The importance of songs for a movie that features Dhanush cannot be overstressed. He needs the beats and rhythms to get into his explosive dance routines. Films like Kadhal Kondein and Thiruda Thirudi were as much musical success as they were any other success.
So with Dhanush enduring a bad run one expected the songs in Devadhaiyay Kandhein (incidentally the words from a super hit of song of his) to be from the top drawer. But any such hopes are quickly nixed as Deva replays some of his plaintive old numbers. The Gana numbers too neither have the verve nor the earthy simplicity. Instead, it is painful like a drone of an engine. Some of the songs have a catchy rhythm. But that alone doesn't make a song. Too boot, the lyrics are banal and full of double entendre. The one sung by Dhanush himself (Thunda Kanoom) is so full of risque lyrics that you cringe in embarrassment. Another one sung by Sabesh and Sri Lekha is also in this category.
The first number of the album, Azhakae Bhrahmanidam rendered by Harish Raghavendra and Chinmayi, is fast and racy. The rhythmic synchronization improvises on the tune, but still the song doesn't catch your fancy. It might be because there is nothing new in it.
The second number Maamaa Paiya sung by Ranjith too is straight out of the racetrack --- fast and furious in its tempo. The rhythm is also high. Ranjith has the voice and verve. But the tune is a bit of a let down for him. The loud orchestration also drowns the lyrics. Just as well.
The next two numbers are Ore Oru Thopla by Sabesh, Sri Leka and Thundai Kaanom Thunia Kaanom crooned by Dhanush and Anuradha Sriram. Both have nothing musical in it. And the lyrics are obscene and the odious stench makes you close your ears. The tunes are also straight from the Deva's backyard.
In the event, the only redeeming number in the entire album is the last number Vilakku Onnu sung by Yugendran. More than anything else it is soft and in a cassette that is replete with loud ear-splitting songs, it is almost like an oasis in a hot and humid desert.
All told, Deva disappoints big time.