Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sunday January 10, 2010

Music review: Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (Tamil – A R Rahman)

Posted by Karthik

Benny Dayal’s vocal contortions reach a Whitney Houston’ish level in Omana penne, a lyrically-challenged, plain-by-Rahman-standards tune. Chinmayi and Devan’s vocal interplay works beautifully in Anbil avan, while Vinnaithaandi varuvaayaa seems like a tantalizing ode to George Michael’s Older! Hosanna carries an uneasy Yuvraaj hangover, but delivers the goods, while Mannippaaya gets all sappy on forgiveness. The soundtrack gets its high from Naresh Iyer’s Kannukkul, which sees Rahman’s groovy sounds at work; and Aaromale – an intriguing track where Alphonse makes Malayalam sound like broodingly rich world music! Gautam’s fish-out-of-bowl state shows as he grapples with Rahman’s divergently different melodic palette.

Keywords: A R Rahman, A.R.Rahman, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, Simbu, Silambarasan, Trisha

← Older Comments
  • Aravind K

    i found the background instrumental (nadhasvaram types) in the song similar to the end music in the Rehna tu -dilli 6 song .
    Also i feel most of the vocals are electronically modified to give that electric-husky tone to them

  • akuppu

    Decent Album.Some new experiments.He is the best in what he does best; mixing and some times awesome tunes.

  • http://twitter.com/kiranp kiranp

    Colossal let down. Shreya Ghoshal recently tweeted about her song in this film, terming it another ‘Munbe vaa’. Mannippaaya way below the mark… not even close.

  • http://www.vijaynarain.blogspot.com Vijay Narain

    I think the album deserves some time before opinioins can be stated. As for Manippaya, it’s the processing that makes the vocals sound so good. Hence, credit goes as much to ARR as to Benny. Intuitioin tells me this will be at least as good as jillunu oru kaathal. Will take time to grow.

  • http://www.facebook.com/guruprasad guruprasad

    I do agree lots of ppls that, ARR song needs more time to listen…. considering that fact, still the songs lack the soul to it.. some places are really interesting, but My blood also knows that ARR can give a standard stuff even in sleep, but personally iam expecting a standard which he has set, over 2 decades for now… Aaromale is gud but really has the style of BB King’s, The thrill is gone……. rest of the tracks are so so, and i feel the review is more apt and especially the last line……… Expecting for Raavan……………..

  • Sunil

    Just remember that Raavan is a modern day interpretation so I’m not really expecting rahman sir to use alot of ethnic instruments.

  • maru

    1. I’m a little confused about what ARR is going for with this album. If there is a musical plan, I don’t get it! Karthik, you seem to be pointing the finger for the lack of cohesion at Gautam Menon and I’m sure that’s part of it but given ARR’s stature I’d expect him to direct the musical identity of the album to a greater degree than some other composers can.

    2. That said, ARR in my view usually serves the movie so perhaps these songs play out better on screen. With a visually savvy director who also has a good grip on the narrative content (I think Gautam qualifies), it is possible that this musical mishmash actually “fits”. I’ll hold off on judgment until I can see the movie :)

    3. ARR usually has at least one standout on every album that is a keeper on my iPOD. For the third time since Ghajini, and Blue that is not the case here. For someone who is a huge ARR fan, this is a bit worrisome.

  • vinayderock

    Kannukkul Kannai is a recycled version of Anbe Aaruyire.. wonder how many agree to this… still getting a hang of the album…

  • vinayderock

    @Karthik.. you said that change in partner shows .. definitely agree with you.. but do you think that after Shankar went back to Rahman.. was Sivaji such a great album after all??? .. not at all better than what Harris gave for Anniyan..

  • vyasma

    @Karthik – Superb songs…..liked them on the first hearing itself..however after listening to Aaromale..first song came to my mind was “After Dark” by Tito and Tarantula…Similar in approach and style…Great songs..both..
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG0qv9s0VNo

    any thoughts ?

  • Vidhyashankar

    I beg to differ from some of what has been mentioned above.. After 2 or 3 hearings, I have started to like the album actually.. And no, I dont want to compare ARR-GM jodi with the HJ-Gautam combo..

