One of the most awaited release of the year , Yuvvraaj , is all set to release and the music is out now . The album for me is of more interest since it is probably for the first time that we might get to listen to pure western classical compositions with an ARR (A. R. Rehman) touch and without any Indian elements . ARR’s last album Jaane Tu.. was an instant hit among the youth and had nothing classical in it . This album’s value increases more since ARR is teaming up with Gulzar again and the duo have done nothing less than wonders in the past . The album has a total of Nine songs with 8 originals and 1 remix which is a rarity these days . We often get more remixes than the originals . Sometimes we also get 3-4 version of the same track on the same album .This album at least breaks that trend and the originals outnumber the remixes by a huge difference .
The first track on the album is an Introduction track for the lead character “Yuvvraaj” in the film . It just has Salman Khan giving an intro along with Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony . Salman’s dialogue delivery isn’t that good and his monotonous voice mismatches completely with the Beethoven Symphony . The symphony is full of dramatics and Salman’s dialogues sound like he is talking to someone on a telephone , quite casual . He has not at all modulated his voice because he can’t . The music no where matches his voice . This one is a track that would be combined along with the next track on the album which makes it sound even more out of the place . The singer on the next track doesn’t sound like Salman at all . This thing that I am talking about would be more clear to you when you would listen to the two tracks one after the other .
The second track on the album “Tu Meri Dost hai” is a fabulous track and is already on air . Just listen to starting violin piece in the song and it shows us the brilliance of ARR. I could just listen to the starting piece for the whole day . It has been very well sung by all the singers and especially Benny Dayal who does a fine job . He sings very well but I think his voice won’t suit Salman that much . This one is a musical love story and we have seen in the west how actors themselves first learn singing and sing their songs themselves in a musical . This makes it much more entertaining and they act even through their singing . Indian musicals make very less sense as we know throughout the film that he is a singer in the film but it is actually someone else who is singing which makes it a little less believable . In any case this track is a nice one which starts off in a magnificent way .What I didn’t like was that it doesn’t manage to maintain the quality with which it starts . It raises the bar in the starting and then lowers it a little by the end . Shreya and Rehman also do a great job as singers .
Next one is a Disco Track and after giving a super duper hit “Pappu Can’t Dance” ARR doesn’t manage to repeat the magic . This one neither has those catchy lyrics nor it has the groovy tune . I don’t blame Gulzaar Sir for the lyrics since it is a little out of his style . Still , he had done a fabulous job in “Fana” of Yuva . I got seriously disappointed with ARR after listening to this track . This track feels completely out of the place .
The fourth song on the album “Tu Muskura” brings back the classical mood and is also on the slower and romantic side . This track also has inputs from “Tu meri Dost hain” in between . It would be picturized on Katrina since she is the only female lead in the film . It is a nice romantic song and has a nice tune . The tune is not as great as it was in “Tu meri dost” but still is good enough to hold the song . Alka Yagnik does a good job in singing and has been very well supported by Jaaved Ali . This one interestingly has Indian classical singing inputs in between by Jaaved which sound good .
The fifth track on the album is “Mastam Mastam” which sounds more like an African composition in the starting and reminded me of the songs from Walt Disney’s – Lion King . A very new sounding song that would be interesting to watch in the film . It has a good tune backing all the wild music . The song has been very well sung by Sonu as usual and he is just fabulous in whatever he sings . The track abruptly changes its tune in the middle part which in a way surprised me but not in a positive way . The lyrics have nothing much to offer . Just listen to the singing style of the various singers and how much they enjoy the song while singing . It is more of a Singer’s song and Sonu , Alka , Benny and Naresh all do a great job . Without their singing the song wouldn’t have came out this good . It is a nice experimental track that I am sure would be visually much more exciting than audio wise . If you have seen Disney’s “Enchanted” then I am sure you remember the musical song where everybody starts singing along with the lead couple and slowly slowly a large crowd starts singing and dancing with them . I am sure they would also try to attempt something like that in this song . In all , a song that would look great in the film if shot in the right way .
The next track on the album is “zindagi” which is a slow sad song and we have seen Hariharan sing such songs in ARR’s previous albums . This one though has been sung by Srinivas and he also does a good job . The whole lyrics and tune are good but nothing extraordinary and not as good as “Tu Hi Re” of Bombay .A good track but such a track is not expected from ARR since he has given much better in the past .
