Ha [Import]

Talvin Singh | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 12, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Island UK
• ASIN: B00005AA36
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #207,861 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. One

2. Mustard Fields

3. The Beat Goes On

4. Uphold

5. Sway of the Verses

6. Dubla

7. It's Not Over

8. Abalonia

9. See Breeze

10. Bobby Style

11. Silver Flowers

Editorial Reviews

Sophomore album for the innovative British dance artist, his followup to 1998's 'O.K.'. Singh created a fusion of Indian bhangra music and drum'n'bass electronica in addition to achieving fame his remixes for Bjork, David Bowie and LTJ Bukem to name a few. This release features a whole host of musicians from the classical music scene of India. 11 tracks including the UK bonus track, 'Bobby Style'. 2001 release. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is his best to date, November 17, 2004

By 

Abhilash.R "The Sagittarian" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ha (Audio CD)

Anokha : Sounds from the Underground was my first introduction to the world of fusion music. There are a number of great artists like James Asher who have infused rock and Indian classical to tremendous commercial success. But none can come up to the critical acclaim of Talvin Singh as the maestro of fusion. And if a man follows up with something so original as Ha, then you know he is something special.

And special he is. I'll rate the songs individually so that you will get a good idea of Talvin's versatility.


One (10/10) : This first song is almost 12 mins long with the vocals provided by Ustad Sultan Khan. What a rendition !. Starts of slow, soulfully and then reaches a tremendous long crescendo of drums,violin, tabla and percussion. It is the perfect blend of east and west. Perfect. This is by far the best opening I've heard in any fusion album to date. On any other album I would have placed it as No 1. But read on.....

Mustard Fields (8.5/10) : If the first song starts slow and ends up fast then the second one blows on your face the minute it starts and ends the same way. Heavy percussion, tabla and bass is evident in this ripper of a song. Vocals by Sultan Khan himself. However it could get a bit repetitive owing to the same beats all through the song. But is still a trrific bhangra blast, mind you.

The Beat Goes On (9.5/10) : The strangest of the lot. And probably the most likeable. It starts so weirdly and then blends seamlessly with the main music. This is definitely a perfect set up for some retro dancing. Cool song really.

Uphold (9.5/10) : Wow. The beat is simply tremendous. In the background you hear chants and some weird percussion effect, but all that is immersed in some amazing drumming. It has a mystical eastern aura : dark , broody but full of rage and anger.

Sway of the verses (10/10) : One of the best an already superb album has to offer. The first real slow song. It starts of with, I believe bhangra lyrics, and then slowly falls into rhythmic natyam chorus. It is an uplifting piece. Tune progression is one of Talvin's fortes and this rendition is an ample proof of it. The way the song builds to its conclusion is superb.

Dubia (10/10) : The best of the lot. This HAS to be heard with surround sound. Starts of slow with rhythmic percussion and then blasts you of your feet with some truly amazing beat pattern. Along the way, the Bharatanatyam type dance vocals begins and that takes the song to a whole new level. It ends up with all the percussion and music fading off into a single beat with the vocals carrying on to the end. This is THE best fusion song to date. It is fast, it is catchy and is downright addictive. Mind you, if you don't like fast fusion, probably you might not like this.

It's not over (8/10) : A slightly melancholic, melodramatic song that probably suits a rainy day. It connects more when you listen, cast on favourite couch it in a dimly lit room. It probably forces you to reflect on your thoughts. Good song, but not one for all occasions.

Abalonia (8/10) : Not a really great song, but very amusing to listen to. It is more offbeat than all others in the album. Probably Talvin wanted to add a track that you couldn't place in his already weird set pieces. But nevertheless it is a welcome change.

See Breeze (10/10) : The comes real close to Dubia except that it has rhythmic vocals backed up by some powerful flute and drum rendition. It is one of the best in the whole lot and probably tries to uplift you to some newfound optimism for life. It is an expansive, soulful, gorgeous song.

Silver Flowers (6/10) : The weakest of the lot. I seriously couldn't connect to it or place it in any form whatsoever. Yet, behind its virtual lack of any music, at certain points of the day, you might want to check it out because of the beautifully haunting vocals in the background. But it can be skipped most of the time. It is the only real flaw in an otherwise, superb musical orchestra.

Overall, Ha is a masterpiece. Fusion music has always had trouble with the public, owing to its cross cultural mix of unplacable tunes. Yet it is probably the most exciting genre since you can just about mix anything to bring out some truly flabbergasting renditions. Certain songs transcend both spiritual and physical barriers to become truly uplifting classics. Take Deep Forest , Enigma or even Sting....all have dappled in it and have come out with critical and commercial success. And Talvin is no different. Try it out and you will probably be hooked to his other albums like I did. Even to this day, I don't get bored of what he has to offer because they are sound so pure and unique. Enjoy

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars in pursuit of excellence..., February 23, 2002

By 

Greekfreak (Pusan Korea (South)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ha (Audio CD)

After being intruiged by 'Anokha', and mesmerized by 'Ok', I have to admit it wasn't too hard to get me to pick up 'Ha' once I'd realized it was on the market.

'Ok' was wonderfully underrated Indian-flavoured drum 'n' bass that never lacked for imagination, and actually inspired me to pick up some traditional tabla stuff, which I in turn loved just as much.

I can't say for sure if it's a better album than 'Ok' but it's just as good, and a bit more constant. "See Breeze', 'One', and 'Uphold' maintained my interest incessantly enough for repeated listens, but the entire album is truly excellent. He might not be breaking any new ground, but it is sure to please fans of his last album.

If you can find a domestic release that's a lot cheaper, however, I would recommend it, because one bonus track does not make much difference either way.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars East meets Best!!!, June 4, 2001

By 

"biju2002" (pontiac, mi United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ha (Audio CD)

Having been hooked by the initial Anokha phenomenon, i admit i was disappointed by Singh's second product "OK". Maybe that is partly due to the fact that i'm not the biggest drum and bass fan. Regardless, what he has conjured up on "HA" is nothing short of amazing. The perfect blend of traditional indian beats with downtempo drum and bass...did i mention this album is amazing? By far, his best work to date. The album jumps back and forth from cruising at 50,000 ft to making you get up and sway freely around the room in some blissed out haze. a must have for fans of asian influenced electronica.