Reviews

The Bhakti Beat album review: “This upcoming CD from Ananda Monet and Radha Krishna Records promises to be as epic as the Hindu scripture that inspired it, the Mahabharata. The tracks we’ve heard cut straight to the soul, the artwork by Mukesh Singh is magnificent (this photo is the cover art), and the talent on this disc is outsize.”

The Bhakti Beat about ‘Draupadi – Born of Fire’: “Must Listen‬! Do you know the story of Draupadi, a warrior princess whose enemies tried to shame her by unwinding her sari to strip her naked in public? This is a soul-stirring interpretation of the story featuring Ananda Monet with thundering vocals and virtuoso Vaishnava violinist Jahnavi Harrison, from the upcoming album “Inevitable Time” from Radha Krishna-Records.”

ISKCON News: “The album is in a grand film score style, with music arranged by Pete Booker, who has worked with New Age artist Pia (Gaurangi Dasi) as well as the BBC and Channel 4.

The music – which rises from gentle valleys to bombastic peaks but always stirs the emotions – accompanies the powerful, soaring voice of Ananda Monet.”

Samadhi Dance Company: “”First of all just a moment to say how AMAZING your music is and ALL-INSPIRING these artworks are, we are just speechless !!! Your music reminds me so much of the great works by Cirque du Soleil and Nitin Sawhney (Varekai). These works have inspired me my entire life and now hearing this style in Sanskrit filled with Bhakti… I tell you I am just so excited!”

Krishna West London: “With depth and beauty in her performances Ananda transfers us to a realm of divine bliss and happiness.”

The Vaishnava Voice blog: “I may be hopelessly biased, but I think Inevitable Time is one of the most important new albums to have come out this year. Its from a new generation of musicians who take classical themes – in this case the Mahabharata of India – and breathes new life into them with a sound that is completely contemporary.

Ananda Monet was trained in Russian folk singing – which gives her a dynamic and at times unearthly edge to her powerful yet emotional voice – a sound that lifts the lyrics to a new dimension. The collaborative trio of Jagannatha Suta, Pete Booker and Andy Baldwin (The Who, Florence and the Machine, producer) make sure the sound is superb…” Kripamoya prabhu

Listener review: “…Anyone even slightly familiar with the epic cannot fail to be moved by her soulful performance in her album ‘Inevitable Time’. Each stirring song masterfully evokes the intense emotions of the particular story it portrays. From the disgraceful disrobing of Draupadi to the heart breaking departure of the great hero Bhishma, her interpretations are superb. I have listened to the album at least two dozen times since acquiring it, and still find myself wiping away my tears each time it plays. It is an amazing contribution to the great epic that is the Mahabharata. Five stars (out of five).” Krishna Dharma prabhu, writer

Listener review: “…It really needs or deserves someone from The Guardian to do it justice…it is that high art!

The production is exotic, overwhelming, dramatic and yet it never seems to overwhelm her strident voice…she is the consummate artist..the world class vocalist not to be outdone by any of the challenges of this filmic epic!..

Jagannatha’s production would be no disgrace to a Hans Zimmer moviescore…you just have to hear it to know what I mean…

They have poured their blood sweat and tears into every moment of every track…if you are visually oriented you might easily by courtesy of the cinematic sound vibrations imagine before your inner eyes scenes played out in the Drama Most High that is Mahabharata…

This deserves a film… It is a thinking man’s album, not for the faint hearted or the wishy washy sentimental…

Check it out… Ananda’s vocals are never eclipsed by the many challenges and demands of the extreme passions of the musical score…She rides upon them , effortlessly harnessing their power and glory to do her bidding..well done young lady…” Jayadev (John Richardson), musician, singer, lead vocalist of The Rubettes

Listener review: “I have been listening to your album every day these last two weeks at work. I really love your singing, the music and the otherworldly mystical feel to the music. I also love that your Russian flavor comes through – it’s unique – not just another devotional music album. Great job! I’m sure it was many many hours of hard work for you and whoever produced (if it was you or someone else?) and mixed also. The album also flows really well as a whole with high point and quieter points.” Raghu, graphic designer

Listener review: “This album is such a sweeping work of art, heart and dramatic devotion! So great.” Madi das, director and singer

Listener review: “Within the first moments the dramatic instrumental had me spell-bound, only surpassed by the sultry strength of Ananda Monet’s VOICE. It is a musical journey through the epic Mahabharat & the quintessential Yoga text: Bhagavad Gita. (seriously, someone make a movie for this music!).” K.D., dancer and artist

Listener review: “Dear Ananda, I need to thank you for doing what you are clearly born to do-inspiring, emotionally charged beautiful music. You didn’t give us just a few songs, you’ve lent us the experience of Mahabharata. Beautiful, deeply meaningful and emotionally charged…listening to such music makes me feel so alive.” Suddha Kanti, ayurvedic doctor

Listener review: “Inevitable Time is Most Beautiful work of music and devotion, this is an Epic Masterpiece! Thank you so much for this work!” N.C.

Listener review: “I’m listening to my copy of “Inevitable Time” by Ananda Monet. Classic Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam verses meet The Fifth Element soundtrack in this dramatic and moody rendition. “na tv evaham jatu nasam…” C.M.

Listener review: “So much love for this, Ananda. As I was listening I imagined a Mahabharata film and this to be the soundtrack. You can literally feel the emotion and energy behind the vocals. Very refreshing. I love Tears of Destiny.” S.P.

Listener review: “Love love love it! I felt totally immersed like I was in the Mahabharata. I love the emotion, feeling very somber, dramatic. I can just imagine a live performance with it will be amazing!! My favorite was Draupadi;) I cried listening to that one!!!” P.G.

Listener review: “I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your cd, the songs are amazing.

My 16 month old son was listening to it in the car with me and he refused to leave the car on more than one occasion as he wanted to listen to the album!

Congratulations and I look forward to listening to more of your beautiful work.” SR

Listener review: “…Your singing and the musical arrangements make my spirit soar…” JM