The Seventh track on the album “Dil Ka Rishta” is something that Subhash Ghai has tried to repeat from Taal . This one might be climax song and would feature near to the end of the film . If you remember in Taal also the second symphonic version of “Ishq Bina” was used towards the end of the film during which the story kept moving . In a similar fashion even this song would have the story moving in the background along with all the emotions of a Love Story flowing in excess . This song is very long (7:39) and is also not that good to hold the audience for its entire length . On the contrary the second symphonic version on “Ishq Bina” in Taal was not only long but also had the potential to keep the audience entertained for its length . The singers do an average job and the music is also good in bits and pieces . Some of the pieces of music are so good that they could very well be used in background for the movie .
Overall , the song is a bit long and not entertaining enough .
The last original track on the album, “Manmohini” , is a modern version of Indian Classical Songs . The song has been very well sung by Vijay Prakash who has that Classical voice and the song completely suits him . This song is not as good as “Albela Sajan” of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam but isn’t that bad also . A very short length track that has just some Classical renditions in it . A track that is a little different from the entire album .
Then in the end comes a remix of “Shano” which has been remixed well by Krishna Chetan but the English lyrics in it have nothing new in it and are the same old ones . This one is much smaller than the original which is nice thing since I found the original one much longer and repetitive .
Overall ,as a die hard Rehman fan this one disappointed a lot and is below the expectations . Only one track “Tu meri Dost hai” impresses and all other tracks are an average affair and are expected as it is an ARR album . Much below by the ARR standards and I expected a lot from this one since it had ARR and Gulzar both along with Subhash Ghai . It looks like history didn’t repeat itself after Taal and this album stands no where as compared to that one . The whole western classical that I was expecting was also given in small doses that also adulterated with other kinds of music .The lyrics by Gulzar Sir were also not that good as compared to his other works . You can buy the album and listen it once but don’t expect a “Taal” or something like that out of it .
Album Rating : Three out of Five Stars ; “Tu Meri..” and “Mastam” being good and rest being quite average stuff according to Rehman’s standards.
Mate your review is bad !
You have to listen few times. Dil Ka rishta is not entertaining ???
And 2.5 stars for this album ???
read the initial reaction to the music of Yuvvraj. Unlike others whose music appeals instantly to the ear and disappears as fast as they come. In Rahman’s case it takes at least three sittings each time close your eyes and reach out to one particular segment of his score. Vocals, then the strings then the percussion and the innovative arrangement of the instruments when a single tinkle of a triangle in entire composition means a lot . After this when see the songs picturised on the screen that can make the songs hit the chart or sink. You must hear Yuvvraj in present context and the story content than compare with earlier hits. Also remember the two greats Tendulker and Rahman , you cant expect them to score a ton every time in their respective “fields!”
The music in Yuvvraj is very different never tried before. The strings, the rhythms are different unlike Taal that was a mix classical tradition and modernity. SO close your eyes hear Yuvvraj songs you will be moved by the score in the background and the rhythm. I wish like in Sound of Music DVD in this movie DVD they will have the orchestral score track alone of all the songs without vocals.
ARR has given us a mature score again this time with a baton and an orchestra, I like it because i hear it without comparing.
All depends on Ghai now and how he has picturised. Most of ARR’s best came in movies that did not succeed. Minaxi, Bose, Water and others.
Hi gopal thanx a ton 4 commenting ….The reason I compared the music with Taal is bcoz that one was also a Subhash Ghai film ….I agree with you that there are certain pieces in each song that show you the brilliance of Rehman but the songs on whole are not that good a product ..good but only in bits and pieces. Considering a man of his stature comparisons are bound to happen considering his previous phenomenal work .
I won’t agree on the point that the BEST of ARR came in his unsuccessful films . I would like to further say that I think his best came out for the stories which he liked the most …He makes music according to the story and if his music is little weak then it also shows the weakness of story . The passion and finesse you see in a Dil Se.. or Taal can not be felt in this track .
Even I would want a instrumental CD of the songs bcoz certain pieces are just too good and are up to the international standards .
