There are a host of new singers in Oh Kadhal Kanmani , but it’s the good old Chitra who comes up trumps as she sashays through the melodious and lyrical Malargal Keten with utmost ease. Structured in the form of a kriti, with a tambura running in the background, this is easily one of the best songs of the album. More importantly, for those who heard the Alaipayuthe kriti in the film and fell in love with its simplicity, Malargal will be a new-age keerthana.
If simple is on offer, complex isn’t far. Of late, Rahman has constructed some intricate melodies that require some attention to grasp and Naane Varugiraen by Shashaa is the latest addition to that list. The tune construction is quite complex, the sangathis quite laboured…it might take you quite a few listens to get into the groove with this one!
Theera Ula starts off with a lot of auto-tune but once the female vocals (Darshana and Nikita Gandhi) kick in, the blend of classical and cool is quite charming.
Kaara Attakara has a catchy stock line, but beyond that, this conversational number would be better heard with visuals playing on the big screen. Parandhu Sella Vaa is slow, sensuous and almost like Sillunu Oru Kadhal’sMaja Maja in terms of feel. But when Karthik breaks into the Nanaindhu Kollava phrase at the middle of the song, it feels like all is okay. What follows is some musical bliss.
Aye Sinamika sees singer Karthik do what he does best – dishing out a breezy tune in his inimitable style. The two versions of Mental Manadhil , the tune of which is already popular, are sure to click with the masses, especially youngsters. Young A. R. Ameen also gets in a small number in Maula Wa Salim .
This album is ample proof that the Mani Ratnam-A.R.Rahman-Vairamuthu combination is still the best in the business. The musical assortment that is Oh Kadhal Kanmani is delicious to the ear!