Songs
Rang De (Asha Bhonsle, A.R.Rahman) Lyrics: Sukhvindara Singh
Khamosh Raat (Roopkumar Rathod) Lyrics: Mehboob
Jaan Meri (Hema Sardesai, chorus) Lyrics: Mehboob
Dheem ta Dare (Surja Bhattacharya) Lyrics: Mehboob
Boondon Se Baatein (Sujata Trivedi) Lyrics: Mehboob
Toofan Ke Raat (Hema Sardesai, chorus) Lyrics: Mehboob
Dhol na (Sukhvindara Singh) Lyrics: Sukhvindara Singh
Jumbalikka (Shankar Mahadevan, Alisha Chinai, chorus) Lyrics: Mehboob

Alisha Chinai appears courtesy of Virgin Records)
Harmony: Ganga, Kanchana, Febi, Chandran, Sreeni, Noell, Pinto

THAKSHAK AUDIO REVIEW
by Vishy

There is a desire among some to draw a small circle and put ARR firmly inside, but he just shows that he will never stop from trying new things. In Takshak, he goes for a mix of indi-pop, western, and a little bit classical too, all presented in his unique style. The focus here is more on variety than melody, so this album may not suite some people, especially those who are afraid of turning up the volume and going bonkers with the music.

I have always had this complaint that ARR's hit songs are always the melodious kind or the "arabic kadaloram"/"oorvashi" types, nothing in between. He has now settled it with Takshak. There are some songs here with loud music that I am sure will set the teenagers rocking in India.

Takshak will definitely figure in my ARR-best-albums collection, for its variety and also for some really wonderful numbers. Below are my comments on the songs.

"rang de" - ARR and Asha team has given us much better songs, but this is by no means a bad song. An OK song. The beats resemble "vetrikkodi nattu" from Padayappa, and the tune here and there reminds one a little bit of "zahreela pyar" from Daud.

"khamosh raat" - Sung by Roopkumar Rathod, this is a slow number, almost like reading a prose. A very soothing number. The "gamaga sasarisa" humming is very nice. A very good song.

"jaan meri" - This is a fun song with lots of music, the keyboard, the drums, the background chorus, everything in full force. Sounds like a number from a pop album, but with the Rahman stamp. Hema Sardesi has quite a distinct voice and has done a great job, especially in the high pitch humming. Her singing reminded me of Mariah Carey. A good song.

"dheem ta dare" - A Hindustani classical number. I wish Yesudoss could have sung this one, not that Surjo Bhattacharya is bad or anything. A very nice number.

"boondon se baaten" - The sure-fire chartbuster, this album is worth a CD simply for this song. The beats, the guitar and the flute are wonderful. The song emulates "O Maria" from Kadhalar Dhinam just a little bit. Sujata Trivedi has sung this one beautifully. A great song.

"toofan ki raat" - Another pop-style number, this one sounds very much like a song from, say, Alisha Chinai's "Made in India" album. The pop-effect is written all over it. Hema Sardesi has done very well again, singing this in an indi-pop/western style. A good song.

"dholna" - The ARR/Sukhwinder combo strikes it rich once again. It is a great song. The highlights are Sukhwinder's high-spirited singing, the melodious flute, and the majestic drumbeats in the background. This song has a mystical quality, and I cannot get this flute piece out of my mind. Reminds me just a little of the "kariye na" song from Taal. Excellent job!!

"jumblika" - The only bad song of this album. I couldn't like it in Tamil, neither in Hindi. Too bad, Alisha has been wasted like this. I remember reading somewhere that ARR lost a weird-song that he had composed in a computer. Just wonder if he replaced that one with Jumblika. Wish this song had not appeared in this album.

My preference order is as follows:
1. boondon ki baaten
2. dholna
3. khamosh raat
4. dheem ta dare
5. toofan ki raat
6. jaan meri
7. rang de
8. jumblika

Is ARR trying to take a break? I seriously started doubting after listening to this album of his.

'Rang De' is a fast number. Nothing different, the usual ARR stuff, Asha and chorus singing that phrase thousand times all through the song. Intermittently ARR touch is noticeable. Song starts off like 'Vetri kodi kattu' from Padayappa.
'Khamosh Raat'is sung by a newcomer, Roopkumar Rathod (or may be he is new to me). His inexperience shows up all through. The song is just adequate.

'Jaan Meri' - Hema Sardesai - oh, just forget it! (like some of the trashes from 'Love Bird' and 'Daud')

Dheem Ta dare - by another new name Surja Bhattacharya - like a thillaana - a common raag, has base music simulating 'Kathirikka gundu kathirikkaa'. An okay song.

Boondon se baaten - Sujata Trivedi - is a bit different with a 'Zehreela pyar' effect. Sujata Trivedi is good.

Toofan ki raat - again nothing to rave about.

Dholna - by Sukhwindara singh - ARR should seriously consider giving a small vacation to him. It is too monotonous.

Jumbalika - Alisha Chinai and Shankar Mahadevan - a north and western treatment, quite alright.

Quite disappointing, folks!