(This article is sponsored by Sounds of India)
A R Rahman scores the music for “Swades” pronounced in Hindi to mean “my own land”. This is Ashutosh Gowariker’s second foray into Bollywood movie making; Lagaan, his first, escalated to the point of an Academy Award nomination. The music of Swades is somewhat reminiscent of the earlier movie exuding patriotism, and fist pumping camaraderie. Rahman does however; inject sufficient musical intrigue to make this one worth a few spins. And, as is usual with a Rahman CD, the more you spin this one, the more you are likely to find tunes that enter your head and revolve like Pac-man for edification at a later time.
“Yeh Tara Woh Tara” is the most notable track on first listen and would have retained some staying power were it not for the rasping high-pitched voices of kids that interject the latter part of this piece. Rahman is perhaps the only director to focus on situations and tailor his arrangements to conform to a movie scene. His songs are therefore better cherished after viewing the film. Count on yourself to hum this one with your kids belted in your SUV.
Udit Narayan features prominently in several tracks and can be tiring to the ear. Nevertheless, the tunes are well suited to his vocal prowess. One that comes to mind as outstanding in terms of vocalization is “Aahista Aahista” – a song that is meant to be soporific. In fact, the melodious use of what sound like harps, bells and synthesizer can induce slumber so deep you may want to throw out your valium and settle for a bed-side CD player instead. Alka Yagnik is put to optimal use in “Saanwariya” and “Dekho Na”. Both songs have arrangements that are unusual for Hindi songs. “Dekho Na” for example, uses the bass guitar for its melodic structure. There is a landmark patriotic song vocalized by Rahman himself (Ye Jo Des Hai Tera), and an obligatory devotional song featuring several singers; anyone exposed to at least one Hindi movie will not have to toil too hard pasteurizing the scenes that correspond to these two tracks. “Yun hi Chala Chal” is a song with Hariharan at the helm and sounds like an afternoon guitar jam session doused with some lyrics. You could tap your foot to this one and not think twice about it – elevator music, Rahman style. The French horns toward the end of this track serves as a reminder that even this man’s elevator music has style.
This music CD may not be Rahman’s most outstanding work but there is enough material in here to perk up your ears. I suspect these tracks will gain popularity once the movie hits the screens. Given the mediocrity inherent in most modern Indian movie music, the music of Swades is attractive enough to merit a slice of your monthly allowance on entertainment.
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