Ilaiyaraaja composes music for this legendary mythological drama by Bapu-Ramana. While Jonnavithula got lucky this time to write all the lyrics, veterans SPB and Chitra shine in some of the numbers! Here is a detailed review of all the songs...
jagadAnanda kArakaa.. (5/5)
A beautiful song about "Raama Raajyam and Raama Paalana" - this one is the STAR of the album for sure!
Playback - SPB, Shreya Ghoshal
No else could do justice to this song if not for SPB. Such a soulful rendition, this song, just shows you virtually, how glorious was the rule of Lord Rama! Shreya Ghoshal is as sweet as she always is! Though there are a couple of places where Shreya missed deerghaaksharams (poorNakumbham), she makes up to it with her sweetness! Chorus singers have done an excellent job which takes the song to the next level!
No else could do justice to this song if not for SPB. Such a soulful rendition, this song, just shows you virtually, how glorious was the rule of Lord Rama! Shreya Ghoshal is as sweet as she always is! Though there are a couple of places where Shreya missed deerghaaksharams (poorNakumbham), she makes up to it with her sweetness! Chorus singers have done an excellent job which takes the song to the next level!
Lyric - Jonnavithula
Lyrics are as simple as the life of Lord Raama yet so rich as his rule!
The first two words of the pallavi have been used from Tyaagaraja's pancharatna kRiti.
Lyrics are as simple as the life of Lord Raama yet so rich as his rule!
The first two words of the pallavi have been used from Tyaagaraja's pancharatna kRiti.
Tune/Interlude
Composed in one of the most u sed raagas in film music, Suddhadhanyaasi - the song flows mellifluously without any dull moment. Orchestration is top-notch, with Raaja's signature all over it. The violin and flute pieces in the interludes before charaNams is a feast for Raaja's fans!
Composed in one of the most u sed raagas in film music, Suddhadhanyaasi - the song flows mellifluously without any dull moment. Orchestration is top-notch, with Raaja's signature all over it. The violin and flute pieces in the interludes before charaNams is a feast for Raaja's fans!
SPB..
Playback - SPB
Definitely I am not qualified enough to review SPB's rendition of a song! All that I can say about this number - it is as clear and pure as a crystal! SPB's expression at places like "chala challani" is like a dictionary for upcoming singers! He also sings for two different people in this number with a slight difference in modulation.
Lyric - Jonnavithula
In this one Jonnavithula explains all the qualities of Lord Raama in a 'Q&A' format! Its full of rich Telugu and Sanskrit adjectives and soothing on our ears!
In this one Jonnavithula explains all the qualities of Lord Raama in a 'Q&A' format! Its full of rich Telugu and Sanskrit adjectives and soothing on our ears!
Tune/Interlude
Ilaiyaraaja uses mOhanam for this number and is apt and beautiful. Again orchestration based on a rhythmic tabla patterns makes this an instant hit.
Ilaiyaraaja uses mOhanam for this number and is apt and beautiful. Again orchestration based on a rhythmic tabla patterns makes this an instant hit.
seetArAma charitam.. (5/5)
Defines a rAgamAlika
Defines a rAgamAlika
Playback - Anitha, Keerthana
I am not sure if these girls have sung in any movies before, but for sure, this duo is a great find! They have done a fabulous job in this number. Right expression and right pronunciation! One of them (not sure who) sounds like Shreya Ghoshal.
I am not sure if these girls have sung in any movies before, but for sure, this duo is a great find! They have done a fabulous job in this number. Right expression and right pronunciation! One of them (not sure who) sounds like Shreya Ghoshal.
Lyric - Jonnavithula
Jonnavithula's words trace the story of vanavaasam, right from Sita being taken away by Raavana till the time Raama and Sita go back to Ayodhya! Lyric is very powerful and beautifully put!
Jonnavithula's words trace the story of vanavaasam, right from Sita being taken away by Raavana till the time Raama and Sita go back to Ayodhya! Lyric is very powerful and beautifully put!
Tune/Interlude
Raaja composed a beautiful raagamalika with various raagas to blend with the mood of the lyric. The song starts with the mellifluous raaga bRndaavani followed by the intense rEvati. Then comes the melancholic chakravaakam followed by hindOLam. The agni pareeksha piece composed in chandrakouns is very impressive. The tailpiece is composed in madhyamAvati.
