Customer Reviews

Ragani - Best of Both Worlds - Kirtan Cafe - Vol. 1

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This is one of the best New Age/Kirtan CDs of recent years. The final track, "Rama Rama" is one of the most achingly beautiful songs I've ever heard. It's as if you're listening to Sita, the legendary heroine of the epic Ramayana, actually calling for her husband Rama, who's half a world away. Ragani is one of the most inspired artists in the new genre of Western kirtan music. I play this CD often.

I thought no other kirtan style music could even compare to Krishna Das (whom I love dearly), but Ragani's voice is so beautiful. This CD is enchanting so much so that I cannot seem to tire of listening.

What immediately strikes me about this recording is Ragani's sincere devotion to her guru and to the divine. This is evidenced in the opening mantra, the Akhanda Prayer, a beautiful prayer to the Guru. All of these chants are infused with Ragani's sincerity as a bhakta and I feel as though I am hearing a seasoned yogini when I listen to this fine collection of chants.
Especially appealing to me is the shift from a slow repetition of the Name to an accelerated and ecstatic repetition. The gradual acceleration has the effect of locking my mind's attention onto the mantra so that by the time the chant ends, my mind is subdued and I experience the peace brought about by the chant. My particular favorites are Sita Ram and Shiva Hara. Whereas Sita Ram is intense, by contrast Shiva Hara is light and uplifting. In addition, the chants on this CD are all in call in response style which makes participation in the chants very easy.

Great CD!!! I play it everyday commute to work. Would highly recommend it to anyone looking for Kirtan music.

This cd is hands down the best I've heard. Ever. It brings you to a place of complete tranquility, while maintaining an upbeat sound without the drab relentlessness of most new age music. It's beautiful.

I loved this CD- I was very inspired by the chants and we use this CD in our home because it's so relaxing and uplifting. All the singers and musicians really add to the quality, which is so rich and full on this CD. Every song takes you smoothly and gracefully into the music and it leaves me feeling relaxed and refreshed. In my opinion, there isn't one bad song on this entire CD, and I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves chanting. This CD delivers!

When Ragani says: "Kirtan Rocks!" she is telling the truth. We have found the CD, "Ragani: Best of Both Worlds," to be an absolute delight. Even though the words are not in English, it is in a language of the heart which brings the listener to a differnet realm --it is uncommonly inspiring, relaxing and energizing at the same time. Ragani--Thank you for sharing your Heart!

Our whole family enjoys this CD. My 9 year old loves Ganipati, and has been chanting to it since the CD was first released. If not chanting, he just listens and says it's "so calming". Unlike some Kirtan, my children and I have found that with Best of Both Worlds it is easy it is to follow along with these ancient sounds. Quite moving :-)

I first heard this CD when my friend Wendy brought it during a visit to Oregon. We chanted the whole way to the Bonneville Spa and Hotsprings. I liked it so much I borrowed it for a week and finally got my own. Ragani has the most lovely voice and the instrumentals are fulland luscious.
Thank you Ragani!

I first heard this CD in yoga class, and have since purchased it and listen to it regularly. It helps me to focus my thoughts and relax, in spite of mounting pressures at work and at home.