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This is an assorted collection of 20 memorable songs from the magical baton of G. Devarajan. There is no pattern or theme in the choice of songs. It includes solos by K. J. Yesudas, P. Jayachandran, A. M. Rajah, P. Leela, P. Susheela, P. Madhuri, and duets involving all these singers and B. Vasantha too. Most of the songs are popular hits like ‘Aayiram padasarangal…’ ‘Shankupushpam…,’ ‘Poovum prasadavum…,’ ‘Periyare…’ Also included are some of Devarajan’s evergreen melodies like ‘Oridathu jananam…,’ Nee oru minnalayi…,’ ‘Varthingal thoniyeri…,’ which is the highlight of this album.

Jayan (Jaya-Vijaya) and P. Jayachandran have a special place in devotional music. They have set trends and churned out some of the best songs in the genre. This time they get together to bring out eleven Ayyappa songs. The lyrics are by Rajiv Alunkkal.

There is a set pattern in the arrangement of songs in these seasonal albums. This one is no different. A peppy start invoking Lord Ganesha the songs go on to legend, philosophy of the Lord of Sabarimala and the significance of the pilgrimage. Most of the time the music director stumbles in a desperate attempt to turn words musical. The pick of the songs is the one set in Hindolam ‘Paduka manase nee…’ Typical of Jayan all the songs are vibrant and goes well with the mood of the season.

Girish Puthenchery and Ousephachan get together to make six songs that synchronise with the overall mood of the film. It is quite unusual to have six songs of the same raga. That is what Ousepachan has done here. All the songs are in Shubapanthuvarali, which is classically associated with a plaintive mood. A soft, melodic duet ‘Manassinte kavalvathil…’ by G. Venugopal and Sujatha is the pick of the songs. There is a different tenor in the voices and when it blends with the violin interludes it goes on to create a haunting mood. The slick orchestration, which is the hallmark of all the songs, enhances the quality of this song.

Another song that will prompt you to reach out for the replay button is Bombay Jayashree’s soulful ‘Pranaya sandhya oru…’ This poignant melody will haunt for long. Vineeth Srinivasan’s ‘Nagaram…’ is philosophical, where the singer strains to ring in the mood. Naveen Nair’s anglicised Malayalam does not hamper the mood of the sombre title song ‘Ore kadalay…,’ while Swetha does well in giving ‘Yamuna veruthe padunnu…’ the feel demanded by the music director. The male version of this song is by Ousepachan and it has an earthy feel about it.

K. P.

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