Raaja composed a beautiful raagamalika with various raagas to blend with the mood of the lyric. The song starts with the mellifluous raaga bRndaavani followed by the intense rEvati. Then comes the melancholic chakravaakam followed by hindOLam. The agni pareeksha piece composed in chandrakouns is very impressive. The tailpiece is composed in madhyamAvati.
Sree rAma lErA O rAmA.. (5/5)
A mix match of some of the most wonderful raagas..
A mix match of some of the most wonderful raagas..
Playback - Ramu, Shreya Ghoshal
Shreya Ghoshal shines in this number, by all means, pronunciation, diction, expression and what not! Ramu does a neat job.
Shreya Ghoshal shines in this number, by all means, pronunciation, diction, expression and what not! Ramu does a neat job.
Lyric - Jonnavithula
This song is like a wakeup call for Lord Rama for lOkakaLyaaNam (betterment of the world)!
This song is like a wakeup call for Lord Rama for lOkakaLyaaNam (betterment of the world)!
Tune/Interlude
The beginning violin and flute piece is done in the majestic amRtavarshiNi raaga. The rest of the song is done as a combination of two serious raagas - hamsAnandi and pantuvarALi.
The second charaNam is done in a raagam close to bhoopAlam. Orchestration and compostion have the richness of Raaja's quality!
The beginning violin and flute piece is done in the majestic amRtavarshiNi raaga. The rest of the song is done as a combination of two serious raagas - hamsAnandi and pantuvarALi.
The second charaNam is done in a raagam close to bhoopAlam. Orchestration and compostion have the richness of Raaja's quality!
dEvuLLE mecchindi.. (5/5)
Chitra and Shreya rock
Chitra and Shreya rock
Playback - K S Chithra, Shreya Ghoshal
Sweet, sweeter, sweetest! What else do you expect when two of the very best singers we have in the industry sing together?
Both their voices, however disticnt, synch up the the tee! While P Leela and P Susheela made their mark in Lava Kusa, Chithra and Shreya do an excellent job here living up to the expectations of their fans!
Both of them impress us in many places, both together and individually as well! This one will remain as one of those evergreen female-female duets!
Sweet, sweeter, sweetest! What else do you expect when two of the very best singers we have in the industry sing together?
Both their voices, however disticnt, synch up the the tee! While P Leela and P Susheela made their mark in Lava Kusa, Chithra and Shreya do an excellent job here living up to the expectations of their fans!
Both of them impress us in many places, both together and individually as well! This one will remain as one of those evergreen female-female duets!
Lyric - Jonnavithula
This song written in the lines of the classic vinuDu vinuDu from Lava Kusa, explains rAmAyaNa from the birth of rAma till the sItArAma swayamvaram. Just like the rest, the lyrics are simple and beautiful.
Use of certain rarely used words is impressive!
This song written in the lines of the classic vinuDu vinuDu from Lava Kusa, explains rAmAyaNa from the birth of rAma till the sItArAma swayamvaram. Just like the rest, the lyrics are simple and beautiful.
Use of certain rarely used words is impressive!
Tune/Interlude
Most of the song reminds you of "annula minnela" from the movie chanTi (chinna thambi in tamizh). The song set in roopakam is easy to make a sink in your mind, just like vinuDu vinuDu from Lava Kusa!
Something worth mentioning here is the final piece, which describes post-swayamvaram scene, is done a mOhanam-like raagam, which is very soulful!
Most of the song reminds you of "annula minnela" from the movie chanTi (chinna thambi in tamizh). The song set in roopakam is easy to make a sink in your mind, just like vinuDu vinuDu from Lava Kusa!
Something worth mentioning here is the final piece, which describes post-swayamvaram scene, is done a mOhanam-like raagam, which is very soulful!
gaali ningi neeru.. (5/5)
The new version of "E nimishaaniki Emi jarugunO..
The new version of "E nimishaaniki Emi jarugunO..
Playback - SPB
Excellent! This one is an award-winner, if given the right exposure! The way SPB says "rAmA..." is sure to drench your hearts!
Excellent! This one is an award-winner, if given the right exposure! The way SPB says "rAmA..." is sure to drench your hearts!
