Music: AR Rahman

Lyrics: Vaalee, Na Muthukumar, Pa Vijay, Arunagirinathar

Singers: Haricharan, Dr Narayanan, Shashaa Tirupati, Shwetha Mohan, Srinivas, Mukesh, Vaani Jayaram, Bela Shende

Kaaviya Thalaivan starring Siddharth, Prithiviraj and Vedika has been making headlines for quite sometime, all thanks to its unique subject and AR Rahman’s musical association with it. After a colourful teaser and intriguing behind-the-scenes video, the most awaited album of the year has finally hit the stores and the world is eager to know what the Mozart of Madras has in store with Kaaviya Thalaivan. So lets get going!

A blissful piece by Rahman . Though Carnatic music is not everybody’s cup of tea, The Jai Ho singer has scored it such that it will set any music lovers heart racing. The song that is rich in Indian Carnatic instruments like Nadaswaram, Veena and Thavil, transports you to the corridors of old world theatres. Haricharan’s vocals are divine adding to the song’s perfection. The fast paced song will have you foot tapping and finger snapping.

Aye Mr Minor is a typical nostalgic throwback to the romantic duets of the 60’s. The song has a typical jazzy feel to it. Aye Mr Minor could well be a treat for singer Shashaa Tirupati, as she gets to play with the words showcasing her vocal prowess. The lyrics are easy on the ears and the use of conga is quite enjoyable. The way the interludes have been done akin to the yesteryear era and make for a nice ode.

Yaarumilla is a delightful melody set to the instrumentation of neatly arranged table, flute and harmoniums. Singer Shwetha Mohan delivers a perfect romantic number with lot of panache. The lyrics that sound odd in the first instance turn out to be a letter being sung to the tune. It is one of those Rahman songs that grows on you, every time you listen. So get ready to play Yaarumilla on a never ending loop in your music player.

Sandi Kuthirai is a peppy, dance number that has a 60?s feel to it, right along the lines of Viswanathan Velai Vendum. The track simply oozes fun and the typical rock ‘n’ roll genre is brought back alive with some lively singing by Haricharan and by some jazz arrangements.

Sollividu might be the only low point in this album, not because the song isn’t interesting enough, but because the lyrics take precedence over music. The song stands out with Pa Vijay’s lyrics and might fail to impress the modern day listeners.The song shifts tone halfway through and the context of the song appears to have been placed in a Mahabharatha backdrop involving Arjuna & Krishna.

Vaani Jayaram is back! And how? With a soulful rendition of an excerpt fromThiruppugazh. This number is just a short, prayer song accompanied by mild instrumentation, just around two minutes. And Vaani Jayaram is sounding just like she did in her golden days!

This  10:28 minutes song  encapsulates 8 short tracks.The initial Gettimelam begins with Vandhanam Vandhanam after which the song gets ready to unleash itself. Yaadhavanam is more of a lyric utterance show depicting Alli-Arjuna’s love story. Alli Varugiral which follows next is relatively peppy and fun to sing along. The song shifts course for a sobered Priyasakhiye where the female voice by Bela Shende gets an introduction. Kanna Kanna has relatively colloquial lyrics and is pretty much on the lines of an Arjuna-Krishna interaction. Naan Annathooviyil is set in a similar backdrop as Idayam from Kochadaiyaan. Gettimelam is back again – this time signaling a happy ending. The finale of this epic –Nenju Porukkudhilaiye- has Haricharan fittingly finishing the proceedings with an amazing rendition.

Verdict: If you need to know what sets AR Rahman apart from the rest of the composers, listen to the Kaaviya Thalaivan album. The Oscar winning composer shows his tremendous command over music and guides a talented team of singers, lyricists and musicians to deliver what could end up being the best album of the year. The tunes will linger in your ears for days. Try it out!

Our Pick: Vaanga Makka Vaanga, Alli Arjuna, Yaarumilla