I know that Taal was more of an Indian Composition and this one is a completely opposite one but still he didn’t work that hard or may be didn’t felt connected to the story which has resulted in a little less good product .
You’ve compared him with Sachin and said that they cannot score a ton every time which is true and I agree with you on that . But what I like about Sachin is that even if he scores only 4 runs in an inning his dedication and passion isn’t missing . But don’t you get disappointed when Sachin doesn’t score ? In the same manner I got a little disappointed with this Album but that doesn’t mean that ARR can’t come back .
I am here just to review his current “Innings” .
saurabh
i recommend you listen to the songs atleast a dozen times before you post your reviews to the world. I have followed rehman through the years and am very adaptive to his sound. I can tell when he is in his elements and when he’s not. Yuvvraaj, without a doubt, is one of his best works to-date. Have listened to it more than 25 times since yesterday. Typical of rehman, the songs grow on you until they stick. Overall, amazing!
I agree Rahman’s competitor is himself!! Matter of fact it is an honour yet we must compare Rahman with others of his times! That’s how awards are given. We must also judge like that. To me still he has not lost his touch and human being no one in his field has reached his level of modesty and humility. So trust me while we get emotionally attached to his music he is one who accepts hits and flops with a smile.
I wish you hear the musical score of Sound of music before lyrics were sung by singer. Same way if you hear the score(not instrumental) without voice and lyrics you will find in Yuvvraj score themovements of strings and other instruments having a melody of their own. That is where Rahman’s genius lies. Any how wait to hear the background score of this movie. Given the classical base of the story it should be great.
As Lata did it is time Rahman declined Filmfare awards after this year so that some one else could get it. I have a gut feeling he will get it this year as well. he is beyond awards now.
Any how no hard feelings. Every one is guided by his own ear and perception and expectations!
I liked your take on the album. Its an informed one and mostly neutral which is tough, which is why I never review Rahman’s works. But what I feel you must use a different scale on every album of his. Especially if its a music centric one. For eg. Taal was a lot of contemporary music and had lesser number of instruments and mostly conventional. Whereas this one has a western classical meets Indian music background. And I am already lost counting the sounds in Dil Ka Rishta. Its just so beautifully woven together, which is his genius. So on a newness scale, this one is an absolute kick-ass album. But if you compare it to earlier works, probably you’re measuring 2 items with different scales. Jus my 2 cents worth.
But like what I’ve come to learn and keep practicing, let the album grow on you. Thats a universal law with Rahman’s compositions. Cheers!
Thanx ben and krish …..One thing I noticed very commonly in all the comments is that everyone has spoken of music being growing on after repeated listening which I think is right for most of rehman’s album .
So , I guarantee all you guys that if after repeated listening the music grows on me and I find it much better than what I have reviewed then I would definitely carry a second post of the music and officially apologize for my mistake of reviewing it so soon …
Guys I realized that 2.5/5 would be a little unfair so I have changed my rating in the end by half star and now I have given it 3 out of five but I don’t think that I am going to change the review any further …..thanx 4 the comments ..your feedback is only what I get in return for writing all this …
@ saurabh, i am not a hard core fan of ARR, but i think this album has its own style. I have been listening to these songs … let me tell u one thing fanrkly .. after first listen i felt your review was apt.. but…i was listening to the song after and after to see am i judging ARR on the basis of just one sit…. to be frank with u there are many songs you would like to listen often and often…the only song i didnt like is mastam mastam….so i have a request just dont go by one sit… listen to it more and more and u start liking it… no doubt its ARR at his best…
hi saurabh
lets leave apologies to others! not here. You just expressed your views. Great thing about music is the same song, tune, sound different to each one according to his/her expectations and mood of the moment. So you did right to come out with what you felt.
All come from good intentions. Still as Tendulker my other hero today made history by scoring maximum runs even if slowed down, so also A R rahman’s scores have recorded maximum sales as albums in the world. That should keep us smiling.
