Hareram Music Review

(over all rating : 3.75)

After Happy Days, expectations are sky-high for Mickey J. Meyer. He's more or less lived up to it, because if you're good, you're good. Flukes apart, like Henry Ford was once asked what he'll do if he loses everything? He said he'll make it all back in 5 years. Meyer has it, and does it again. A lot depends on the others in the team too-Happy Days might still be a one-off. But Meyer's come up with a good compilation although not exceptional or filled to the brim with freshness.

Nasha A lot of techno, electric guitar and Sunita Sarathy and Ranjith at the playback singing to Sirivennela's lyrics-that's Nasha. It's not your regular disco number. Thankfully it doesn't sound like a remix. But very western, only with Telugu lines. Very strong feel to it, Nasha is Telugu trance-techno, the sort Mani Sharma excels in (Kantri title). (rating:3)

Sariga Padani This does have shades of 'O My Friend' from Happy Days. Seems to be signature Mickey J, but it will probably take some more time to figure that out. That very western appeal, combined with the warmth of the Telugu lingo is something he seems to be good at merging. Karthik is good with the playback. (3.25)

Yakhuda Zara Dekhona Harish Raghavendra and Kalyani render this duet with lot of cheeriness. It's not the best number of the album, and chances are this Hindi-Telugu number (lines by Sirivennela) will either appeal to you, grow on you if you tolerate it the first 5 times or you will skip it to listen to the more appealing numbers of the album. (3.25)

Jairam JairamFinally, Mickey's on the mike (he just chipped in a line or two for Happy Days). He does a real good Telugu rap act-Jairam Jairam is fun to listen to Mickey does a swell job with the vocals. Bad news is, it's inspired totally from an international hit or two. Bebot by the Black Eyed Peas, anyone? A subtle inspiration from Coldplay was observed in a song in Happy Days..but this is sort-of a direct lift.

What's with Telugu composers and Black Eyed Peas? 'Maha Maha' in Mantra is also a direct lift from their song My Humps. 3.25

Lalijo Lalijo..and you think it's probably soft, slow, sad. Wrong. It's melodious; it has peppy beats and Karthik-Harini render a cute duet. Nothing we haven't heard before, but it still makes a decent composition, something we can listen to anytime and feel at peace with the world. Yeah, that sort of a number. Bliss in softness and in familiarity. (3.25)

Theme Music Balaji, Vasu and Srinivas induce the passion in the number, with Mickey's intense composition straight out of a passionate choir. This sounds like it's straight out a Hollywood magnum opus OSO, but no. It's our very own Telugu OSO. (3.5)

Last Word If you've liked Happy Days music, you like Mickey J. And if you like Mickey J, you'll like Hareram. Not outstanding-so he's yet to give his best. But good music..very contemporary. One thing is for sure, Meyer is here to stay.