Album: Chekka Chivantha Vaanam
Composer: AR Rahman
Music Review: The magical combination of Mani Ratnam, AR Rahman and Vairamuthu has given music lovers several master pieces that have stood the test of time. So naturally, the excitement surrounding the trio’s next — Chekka Chivantha Vaanam — has been high. The album has two songs, and while the soundscape is different, the underlying emotion seems to be common — celebrating life.
Bhoomi Bhoomi begins with guitar riffs and Shakthisree Gopalan takes over, with her resonating vocals bringing out the flavour of the lyrics. The number is more about how the world is a fickle place and why we should learn to live in peace. Vairamuthu’s word play brings out the simple truths of life — Vaazhvadhai vidavum valiyae kodithu, veezhvadhai vidavum pirivae kodidhu, karuvarai ellam mudhalum alla, mudivurai ellam mudivum alla! Sample this as well — bhoomi bhoomi suthum suthum, aazhi aazhi kaththum saththam, manidhan manidhan oh yuddha saththam, idhi engae kaetkum kuyilin saththam? The tune is uncomplicated, and Rahman lets the vocal dominate the song, keeping the instrumentation to bare minimum so that listeners can soak in the harsh realities of life, albeit musically.
Next in line is Mazhai Kuruvi, a slow number that is all about juxtaposing nature with love.Rahman seems to have thoroughly enjoyed himself while composing and singing the number, and it reflects in the way he breathes life into Vairamuthu’s words,especially this part — keechu keech endradhu, kitta vaa endradhu, paechu edhuvumindru, piriyama endradhu. It takes a while to grow on you, but that’s how Rahman’s songs are — like wine that tastes better with passing years.