    The only song which I cant warm up to is Mannippaaya: the tune is too old-fashioned for my taste.. Especially the beginning sounds like something borrowed from the 80s..
    Aaromale is a brilliant number..

  • Vidhyashankar

    Oh, and had an evil glee reading the altercation between Karthik and Suresh..

  • amul0072003

    WOW…simply classic album…a brilliant album from musical storm..omana penne, hosanna, aaromale…pathbreaking tracks…wat else you want..it’s as usual a cat on a pan kinda review from karthik.. Just think before u ink and one needs atleast a day before reviewing on arr’s album..else they will eat their own words later…If “Goa” is exhilarating stuff to karthik then i can understand his musical sense..Ahem

  • Karthik

    @Vidhyashankar: Evil glee, huh ;-) . But it was a stupid of me to indulge in that and like most things in life, I realize it a bit late!

  • Karthik

    @amul0072003: Well, what do I say…I write what I feel and am open to eating my words in this same blog if I do find it better, in the future. But note, I say, if ‘I’ find it better – not if the world loves it or it fetches Rahman another Oscar.

  • Vidhyashankar

    Couldnt help, Karthik! My take on it would be that, people need to be able to take a review in an objective way.. A good reviewer gives a reasonable explanation why he or she liked a product.. If a reader doesnt find it reasonable, (s)he should go read reviews elsewhere..

    There is simply no excuse for anyone to launch a personal tirade against a reviewer..

  • Arumugam

    Totally amusing all these comments. All the people want you to write a review based on their opinion! Why is it that people can’t accept if someone doesn’t rate an ARR album as extraordinary? What would happen, if you write a negative review for an ARR album, let alone a ‘NW1W’?
    But don’t get intimidated and influenced by these guys, please write always what you think! That’s why I frequently visit this blog. Btw, mostly agree with your review, this album is quite good and enjoyable but has nothing overwhelming (except for Aaromale!).

  • chellamae

    I can’t believe this review has generated 68 comments in the space of 2 days! Wooww!! Anyway Karthik, stick with YOUR blog which means YOUR opinions! No one is stronger in this world than you! I always visit your site when new tracks are released and even sometimes I don’t agree you but I will never vent my anger here!!

    Good review and a good soundtrack…definitely looking forward to the visuals! :D

  • ck_ssn

    Me too Karthik.. Am a die Hard ARR fan and i just loved this album.. But every1 has their own opinion.. Initially I dint like Kannukul Kannai that much, but after reading ur review I looped it and its still looping…Thanks for that :) Well talkin of inspirations.. Aaromale is truly inspired from this song..

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgkMvk-5hhA

    Dave Matthew’s Band :)

  • chellamae

    Oh, and with regards to amul0072003 – if you don’t find
    Goa’s tracks exhilarating then I can understand your taste in music! :)

  • akuppu

    Only Rehman can do this. Intially it doesn;t impress..But now..Repeatedly listening to Aromale , the more you listen..it becomes more beautiful..

  • gk1234

    I wonder how many of those who comment here are creative in the each and everywork they do ? As a fan you would have expectations but thrusting that in to a composer’s liberty is unfair. Ofcourse they are paid but its all dependent on the circumstances, cant expect a dilse evey time. personally i felt that the album had lot of experimentations and for all who say hosanna is simple,i guess that they would hav missed a cello interlude along with the chords and chorus or the mix of melody and rap…its way ahead of the plain VA songs-which lacked instrumental depth.

  • nv

    @ck_ssn thanks for the DMb ref. DMb fan here! donno how I missed the inspiration. thanks again.

  • jeanjohny

    This album should have been released at a time when the internet was not so accessible, nobody would have cared to spend time reading reviews and there was no free downloads, nor the cds less expensive.. Everybody takes time to listen and create a self opinion rather than looking for what others think of it..

