Last few months has been raining AR Rahman. Great music, Golden Globe Awards and Oscar Nominations. We have heard the western classical renditions in Yuvaraaj,peppy teen tracks on Jaane Tu.., commercial masala in Gajini and fusion in Slumdog Millionaire.
We now have the awesome variety in Delhi-6. However, I am not going to talk about Delhi 6.It has a ‘must buy’ tag on it already. Let me divert your attention to a hidden treasure in Rahman’s new album – Connections.
Available (for now) exclusively in Nokia X-press music phones, Connections is a full-fledged album by AR Rahman. I am hopeful that soon this will be available in standard CDs in stores.
‘Connections’ is unlike anything you have heard from AR Rahman. Really, unlike anything. This time AR goes spiritual and solace is the theme of the album. If you love Lounge by Prem Joshua, Kauresh and the likes, you will simply love Rahman’s Connections! This is mind-numbingly superb album that calms you, makes your brain cooler and infuses positive energy.
Himalaya – A solo grand piano performance interlaced with pads so perfect that you know the mood of the album is ‘Positive’ and unyielding love for others. The sustaining piano in the same range is pure peace spilled all over!
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Jiya Se Jiya – This is sort of sweet speed breaker! Full on percussions and loud performance asking us to offer ‘free hugs’ to one and all and spread love across man kind. The video of track features Rahman and the people from the ‘Free Hug campaign.
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Kural – This is god. Rahman at one point did speak of mixing Thirukural in a manner that reintroduces the divine Tamil text to modern day youth. Rahman has used the hymns of Thirukural and layered it soft English spoken words by Blaaze re-iterating the attribute of respect over fame and money. Kural has the artist recite the 97th chapter of Thirukural – Maanam ( Tamil for respect/Dignity) where it says – Honor and Respect supersedes any material gain. The song is very very deep and insightful. Do find more on this track at the end of this post.
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Man Chandre – Beautifully rendered, Man Chandre is an Indian ballad. Sweet, smooth and comforting. However, AR has done a few numbers like these in his films.
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Mosquito – Funny in its name, the track is actually very serious. The long riffs of Sarang(I think) is interrupted often to create that mosquito effect! Very interesting. If you are into Indian classical, this is for you.
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Mylapore Blues –Mylapore is a very important place in Chennai. There is so much history and intellect in that place of the town. This Indian blues track is a mix of mridangam and blues! Interesting huh, hear it and you will be amazed. You need to have an ear for variety to appreciate. If you are into peppy commercial music, forget this track. You want to kick back in the evening and just ease –off then buy this.
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Silent Invocation –A,B and C - This is a three part track with nothing but flute and mild bass lines. This is a mega meditative track. Long enough to make you think deep inside of your persona, or even empty your chaotic mind from worldly thoughts. Silent Invocation is Rahman at his spiritual best and does it work or what! Close your eyes, relax and find yourself at peace.Real peace.
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This is a seriously moving composition.
Download – AR Rahman – Connection Album – mp3
gud reflection of emotions..
nice understanding of the song ,thanks 4 both translations,i generally dont listen punjabi songs but this was the one ,i searched for lyrics , in ur blog with lyrics i got such a beutiful description.
any ways A.R.Rahman rocks n for people like us you too.
i wasnt able to understand the meaning at first but it touched the heart at once n y not as it is for the heart.”Mann Chandre”.
There are also some very imaginative instrumentals here. I really like ‘Mosquito’ – a 9 minute long sarangi instrumental.
Silent Invocation B
must listen ds & fell urself in heaven
Its just a heavenly music done by our music strom and legendary A.R.R…
Its just his music spoke all the feel and words…
Keep on sending A.R. spl…
Thank u..
Amising collections
Really very nice composing thirukural tamil and english it is very nice i really thank to Mr.A.R.Rahman
Hai. This web is unpredictable.
mosquito is the best…
I thought it was dilrubha…
dilrubha is a very very very different and pleasing instrument… I believe its so pleasing that even a harp wud stop playing to listen to dilrubha…
this sounded a bit different from sarangh… not sure.. but simply mind blowing is all I can say:)