A. R. Rahman Delhi - 6 Review

AR Rahman has produced a perfect accompaniment to Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's, long-awaited Delhi-6: trippy beats, romantic melodies and even devotional sounds mirror Delhi's old city.

Masakali (implying freedom or liberation) mixes tempos and is both melodic and power packed. It is a bubbling, feel-good song, with interesting and naughty lyrics. Mohit Chauhan impresses with his vocal range and ensures that this track will become one of the biggest hits on the album.

Arziyan, a qawwali, harks to the spirit of Islam in old Delhi. Javed Ali and Kailash Kher mesmerize as they sing with tabla and harmonium.

Genda Phool captures Rajasthani folk culture. Rekha Bharadwaj keeps it authentic though a funky-beat finishes the track on groovy hip-hop note. Rekha appears again with a quartet of female singers chanting the evocative bhajan Aarti (Tumre Bhavan Mein).

In stark contrast, Dilli-6, sung by Blaaze (an Indian-based rapper), is undisputedly the boldest track on the album. Filled with attitude, flair, and style the track mixes toxic techno, pop and bass.

Hey Kaala Bandar is another track that pushes the boundaries, infusing rap and pop over a bubbly and upbeat tune, but lacks Rahman's trademark melodies.

Rahman himself, features on Rehna Tu. Reminiscent of songs from Mehra's previous film, Rang De Basanti, it is pure vintage AR and lights up the soundtrack.

Acting legend, Amitabh Bachchan, closes the album with a spiritual, poetic ode, Noor. Written by Prasoon Joshi, it should make more sense in the film but merely surprises here.

Time and time again, Rahman produces music that is so original and so unique that one can't help but be in awe of his every creation. Delhi-6 is yet another example of his brilliance.