Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

Kiran Ahluwalia's album Wanderlust is a relaxing and moving 45 minutes of Indian music that is modern with a touch of tradition. For those of you who aren't familiar with Indian music, do not fret. Ahluwalia's style is careful and sweet, very easy to get into. The lyrics to her songs (translated in the album jacket) are very perceptive and personal. I have limited knowledge of Indian music but I really enjoyed this album.

My primary exposure to Indian music was an interesting and in depth class that I took in college. As with lots of education, the information fell away and I am just left knowing some of the basics. But based on what I know, Ahluwalia's music is a combination of new and old. Her music is rooted in classical sounds but it has a more modern structure and feel. Some classical Indian music is comprised of songs that can last for hours and have strict format and protocol to improvise upon. The longest song on Wanderlust, however, is seven minutes. But Ahluwalia has not gone as far as producing Indian pop music like you would hear in a Bollywood movie. She is bringing a traditional sound out of her culture and making it new. According to her website, she sings ghazals, songs for women and the music her parents probably grew up with, Punjabi folk songs. Ahluwalia was born in Northern India but grew up in Canada. It is quite impressive that she was so dedicated to learning how to perform music from where she was born. Through her dedication she has mastered her instrument, the voice.

Typical Indian vocal style has an almost nasal quality and long held out notes with lots of ornamentation added. Kian Ahluwalia masters these ornamentations. As a stranger to this kind of music it is so fun to hear her slide around her register with such ease. This vocal style is very different than most western music. Ahluwalia’s style is powerful when it calls for it but mostly delicate yet masterful.

I had lots of fun reading the lyrics along with the music. Her words are full of self reflection and insightful observations. Ahluwalia confesses "I certainly stumble too often/since I step forward too often/ My wandering is still imperfect/I return home too often". Lyrics like these are different from what we usually hear on the radio. It was also interesting to see and remember that Indian culture is full of anecdotes and metaphors. She sings, "Always keep cutting and pruning its branches otherwise the tree of desires will again become thick."

I would highly recommend this album. The combination of a pleasant tone, the wonderful instrumentation, and the intuitive lyrics won me over. Kiran Ahluwalia has moved me and hopefully a greater audience will have this pleasure in the near future.