Music Director: A.R. Rahman
Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
Singers: A.R. Rahman, Bela Shende, Mohammad Aslam, Bonnie Chakraborty, Javed Ali, Madhushree, Sonu Nigam
Ratings: ***1/2

This man works wonders, album after album, and never fails to disappoint listeners. Music maestro A.R. Rahman has done it again. He returns after "Guru" to compose the soundtrack of "Jodhaa-Akbar" that has already been showered with praises.

Packed with two instrumental numbers and five tracks, "Jodhaa-Akbar" has the makings of a hit.

Elaborate arrangements include the trumpets and the drums in "Azeem O Shaan Shehenshah". It is a wonderful composition and Mohammad Aslam and Bonnie Chakraborty, who have sung it, have done justice to the song. Lyrics by Javed Akhtar are up to the mark.

Sonu Nigam and Madhushree render a romantic piece titled "In lamhon ke daaman mein" that initially seems like any other track until it picks up pace. Javed Akhtar pens noteworthy lyrics while Rahman's music keeps the standard you expect from the maestro himself.

"Jashn e bahaare", sung by Javed Ali, comes next. The soft, serene and romantic piece displays an ideal fusion of Ali's vocals with string music. There's also a "Jashn e bahaare (instrumental)", which gives the flute a key position in the track.

Rahman finally makes his presence felt in areas other than compositions by singing "Khwaja mere Khwaja". His rendition coupled with the harmonium, tabla (percussion) and claps make for marvellous music.

One begins to wonder how a qawaali could impress to this extent that it ensures immediate gratification to everyone. "Khwaja mere Khwaja" (instrumental) is as good as the previous instrumental number belted out.

"Mann Mohana" comes in the end as an average number. This track, rendered by Bela Shende, is not too bad but after listening to the other numbers in the album, one would prefer placing it at the bottom of the six.

Rahman has once again proved that what he composes is of a completely different genre, standard and calibre. He stands in a place where there can be no competitors; his is a level that cannot be matched.