Thanks IHLS! - Music Review

I had been really slacking off on review this month. Thanks to I Hate Luv Storys for making me write this one and get all the pending reviews off my back.

I Hate Luv Storys (2010)

Music: Vishal-Shekhar

Major production house --> New happening stars --> Love Story --> Vishal-Shekhar --> Thumbs Up!

That is how I would sum it up. It's been really a while since an album came out, that is good till the last drop. Now there could be some songs which are better than others, but overall a very likeable album. 8/10 for the whole album.

1. Jab Mila Tu ------------------------------------ (9/10)
Arguably the best song of the movie. This songs starts out on a very exciting tune and does maintain the right tempo till the end. Lending his voice, Vishal Dadlani impresses. He does sound a bit like Neeraj Shridhar, but way better. Like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Vishal-Shekhar has found the right balance of melody and modern music. The guitars, the beats and the highs and lows of the song are pretty well laid out.


2. Sadka ------------------------------------------ (9/10)
This would be the second best track from the movie. Vishal Dadlani's rock influence can be felt especially in this one. Caution: This is a sad song though. So, don't play this one when you need energetic songs.

3. Bahara, Bahara (Chill Version) ------------------------------------------ (8/10)
Traditional, classical based Bollywood romantic track. Shreya Ghoshal's stunningly melodious voice makes this song so much better than probably it could have been. The song has a very strong positive vibe.
The Chill Version (what a name for it!) is sung by another prolific singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Had this song not have another version sung by Shreya Ghoshal, this could be have a nice song. But Shreya's version is better in comparison.

4. Bin Tere, Bin Tere (Remix), Bin Tere (Reprise) --------------------------------- (7/10)
This is another sad, romantic song. I am so glad to listen Sunidhi Chauhan singing mainstream movie songs. This is another track that makes the 'rock' touch of Vishal evident. Remix and Reprise versions are not so great, especially Reprise version is pretty dull, due it being slow, less instruments and sad.

5. I Hate Luv Storys ------------------------------------------------ (7/10)
Not the best, but keeps your feet ticking.

Final verdict: Great album. Go for it.

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Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai (2010)

Music: Kumar Sanu

Well well well! Kumar Sanu has found a new career. Music direction. I was wondering after listening to the songs: "Who uses Kumar Sanu's voice in 2010, unless they want to sound like 90s?" Very bad album. Chadkar Girna, Dagdu Dada Zindabad are super-cheesy tracks out of all other cheesy tracks. Sunidhi again here! Why?
If you want to surprise someone with a cheesy track, use Saawan Na Bhigi. Surefire humor.

Kites, Mumbai 118, Road, Movie - Music

Kites (2010)

Music: Rajesh Roshan

One of most eagerly awaited albums. More so, because this was a Roshan's affair and Rajesh Roshan tends to produce the best tracks for his films. Remember Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai?! Anyways, back to music. The music is unexpectedly not earth shattering. It has probably only so much value as to be hummed along, so long as the music is fresh. Surely, not a masterpiece and a few months from now, it will not be so hot. Some of the good ones from the album are

• Zindagi Do Pal Ki (8/10) -- Original version. KK continues to shine with his crisp voice, while the music is a nice blend of Indian and western instrumentals. Good use of sitar, harmonica and electric guitars.
• Dil Kyun Yeh Mera (7/10), Dil Kyun Yeh Mera - Remix (7/10) -- Pick you poison amongst the original and remix version. Those who like pure romantic numbers are bound to like the original version, while those who need the zing in their songs will like the remix version. KK does it again here

Rest of the songs are pretty forgettable. Fire (Hindi and English versions) start out really great, but the later half of the track takes the whole song down.

Mumbai 118 (2010)
Music: Liyaqat Ajmeri
The fact that I am spending a few keystrokes on reviewing music for this album is it's highest point.

• Kiska Yakin Kare (Male/Female) - There are songs sung by poor singers. There are tracks that has a poor choice of instruments. But this song surely qualifies as one of the most unmelodious tracks ever. The tune changes are so abrupt and distasteful, I have never heard something like it. Additionally, the whole song is boring as hell.

Trivia - What is Sunidhi Chauhan thinking about her career by lending her voice to such albums?

Road, Movie (2010)

Music: Michael Brook

Let me begin with saying, the music is decent. You can listen to it for a while and you might end up liking some songs. Now let me say this. Michael Brook. Not many Bollywood fans would know him by name. But, he is a high profile musician in Hollywood, he is Canadian, and he has produced a very decent album for a Bollywood film. Hats off to Michael!

• Mehki Hawa (6/10) -- Really nice country-style track that you would play on your stereo system while on a road trip. KK is the man! I was wondering for a while that this track sounds so much like American country music. Then I found the answer. Michael Brook.
• Kesariya Balam (6/10) -- Again! Impressive Indian classical track by Michael in the form of lounge music.

Rest all of the songs are OK. Especially Heer The Search by Sukhwinder Singh is a yawn. The album includes two of Lucky Ali's best tracks. Dekha Hai Aise Bhi and Kaisi Tanhai.

So long....and thanks for all the music....not really....I will be back with more music.