Ayubowan- A Different Sound

'Ayubowan' first made news when it was released around World Cup Cricket 2007. Musicians Bathiya and Santush belong to Sri Lanka and their track 'Meri Hoja Re' got some decent air time for itself. Now the album is back in news with the second track 'Oh Sathi' that features none other than Sri Lankan cricket giants Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas.First to come is a short rap-n-reggae introduction musical piece aptly titled 'Colombo 2 Mumbai'. Sung in English, the track is followed by Hindi number 'Meri Hoja Re', a tune that has it's base set in melody. In fact as soon as the track enters into 'antara', one can almost sense a strong RD Burman influence. Having said that, the female voice in the background is irritating to say the least as she croons a line or two in English that only manages to interrupt the song's flow. If one leaves that aside, the song is a decent hear though once expects something even better in subsequent songs.One can find the feet tapping as soon as 'Wo Mera Girna' begins. A pop track that is made of a mix of Hindi and English lyrics, it has a conventional feel about it even as it tries to be all peppy and young. Yes, young it is but nothing much different from the kind of songs that one has been used to hearing ever since the Indi-pop came into existence more than a decade back. Light notes at the beginning of 'Ye Kya Hua' make way for a soft track to follow. In fact for the first time ever one is required to increase the volume of the music system since the song is sung in low pitch with minimal orchestra to boost. When compared to all the songs preceding it, this one is the best outing for Bathiya and Santush as they sing this lovely track about unforgettable love. With a sense of emptiness looming large, the song is specially created for broken hearts. Now this one is sure to get you wear your dance shoes! 'O Saathi' may not have much of a lyrical value but when it comes to having fun with some funky beats to boast and an element of rap-n-reggae thrown in to good measure, it wins hands down. This is the very song that also features Sanath and Chaminda. After being half way into the song, one can easily acknowledge the fact that it was not a bad choice at all for them to have given a go ahead to it. At places, one of the male voices also sings in a style that Bali Brahambhatt used to in his heydays! Now this one is truly fusion...and experimental. Ever heard a Srilankan sing a 'bhojpuri' track? Well something like this happens here as Bhojpuri, Hindi, English and Sinhala lyrics are brought together for 'Hamar Dil'. Based on a melody from the Sri Lankan musical created by John De Silva in the early 20th century, 'Hamar Dil' is a little noisy to begin with but as one gives it a repeat hearing, it turns out to be a fun listening. 'Umdi Hui Hai Ghata' is the second soulful track in the album after 'Ye Kya Hua' and yet again makes maximum impact. It's simplistic approach makes all the difference as the rendition also follows the same path and hence makes sure that the lovelorn hearts pick the song with both hands. A soft number, one hopes that there are more of the kind in the album to follow. A campus musical track is heard next in the form of 'Nacho'. A peppy track that also has some of the elements from the music of early 80s, it reminds of numerous disco tracks that Mithun Chakravorty danced to once upon a time. Nevertheless, a decent track to hear which would surely make a much better impact when seen as a part of a live concert. Out of nowhere come the remix version of 'Saawan Ka Mahina' which is based on the namesake number from the past. After an initial crooning of 'Saawan Ka Mahina', the mood shifts to rap followed by some heavy duty beats to follow. Later 'Saawan Ka Mahina' does make a comeback but overall one is left wondering if the song was indeed required. On the other hand the remix version of goldie 'Chup Chup Khade Ho' turns out to be amusing, what with bhangra elements infused into the proceedings. Now this is a kind of track on which one would love to see a music video being created! A carnival feel is prominent in 'Duniya Duniya' which seems to be taking off from where Remo Fernandes would have left in his last song. Lyrics are a mix of Hindi and English and the song is mostly rap that hardly makes an impression, especially today when rap is hardly the genre which is popular, at least in India. Ditto for 'Ethnic Woman' which turns out to be quite loud in the end and makes you look forward to the next song in the album. Primarily an Ensglish track, 'Pretty Fly' boasts of a good rhythm that makes it stand out from numerous other tracks heard in the album so far. There is a bit of naughty element in the song that makes it a cute outing and the kind that can be given a repeat hearing. 'Ride With Me' that comes next has an instant foot tapping effect on you as this English track moves at a good pace and while doing so makes sure that you jive along to the beats. An exciting track, it takes the album to it's end with 'Home In The Sky' which has a mix of Sinhala and English lyrics. Sung quite well, 'Home In The Sky' is a soft track with a consistent flow that could musically qualify to be the next anthem for an event! 'Ayubowan' is an album that brings a different sound that could find both admirers as well as some who may pass it away with a shrug. Nevertheless, it is not a bad effort at all since most of the tracks are fairly entertaining with something for everyone.