An Average Effort from Vidhyasagar. Review on Kana Kanden Songs

These days the formula album for a formula/commercial film seems to have a mix of all type of songs and to be specific, two melodies, one fast and peppy number with techno beats, one gana song and one situational number which may be of a different genre or may fall under any of the three genres mentioned before. The “Kana Kanden” album is one such album with a right mix of fast and melodious numbers but is it a right mix of class and mass is big the question mark. The music is by Vidhyasagar and all the songs are penned by Vairamuthu. Let us get into our usual boring business of writing review for not so exciting album.

Chinna Ponnu Vidhyasagar yet again proves that he is not comfortable in doing such fast songs with high techno stuff in it. It seems many composers are attracted towards Arabian music these days. The song is full of Middle Eastern beats, chants and strings. Though they are catchy, they are outdated rhythms and sounds. Also I don’t know why female singers are made to sing with a commanding voice which sounds really awful. Actually, Sayanora Phillip’s voice is sweet when heard in comparatively melodious lines in between. Vairamuthu’s lyrics are as pathetic as it could be. Overall, it is an easily forgettable number.

Chinna Chinna This song is supposed to be the titillating, seductive number of the album and you can realize it at the beginning of the song itself, as it sticks to two percussion stroke rhythm. The song is actually good but the mood of the song is carried only by these beats and by the singers singing in huskier voice. But at the same time, it cannot be said a song to VS, as “Masi Masam” for Illayaraja or “Hai Rama” for ARR. I have got no complaints with the interludes, as it has the mark of VS’s style of music arrangements and orchestration which takes a melodious relief, especially the Veena pieces sounds too good with techno beats in the BG. Also the whistle sound is nicely tuned and blended with the song. Again Sunitha Sarathy spoils by singing with a commanding voice but Tippu is good enough in right expressions at right places.

Thai Sollum This is a simple folkish melody with a simple yet haunting tune. The foot tapping soft beats in the background has the sound of native village soil in it. Strings are nicely blended with folk rhythms and that also make the song sound ARRish. The haunting flute pieces and the sound of a solo string (the one that is made with Coconut shell at one end and a string entwined on a stick attached to it) brings the aura of the village into our drawing room. Manicka Vinayagam’s unique voice and his unusual rendition in various pitches is an added advantage to the song. Vairamuthu’s lyrics are down to earth and meaningful. It is a soulful number of the album.

Kaalai Arumbi This is a typical Vidhyasagar melody with a classical base in tune and obviously the best song of the album. The tune instantly sits in our mind. At last, there is a duet without Madhu Balakrishna’s voice in it from VS. Though I like Madhu’s voice, VS’s melodies were becoming monotonous with Madhu singing all the songs. Srinivas is a refreshing change and he does a great job in the song and so is the new female singer Kalyani. The background soft beats and the mild strings blending with it sound soothing. The conversation of flutes in the interludes is great. Vairamuthu definitely could have done better in the lyrics part which lack fresh thoughts and tonal words.

Aiyya Ramiyya This is a usual gana song mixed with lot of techno beats and sure will make the front benchers to dance. But why the hell Udit is still allowed to sing is Tamil, slowly it is becoming a sin. I will definitely blame VS for this because without whom this would not have happened. He literally kills the language and his voice lacks kick in Tamil unlike his rendition in Hindi. Even the lyrics are nothing much worth to write about.

After the release and success of “Chandramukhi” album, Vidhyasagar seems to be very formulaic these days and one can’t blame him as the composers are compelled to deliver such songs but there should be something fresh and unique in those usual stuffs too. Sadly, Vidhyasagar fails to deliver anything new in this album but one can listen to the album for two good melodies, one average songs. An average effort from Vidhyasagar and according to me music of “Chandramukhi” is even better than that of this.

Rating: 2.5