At 65 if i feel young in heart ARR is also a reason. I grew up with Naushad, SD Burman , Shanker Jaikishen, LP and later RD!! Now with ARR i stopped growing as his music grows on me:) with this i will end my comments on this movie review and wait for next ARR Ghajni!! All the best to fellow rahmaniacs.
i do not know on what basis this album has been rated as a mere 3 star..
dil ka rishta is like hell good…damn damn good song..check out…
then there is ..tu muskura..listen to it completely…and ull love it…!!
then obviously..tu hi to meri dost hai is wonderful…mastam adds up a completly new flavour ot the album…
and so is the only one song i found completely off ws shano shano….
Hi Latika , thanx a lot for leaving a comment . The album in total has Nine tracks and you liked only three tracks out of it ..this is the reason why I have given it 3 out of 5 . The rating is for entire album and not only for those three songs .
I think Saurabh you still want to stick to your assessment . Fine but the more i hear with every listening concentrating on one aspect, more so with the arrangements of instruments i feel this album as a whole is good. As Latika says except shano. The first track should not be taken as a track at all but it is ‘if aamir can sin(g) so can i talk better” stuff to please Salman’s fans. ! The Manmohini number is a good experiment. The Zindagi song has great unusual rhythms. So lets not judge Rahman by his past but his present when he is as innovative as ever even after 12 years that can tire any one’s creativity more so when fellow composers also ape his style.
Lets wait for the movie to see if it matches the music. Also am sure the background score will also be as innovative. If the movie ends up as another ‘Kistna’ only music can save the movie.
So time we stopped looking at rating and hear more of the music.Still if i were to rate: Out of 8 songs one is a remix. So the album can be rated 6/7 leaving out Shano. That’s indeed good enough for me. Latika agree?
Mate, I think it has been a week since the music release of yuvvraj. I have listened atleast 10 times of each track so far. Now…I can strongly say that its defintely not a 3/5 album. Believe me..I had similar self review after listening to songs for the first time, as only the first song “tu meri dost” as quite catchy. I hated shano and muskura.
But..now..I just cant stop listening to any of those. Every song rocks in the album man!! Each one of it has its charm of its own. Rishta is quite a good one – I think..it will do a hair raise appeal on screen with visuals.
I think you should change it to 4/5 or 4.5/5
Satish frankly Yaar now I am in a state of confusion with all of you guys forcing me to rethink the whole rating for album …You know I have rated the album by comparing it with Rehman’s previous work and not with the works of his contemporaries because if I would rate it by comparing it with Pritam’s Golmaal type albums or with Vishal Shekhar’s Tashan and Bachna Ae Hasino type albums then it would be a shame in itself . There is no doubt that this album is way higher than what others are giving out right now but still I expect much more from Rehman Sir .
If you are a Rehman fan then you probably know that he has given albums like Taal,Dil Se..,Roja,Rangeela,Lagaan,Yuva,Guru and Swades etc. You know whats so special of all these soundtracks …all and I mean ALL the songs of each of them are great and even super hits .
If I would give 4 or 4.5 to this album then what should be given to those albums .It would be unfair to them . And you know rating can not be done without comparison
Anyways thanx a tone dude for commenting and Gopal Sir how would I rate it without keeping in mind Rehman’s previous works …Its like saying what everyone says that watch a David Dhawan flick keeping your mind at home …How is one suppose to keep his mind at home ?
Saurabh friend i am sorry you are making an issue of this lighter vein comments. I only felt for a moment these were your views according to your taste and expressed mine and you hug the rating to your heart and still defend that!
Any how in my personal view this score shows more maturity and depth in orchestration next only to that of Bose. One must review only in the present context of change in taste for movie music. I Know the music will flop with the masses. The story line demands such a musical score and it will be out of tune to use Taal or lagaan or even dilse like scores here. With no ill will to any one i wish to state the score is what the story line needed and with that i thank you all for the patience. With Ghazini will be back! Bye and best wishes to all admirers of Rahman and his music.
OMG….u r soo naiive…dont u realise that every movie is different and cant be another Jodha-Akbar or JTYJN….I beleive that Rahman has completely outdone himself in Yuvvraj…I dont think there is any other composer who would do half as good a job as Rahman in movies like these…Sure, its harder for melody that catchy to stick you…but, melody is what stays with u..
Every other review is soo goood, atleast 4 or 4.5….dont review songs if you cant appreciate good music when you hear it….n pls dont compare new songs to any other ones…each is a masterpiece where comparison is irrelevant!!
