Vineet Singh Hukmani’s “Light of the World” is the latest dazzler from the Indian-born singer/songwriter/performer. His impressive run of hit singles continues this time with a track exploring the modern R&B/inspirational gospel influences that are part of Vineet’s creative DNA. It’s music that’s designed to exert a broad-based appeal, reaching a wide target audience, but its ability to please listeners never comes at expense of Vineet’s integrity.
Moreover, any long-standing fan of Vineet’s music will hear plenty to solidify their faith in this singer/songwriter. One of Vineet’s many gifts is his ability to seamlessly shift from one style to another and remain convincing the entire time. This isn’t someone who shifts gears for gimmick value. Vineet’s muse has a far larger purview than many other similar performers are blessed with and Vineet’s willingness to follow his muse wherever she leads him is one of the many crucial factors that sets him apart from his peers.
The impeccable construction of the song is one highlight among many. Each section of the song, intro, verse, chorus, and so forth, flows into one another with satisfying inevitability. We’ve been here before his listeners. Vineet isn’t pulling wild cards from his musical deck with “Light of the World” though, without any question, he’s expressing himself in a highly individual way. I cannot think of another songwriter today who could have written this track.
If so, it’s a select company. I am hard pressed to think of any current songwriter working in the commercial realm who so openly courts higher aims with their music. He is writing and performing for Vineet Singh Hukmani, but the desire to give himself over to his audience is every bit as strong. “Light of the World” has a spirit of community building through music, never outright stated, that you seldom hear in pop songs.
It doesn’t mean that it isn’t entertaining. The arrangement for the song is strong and there are several specific elements that I think are especially excellent. Vineet gets a drum sound for this song that has the right amount of urgency without ever overstepping and the tempo is particularly fitting for the song. It has drive without ever rushing the song too fast and a natural “feel” that carries listeners along.
He’s attached a great promotional video to the song’s release. It’s another entry in the ever-popular lyric video style, doubly unsurprising given the song’s “intent”, and Vineet is a master of the form. It has a somewhat indie feel, yes, but there’s a clear artistic sensibility at work as well as a genuine professional polish that overcomes even the smallest quibbles. Vineet Singh Hukman’s “Light of the World” never sermonizes for any cause ultimately other than for each of us to have the opportunity to lead long and satisfying lives. Putting that message in such an inviting and entertaining musical context makes it one of his most impressive achievements yet. Vineet Singh Hukmani has shared another of his musical gems with the world and we can bask in its light as well.
Chadwick Easton