Vande Mataram (album) "It was the hit of the conference." Amid great hype, the album was released on 12 August 1997, three days before the 50th anniversary of Indian independence. The Indian release had only 7 songs while the international release had two additional songs "Masoom" and "Musafir". Later "Masoom" was released in India in the album "Gurus of Peace" and "Musafir" in the album "MTV Total Mix". The album was met with overwhelming responses. Rahman became the first Indian artist of popular music to go international when "Vande Mataram" was released simultaneously in 28 countries across the world. Rahman himself performed live
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Who like thee His praise should sing Praise Him ! Praise Him! Praise the everlasting King. Praise Him for His grace and favour To our fathers in distress. Praise Him still the same for ever, Slow to chide, and swift to bless Praise Him ! Praise Him! Glorious in His faithfulness. Father-like He tends and spares us; Well our feeble frame He knows. In His hands He gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes. Praise Him ! Praise Him ! Widely as His mercy flows Angels, in the height adore Him Ye behold Him