99 Songs Tamil Music Review
Ramesh Kannan S
99 Songs is an upcoming Hindi movie written and Produced by Rahman himself with the debutant Ehan Bhat. The Hindi version of the musical extravaganza released last year and the Tamil/Telugu version of the album released recently. The album is definitely one of Rahman's best and more importantly wholesome soundtrack in recent times. Rahman set the right balance with the good old melodies as well as experimental unconventional structures.
Oor Aayiram Vaanavil: Rahman opted for Shashwat Singh as a lead singer who crooned 5 songs in the Hindi version but the composer opted for different singers in the Tamil version. Rahman handed over the delightful Oor Aayiram Vaanavil to Vijay Yesudas and he aces the rendition impeccably. The haunting melody is supported by Keba Jeremiah's Guitar and splendid vocal harmonies. The track reaches crescendo around 3 minutes mark and the Vijay Yesudas brings the memories of the wonderful Chithirai Nila with the choral hymns set to the tune of Sai Shirdi Sai.
Sai Shirdi Sai: Sai Shirdi Sai which Rahman released as a single for the new year in 2019 and he reused the same song without any modification. Though the tune doesn't work as a standalone, Bela Shende's earnest rendition backed by Sai Saravanam's Tabla work makes this one soothing listen.
Aagaaya Neelangali: Bela Shende crooned the Hindi version of Aagaaya Neelangalil, a sweet lullaby that gets further enriched by Shreya Goshal's saccharine-coated vocals. Rahman kept the arrangements simple with Shreya taking the center stage backed by Naveen Kumar's lovely flute bits. Thamarai's selection of words makes this one an immersive listening experience.
Naalai Naalai and Vaa Vengaiye: Naalai Naalai turns out to be a conventional Pop affair backed by Ranjit Barot's live band but the tune is strictly an average one prodded by Benny Dayal's sprightly rendition. The inclusion of the lovely Tabla bit in the first interlude is a nice touch from the composer in an otherwise underwhelming song where Vivek's lyrics also stays low.
Vaa Vengaiye is another fast-paced song in the album with the uncanny Maaro Maaro vibes dominated by the punchy percussions but the track hardly works.
Sofia: Sreekanth Hariharan who gets to croon Unakaga for Rahman sings one of the best songs in the album Sofia. The tune has an expansive lush melody and the composer packed the song with lovely harmonies which reach a crescendo towards the end with the title hook. Keba Jeremiah once again supports with the gentle guitar strums and Rahman packs the punch with the harmonies intermittently.
Poyisonna Posikiduven: Karky's awkward lyrics for the tune make one prefer Poyisonna Posikiduven's Hindi version, but still, the track is immensely enjoyable for the sheer brilliance displayed by Rahman with the Jazzy arrangements while Randy Kerber did a fab job behind the piano. Shashaa Tirupati's riotous singing is definitely the highlight of this album.
Punnagai Maayai: Shashaa Tirupati is part of another terrific song Punnagai Maayai where the lovely interplay between Shashaa's humming and Rahman's Piano is enough to grab the listener's attention. Abhay Jodhpurkar tops up this stupendous arrangement with the splendid rendition of an engaging melody.
Nee Illa Naanum: Nee Illa Naanum starts off with the haunting piano solo while Haricharan kicks in with the decent melody and the tune is a delightful throwback to Rahman's early years. The slight classical tinged tune accompanied by the orchestral strings makes this one an engaging listen though the track has nothing extraordinary to offer.
Jwalamukhi:Jwalamukhi despite featuring Arijit Singh in Hindi and Sid Sriram in Tamil, the tune is a relatively weak one contrary to popular opinion. Sid Sriram trumps when compared to Hindi version with his low register vocals and the singer's trademark high notes makes this one an adequately engaging one. The track's duet version Poorvi Koutish's buoyant singing backed by punchy arrangements with the synth soundscape prods the tune to some extent.
Seemanthapoo: Rahman goes full-on classical mode in the final vocal track Seemanthapoo backed by three incredible singers Jonita Gandhi, Sharanya Srinivas, and Shreesha. The delightful classical tune is complemented by the delightful blend of Sarod, sitar, and Shehnai. Kutty Revathi's neat lyrics on Seemantham blends well with the overall tone of the song.
The Oracle and Voice without words: Rahman ends the musical masterpiece with the two instrumental tracks The Oracle and voice without words. The former has the lead Piano played by Rahman himself starts in a low tone before Budapest Scoring Orchestra kicks in with the blast. Rahman beautifully segues Oor Aayiram Vaanavil with the instrumental track. The latter one doesn't work as the Oracle filled with Poorvi Koutish's whispery narration in the background of hypnotic arrangements.
Verdict
Rahman's whopping 14 song album is a thoroughly diverse soundtrack from the composer after a long time and the album is filled with delightful melodies backed up by an exceptional set of singers.
Pick of the Album: Oor Aayiram Vaanavil, Aagaya Neelangalil, Sofia, Seemanthapoo, Punnagai Maayai
Also Read: 99 Songs Hindi Music Review