Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman's "Kadal"

Music Review

Kadal music album is special because it is releasing more than 2 years after AR Rahman’s last chartbuster album. In between this long gap, AR Rahman worked with Mick Jagger as one of the members of Super Heavy band. It is appreciable to note that AR Rahman took a year off to work with this Rolling Stones member to explore international music. The new album clearly exemplifies the result of AR Rahman's ongoing musical journey. Kadal songs are rich blend of international music belonging to various genres without alienating the taste of Tamil audience. Kadal songs bridge the gap between western and Indian music with fair amount of gutsy experimentation thrown in.

Moongil Thottam

Our pick of the album is “Moongil Thottam”. Vairamuthu’s vividly written lyrics will surely take you down a visual experience. AR Rahman maintains a steady pace throughout the song and has underplayed the instruments during the vocals. Abhay Jodhpukar and Harini singing of “Idhu podhum ennaku, idhu podhume, verenne vennum nee podhumey” is purely magical. 

Adiye

AR Rahman introduces yet another genre of world music to Tamil. This time he offers a mixture of Gospel, Blues, Soul Jazz and gives a local touch. Karky has taken the efforts t ensure his lyrics fit nicely with this unorthodox track. The song is sung by US based new singer, Sid Sriram with MariaRoe Vincent backing with Jazz vocals.

Elay Keechan

This is an upbeat fast track song sung by AR Rahman showcasing the life of fishermen. The lyrics may be a bit difficult to comprehend because of the way AR Rahman sings and also the use of many unheard words. The beats and sounds successfully convey the mood and settings of fisherman life effectively.

Nenjukulle

Sakthishree Gopalan's solo song is already made popular by MTV unplugged show. The song has beautiful arrangements and orchestration. Vairamuthu’s lyrics brings out the strong native flavor in the choice of words used in the lyrics (read downsides)

Chithirai Nila

This is a motivational number and probably set as a montage song. The song starts with a wailing baby and slowly picks up pace with beats gaining prominence and chorus singing reaching crescendo. Vairamuthu’s lyrics are motivational and meaningful. Yet another melody song authoritatively sung by Vijay Yesudas.

Magudi Magudi

This song kick starts with mix of electronic music and mirudangam thavil beats. With repetitive rendition of “magudi”, AR Rahman trances the listeners and further enhanced by some cryptic lines sung well by Chinmayi. This unconventional song will rock the pubs and bars.

Anbin Vasalil

The christian chorus song transitions through different scales as it progresses. The song is sung by Chennai Chorale group and Haricharan. The song is expected to be situational and should work better with picturization.

Downsides

While the music explores international boundaries with blues, soul, gospel, jazz, electronic trance, etc., the lyrics lean heavily on native side. This dichotomy doesn’t blend well when a beautiful song like “Nenjukulle” has raw lyrics comparing the lovelorn person with a TB infected patient -- “kaasa noikkaarigalum kannurangum velaiyila, aasa noi vanthamaga aranimisham thungalaiye”. Another beautiful song "chithirai nila" has somewhat forced words like “nikkuradey” and “makka” which doesn't sit well with the global style of music. Viewers may feel getting caught in between music and lyrics pushing towards different directions. Purely for the purpose of music listening, one may wonder whether Mani Ratnam should have gone for simpler lyrics opting to go easy on the ears (given the fact that the legendary director's weakest area is portraying nativity in his movies).

Final Word

Nevertheless, Kadal songs are rich, experimental and enriching to the listeners. The lyrics for the most part are inspiring (chithirai Nila) and successfully transports you to a different world (moongil thottam). AR Rahman and Mani Rathnam deliver yet another wonderful album. Don't miss.

Rating - 7.5/10

Listen to Kadal Songs