Second part of NEPV impressions.
First impressions: Part II
5. Kaatrai Konjam
Love the prelude. The tune has a retro touch and slightly predictable flow but paradoxically feels fresh and addictive. Great orchestration from beginning to end. The instruments talk to each other, intertwine and help each other go on a journey. The repetitions of pallavi at the end has nice additional orchestration. Karthik has sung well but at the end of saranam his voice gets bit drowned by orchestration. Overall, a smooth composition by Raja.
6. Pengal Yendral
Song fits Yuvan and sung well by him. Raja blasts feeling of anguish using electric guitar (no strings in this song) May not get as popular as other songs but Raja breaks some new ground here. The progression of the whole song is totally unpredictable, just when you think the pallavi is going to end, it hits a new progression.
Every time the song goes around and lands on the word "kathaadi" it adds value. Probably the song would average without that particular passage -- "Enna solli... enna penne... nenjam oru kathaadi" (Master class for new composers!) Saranam is done really well and orchestrated. The middle portion of the song has some great progression.
Totally a situational song but stands on it's own leg.
7. Pudikale Maamu
Great prelude and interlude. Totally new. But rest of song the just the opposite. Disconnection from current college reality. Lyrics is a big fail here. In the middle, the song morphs into kuthu paatu, with playful orchestra fueling retro raja right till the end. The ending dialogue between singing and instrument is super. Amazing and ordinary co-exists in this song.
8. Saindhu Saindhu,
Hummable hit. Melodious all the way through the song and evokes a great feeling in saranam. Yuvan singing is weak but gets better in the saranam. Orchestration is top class. First interlude shows Raja's new orchestral touch and conception. Just very fresh, surprising and moving. Anything like this interlude from Raja I could listen to it forever. One of top moments in the album.
Still, waiting for the '"alternate" version of this track that GVM wanted to release!
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Overall Raja excels. Orchestral guys keep pace with him. Singers lag a bit behind. Last comes lyrics. The voice of singers could have been a tad bit more in the forefront of instruments.
Saindhu Saindhu, Kaatrai Konjam, Yennodu Vaa Vaa & Vaanam Mela are strong Raja melodies wrapped with fresh orchestral treatment. I assume more people will like these songs. IMO, Sattru Munbu, Mudhal Murai, Pengal Yendral and Pudikale Maamu are new type of Raja songs....will probably be less appreciated or catch fire slowly.
Anyway, It would be unfair to call this "new" Raja or Raja 2.0 or term it is a comeback. He just shows he has lot of music left in him. It is up to directors to extract music out of him.
GVM gave him opportunity to explore and Raja has hit new territories and also feels home there. One of Raja's best in recent times.