Thumb Rule: Music Reviews - Shamitabh

Shamitabh; Eros Music
Music: Illaiyaraaja
CD Price: Rs 149

1. Ishq-E-Phillum: A litany more than a paean, this would play out as an edgy hymn to films, if cinema was a religion. Suraj Jagan on vocals.

2. Sha Sha Sha Mi Mi Mi: A title track that is imposing enough to make a point then get lost in translation with the lyrics. Caralisa Monteiro deftly pirouettes around. Reminds you of the Biddu era, for some reason, though.

3. Piddly: You think it’s an instrumental and then there it booms in, that unmistakable baritone. Amitabh Bachchan is having fun on this one. it shows.  

4. Stereophonic Sannata: Most of the music industry (and then some) get a mention on this cabaret-like track that has Shruti Haasan’s vocals putting the moves on the mic. Zany stuff, this.

5. Thappad: The anger is missing, but the growl is there. What has got up in Suraj Jagan’s grills. Have to ask: what’s behind the thappad. Situation kya hai?

6. Lifebuoy: We grew up with this tagline for a men’s soap. But this works as a better endorsement, no? Suraj Jagan again!

SO-SO: Make no mistake, Ilaiyaraaja has come out with great sounds, but the album itself sounds like an endorsement-wagon!