Guru Audio Review

The audio release of Guru might have had its share of glitz, glamour and panache with the likes of the Big B, Abishek, Ash and Vidya Balan gracing the occasion. But given the lacklustre sales of the audio of Yuva, one might wonder what Mani and Rahman have to offer in Guru.

Doubters raised questions over Rahman's waning popularity and his ability to emulate the success of Roja and the

likes. If Boys reminded the world that he still had'nt lost his touch, Rang De Basanti announced the arrival of a rejuvenated Rahman.

Guru would be a welcome relief to many sore ears wounded by the nasal 'OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH's and blaring remixes revealing more skin than soul. The audio of Guru is soothing, sensuous, meaningful, and it rocks!!!

picture courtesy: www.indiatarget.com

'Barso Re', rendered by Shreya Ghosal, is one number that impresses the listener from the very beginning. This is a rarity as Rahman's tunes generally grows on you as you listen. Opening with a soft 'Na Re Na Re' supported beautifully by Naveen's Flute, the tempo rises rapidly with the percussions supporting the lilting voice of Shreya Ghosal. Definitely one of the best tracks of the album.()

'Ay Hairathe' captureing the Hindustani overtures of Hariharan and the warmth of Alka Yagnik's voice, makes it the best track of the album. This is yet another song which Rahman has played safe and has refrained from experimenting. And there is no need to experiment, thanks to the enchanting tune and the tabla woven seamlessly through the entire song. A must for all melody lovers.()

Bappi lahiri's voice helps 'Ek Lo Ek Muft' sound different. But it is one of the average tracks of the album which fails to create an impression depite hearing it a number of times. Easily the most average track of the album. Probably might sound better when viewed on screen.()

'Jaage hain' is testimony to rahman's love for orchestration. With hardly any percussion, the song has a soothing effect which haunts the listener. Starting slowly with the voice of Chitra, Rahman and some brilliant orchestration work in the latter stages of the song heightens the beauty of the track.()

'Mayya Mayya' might be one of those songs that will feature in every countdown, request show and the likes. Not because of Rahman; not because of Mani; not because of Abhishek or Aishwarya but because it features Mallika Sherawat. It has a feel similar to 'Chori Pe Chori'. Maryem Toller's voice lends freshness to the song. The harmony is another notable aspect of Mayya. But there are some elements that reminds of earlier rahman compositions.()

Rahman's films, especially his hindi albums, are incomplete without Udit Narayan rendering a song. In fact, i don't remember a single hindi movie for which Rahman composed that does not have Udit Narayan sharing the singers credits. 'Baazi Lagaa' is a typical Udit Narayan number and the charm he exudes throughout the song is something we are accustomed to. Madhushree and Swetha Bargavee have done a commendable job. One of the few peppy numbers of the album. But not the song that urges you to rewind and play again.()

Rahman signs off in style with 'Tere Bina', a soulful number that showcases Rahman's vocal talents perfectly. Probably the best song of the album, it is perfect in every sense of the word. Be it Rahman's mellifluous voice, Chinmayees's rendition, the accompaniment; it is one of those rare songs where all the elemnts fit on aptly. A fitting tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan()

Overall, Guru( which I read is supposedly based on the life of the Late Dhirubai Ambani), has scored brilliantly in the music department. Again, the songs might not appeal to the rock loving, hip-hop frenzied youth. The music is soulful; the calming influence it exerts on the listener is unmistakable. More on the lines of Swades, Guru's audio would be the perfect foil for Mani's latest offering.