Kadal music review

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****

5 cheers out of 7 songs ... 

A late but latest music review of A.R.Rahman's Kadal, for ace director Mani Ratnam. For the few who were actually expecting this review, Pls excuse the delay ... Now, onto business for the review of the 7 songs in Kadal ...

Moongil Thottam ... CHEERS
Singers : Abhay Jodhpurkar, Harini

Lyrics: Vairamuthu

This is a beautiful melody driven by the likable tune and the guitar strums. Both the singers are in full form as they seem to have enjoyed the tune to the core. Rahman also brings in little accordion touches and some memorable string orchestration to the party. The Rahman - Mani Ratnam magic remains undiminished.

Kadal - Elay Keechaan ... CHEERS
Singer: A.R.Rahman
Lyrics: Madhan Karky
Rahman has introduced the bluegrass style of music to Tamil cinema with instruments like banjo and the guitar taking pride of place. There is an easy and happy charm associated with the number thanks to the spirited chorus while Rahman knows his way out with such numbers. His pitch and range are fantastic. Madhan Karky has another feather on his cap with his words for this number.

Adiye ... CHEERS
Singer: Sid Sriram
Lyrics: Madhan Karky
This one will be right up your alley if you are looking for something different and truly mesmerizing. After 'Aaromale', Rahman wears his experimentation cap yet again. The drum percussions have been kept simple while the keys and guitar act as the baseline of the song. The gospel music style 'Adiye' chorus is the true high-point of the number with lead singer Sid Sriram turning in a truly involved and passionate performance.

Anbin Vasale
Singer: Haricharan
Lyrics: Madhan Karky
This is a spirited Christian devotional number rendered with a certain drive by Haricharan. The string orchestration of the song is dramatic. The repetitive portion sung by the chorus is definitely uplifting and is the highlight of the number. But the tune is not anything out-of-the ordinary as sad gospel songs sound pretty much like this.

Chithirai Nila ... CHEERS

Singer: Vijay Yesudas

Lyrics: Vairamuthu

The start of the number, with the sounds of a small baby accompanied by just the keys and Vijay Yesudas' majestic voice, is sure to give you goose-bumps. The synthesized flute sound is typical of Rahman as he delighted us with a similar piece in one of Delhi 6's songs. The lyrics by Vairamuthu are inspirational and warrant some deep listening. The entire song goes through a low-key passage before coming to a close on a more upbeat note. Vijay Yesudas can expect some awards for his rendering of this track. 

Magudi Magudi

Singers : Aaryan Dinesh Kanagaratnam, Chinmayi, Tanvi Shah 

Lyrics: Aaryan Dinesh Kanagaratnam

The only song from Kadal that has a heavy digital sound. There are lot of chaotic sounds thrown into this sort of psychedelic number. The rap is pretty relentless and noisy while the interspersed dialogues give the track a wondrous appeal. Can't help noticing shades of a similar number from Rahman's Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack. 

Nenjukkulle ... CHEERS

Singers: Shakthisree Gopalan, A.R.Rahman

Lyrics: Vairamuthu

This earthy melody has already won its fair share of admirers and Shakthisree Gopalan has become a household name. The guitar plays a major role in the flow of the song while the accordion has a muted role compared to the unplugged version. The string orchestration and flute sounds fill the interludes. Rahman's high-pitch humming is reminiscent of his Aayitha Ezhuthu days. Expect this song to be wildly popular in the coming months. 

FINAL WORD: Another delightful soundtrack from Rahman which mostly focuses on pure music and melody. The predominance of electronic sounds in the Magudi track is a sore point though. But, songs like Elay Keechaan and Adiye don't come every year. Savor them !!!