There's something about a Harris Jeyaraj-Surya combo that seems to have everyone raise expectations to a fever-pitch, and AVM's Tamil movie Ayan, directed by K V Anand seems to be no exception. Here's what the album, whose lyrics penned by Vairamuthu, has to offer.
Pala Pala begins enthusiastically, with Latinesque rhythms and enthusiastic beats. Hariharan's voice almost seems unrecognizable in this rather peppy number. The beat itself is a fairly steady one without too many startling intrusions. The melody shifts everywhere from late 50s to the present day and then back again. That's where you think the composer has lost his way a bit, and the magic of the first few moments recedes slightly. Still, by the time the song returns to the first line, things are back on track and the lyrics fit the bill.
Mahathi and Harish Raghavendra render Nenje Nenje, which begins in a distinctly romantic fashion with some humming. The instrumental medley is really quite pleasant to listen to and then its back to Harish's fluid voice, while Mahathi adds to the experience. The mildness of the notes comes through very well, unhampered by unobtrusive background music and the lyrics. This number could easily be the chartbuster of the collection.
Beginning with a trill of laughter and an exclamation, Honey Honey can't help but bring memories of ABBA's hit but the resemblance ends with the words. Sayonara Philips' voice is weirdly engaging with its robotic inflection, while the melody itself seems to be faintly Arabic with rap thrown in, Harris style, reminding you a bit of the pace of Dhikku Dhikku from Dhaam Dhoom. A mildly appealing number.
Karthik's Vizhi Moodi is a complete opposite of the previous number slow, sensuous with a steady pace. A harmonica makes a startling but pleasant appearance, and then it's back to Karthik. Admittedly, it's nowhere in the league of the previous numbers but with its mild sorrow and piano interlude, it's still an enjoyable experience, mostly because the familiar tune isn't allowed to pall on you.
Then there's Oyaayiye, with Chinmayee, Benny Dayal and Haricharan teaming up to provide a peppy, youthful blast. Never mind that the notes seem to remind you quite a bit of Jaane Tu's Aditi, and some of Harris's earlier hits, the song carries on, regardless. Considering Harris's earlier numbers, this one's pretty much run-of-the-mill.
It looks like Harris Jeyaraj wants to break away from his usual melodies and try something new. And he has succeeded, to a certain extent. Barring one or two numbers, this effort doesn't seem to sustain itself after the first few lines but perhaps, with repeated listening, its appeal might increase.
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