Lyric - Jonnavithula
Excellent lyrics. Lakshamana on his way to the forest to send seeta off, sings this number showing his helplessness and questioning everyone (panchabhootAs, sages etc.) if someone could stop this by requesting Lord Rama!
Excellent lyrics. Lakshamana on his way to the forest to send seeta off, sings this number showing his helplessness and questioning everyone (panchabhootAs, sages etc.) if someone could stop this by requesting Lord Rama!
Tune/Interlude
Raaja used his all-time favorite keeravANi raagam for this song. The melancholy of the raagam is perfect for the mood of the song! Simple orchestration highlights the singer's prowess!
Raaja used his all-time favorite keeravANi raagam for this song. The melancholy of the raagam is perfect for the mood of the song! Simple orchestration highlights the singer's prowess!
rAmAyaNamu Sree rAmAyaNamu.. (5/5)
The saga continues..
The saga continues..
Playback - K S Chithra, Shreya Ghoshal
Again, the duo continues to enthrall us!
The lines "tanDri maaTa kOsam, koDuku tanDri kOsam"; "Emayyaa raamayya EmaipOvaalayya, mEmu EmaipOvaalayya" are beautifully rendered by the singers!
Again, the duo continues to enthrall us!
The lines "tanDri maaTa kOsam, koDuku tanDri kOsam"; "Emayyaa raamayya EmaipOvaalayya, mEmu EmaipOvaalayya" are beautifully rendered by the singers!
Lyric - Jonnavithula
This piece is a continuation of the story of rAmAyaNa, from the number "dEvuLLE mecchindi..", explaining the story of rAmA leaving from vanavaasam.
This piece is a continuation of the story of rAmAyaNa, from the number "dEvuLLE mecchindi..", explaining the story of rAmA leaving from vanavaasam.
Tune/Interlude
This number is composed in sindhubhairavi raagam. Different flavors and moods have been churned in this song using a single raagam, which probably only Raaja could do!
Again, violin pieces stand as highlight!
This number is composed in sindhubhairavi raagam. Different flavors and moods have been churned in this song using a single raagam, which probably only Raaja could do!
Again, violin pieces stand as highlight!
danDakam (4.5/5)
Playback - Surabhi Sravani, Keerthana
Beautifully rendered, with the right volume and expression all through.
Beautifully rendered, with the right volume and expression all through.
Lyric
Simple rAma danDakam
Simple rAma danDakam
Tune/Interlude
Raaja uses the usual danDakam composition for this number. Reminds you of "jai chiranjeeva.." from jagadEkaveeruDu atilOkasundari.
Raaja uses the usual danDakam composition for this number. Reminds you of "jai chiranjeeva.." from jagadEkaveeruDu atilOkasundari.
seetA sImantam.. (5/5)
A wonderful baby shower song
A wonderful baby shower song
Playback - Shreya Ghoshal
Shreya's best solo number in this album!
Chorus songers give wonderful support!
Shreya's best solo number in this album!
Chorus songers give wonderful support!
Lyric - Jonnavithula
Jonnavithula shows the celebration of baby shower to all of us with his lyrics! Excellent job again!
Jonnavithula shows the celebration of baby shower to all of us with his lyrics! Excellent job again!
Tune/Interlude
hindOLam - but this time in Raaja's style!
The orchestration of veeNa, flute, violin, tabla is very very rich! The song automatically sets a mood of celebration!
hindOLam - but this time in Raaja's style!
The orchestration of veeNa, flute, violin, tabla is very very rich! The song automatically sets a mood of celebration!
rAma rAma.. (4.5/5)
Childhood memoirs
Childhood memoirs
Playback - Swetha, Anitha
Perfect for a folk number. Sounds so much Telugu-ish, with no shallowness at any place!
Perfect for a folk number. Sounds so much Telugu-ish, with no shallowness at any place!
Lyric - Jonnavithula
The lyric explains the childhood of Lava and Kusa drawing similarities to Lord Rama's childhood.
Definitely succeeds in bringing you some of your childhood memories!
The lyric explains the childhood of Lava and Kusa drawing similarities to Lord Rama's childhood.
Definitely succeeds in bringing you some of your childhood memories!
Tune/Interlude
And this is how a folk number should be composed! The string rhythm pattern rocks the entire song!
