A. R. Rahman Slumdog Millionaire Review

The Mozart of Madras remains on form with this internationally appealing soundtrack to Danny Boyle's Academy Award winning film. To the West, Rahman is a fairly new name, but to the East, he's known as a tunesmith of the highest calibre with near-legendary status. This soundtrack is typically Rahman: vibrant, with incredible range and scope.

O… Saya was one of the two nominated tracks for Best Song at the Oscars; the other (winner) being Jai Ho. The former is heartfelt with rich sounds mirroring the Mumbai cityscape. Rahman's vocals are haunting and M.I.A's injection of lyrics in the middle are refreshing. Jai Ho is a quintessential Rahman track, complete with his favourite Bollywood vocalist, Sukhvinder Singh, who does an amazing job.

Riots and Latika's Theme are the two instrumentals on the album. The first is forgettable but Latika's Theme is a slow and entrancing piece. Its extension, Dreams On Fire, is sung effortlessly by Suzzaane.

The beat changes with Mausam & Escape. An infectious sitar plays in the style of the river-dance with an electro background. It's very similar to Liquid Dance – a mixture of classical Indian sounds and contemporary flavour; while Gangsta Blues, a hip-hop/r 'n' b number has its own quiet energy.

M.I.A makes another appearance in Paper Planes, this time with a different oomph; the track is relaxed and carefree with the following retro DFA remix flowing nicely into Aaj Ki Raat. This is Rahman's take on a Bollywood song from the remake of Don; the Bolly beats are unmistakable.

We get another Bollywood take with Ringa Ringa. This song created quite a buzz in India as it's Rahman's version of the 90s smash hit, Choli Ke Peeche. The original was controversial due to its innuendoes. This version retains the original singers, Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun.

The alchemist has done it again. This is a mega-soundtrack to keep fans happy and draw in a new audience.