fame) score music in Tamil here for the first time. This album has been long in the making. Is it worth the wait? Let us check it out now.

Vellaikkari---
Vocals: Hariharan, Leslie, Achu

A stylish number, this, in what looks like a western depiction of Bahudari raga. The repeated swaras ‘pa ma ga ma’ on the trumpet adds gaiety. In fact, the lively trumpet notes give a ‘jazzy’ feeling to the song itself. Notice how it goes ‘sa ni sa ni sa’ and swoops down ‘sa sa ni pa, ni ni pa ma,--- ’ etc; and then takes off on the top ‘pa’ swara and goes ‘paa—ma pa ma pa ma pa’ all three minutes into the song.



Ottrai Vaarthaiyil---
Vocals: Shaan

A gently seductive number and articulated sweetly by Shaan—well done! Interesting lyrics too. Is it the Kaanada raga that has been so modernized? Apart from the pleasant acoustic guitars, you hear some special sounds from Wind Chimes, Cowbel and drums. Could be savored by youngsters. The subtle pause after the words ‘mouname iraicchalthaan’ is to be relished.



Chikki Mukki---
Vocals: Leslie, Surmukhi

Sensual lyrics that speak of the pleasure of touch between lovers, but all poetic and nothing sordid. The song itself moves on a quirky rhythm, which catches your fancy. There is a liveliness in the lady singer’s voice which adds energy to this number. There is a small alaap piece of Behag in the middle of this song which trots on the Mohanam raga scale.



Paadhi Kadhal---
Vocals: Bombay Jayashree, Sunitha Sarathy

The velvet voice of Jayashree( she does a small cute alaap passage of Sriraga here) and the raspy voice of Sunithaa contrast well in this song.The guitars and violins are also very feather-light and seductive. Conceived nicely on what appears to be Sriragam, this song does not have strong rhythms, thankfully. Could be a chart-climber.



Latcham Vaarthaigal---
Vocals: Ranjani

A very deep-voiced rendering in the same mettu of song number two, but with different lyrics. Devassy’s piano and keyboards are so delicate here. The drums are stylish too.



Modhi Vilayadu---
Vocals: Hariharan, Deva

The title song, of course, but with lyrics that need to be enjoyed. It starts off with a bit of Sindubairavi raga and goes on from there. What gets this song on a roll is the rousing drum work by Sivamani. It adds a lot of ‘masti’ to the song. Youngsters are certain to lap it up.

Verdict:

This album has touches of Latin music, but the songs cannot be classified as belonging to a particular genre. It has certain sophistication to it, especially the rhythms and soft touches of classical stuff, which are so subtle in places. A welcome addition to the Tamil film music world. Let us happily look forward to more stuff from them.