Album- Rabbi
Rating- ****
Sardar with a guitar. Unlikely combo, isn’t it?
Well in this age, when we are so used to hearing U.K returned bhangra specialist Punjabi mundas, who sing (really?) the same old numbers with express beats, Rabbi Shergill comes as a welcome relief with his maiden self titled album.
The beginning:
I came across this news channel interviewing Rabbi. At first, I dismissed him as a stereotype, but then I was captivated when he began to strum and sing. I thought “gosh! this guy is actually good”. Then came the video “Bulla ki jaana” and I was sure that I had to buy this album.
Sardar with a guitar. Unlikely combo, isn’t it?
Well in this age, when we are so used to hearing U.K returned bhangra specialist Punjabi mundas, who sing (really?) the same old numbers with express beats, Rabbi Shergill comes as a welcome relief with his maiden self titled album.
The beginning:
I came across this news channel interviewing Rabbi. At first, I dismissed him as a stereotype, but then I was captivated when he began to strum and sing. I thought “gosh! this guy is actually good”. Then came the video “Bulla ki jaana” and I was sure that I had to buy this album.
The chase:
Finding the Rabbi CD was a tough job. All the shopkeepers dished out Mohd Rafi CDs. Worse, one guy came out with a game CD of Rugby!!!
The experience:
The chase ended and I finally settled down with my CD. The 1st track “bulla ki jaana”, penned beautifully by 18th century Sufi saint Bulla Shah, is arguably one of the best composed songs in recent times. The variation in Rabbi’s voice is amazing and this track totally rocks with its tune and strumming. The 2nd track “tere bin” is extremely catchy and is fast becoming one of my favourites. “Heer” is a typical punju number with great beats and the use of rock guitar is done neatly. “Ishtihaa” is a soul number with great vocals, but tends to get heavy after a couple of listenings. “Totya” has got some good guitar riffs, “ajj nachna” is kinda regular punju song. “Gill de guitar” is the most catchy of the lot with the makings of a great buddy number like “purani jeans”. Look out for the distorted guitar again. “Ek geet hijar” can make a good lounge number. The last track “jugni” is more or less a song with social relevance, a slow number, more thought provoking than entertaining.
All said and done, this is an outstanding album strongly influenced by Rock, Funk, Bhangra, Classical and Folk music. In short, it can be labelled as a genre busting record. Rabbi, with his great vocals and excellent use of guitar has come out with one of the most creative albums in recent times.
Word of caution:
All lyrics in Punjabi, thankfully the booklet contains English translation of all the songs.
Those who are heavily into remixes and bubble gum pop/ hip hop acts can conveniently avoid this album.
-Arun Ganesh
-Arun Ganesh
reviewed by Arunirvana at 10:20 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
gud one :)
hadnt even heard of name...looks like u reviewed even before any newspaper...
how is ur guitar-ing going on ?
i have heard it , i have heard it & hav gone crazy since listening to this song, even my sis likes it very much....it was good to hear that all the songs are good in album...waiting to get hold of a copy myself
This is Tayyaba Khan from Pakistan. All I can say about Rabbi is that he is awsome, he plays guitar wonderfully. I've seen his live performance in Karachi. I like his song 'Bulla ki jaana' absolutely a blast. Rabbi! keep up the good work; nothing can make me more happy than seeing you as a successful and big star. I feel the day has come.
love
tj
RABBI's "Bulla ki jaNa me kauN"-Pretty Good Sufi song and Also Very Good Video too.Till Date I heard This Sufi Song atleast 50 times.U Will love to hear the song again and again.Great Music and voice of RABBI........Long Live Sufi Music.
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