Music: AR Rahman
Lyrics: Madhan Karky, Kabilan
Singers: Anirudh Ravichander, Neeti Mohan, Sid Sriram, Sunitha Sarathy, A.R. Rahman, Nikita Gandhi, , Haricharan, Shreya Ghoshal, Aditya Rao, Natalie Di Luccio, Chinmayi, Sid Sriram
On September 15, amidst all the razzle dazzle and fan frenzy, the music of director Shankar’s magnum opus I was launched in the graceful presence of Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger. While the teaser of Vikram’s I has been raved by masses and classes alike, the music by Mozart of Madras, AR Rahman, has got the fans hooked. The double Oscar winner has composed seven songs for the album. After dishing out a musical treat with Vasanthabalan’s Kaaviya Thalaivan, lets see what Rahman has in store for us this time around.Mersalaayitten
The album opens with a fast paced dance number with incredible piano piece and high energy club beats. Sung by Anirudh Ravichander, Mersaayitten has catchy local Chennai slang as lyrics written by Kabilan. Neeti Mohan’s soft vocals amidst all the heavy musical arrangement is soothing. Kolaveri Di composer Anirudh has once again crooned a winner. Rahman fuses little folk beats here and there, adding desi flavour to the highly westernised song. This track also has a remixed version and one wonders how pacy would the remixed Mersalaayitten be, considering that the original song is a fast paced dance number in itself. Even the remix version is highly enjoyable as Rahman has interestingly fused techno beats with rustic drum beats.
Ennodu Nee Irundhaal
Mersalaayiten is followed by a beautiful emotional ballad, Ennodu Nee Irundhaal. The song opens with a beautiful piano piece accompanied by faint sound of flute, paving way to high pitched vocals of Sid Sriram of Adiye fame from Kadal. The romantic number starts off slow and then gathers a little pace with a variety of instruments and chorus coming into play. The song has a reprise version too which has been soothingly sung by Chinamayi, accompanied by simple soothing chord progressions from the acoustic guitar. If you are looking for a less intense romantic number, with simple score and sweet voice, Ennodu Nee Irundhaal reprise version is the answer.
Ladio
AR Rahman comes up with yet another feel good dance number with Ladio sung amazingly well by Nikita Gandhi. The song shifts gears every now and then, surprising and overwhelming the listeners with every passing second. While the lyrics by Madhan Karky are easy on the ears, Nikita Gandhi gives a western pop feel to it, at times reminding of Katy Perry’s songs. The song starts with some undecipherable chorus accompanied by constant techno beats and then suddenly enters into the territory of pop music with Nikita Gandhi’s powerful vocals. One feels that AR Rahman was in experimental mood while composing Ladio, and has come up with a unique club number.
Pookkalae Sattru Oyivedungal
Crooned by Shreya Ghoshal and Haricharan, the song is a melodious romantic number. Pookkalae Sattru Oyivedungal is a sweet love track, sung with utmost beauty and written by Madhan Karky. The song has been purposefully made to match the locales where Shankar might shoot the love song. Harp, Haiku, programmed beats and blues type guitar riff delivers a self-justifying sonata. It is one of the most easily likable songs of the album and would definitely appeal love struck souls.
Aila Aila
After experimenting with heavy western music in Ladio, Rahman is back with yet another experimental number which shifts gears from opera style singing to Carnatic traces to techno beats and what not. The Canadian singer, Natalie Di Luccio, showcases her vocal prowess with high pitched opera style singing where as Aditya Rao’s gruffy vocals add a tint of rawness to the song. While the song may not appeal to the listeners in the first go, it grows on you gradually. Its one of those songs which could be enjoyed better along with visuals.
Verdict: Filled with high energy club numbers and intense yet romantic tracks, the music of I is engaging. AR Rahman has scored a wonderful album in accordance with the genre of the film. Though the I soundtrack may not be as brilliant as Rahman’s Kaaviya Thalaivan composition, the album is made of potential chartbusters and will appeal to all the crazy Rahamaniacs like me.
Our Pick: Mersalaayitten, Ennodu Nee Irundhaal and Pookkalae Sattru Oyivedungal
Rating: out of 5
