Jeeva Music Review

Audio Review by Kris Nayak

"Jeeva" is a classic case of whole being lesser than the sum of its parts; we can see signs of Gurukiran’s brilliance in patches- but overall, one can’t stop thinking about what it could have been if a few things had gone right. Like a dampened firecracker, it promises a lot, and delivers nothing. This album might have looked good on a newbie music director’s resume, but we expect more than mediocrity from Gurukiran. The songs remind us of past hits in (very small) parts, words lack hummability, music doesn’t stick; all we can say is- jeeva (soul) itself is exactly what this album lacks.

Summane Yaake Bande (Sonu Nigam, Shruti): As usual, Sonu nigam gets the best song of the lot, or his voice miraculously transforms ‘average’ to ‘good’. Shruti provides an able foil, and shines bright in the limited amount of time she gets. Lyrics are soothing and meaningful; this song sets the expectations bar quite high, which none of the songs come close to.

Beke Beku (Gurukiran): This is where things start to go wrong. Semi- rock, semi-pop, semi- trance… this song has no independent identity. It starts off somewhere, ends up somewhere else, and leaves us listeners completely lost. Lyrics don’t make much of a sense either.

Haadona Baa Lagori (Hemanth Kumar): Another mish- mash of various genres. Gurukiran has done it several times in the past, with great success, but fails miserably here. Hemanth kumar gives his 100%, and almost saves the song; but as soon as we settle into the tune, and maybe hum a word or two, the tempo changes drastically, killing any interest that was left in the song.

Beke Beku (Kunal Ganjawala): Same wine, but a better bottle. Kunal Ganjawala adds much-needed touch of class compared to Gurukiran’s version. The jump between various music styles aren’t as evident as before, Mr. Ganjawala’s voice ironing some of the bumps out. He definitely deserves better music, and better lyrics.

Selede Heegeke Nanna (Krish): Comes close to being the best song of the album. Kaviraj’s lyrics gel together very well to the sentimental/silent music. Krish does a neat job, and at places, reminds of Sonu Nigam.

Barakku Obama Kiriku Osama (Divya Shimoga): ‘Taliban alla alla’ meets Kannada folk style, and we are not sure why. I’m ready to bet my salary that not many people will listen to this song completely. A must- avoid song, if there is any.

Final verdict:

Quite OK- but could have been better. Apart from Summane Yaake Bande and Selede Heegeke, other songs do not demand a repeat listening. It tries to be many things at once, and succeeds at none.