Sur..the musical of life!. Review on Sur Songs

Tanuja Chandra directs universal released Sur – The Musical, which is presented by Pritish Nandy Communications. It has music by MM Kreem and lyrics by Nida Fazli. The album has nine tracks in all, of which, one is an Italian Prayer song and another one is an instrumental piece.

Side A begins with Aa Bhi Ja rendered by Lucky Ali and Sunudhi Chauhan. The song begins with the Sur theme accompanied by detailed orchestration that lays low in the intro only to build up during the rest of the song. Being a very emotional song it’s very heartwarmingly rendered by Lucky. It’s already famous wwwith the classes and forms the album’s trump card. Next comes Dil Mein Jaagi Dhadkan Aise by Sunidhi Chauhan. Although the intro of this number has been inspired by the Savage Garden hit “I Want You” it makes for good listening. The music begins on a low note and builds up on the listener. It tends to take a tilt towards progressive pop at the same time maintaining the charm of Sunidhi’s voice.The simple lyrics and creative composition will surely make this number very popular…especially with the younger generation. The third song Jaane Kya Dhoondta Hai by Lucky Ali tends to immediately grab the listener’s complete attention…courtesy…the piano and violin intro piece. It’s a very country song with wonderful rendering from Ali. Here’s a typical travel song with easy-to-remember lyrics and a soothing tune. Beginning with the guitar strokes, every instrument that adds on to the music recoils one into a montage of nostalgia. MM Kreem seems to be highly inspired by AR Rehman as he cooly blends Western and Indian Classical to churn out this great track.

Fourth song Ave Maria is the Italian prayer. Even though most Indians may not understand the lyrics in here, it makes for attentive listening. Rest assured…one would not want to FF this prayer that has a haunting piano intro coupled with exacting chorus. The last track on Side A is the Sur Theme. It begins with a non-conventional violin piece that’s an intelligent mix of Indian Carnatic and Western Classical styles. It begins on a slow note and gradually goes on to cover all the notations in the musical chart, simultaneously taking the listener on a sentimental trip of sorts.

Side B begins with Aao Tumhe Ek Nayi Baat Bataon by Lucky Ali. It begins with some smooth whistling and Guitar strokes that flow into exacting Casio work. The vocals join the music with an amazing blend. Here’s another travel song that’s already being heard in cars outside college campuses. It’s a song that’ll appeal to everyone, right from nursery kids to the youth to grandpas and grandmas. It’s a great combination of the flute and the drums with fantasmogorically synthesizing orchestration.

Next comes Tu Dil Ki Khushi by Lucky and Sunidhi. Soft guitar work and techno bass beats give the song its awesome start. The lyrics and music are so wonderful that one feels like they’re literally tailor-made for each other. Sunidhi has tried going the opera way towards the end, but does not reduce the overall impact of the song. Her velvet voice renders the majestic feel of British royalty combined with traditional Indian classicals. This song, if picturized well, has the capacity to bring anyone to tears. Very emotional! Khoya Hai Tune Jo Ae Dil by L. Ali follows this. It portrays human dreams and aspirations and the heavenly hopes attached to life. It remind sone of the great American hit “Don’y Worry Be Happy” that was George Bush Senior’s greatest inspiration during the US Presidential Election. The song has music that speaks volumes of the burning desire within oneself to break free. It has simple lyrics and unpredictable music. The last track on the album is Kabhie Sham Dhale by Mahalaxmi. It’s typical South Indian kind of song enticingly enriching. It’s an archetypal Indian folklore with music from the eighties. MM Kreem deserves special applause for his par excellent blending of the Tabla, the Mridangam and the Violin with modern orchestration. MM Kreem has surely come out triumphant with this extraordinary presentation. The violin seems to be his trump card that he plays with great panache in every track. Kreem’s is a very different kind of music that’s unpredictable yet captivating. It’s very much of the 21st century, yet traditional. Even though it’s too early to say if here’s a new kind of music…Kreem’s own style…it’s worth a sunoh. Nida Fazli has also done an excellent job. Her simple yet powerful lyrics gel amazingly with the music and makes for great listening. There are no usual words…just perfect!

Commercially, the album will do very well with the classes. The same is quite conditional with the masses. Overall, a great album.