And this is how a folk number should be composed! The string rhythm pattern rocks the entire song!
kalayA nijamA.. (5/5)
It's Tippu's show
It's Tippu's show
Playback - Tippu
Definitely Tippu's best song till date! For all those who think Tippu is only for mass-masala numbers, here is a fitting answer!
Definitely Tippu's best song till date! For all those who think Tippu is only for mass-masala numbers, here is a fitting answer!
Lyric - Jonnavithula
Lyrics have all the melancholic elements needed for the song!
Lyrics have all the melancholic elements needed for the song!
Tune/Interlude
keeravANi raagam! Orchestration rocks again!
keeravANi raagam! Orchestration rocks again!
idi paTTAbhirAmuni.. (5/5)
Defines how a Telugu folk number should be
Defines how a Telugu folk number should be
Playback - Swetha
Awesome rendition! The the soul of Telugu folk is all shown in this song! I am completely impressed with this girl Swetha, who I am sure is different from Swetha Mohan!
Awesome rendition! The the soul of Telugu folk is all shown in this song! I am completely impressed with this girl Swetha, who I am sure is different from Swetha Mohan!
Lyric - Jonnavithula
A simple folk lyric praising Lord Rama. Very meaningful and gets registered in your mind in no time.
A simple folk lyric praising Lord Rama. Very meaningful and gets registered in your mind in no time.
Tune/Interlude
Raaja scores another 100 for this folk number!
Raaja scores another 100 for this folk number!
SlOkAs..(5/5)
Playback - SPB
Awesome! The only two SlOkAs in this album, rendered with 100% soul and weight in them!
Awesome! The only two SlOkAs in this album, rendered with 100% soul and weight in them!
Lyric
Traditional
Traditional
Tune/Interlude
saptASwarathamAruDham - naaTa raagam
mangaLam - madhyamAvati raagam
saptASwarathamAruDham - naaTa raagam
mangaLam - madhyamAvati raagam
mangaLam.. (5/5)
A befitting close to an awesome album
A befitting close to an awesome album
Playback - Anitha, Keerthana
As I already said, this duo is a great find and here they close the album on an awesome note!
As I already said, this duo is a great find and here they close the album on an awesome note!
Lyric
Traditional
Tune/Interlude
The usual mangaLam compostion in the raagam madhyamAvarti.
Verdict (5/5)*****
I don't really see anything negative in this album. Every song is well crafted with lot of care! Of late there haven't been any such albums with all the songs making an ever lasting impression! Thank you Raaja sir, for giving us such a wonderful album! The producer of this movie, Sai Babu should be immensely appreciated for his taste of music, hope he brings to us such gems from now on!
Just like the album Lava Kusa, this would be one to treasure for a life time! Get your copy today and enjoy Raaja's magic!!
Wishing the film all success!!
20 comments:
Very nice write-up brother. Another Karteek has written a review which is very similar to yours:
http://itwofs.com/milliblog/2011/08/17/sri-rama-rajyam-music-review-telugu-ilayaraja/
He too mentions that Tippu's song is among his best, refers to Chanti (chinnathambi) etc.
Bro, very well written! Nice to see you back with a good post.
very Well written..
the discussion from all the necessary elements as tune,lyric,singer is striking
good work keep it up
The Q&A format that you referred to is directly from the opening verses of Ramayanam :-)
kaH nu asmin sa.mpratam loke guNavaan kaH ca viiryavaan |
dharmaj~naH ca kR^itaj~naH ca satya vaakyo dhR^iDha vrataH || 1-1-2
A very good review...loved the way you explained each n every song.....A good Album always receives Good Applause and that is shown here....
Very nice and elaborate review. I too felt the same about the songs by Chitra and Shreya together, they reminded me about Leela and Susheela's combination in Lavakusa, though no comparison to be done. The lyrical value of this album also needs special mention as you said, of very high quality in the recent past (except for those penned by seeta rama sastry garu).
seetarama charitam is not sung by anitha and keerthana. it is sung 100% by shreya ghoshal and swetha. I know their voice...it was a mistake print on the cd cover. One of the best songs in the album.
@Sandeep - Thanks annayya for all the info :-)
@Phani - Thank you sir!
@Chakram, @Krovi and @Santhu
Nice to see that there are people who still are in to this kind of music and lyrics! Thanks and hats off to your tastes! :)
The album can be divided into 1) Classical 2) Folk.
