Friday, December 08, 2006

A Hearty Voice

Chords & Notes - The Hindu - Chennai,India
Tuesday, October 10, 2006

SONA
Sony BMG, Rs.175

It is a motley mixture of various genres, lyrics and styles. Sony BMG's latest album launches Sona Mohapatra as a versatile singer who defies classification.

The first track "Bolo Na" is a mellow contemporary number with good guitar accompaniment but what is interesting is Sona's uninhibited and hearty voice - a welcome change from the screeching vocals that dominate the current Hindi music scene. The catchy background score in "Abhi Nahin Aana" and the Punjabi pop influence in "Aaja Ve" add to the appeal of the album.

The fourth song, "Ishq Nachaya" with impressive percussion and Bulle Shah lyrics follows the Sufi trend in popular music that was kick started by Rabbi Shergill not so long ago. "Aisi Jaagi Re" has a distinct rustic flavour, while "Awaz" is much softer and modern. Immediately after the urban melody is a heady traditional song "Jai Phulo Re", which in turn is followed by a foot-tapping number, "Sapne".

Interspersing semi-classical music with western zing works wonders for this album, which offers something for everyone. And, yes, there are two remixes too. It is a sad commentary of the times that we are going through that no album is perhaps complete without the scourge of remix numbers. This offering is no exception. Nevertheless a nice album to hear.

No comments:

Friday, December 08, 2006

A Hearty Voice
Chords & Notes - The Hindu - Chennai,India
Tuesday, October 10, 2006

SONA
Sony BMG, Rs.175

It is a motley mixture of various genres, lyrics and styles. Sony BMG's latest album launches Sona Mohapatra as a versatile singer who defies classification.

The first track "Bolo Na" is a mellow contemporary number with good guitar accompaniment but what is interesting is Sona's uninhibited and hearty voice - a welcome change from the screeching vocals that dominate the current Hindi music scene. The catchy background score in "Abhi Nahin Aana" and the Punjabi pop influence in "Aaja Ve" add to the appeal of the album.

The fourth song, "Ishq Nachaya" with impressive percussion and Bulle Shah lyrics follows the Sufi trend in popular music that was kick started by Rabbi Shergill not so long ago. "Aisi Jaagi Re" has a distinct rustic flavour, while "Awaz" is much softer and modern. Immediately after the urban melody is a heady traditional song "Jai Phulo Re", which in turn is followed by a foot-tapping number, "Sapne".

Interspersing semi-classical music with western zing works wonders for this album, which offers something for everyone. And, yes, there are two remixes too. It is a sad commentary of the times that we are going through that no album is perhaps complete without the scourge of remix numbers. This offering is no exception. Nevertheless a nice album to hear.

No comments: