Guru has the trademark Rahman signature all over the album, and - as my friend pointed out - a distinct southy feel to it. But this Mani Ratnam-A.R. Rahman combine provides exactly what you'd expect - the best.
The album has a high-octane beginning - your legs start moving to the drum beats of Barso Re with abandon. This is followed by Tere Bina, a love ballad featuring Rahman's vocals. The sargam, especially, in this song is moving. Craziness (and bhaang) overflows in Ek Lo Ek Muft. Mayya, which reminded me of Khalbali (Rang De Basanti), throws any remaining reserve out of the window. Rahman started a trend of using the same tune for two different songs in the same album in RDB (Pathshala). And he uses this to great effect in Ay Hairathe which has the same tune as Tere Bina (watch out for the marching beats in between). Rahman springs a surprise in Baazi Laga with its circus-style beats. And finally there's Jage Hain - a slow song with live-orchestra style music. This song, according to me, is the best the album. It leaves you on a high that's perfect for a near-perfect album.
