Kirtan for Newbies: 5 Yoga Music Albums for Beginners

~ Kirtan for Newbies ~

When introducing our friends to kirtan, some of us may find ourselves answering questions like: “why are they repeating that same line over and over again?” Indeed, to some, a lot of yoga music out there sounds a little too, well, kirtan-y.

Whereas Kundalini yogis like me may relish CDs with several 11-minute tracks repeating the same mantra (all the better to do my kriya to!), some people may need a little time to warm to something they just might grow to love.

Here’s a selection of kirtan music I would buy for friends and family who are new to the scene. I think these CDs are not only accessible to Western ears, but they help build an elegant bridge to the world of “Yoga Music.” Not to mention they are really fun and awesome in their own right!

SEAN JOHNSON & THE WILD LOTUS BAND — “Devaloka”

Sean Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band’s “Devaloka” is one of my favorite albums. Ever. I have simply not come across a kirtan album with more artful transitions, varied instrumentation, and skillful orchestration of simple Sanskrit mantras. Sean’s voice is superb alone, but add the strong supporting vocals of Gwendolyn—the percussionist—and there is no stopping the sonic awesomeness. The vibe of the CD ranges from get-you-up-on-your-feet-dancing tracks like “Shiva Shankara” to perfect-for-cuddling-on-the-couch “Om Hari Om.” A lot of heart went into this album, and it shows.

DAVE STRINGER — “Divas and Devas”

When I first heard the third track on this album, “Aja Utama,” I played it on repeat for several weeks in my car and living room. I mean, who else do you know in the kirtan world that makes traditional Indian folk tunes sound so modern and cool? Dave Stringer is known for bringing kirtan to the people, having tirelessly charted the previously un-harmoniumed territory of the American Midwest. “Divas & Devas” is a joint effort between Dave and several gifted female singers, including Sat Kartar, Donna De Lory, Dasi Karnamrita, and the sensational C.C. White. This is a great CD to buy for world music fans.

VARIOUS ARTISTS—“Kundalini Remix: Yoga Mantras Revisited”

Music that makes you dance is pretty universal. When building bridges from the world of mantra to the world of mainstream music, what better way than to get a few talented DJs involved? I love these remixes because they keep the integrity of the mantras, while adding fun new musical elements that get you on your feet! This is a truly beautiful collaboration between popular chant artists like Snatam Kaur, Mirabai Ceiba, Nirinjan Kaur, Gurunam, and Dave Stringer, and some amazing DJ talent. My favorite track on this CD is the “Sat Nam Remix” version of Snatam’s “Mul Mantra” because instead of using the melody line of her voice, they use all the harmonies you don’t really hear in the original. This is a great way to introduce all your club-going friends to the power of mantra.

JAI UTTAL — “Thunder Love”

Titles like “Bhavani Shankara” and “Om Shanti” might fool the casual CD browser into thinking “Thunder Love” is a mantra CD. In fact, this is a pop album filled with groovy beats and uplifting melodies. On many of the tracks, the verses are English explanations of the Sanskrit mantras, which come in at the chorus. My favorite track on the CD is entirely in English—“Let Me Be Sky”—which Jai wrote for his wife. I heard it for the first time during a dance class that she taught and it has made me melt every time I’ve heard it since. “Let the Earth of my body be mixed with the Earth you walk on.” Swoon...

DONNA DE LORY — “The Lover and The Beloved”

If anyone knows how to bring kirtan to a wider audience, it might just be the woman who toured as Madonna’s back-up vocalist for several years! I really love the way Donna develops her songs—increasing intensity with both electronic and acoustic instruments, and layer upon layer of her etheric voice. “The Lover and the Beloved” combines Sanskrit mantra with English lyrics to create an album that sounds both sacred and widely palatable. This is a great choice for pop fans everywhere!