Classical part like rama charitam, ramayanamu, evadunnaadu, jagadananda , kalaya etc are ultimateee..
in non classical for me the best order is
1) Shanku chakrala (2 songs) and Rama Rama
2) Devudlu & Seetha seemantham
However i got 2 complaints .
I wish raaja selected some other singer as well as some other raaga for GAALI...SPB voice is boring for that ...raga seelected also is boring..even in recent times MANASELLAM Tamil movie of srikanth , ilayaraja has scored nice similar patho song in that raga NEE THUNGUM NERATHIL song...So ..for this song he should have taken another raaga...its not unique or new..and is like mismatch for mythology environment
My another complaint is SRI RAMA LERA...we have heard enough of tamil songs in that raaga and we are already bored with that raga...Morover its sounding very TAMIL song
Shreya's telugu is irritating few times..We cannot afford such mistakes for mythology movie
Anyway the other 12 songs are ultimate for me
- Kiran (Sales executive)
All songs are really excellent. Thanks Tejo for a good review. As you said, there is really no flaw in these songs and should be a chartbuster without any doubt. All the musicians did their best.
I am really surprised by the above comment. Contrary to the above comment, I felt "Gaali Ningi Neeru" is apt for SPB and his rendition is OUTSTANDING!(what I mean is that I can't imagine any other singer bringing in such a mood and ambience with their voice for that song!) And, as Tejo said it should surely be an award winner for Balu garu! I don't know much about raagas and which raaga would be more suitable for this song but a great coherence in the orchestra and the ambience in Balu voice really mesmerises in this song.
Of course, music is very subjective and I respect everybody have their own perceptions and opinions.
Apart from that, my real appreciation is for the lyricist Jonnavitthula garu! The phrase " seleyaru sarayu nadhi" is novel!
Sree rAma lErA O rAmA
Is it not Vasantha Ragam?
what can we say about this album?.i don't have any words to speak. i have been waiting for a devotional album in Telugu from our maestro ilayaraja. good effort from him , lyricist and singers. There is still lot to come as this movie's background scoring is recorded in Budapest the capital city of Hungary. we can expect more music from this movie. This movie is going to be a musical hit.
Hi Karthik,
Good work. I liked the design of your blog very much :)
Ramana
Hi karthik, Can you please provide me your contact number?
ramnalucky@yahoo.com
facebook "ramanailayaraja"
It's so wonderful to see a ragam-based review for the album. Media outlets of higher repute do not have such a technical review. My compliments to you, Tejo Karthik, on this.
I was able to identify some of the ragams, but for the rest, your review is a sound guide.
I feel Raaja has delivered an album in keeping with the demands of the vision of the director and the script. There's less of a scope for music in some songs where the story is to be narrated in a musical format. In such cases the lyrics take prominence. Pleasant numbers like duets do not find a place. And yet, a song like Sri Rama Lera finds a great balance between devotion and passion. I imagine this to be really tough to convey.
It's one more milestone in Raaja's long and glittering career.
Thanks again for the review.
Tood me to another world. I am going to buy my CD today! Till then this takes care~!..http://www.4shared.com/get/JJpBkKJ3/Sriramarajyam_2011-MP3-VBR-320.html
it's really wonder of this songs thanks to Illa Rajaya sir and lyric's writer, singers and other technicians.... hands up to all.. and special thanks to Bapu sir, producer and mana balaya....
The songs sound very devine . Undoubtedly Ilayaraja is the best musician India has ever seen. It is to be noted that the music was composed after the lyrics were written.I also heard that 3 of the songs were composed in less than 15 minutes! He might have opted for the same generic raagas in some cases, but it gets portrayed differently each time he attempts it.
I really wish he gets his 5th National award this time around.
Regards,
Jay
Landed here while searching for Sri Rama Rajyam songs.
Nice review..! :)
Excelllenttt BLOG.. what an album & when i was searching about the raagas of this album,i got this. and i have a doubt about raaga in 'kalaya nijama'.. doesn't it sound like srotaswini raga?? sounds like rara (chandramukhi pallavi i.e srotaswini) and oh vasantha raaja (maestro's excellent composition in srotaswini..? PLease clarify.
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