"KARANJI" Audio Review

Karanji Audio Review by Cee

The Full Length Songs

Kumbaaraki – This is the best of the album. The composition is very very good. I would probably like it better had it been sung by Raghu Dixit, but I can't complain too much. Sukhwinder suits the song to the T. His pronunciation, considering the tongue twisting saahitya and the pace of the song, isn't too bad. The rock version of the song slightly edges out the normal version.

Ninna Hallige – Raghu Dixit's song. I didn't like this immediately, but after some loops of the album, it has become my second favorite song. The rustic music enhances the fun in the song.

Ee Dina Hosadaagide – The melody song. The guitar, the background beats, and especially the chorus – are all pretty good. And Karthik sings the song quite well especially the 'Majavide, majavaagide' part. But I can't help but wonder, has Karthik become the new Sonu Nigam for a set of music directors like Arjun, Veer Samarth, Neel? Can't complain especially since Karthik pronounces Kannada better than Sonu, but guys there are talented singers in Karnataka – Hemant especially.

Sutta Muttalu Sanjegattalu – Ties with Ee Dina Hosadaagide for me. It's a electric, energizing remix of an old favorite. Gurukiran nicely puts his own style to the song.

Ee Tampu Gaali – I like the Qawwali beats in this song. Also Fayaz Khan's interlude. This along with Yaaru Haadada are two of the most decent songs Hariharan has sung in Kannada recently. Thanks to Veer Samarth for renewing my lost faith – Hariharan was one of my favorite singers up until I heard his Kannada songs. Hariharan also seems to have taken care with the pronunciation in these two songs.

Murida Marada – Starts of pretty well. But the song itself doesn't match up to the back ground – there was some disconnect? between the vocal portion and the back ground music. Will not be on my playlist for long. To be fair, Vijay Prakash and Apoorva sing well.

The Bits

Naanu kolike Ranga – TP Kailasam avra haaDu. Veer Samarth proves he's a competent singer.

Naadadimpu – Apoorva Shridhar sings very well. A singer to watch for.

Aalaap – The music arrangement sounds like one of AR Rahman's compositions. The aalaap is quite different anyhow.

The Themes

Kaaranji theme – Santosh and Vyasraj are credited, probably for yelling Kaaranji from time to time. The most jarring part of the theme. The music however is exceptional,

Rock Band theme – The Aadisi Nodu remix. Remixed very well – but the original music bit itself was extremely haunting.

And The Horrid Song

Nammoora Santheli – I hope this is the song the contest losing group sings. I can't otherwise figure out why they felt compelled to remix Santoshakke along with other stuff I didn't recognize – and that too so horribly.

In summary, one bad song doesn't break the album with 13 good songs and bits in it. Veer Samarth proves yet again (after Shivamani which was a fairly decent album as well) that's he's another composer to watch for. The music of Kaaranji certainly lives up to the promise and expectations. I hope the movie does too. 4.5/5 for the sheer variety in the songs.