    Everybody would have found this album cassette between Goa and Mundhinam Paartheney in the music store shelf.. The would have ignored Goa, coz it is by not so favourite Yuvan and Mundhinam Paarthene, coz it is by a relatievely new MD.. And it boils down to VTV, coz it is by AR Rahman, who is more adorable and fav than others and also there is a certain amount of curiosity to know what he delivers this time.. Then they will buy this cassette, listen to it for a couple of times, the songs will start growing on them, it will become a part of their lives and they just fall for it, find the songs the best..

    Now the other two cassettes, they will wait for somebody else to buy it and have a listen or they will listen to it some other day and find them ordinary or just another album comparing to the magic AR Rahman has created.. Thus VTV becomes the best album, the other two would fade into oblivion or increase the count in MD’s repertoire.. !!

    Karthik, I’m waiting to write the 100th comment for this review!!

  • jeanjohny

    Guys, there are more things happening in this world than VTV and AR Rahman.. Even Karthik posted 4 other reviews.. Move on!

  • Karthik

    @jeanjohny: Well said! But, we’ve intense competition these days and that ensues that almost all soundtracks are accorded some attention at least by some people. Sites like Milliblog help in that.

    And yes, let’s move on – Kedi is worth a discussion too – I’m loving the songs by Chowta! :-)

  • jeanjohny

    Thanks Karthik. Yes, Milliblog serves has ensured that every album get it’s worth! And thanks to you that, that I have started exploring new talents in the music scene and appreciate their work.

    Sandeep was a composer I always used to look at, coz he could attain a certain comparison with ARR even in 90′s. But some of his inspired work’d put him in the back seat. But I always believe that he can deliver, in his own way!

    Yet to listen to Kedi. Read your review this morning and in office now. Also, the attention has turned to the Solar Eclipse now!

  • fazy

    Guys, VTV is rocking,,,,, usually ARR music tends to draw you towad it and after you will totally sink into it this wat happens everytime once after his albums are released. Hats Off to ARR.

  • cosmicsoundz

    On behalf of the millions of fellow ARR fans around the globe, I would like to set some things straight here. Firstly, I sincerely appreciate the annoyance that has been poured in the form of words in this forum regarding the musical output of VTV, which I must say is quite acceptable considering the fact that ARR fans or to say musical junkies like us weren’t exposed to the brilliance of innovative song structuring or abstract forms of musical forms in Tamil music circuit. What ARR has done here is an absolute never-before heard style of structuring that is very new to the listeners, so it takes time to sink in to the brilliance of his work. Moreover the 2 year gap, added to the combo of Gautam-ARR has created a huge huge expectation on the lines of VA or KK. I think that is outlandishly silly. ARR is one who is always on the lookout for innovation and strives to give something new to the otherwise ordinary-run of the mill-listener who gets content with the thumping beats and silly lyrics. When I first heard VTV I was hugely disappointed, a feeling that has never occurred to me after listening to an ARR album. But after repeated hearing, I understood and began to trace out the intricate layering and the shear brilliance of innovative structuring of the genius. This is one of the best tamil film soundtracks ever. I cannot force or preach about the music, it all depends on the individual to embrace it or sink in to the usual. Cheers

  • rishabh87

    I don’t know Tamil or Malayalam, so the lyrics are all gibberish, but Aaromale is amazing – and the rest of VTV impresses as well. Pretty ambitious stuff.

  • ABhi

    VTV doesn’t sound amateurish or lacking but it clearly is not an album one would keep reverting back to, at a stretch.
    I liked aaromale – reminded me of The Doors and their ‘tone’..but the song might’ve to be listened to in context.

    The other one thats grown on me is the zappy Anbil Avan, though I find Chinmayi’s voice a bit shrill…

    Hosanna has an anthemish feel to it but stretches, still likeable. Kannukul Kannai and VV might be contextual sounds, only a viewing would tell!

    The ones don’t make my cut are Mannipaaya-feels messy and awesomely stretched and Omana Penne- nothing really interesting.

