roop Kumar Rathod, A.R. Rahman, and Blaaze (English). Verdict: Thanks to the orchestral sensations coupled with the English lyrics, Rahman has created a truly international track that deserves all of your attention.

Rahman toys with us as now he attempts to blend a trance groove with Indian classical vocals in Manmohini Morey. You're kidding right? The track is surprisingly very attractive, thanks especially to the underrated vocals of Vijay Prakash. Rahman's classical sense sharpens as he writes another addictive melody while harnessing the nuances and specialties of the Indian classical style. Not an easy thing to do at all. The quasi-trance beat gives this song a third dimension that takes it to new levels of gratification. Verdict: Indian classical dancers finally have a modern and catchy track to showcase their moves on. Very cool number!

The soundtrack closes with Krishna Chetan's Shano Remix. Since a Rahman track is rarely ever tampered with by a remix, you know this one should be distinctively different. And to an extent it is. It's not your traditional remix. The only aspect of the original that has been preserved here is the title rendition of Shano Shano. Besides that, we have a hip-hop groove featuring rapper Ember. Clocking in at around 2:37, it's a short track that adds little to this diverse group of songs.

Now if you were all set to draw comparisons between Yuvraaj and Ghai-Rahman's earlier masterpiece Taal (1999), then you'll be doing yourself a dishonor. Their music is as different as night and day. As I mentioned earlier, Yuvraaj is a much more conventional film soundtrack than what Rahman is known to have done in the past. However, he succeeds in giving familiar styles a twist of unfamiliarity. Therein lies the magic and mystique of A.R. Rahman.

If you ask me, Yuvraaj is far from Rahman's greatest works. But it portrays a cross-cultural resonance that blends east and west, creating a synergistic sound that will set charts and hearts ablaze. Go on... have yourself another Rahmantic treat.

Rating - 8.5/10

Link - http://www.avstv.com/reviews/review.php?r=yuvraajmusic

Yuvvraaj - Colossal score by Rahman

whoa... how do they manage to give such big reviews just for songs

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Salute to Rahman..!! Really its Gr8 Its Superb..!

Yes. I have listened to all the songs multiple times and AR Rehman is just the greatest! I love this album a lot! Some very good songs in their!

yes i heard the songs excellent music only rahman can do that... waiting for his next release...

Yeah. Eagerly awating his next album Ghajini! It is going to be amazing!

Yuvvraj music is just greeeeeaaaaattt!! i just love A.R. Rehman. he always has something different and amazing.

i have just listened yuvraj song's . and i have to say that rahman did a great job

its rehman the king of music, i dont know why people ask for a review about his music lollll

ya but yuvraj songs i found were not so intresting