Reviewed by Mandeep Bahra
mandeep@indolink.com

After the stupendous success of MADE IN INDIA, Alisha's long-awaited new album has finally arrived! However, don't expect another MADE IN INDIA! That's not to say that this album is bad. On the contrary, it is very innovative! But as the producer (Alisha's ex-husband, Rajesh Jhaveri) boasts, this is a "concept album". Alisha takes us around the world in eight songs(!), and experiments with musical styles from all the continents.

She starts with "Om", believed to be "the origin of sound in its purest form". Alisha tells us that she believes in an "inner God" and in "herself" before breaking into song with "Om Namah Shivah". This song is the most conventional in terms of its 'pop' sound and will probably become the chart buster. However, the album then takes an unexpected route...

In "Let's Dance" we are transported back in time with a folk tune reminiscent of the "Bichhua" number in the 50's movie MADHUMATI! Alisha adapts her voice to this style of song impressively, but the tune isn't very infectious. The musical arrangements are engaging though, incorporating tabla by Zakir Hussain and flute pieces by Hariprasad Chaurasia (of Shiv-Hari fame)!

We then enter the Middle East with "Laila". Alisha once again adapts to the 'Arabian' requirements and does a splendid job. This song has a catchy chorus making it more appealing than "Let's Dance".

Africa is our next stop! "Eela A" is a mixture of African tribal music and reggae. This style of music is known as 'Segga' music and is popular in areas of Africa and even in Mauritius! Alisha's renderring of this song is effortless and the tune is so easy on the ears that you'll be singing along in no time.

The previous four numbers collectively make up the "Rhythm" section, while the next four make up the "Soul" section (according to the cassette jacket). Europe is the next stop on our journey. "Tu Jo Mila" is a sweet romantic number that sounds like a song from the movies of the 50's. Alisha is accompanied by a piano and classical guitar. The arrangement for this song is simple yet effective.

We then cross the Atlantic for "Main Hoon Tumhari". Alisha surprises by singing a ghazal! And she sings it well too! This time the arrangement includes jazz saxophones in the interludes, accompanied by some surprisingly good lyrics by Alisha. "Tu Hi Meri Zindagi" is another ghazal but is more mordern in its composition and has a western drum beat to accompany the tabla.

The finale is the real surprise! Accompanied only by a single violin (played by Dr L.Subramaniam) Alisha attempts "Babul Mora", a classical piece composed on the raga 'Bhairavi' and made famous by the legendary K.L.Saigal! I'm pleased to say that Alisha succeeds as her voice manages to meander through every note perfectly.

This album is a daring effort on Alisha's part, but it's unconventional nature may put the average listener off. In any case, Alisha proves that she is a singer of high calibre and can give all her contemporaries a run for their money!

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