    Having written this however, its interesting to see how an ARR soundtrack polarises so many opinions. I do tend to agree his recent Hindi soundtracks (ala Delhi 6 and Jodhaa Akbar) have subtlety and passion, something I attribute more to the aesthetic requirements of a film, its director and the vision.
    What VV sounds like is a more casual, youth-appealing attempt. Almost appears as if Gautam was confused with the his options with ARR on board…

  • ABhi

    VTV doesn’t sound amateurish or lacking but it clearly is not an album one would keep reverting back to, at a stretch.
    I liked aaromale – reminded me of The Doors and their ‘tone’..but the song might’ve to be listened to in context.

    The other one thats grown on me is the zappy Anbil Avan, though I find Chinmayi’s voice a bit shrill…

    Hosanna has an anthemish feel to it but stretches, still likeable. Kannukul Kannai and VV might be contextual sounds, only a viewing would tell!

    The ones don’t make my cut are Mannipaaya-feels messy and awesomely stretched and Omana Penne- nothing really interesting.

    Having written this however, its interesting to see how an ARR soundtrack polarises so many opinions. I do tend to agree his recent Hindi soundtracks (ala Delhi 6 and Jodhaa Akbar) have subtlety and passion, something I attribute more to the aesthetic requirements of a film, its director and the vision.
    What VV sounds like is a more casual, youth-appealing attempt. Almost appears as if Gautam was confused with the his options with ARR on board…

    I probably won’t watch the movie but the soundtrack doesn’t seize me enough to go back to it….

  • ABhi

    hey Karthik
    You didn’t review “Passage”, a short-film collaboration between Shekhar Kapur and ARR… very interesting music, check it out at http://www.passage-experience.com/….

  • arunm
  • mhafeez

    Hey vjv, you are right, the blend in Anbil Avan is pretty cool. You need to listen to it closely to appreciate that I guess.

    Hello Everyone, you know what. I think Rahman’s songs probably might need to treated in a different way than just reviewing it as a good song or amateurish etc. I think Rahman has played around with his experimentation, otherwise how would you explain a composition like “Aaromale”. !

    I think we should sit back and enjoy the experiments the boss is trying out on us :) and give him the results ;)

    VTV at this moment is rocking me out. :)

  • mhafeez

    Sorry, wanted to add one more beauty experimentation ;) .
    In that song Kannukkul Kannai, he starts off with the Violin and when the Rhythm starts he uses the Electric guitar (muffled notes) along with the Violin notes. Sounds pretty new and fresh.

    And most of the songs don’t have a structure, he has just played out in any fashion he wants. ;)

  • arr_is_god

    even though i would have thought innumberable times to blog or comment on a blog, I have hardly done it due to my laziness..but when i saw a 100 word review in milliblog and many users commenting that they dont like VTV and termed it as “amateurish”, i just quietly kicked my laziness out of the front door and decided to reply to this review..

    Omana Penne – “Benny Dayal’s vocal contortions reach a Whitney Houston’ish level in Omana penne, a lyrically-challenged, plain-by-Rahman-standards tune”

    well well..contortions eh? plain by rahman standards? were you sleeping while listening? did you even get to hear kalyani menon’s magical non-whitney houstinsh, non lyrically challengedish 24 second pure magical rendition of a terrific tune by AR Rahman? for your information it starts at 2.39 and ends at 3.03..ARR has brilliantly explored the other side of Benny Dayal..we know him for his rap-style kind of singing but to have used him for such a soft melody with astounding results is pure genius by Rahman..at 3.53 starts a fascinating journey into the wonders of the instrument naadaswaram..almost a one minute terrific experience of pure bliss..the nadaswaram actually plays almost throughout in the background but here in this 50 seconds is the most dominant..we never knew that the saxaphone could be used in a stunning fashion until we heard arr making kadri gopalnath simply play with it in duet..the same goes here for the naadaswaram in this song..

    i got a visitor at my front door now..and yes..mr.lazy is back..i shall reply to your “review” of all the songs…

    you have said that you would “eat your words” , come back and write a re-review if you were proved wrong and i am here to make you do that, karthik…

  • Sriram

    I haven’t read the other 87 rediff-board-ish- comments. I just heard the album yesterday.

    My picks, I really liked Hosanna, Omana Penne and Aaoramale. Anbil Avan has a scintillating interlude piece (that wedding tune).

