Hats Off to Vishal Bharadwaj. Review on Omkara Songs

Chappa Chappa song is one of my all time favorite songs in Hindi. But I didn’t know who the composer of the song for so long, only later I came to know that it is Vishal Bharadwaj and also that he got Best Composer national award for his compositions in the movie “Maachis”. Even I missed the score of Maqbool, but after listening to his recent compositions in Omkara, I am going to buy all his previous works. “Omkara” in my opinion is the best soundtracks to hit the stands in 2006 after “Rang De Basanti”. And also it is one of those rare albums which give a completely satisfying listening experience. All the songs are equally good not just good but great. Vishal surprises with his matured and masterful handling of different genres of music all in one album. The album has got 8 tracks. Be it the melody or peppy item number or earthy folk number, Vishal shines in every other song.

With the title track “Omkara”, the album starts with a bang. It is an instantly catchy number. Immediately after listening to the track I was humming ‘Dum dum dadam da dum dum dum’. The highlights of this title track are Sukhwinder Singh’s lazy and causal singing and the rocking folk rhythms and percussions. The traditional percussions and rolling drums are put to best usage. Though a lethargic singing, Sukhwinder Singh as always impinges a kind of energy and enthusiasm into the song. The choirs and strings are well used at the right places all through the track creating a beautiful harmony with the lead tune of the song. A grand track which prepares us for many other surprises and unconventional music that is going to unfold in following tracks.

The moment I heard the 30 second teaser trailer of the movie with “Oh Saati re” song, I decided to buy the album. After a folksy title track, the album takes a 180 degree turn to an innate, sensuous, soul stirring and a haunting melody with this song. The melody is so beautiful that melts your soul in its first few notes. The piano, guitar pieces and the string ensemble performed by Chennai strings orchestra are great. The strings constantly flowing in the background in a perfect harmony with the main melody adds to the emotional depth of the song. Adding to the effect is the sugar sweet rendition of Shreya Ghosal and Vishal Bharadwaj. It is one of the best melodies of year 2006.

Let us shake the body for the thumping beats of “Beedi”. Yet another earthy folk number with infectious beats and tune. Sunidhi chauhan and Sukhwinder Singh have done a great job by singing it with right emotions and expressions. Interludes with harmonium and guitar are pretty interesting. The psychedelic theme tune of the song which goes something like “Du dun dang du dun” is very catchy and the way this piece moves from vocals to various instruments all through the track is an interesting thread to follow while listening. But grossly it sounds like “Dhadak Dhadak” song from “Bunty aur Babli” may be mainly because of similar usage of percussions.

With cute stream of notes on piano and its rhythm in the start, Vishal announces that “Jag Ja” is going to be a mesmerizing lullaby. The melody is very simple and haunting. I think Suresh Wadkar's voice and his subdued singing fits the mood of the song to T. The song takes a symphonic turn in the second interlude; one word to describe this brief interlude piece is heavenly. The golden tune is ornamented with beautiful piano and flute pieces and a pleasant orchestration. This song is sure to remind you of the sleeping beauty of your beloved while she is sleeping.

“Namak” is an interesting fusion of Indian folk and mujra genre. Rekha Bharadwaj with her unconventional voice gives a seductive touch to the song. The most fascinating thing about the song is the way Vishal has made the blend of Indian folk, Indian classical and western elements seamless with instruments like harmonium, tabla, dolak, strings, piano, rock guitars, and sitar. With such an interesting fusion he take us through various genres of music at one go and thereby taking us through various emotions that the situation in the movie demands.

“Naina” is a situational pathos song in unique Rahet Fateh ali khan’s voice. The song is slow and lengthy but the interesting synth and rhythm arrangements and the usage of guitar and strings grabs the attention. The sitar piece in the interlude is beautiful. The song devoid of any major beats carries a rhythm with a unique mix of strumming on bass guitar, electric guitar and acoustic guitar layered one over the other. The atmospheric effect at the end of the song along with the seamless Rahet’s alap effectively adds to the mood of the song. Song depends a lot on the situation and needs repetitive listening to grow.

“Laakad” is another pathos song that almost follows the same pattern as the previous one but it is far more subtle without any instruments. It is just the melody that carries the song all over. The guitar pieces in the interludes are beautiful. They are not just beautiful but also carry emotions with it. Rekha Bharadwaj does impress with her emotional singing in this song in which everything lies on the voice and rendition of the singer.

“The tragedy of Omkara” is a well orchestrated musical piece which conveys a mix of emotions. Though it deviates from the earthy feel of the album, when it comes to emotions such grandly orchestrated symphonic pieces will make a much greater and right impact.

Soundtrack “Omkara” is for sure a music festival for those who are dying hard to listen to something fresh and original. Hats off to Vishal.