I do not agree with 3/5 rating….I have been an ardent fan of A.R.Rahman and especially if he teams up with Subhash Ghai, and this time not to exclude the trio of Gulzar too inclusive.Without any prejudice,listening to Yuvraj album is definitely music to anyone’s ears,I particularly liked Tu Muskura….best tapping of Alka Yagnik’s vocal by A.R.Rahman.Also Tu Meri Dost Hai is off the mark and hummable,but I do not regard this album more than few hearings as I had found it worth to purchase the album of Taal thrice as music cassetes,each time cassete got rugged due to multiple rewinds and forwards playings.This amounts to 55×3=165,but Yuvraj is not that investive….2/5 would be my due to Yuvraj….
Common guys,
wats wrong wth all of you??? why are we giving so much imprtance to an ameteaur music lover like saurav n his review or rating on rahman?
Thts his personal view. 2 or 2.5 or 3 have no relevance at all till somone is qualified enough to rate music. i also thnk yuvraj is certainly ot one of rahman’s best & its surprisingly quite simplistic in its rendition.
But yess it definately is one track tht has a grt shelf life. U can listen to it agn n agn.
im a rhman devotee, n personally i ws a bit dipappinted wth yuvraj. But neautrally speaking its one of the most melodeous tracj of recent times.
Gulzaar is surprisngly retrained n simple!
lets avoid comparisons n debates..indulge in melody!
Love
Sanjay
My 2 cents on the music here :
http://iyerdeepak.wordpress.com/2008/10/21/yuvraaj-music-review/
i m totally agree wid u………
i was expecting another ‘taal’ from ARR bcz yuvraj’s plot is very good bt it is not even near to it
bt still i want to say dt ARRs loose attempt is better then others best
this is the real magic of A. R Rahman. tu mera dost, tu muskuraa these two songs are very good
Thanx a lot ..Sandeep , Vinay , Deepak , Sanjay , Kunal , Vaishnavi and Gopal ….all your comments negative or positive help me write much better the next time….keep commenting on all my future posts .
Nice job, Saurav..
No point in commenting over the ratings, as God cannot be measured, lets just soak ourselves with his melody rather than bickering over whether it is 3 or 3.5..!!
I liked the way you have elaborately described every song….keep it up..
First time I heard expecting it to be like Taal but was disappointed.Started listening again for two ,three ,four times realised that this album is extraordinary in terms of Fusion,Western classical.I challenge Fusion like Manmohni could come out 1ly from ARR, Listen to them repeatedly every note,lyrics(superb Gulzar should get National Award).But one thing is sure
this album seems to give you gist of the story (Hum Dil de chuke sanam).
This is absolutely one of ARR’s classical music no doubt about it .listen to them in Home theatre mode and you’ll go on the journey of the film.
Keep it up ARR as you always create new composition that doesn’t look like your previous musix but its new to get used to and relish.Enjoy them and do not be surprised as you will increase your rating every time you listen that usually happens with most ARR compositions bcoz he creates new composition unlike any standard instant hit songs.He lets you grow on you until it sticks 2 your blood.
I have come from 2.5 to 4/5 on my fourth listening.Its gonna be massive hit following Jaane Tu,Ada
It’s time English,Arabs,Africans start listening ,loving to Indian Carnatic music .ARR truly is flourishing India’s Carnatic and typical Indian heritage to the world.Manmohini has become my All Time Favourite though b4 this this Carnatic song were looking to me as a local folk songs to be sung only by old folks or ardent music lovers .
The compositions are mater pieces…
I rate them as 5/5…
Please do comment when you hear atleast 4 or more, which I thnk applie s only ARR.
Useless review, doesnt make any sense. Absolute waste of time
Alka Yagnik has done a great job in her 02 songs….
WORST REVIEW EVER!!!
…..LISTEN TO THE SONGS 10 MORE TIMES….
