Master's Weave the Magic Again - GURU

Nothing excites me more than the sheer fact that an album from the genius is gonna be released. That too the expectations are even higher when the undisputed evergreen combo Mani Ratnam join hands with Rahman and Gulzar.

The last time they united were some 10 years ago for 'Dil Se'. The album was a run-away hit with numbers like 'Chayya Chayya' and 'Dil Se re' rocking every corner of the world including Hollywood. They have come together again for the latest flick titled 'GURU' - 'GuruKanth Desai' in short, starring Abhishek, Aishwarya Rai,Madhavan and Vidya Balan.Cinematography by Rajiv Menon and Editing by Sreekar Prasad, adds more flavor to the film.

A month back some teasers were available of the songs and upon hearing was bowled over completely. Finally the album hit the market around three weeks back.! Guessing why do I write my opinion about an album three weeks after it releases. I could see reviews pouring from every corner of the world about the album, mostly appreciating it and a few criticizing. With Rahman,we can never or shouldn't come to conclusions in a few hearings. Now each cell responds for 'Tera Bina' and 'Mayya Mayya'. As Rahman quoted in the interview 'Never jump into tunes' just do 'scratches' and 'templates'. As an ardent fan of him I followed his gesture, not jumping at any conclusions. So I restrained and gave myself enough time to grow on me. So here we go, I present my liking(s) about the album and feel that I don't have enough knowledge on music to critisize the master except for a good pair of ears for listening and appreciating music.

Barso Re - Picturised on Rai, this is a rain number sung by Shreya Goshal and Uday Mazumdar. Shreya voice throws a surprise and she lifts the songs to greater heights. Naveen joins with flute and makes a perfect blend. The last time Naveen played a significant part was in 'Mudhalvan' and was mesmerizing. Uday gives his share with the vocals and takes it to a different plane altogether. Listen to the portion from 1:57 - 2:30 and it leaves a everlasting impression. No stopping the 'Nan Nare Nan Nare Na Na Na'.This number is Aishwarya Rai favorite in the album

Tera Bina - One of the best numbers of GURU, 'Dham dhara Dham dhara Mast Mast - Oh Hum Dum' haunts you for ever. This is sheer magic from the master. Rahman did mention that this song was originally for 26 minutes and was not sung by him. But then Mani 'black mailed' Rahman to render the number. Rahman has tried his best to fit in the best portions into 5:10 minutes and he wins! Sung by the master with Chinmaye this is a true classic. The beats, dolak, tabla complements the number. Listen to the portion from 3:00-4:00 for Chinmayi's soothing voice. The master shows variation all over with alap, high pitches and completely soaks you in soul-stirring composition.This number is Gulzar Saab favorite and he his rite on the money.

Mayya Mayya - This number took time to grow on me. But now I cannot go past this number. What's Mayya Mayya - Rahman explains it means 'Water' in arabic. Sung by Maryem Taylor, she does full justice and delivers her best. This is picturised on 'Mallika Sherawat' and the clippings are mind-blowing. Rajiv Menon needs special mention here. Great work and hopefully the whole of bollywood goes 'Mayya Mayya'. This is a arabian and gujarathi number blended beautifully.Listen to the portion 3:55-5:25. Stunner!Mani talks a lot about this number along with Jaage Hain and reckon this is one of his favourite number. The first number to be recorded for the album.

Ay Hairathe - Brilliance when Hariharan join hands with Rahman. This is more of Ghazal type and the tabla with accordion mixed. Rahman did buy the accordion specially for GURU and is truly vintage. As the icing on the cake is the 'Hum Dum' in a different note/variation/pitch by the master himself. Am sure in concerts people will go wild with this number.Listen to the portion from 1:30-2:15,classic. Picturised near a river, its beautiful. Wonder how does mani manages to find such naturisque location when every movie churned out goes for foreign locations.As Rahman stated - simple 'Yemen melody' but leaves a strong impression on the listener.

Ek Lo Ek Muft - This is a 'Baang Number' with lots of dholak/drums/beats but in the right proportion. Sung by Bappi he does a great job. The song starts of lightly and then as more beats and variations come into picture stuns you. Rahman's core ability comes in the form of using a variety of instruments but in the right mix and creates a right effect on the song. The humming 'Yammo Yammo Yammo Le' is catchy and makes your progress bar pull-over it again and again. Listen to it from 2:53-3:30. Classic number and am sure people will go gaga over 'Yammo Yammo Le'.This number is Abhishek's favorite.

Jaage Hain - This song/lullaby conveys the theme or soul of the film. Backed by Madras Chorale Group, its soothing. Not much of lyrics and the variations shown at various stages of this number is brilliant. The best skill of Rahman as I see, is throwing surprises at you at various stages in the song starting from 'Chinna Chinna Aasai - yelelo' to the notes variation in this number. Excellent arrangements and we can sense the Masters hard-work every where.This number is again Mani's favorite.

Baazi Laaga - This is more of a 1960's type song and am sure the movie will completely justify the inclusion of this number. I think we have to wait to watch it before making an opinion.

Truly a brilliant album from the team. Am enjoying every bit of it and hopefully everyone reading this also enjoys the album.

As Mani stated 'Rahman never stops - He keeps on adding portions to the song even after the movie is released'. As a Rahman fan - 'I never stop listening to the Na Na Re/Dham Dham/Yammo/Mayya'.

Waiting for 12th January 2007 for the visual treat!

Check the teasers from the songs here

Video Here