Deepak Chopra – A Gift of Love II / 2002 Rasa / 23 Tracks / http://www.rasamusic.com /
Besides the music of The Buddhist Monks that I received a few months ago, Deepak Chopra’s “A Gift of Love†has to rank right up there in terms of the weirdness scale. This is the style of music that would be played at a number of import houses and other new-age shops, so turn away from this review if this is not something that you would like. Note here that the music present on this disc is not done by Chopra, but rather is done by Adam Plack.
Chopra translates the words that are present on this album. The translations are those regarding the work of Rabindranath Togore, a 19th century Indian mystic. The blend of the spoken word and the instrumental arrangements make for a solid experience, once that would take individuals away to a completely different land. This is not a style like Enigma or Enya, but rather reflects the work done from a place that is nearly halfway across the world from either the United States or England. The value of the disc is high, as the piece of plastic itself is chock full of compositions and different verses that take quite a few listens to fully get behind. I wish I knew more of the original language that Tagore wrote in, instead of just assuming that what Chopra did is correct. I like to know what decisions that Chopra had to make, what liberties that ey took, and how different versions of the works could be taken. Taking Chopra’s work for it, the blend of instrumental and vocal is something that is perfect for meditation or just clearing one’s mind. If individuals are looking for something that they could put on for a party, it would be hard to get individuals into “A Gift of Loveâ€.
However, if the mood of the party is decidedly chill, or if the individuals are trying to have a discussion, something like this album would do well. The blending of the two distinct styles – vocal and instrumental – during this album does not feel fake in the sense that many albums do. It honestly feels as if Chopra and Plack were able to get together and create something that works together. Togore may be an all but forgotten poet in this day and age, but I believe that the “A Gift of Love†will do well to publicize the works of Togore and hopefully bring eir back into common consciousness.
Top Tracks: Lady of Silence, Time is Short
Rating: 6.0/10