    The other AR-Goshal song, Naresh Iyer one – somehow didn’t strike a chord with me.

    I don’t want to get into discussions on whether this is below/above/average AR fare. I think it’s one of his ‘good’ albums.

  • vettipayyan

    first timer here .. so expect a big post :-)
    So first a ‘Hi’ to Karthik and kudos to the wonderful job u have been doing on itwofs. I got good attention by referring ppl to visit ur website. The plagiarism bits shocked and choked everyone.

    Also let me broadcast that i am no music guru to find nuances.. genre.. etc.. for me music is plain and something that shud fit my mood and shud be pleasant to me.. It shud make me happy, it shud make me cry, it shud make me feel great abt myself, it shud instill confidence, it shud bring older memories etc…

  • vettipayyan

    Also since i am following u for the first time, i dont prefer taking sides on ur review… I will say what i feel abt VTV.

    Hosanna is one of those tracks which instantly clings to u.. eye candy ;-)
    Aromaley.. i loved the rendition and the slow BGM. It is great and soothing.
    Mannipaya was to begin with irritating to me too, especially Shreya Ghosal who tries to be too cute.. but when ARR starts crooning I just stuck to this one.. his unique style of singing, pitch etc saves this song.. wonderful ARR. kindly keep singing…

    Reg. ppl here saying that these songs sound plain , too simple..
    I heard Gautam saying he used to ask for some tune and ARR wud give him 4-5 options, gautam used to pick one based on the feel of the picturisation.. So may be most of songs were done to be seen with visual appeal.. Cos music directors go thru a lot with producers and directors.. even actors sometimes :-( ..cos everyone knows that music/comedy is what sells movies..

    So maintaining originality, trying something new, making producer-director-actor happy, attending to personal work, doing some other stuff in music industry.. albums … all this too tuff nowadays …
    so ARR is still doing it .. how come is Mani Ratnam able to get best out of him everytime ;-)

    Finally, VTV songs will not be an instant hit like Muqabula.. its one of those ARR which u need to keep listening too.. if u r interested..

  • vettipayyan

    Also Karthik, just one observation, in case u r interested :-)

    If u r running a review blog, u will get negative as well as positive ones… some will also get personal..
    So the fact that some one takes some time out of their life and spends time giving u opinions is something u shud take very well and try to answer properly..

    Else disable ‘Post Comment’ section and just write reviews expecting no answers :-)

    Just my 2 cents :-) Since I was running a Cricket related thread and pretty experienced with variety of responses.. just giving u a heads up

  • Karthik

    vettiyappan: I’m completely ok with negative comments – after all it is just an opinion. If you see the thread above I try and answer as many comments as if feasible within the time I have.

  • vettipayyan

    Forgot to Add.. that I also agree with mhafeez.

    ARR has said in an interview that he has played with songs.. “Charam, pallavi ellam oru madhri irukkum.. Hope ppl like it” was what he said in its music launch..
    so ditto of mhafeez

    I will let ARR play with my brain which is so used to listening to conventional music..

  • vettipayyan

    @karthik : Cool… I did not like the way some discussions were going..
    just wanted to make sure u continue answering ppl and enjoy this exercise.

  • dean dany

    its been 2 yrs almost and still loving each song of VTV. After a long time an  ARR album has had this effect on me. 
    Karthik, sorry to bring this up again, but ur review does’nt depict the true awesomeness of this track. Do u sometimes come back after some time and revist ur review? Songs by MDs like ARR take sometime for the mass to absorb? 

    • milliblog

      Yes, have returned to this soundtrack many times – my opinion hasn’t changed, strangely. Still not very fond of this one :-)

  • Sudharshan Ashok

    Just came across this review of yours, this must be the totally unacceptable one from an otherwise spot-on reviewer. In no parallel universe, would someone agree Kannukul Kannai is the high point of this soundtrack :)

← Older Comments

Google +1 this blog


January 2010
M T W T F S S
« Dec   Feb »
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Copyright © 2009 - Milliblog! - is proudly powered by WordPress

Celebrity HQ Theme 1.0 is created by: Design Disease