Growing in stature is Yuvan Shankar Raja. This young music composer is the man of the moment in Tamil. In AIBI he does his reputation no harm.
Quite interestingly, in AIBI, he has tried different styles --- and entire gamut, actually, which sit well on the songs.
The album has five numbers and a couple of them are sure rockers as Yuvan has used his youthful verve and his natural feel for rhythms brilliantly.
Unlike his earlier albums, Yuvan seems to have taken earnest interest and sung four of the five himself.
In the company of a set of young singers accompanied by foot-tapping music, he has again proved why he is the sought-after today.
AIBI is being produced by Cheran and directed by cinematographer Vijay Milton.
The movie stars Bharath, Mallika Kapoor and Arun Kumar in the lead roles.
Kanavae (Yuvan Shankar Raja, Bhavadharani )
Yuvan in the company of his sister Bhavadharini has sung this soft number. More a pathos song, which dwells on the love lost, it has heavy beats. Yuvan Shankar has tried out a huskier voice. A song quite typical to Yuvan's earlier scores. Bhavadharini chips in with her best. The sister-brother combo is strangely subdued. The natural mixing is missing. But the song's tune stands scrutiny.
Elaiudhir Kaalam (Bhavadharani, Boby, Reeta, Reshmi, Ranjith, Naveen )
Inspired by Broadway Opera style, Yuvan begins with a good chorus. Host of singers come together in natural profusion. Refreshing beats are the catchy aspects of this number. Yuvan has used the guitar and drums quite intelligently proving that as a music composer he has matured a lot and studied the pulse of his fans quite well.
Kaadhalai (Bharath, Devan, Premji, Ranjith, Suchireeta, Pushpavanam Kuppuswamy, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Paravai Muniyamma, Sujatha, Naveen )
Can you imagine a song featuring 10 singers? Yuvan seems to have taken a gamble in this song and it has paid off. Toeing a line between the rural and western music, Yuvan has brought together singers of different styles on one platform. Again a romantic song, the song stands out from others in the album for it has good orchestration. Trying out different instruments, he has brought out new sounds in this song, which can neither be classified a melody nor a cracker. All same, hummable!
Odivaa Kaadhalae (Karthik, Yuvan Shankar Raja )
A romantic number that begins very slowly gains momentum as it progresses. Giving more thrust on the lyrics, Yuvan has underplayed the instrumentation. Karthik in the company of Yuvan himself dazzles. Though certainly not in the league of songs composed by Yuvan earlier, it stands out for its good lyrics and peppy beats, especially towards the end. It is sure to catch the attention of youths. Even more sure to find a place in the dance floors.
Orampo Naina (Premji, Yuvan Shankar Raja )
The pick of the album. After the likes of Pettai Rap and O Podu, it's now Yuvan Shankar's turn to come out with a song that has shades of 'local rap'. And he leaves his identity by fusing it with a musical symphony. Use of violins, trumpets and drums besides a good chorus for typical 'Chennai lyrics' is sure to take the songs close to the listeners.
Job well done, Yuvan.