What makes The Way We Do It by Colonial Cousins notable?

The Way We Do It received widespread acclaim for its innovative sound and was a commercial success, topping charts in India. Its unique blend of styles helped to bridge traditional Indian music with global pop trends, influencing subsequent artists and contributing to the growth of cross-genre experimentation in Indian music. Released in 1998, The Way We Do It was the debut album by Colonial Cousins, a duo consisting of Hariharan and Leslie Lewis. This album marked their emergence as pioneers in fusing Indian classical music with modern pop sensibilities, positioning them as significant figures in the Indian music scene.

How many songs are on The Way We Do It?

The Way We Do It has 12 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

The Way We Do It

Colonial Cousins · 1998

61 min · 12 tracks · pop music

A vibrant blend of Indian pop and contemporary sounds, merging catchy melodies with rich cultural influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Way We Do It — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit, showcasing the duo's seamless integration of Western pop rhythms with traditional Indian melodies.
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Funky Freedom — This track stands out with its upbeat tempo and infectious groove, representing the energetic vibe that defines much of the album.
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Dekhoon Ma Jahan — A poignant blend of lyrics and melody, this song highlights the duo's ability to convey deep emotions while keeping listeners engaged through catchy hooks.
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Rhythm of the World — This track exemplifies the global fusion aspect of Colonial Cousins' work, combining diverse musical elements into a cohesive and captivating experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends Indian and pop elements effectively, showcasing unique compositions and a strong cultural identity.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate traditional Indian instruments alongside contemporary pop arrangements, creating a distinct fusion sound.
The album's final track features a gradual fade-out, leaving an open-ended feel that contrasts with the more structured earlier tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Stay Back Tonight

The verses build tension through a conversation about desire and longing, culminating in an impactful chorus that shifts the narrative tone.

By changing from intimate reflections to a more assertive call in the chorus, the song creates a dynamic emotional journey that enhances its thematic depth.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Way We Do It 3:52
2 Feels So Good 4:59
3 Stay Back Tonight 4:18
4 Funky Freedom 6:00
5 Jaa Re Jaa 3:31
6 Lady 6:04
7 Virtual Reality 4:28
8 Visions 5:15
9 Dekhoon Ma Jahan 4:36
10 Rhythm of the World 4:26
11 No Longer Mine 6:27
12 Speak Up 7:05

What to play next

Listen next

Aatma

2001

Go back to

Colonial Cousins

1996

Full Colonial Cousins discography Artists like Colonial Cousins

pop music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata