It is difficult being A R Rahman these days. For, the music whiz has created such a huge reputation for himself that it is almost impossible for even him to live up to it. Every time he comes with a film, you expect it to be another Roja or Bombay.
It is downright impossible.
In the event, when you first listen to Yuva, his latest offering for Mani Rathnam, initially you can feel disappointed. It never rises to any great height. But the point is Yuva is good in its own right ---but fails in comparison.
The other failing of this album is the choice of singers (whose pronunciation of Telugu words would make even LKG students feel superior) and some daft lyrics (that is, if you can hear them above the din of the careful orchestration).
The six-song album opens with a goodbye --- Hey Goodbye Priya. Sung by the strong throated Shankar Mahadevan, the talented Karthik, the dulcet-toned Lucky Ali and Sunitha Sarathy. The last named spoils the song with her wrong intonations and improper tonal variations. She is also not helped by some puerile lyrics. Yet, the orchestration in some places reflects the genius of Rahman.
The Jana Gana Mana song by Rahman and Karthik is a strange one --- not fitting one genre. Even if it is neither here nor there, the song is impressive for Karthiks steadfast vocals and Rahman himself is not his usual throaty self. The rhythm sometimes is heavy on the ear.
Sankurathiri Kodi emerges the standout song in the album because of Madhushrees lilt and melody. A new choice, she is an absolute revelation as her voice moves up and down the octaves with felicitous ease. Rahman too finds his bearings in the song.
Any song that follows this would be a letdown, but the loud Dol Dol falls flat being a rap number. How about the lyrics? Well, it is better if we talk about the weather.
Adnam Sami and Sujatha are a curious mix and they sustain the curiosity with verve in Vachinda Megham. Sami, with his quaint Telugu, and Sujatha, with her sweet tonal variations, mix adroitly. The result is another feast for the ear.
Deham Thiri with Rahman, Sunitha Sarathy and Tanvi is impressive for some peppy interludes and enterprising singing.
Yuva, on the whole, is a curates egg: Good in parts.
You will not like it if you are a Rahman fan; but you will if you are not.