Advantages: Very diverse, multi cultural album. The Breathing Light track. Disadvantages: Maybe overambitious. Tracks are hit and miss.
[Also reviewed on Epinions and Dooyoo]
NitinSawhney is an Indian-British musician/producer and Prophesy is his 5th album [2001]. The writing on the album sleeve questions whether the materialistic "developed" world is superior to the more spiritual "developing" world, ending with the line "I guess we make our own prophecies". This is the theme of the album, questioning whether technology is actually overrated in making countries more developed.
The album consists of a diverse range of guest artists collaborating with Nitin. Some tracks are simply interviews with different people across the globe. It is impressive to have Indian, hip hop, Arabic and African influences all contained in one album. The problem is that the album lacks cohesion, jumping from one world style to another. Attempts at fusing different styles together ...
Advantages: Superbly produced, fresh and exciting, alternative Disadvantages: May take a bit of getting into for some
The Corrs, The Corrs - we all love them don't we? Who after all could resist the Celtic charm and charismatic Irish smiles ? They've been on the scene for quite a few years now, and their ability to fuse traditional Irish music with every day pop/rock is at the very heart of their success as a global pop act. I'll admit that I used to quite like these guys but since the money making and "Pop" world went to their head, I've paid them very little attention beyond the early days of Talk On Corners.
But really, The Corrs have nothing to do with Nitinsawhney do they - I mean one originates from Ireland and one from India, one is happy pop and one is moody alternative. But ahh, that's where you'd be wrong you see. For although there are no obvious likenesses, the way in which Sawhney worked could be compared to that of the Corrs.
Nitin ...
Advantages: Beautifully produced, great listening, some of the best songs you will ever hear Disadvantages: not every track is a masterpiece
an abrupt ending - leaving the listener invigorated. In direct contrast is "The Nomad" which is a "Sargam" track - a song so soft and relaxing it seems more peaceful than silence itself.
The artistry of a student of NitinSawhney, Niraj Chag - is superb and has brough him deserved acclaim since this spectacular masterpiece. If you have never listened to anything else in this genre - this is the perfect place to start. If you are still skeptical - youtube a couple of tracks and see how you feel. ...
