Search - Ar Rahman :: Zubeidaa: Story of a Princess

Vintage AR Rahman....

EroXenoS | India | 12/31/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Zubeidaa's soundtrack follows the standard format of Indian movie soundtracks...there is no "score" as such, but rest assured that if you see the movie, parts of the songs on the cd will turn up as beautiful instrumental or vocal pieces. AR Rahman's signature is evident throughout the album, as he transports the listener to the royal ambience of the 1940's and 50's through these songs.
Dheeme Dheeme by Kavitha Krishnamurthy is a beautiful tune in itself, where the singer's voice melds with the sounds of the indian flute and the dafli. The lyrics go "Softly, oh slowly I sing, my love,that you are mine...you brought happiness backinto my life, you brought back hope...."
Main Albeli is by Kavitha again, an exuberant song with Spanish/Arabic overtones. Sukhwindara Singh takes the high notes like there is no tomorrow...."I am beyond compare, I wander alone through the streets, a riddle, the mad winds tease my braid of hair..."
Mehndi Hai Rachnewali by Alka Yagnik is a wedding song, with a catchy bass loop, and claps, that bring in a traditional Indian feel and a contemporary backdrop, at the same time. The piano interlude in the second part of the song has to be heard to be believed. True fusion!
Both versions of So Gaye Hai are by Lata Mangeshkar, the nightingale of Indian cinema, and her voice expresses the pathos of lost love beautifully. The second part is more symphonic, with strings (The Rahman orchestra) and a choir adding to the achingly beautiful song of a princess' broken heart.
Hai Na by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik is your standard love song, the tune literally bubbles and frothes, you would amazed where it takes you.The use of Indian percussion gives it just the right ethnic touch. Udit Narayan's voice shows why exactly he is one of the most revered singers in India today.
Pyaara Sa Gaaon is a slow song, which is lyric-heavy, it is very situational and maybe new listeners will find it very slow, if they don't know the language. It is a lullaby, where the mother narrates the story of a prince to her son. Lata Mangeshkar's voice can be soothing or irritating, depending on the mood you are in.
Chodo Mori Baiyyan is definitely a cut above the rest. The lyrics literally translate to "Leave my arms, O beloved, the world might be watching.", and the song is a classical paen belonging to a genre calle "Thumri" in Hindustani Classical music. Richa Sharma's voice is raw enough to carry off the song perfectly; minimal instrumentation ( a drone and a sarangi ) make it a worthy listen.
The songs on the other cd are vintage AR Rahman, from his first movie "Roja" to the cult classics "Bombay", "Rangeela", "Indian" to the little known "Dil Hi Dil Mein" ( Kaadhalar Dinam)
Overall the cd of Zubeidaa is a must-buy for Rahman fans. For people who got into his music post-"Bombay Dreams" and want to know more of his works, this work brings out the soft, mellow side of the Indian composer. DO NOT buy this cd if you are looking for poppy, beat-driven music. Most of this music is epic, orchestral and very romantic. Great to listen to on a romantic evening or when you are alone...
The sound quality, music, arrangements, vocals - everything is awesome in this album. Try and check it out, you won't regret it."