……HOPE YOU IMPROVE IN YOUR LISTENING SKILLS AND REVIEWING SKILLS
i want to change my comment……….
initially i thought dt this album is not dt good bt ……after listening it multiple times now i realize dt these songs r realy masterpieces…….there r owsum melodies in this album…….ARR sir keep it up… v r waiting for gajni
i apologize for my previous comment
Hi Saurabh, I have to agree with your 3 rating… I am a die-hard ARR fan and I was waiting for Yuvvraj’s music ever since it was announced that ARR&Ghai will come together. I reckong ARR is experimenting with new tunes, which he always does… He gave a new genre of music in Jaane Tu… However, you don’t always achieve your goals. Nonetheless, there are 3 songs which are awesome: Tu Meri Dost, Dil Ka Rishta and Mann Mohiney…
It would be total unjustice to compare Yuvvraj’s music to either Taal or HDDCS… each music composition has a different story to tell.
Don’t worry pals, i have heard Gujarish promo from Ghajini… ARR will strike back.
PS: didn’t mention in my previous post… I have listened to the songs at least a dozen times…
I very well know how ARR’s songs sound. Have been listening to them since 1992. You cannot judge by just a couple of times.
I have been reading the comments …music is something like love that cannot be measured so if you guys liked the music good for you and if you agree with me then also its fine ….Thanx a lot Shiva 4 supporting my rating and Vinay it was great to see you come back to my blog and leave a comment .
5/5 with no doubt at all..
I dont care if the songs grows on you or not. The music is totally different from any of the movies released recently. Hear it a few times and you’ll get addicted.
I am not a die hard AR fan but i always expect something different from him. And he certainly did in this album.
Rating: 5/5 Ofcourse
Saurabh uncle, i think you hv heard the songs in a bad mood or in anger that’s why ur comments sound like this!!!!!!
A R Rahman is Mozart of Asia and his work in yuvvraj is not worth mere 3 star, tis not less than a 5 star!!!!
I suggest you to listen the songs again in a good mood!!!
Dil Ka Rishta is a fabullous song, I mean who will think of connectin western classical composition with Indian Classic sargam!!!
Mastam’s lyrics might be little different but it may be according to the script!!!
so……..
listen once again!!!!!
kushal bhai pehle to mein yeh bata du ki mein Uncle nahi hun yaar ..I am just 21 …I respect your opinion and I’ve heard the music again n again and found it no different …its still the same .
Hey……………..this album really rocks…………….very different composition from the maestro…. I think is that it is wasteful to compare with other songs of ARR.Because he tries to be different in every album….. and done that this time too……..Anyways..hats of ARR
Keep Rocking…………….
Saurabh bhai………………..Its a well known fact that ARR music take time to grow….. and it does………..
Thanx Rupin for leaving a comment , I agree with you that it is very different form his other composition but different doen’t necessarily means its good also . I appreciate the attempt but what I expect from ARR is a work of a maestro as they call him and I am listening it since past one month or so and it still hasn’t grown on me that much . This might go down as a Different attempt by ARR but certainly not one of the best .
Nice review. I actually agree with your score of 2.5 as this is not really a great album. compared to this Ghajini is 2. There are some good catchy tune songs but hey, if you can’t remember the song-lyrics-tune after a while it’s not a great song. I feel ARR’s best and masterpiece was Roja. Other than the mediocre Rukmini all other songs were out of this world. So I always compare any of ARR’s album to Roja and none other came to that height.seriously. There were some good albums such as Rangeela, Bombay, (i even like Tu Hi Mera Dil), Janne Tu Ya…, but noone could level Roja nor top it. That being said, the tunes of several songs here are good. Noone doubts ARR’s musical talents but the overall product isn’t great. Also I disagree with your comments about Tashan, Bachna ae Haseeno, and Pritam. The first two have some nice songs indeed and Pritam has given great music to Metro..I luved it! Music of Rock On is great too..Yuvraj’s music falls in just a different category and is quite different and refreshing, yet not great. I liked Tu Meri dost hai, manmohini, Tu muskara (crappy lyrics though…badan and shareer synonyms used in same song…WTF…also usage of shareer is just not good..i hated it), mastam mastam is kinda crappy..again due to lyrics..zindagi is ok..shanno or banno song has nice music but again lyrics suck..so as mentioned the overall product hasnt come out well…when you taste a food item you luv or hate the whole thing, not the contents of it, ingredients of ir, or procedure…so criticism to the album does not mean criticism of ARR. anyway he has done an ok job – 2.5