Shanghai (2012)
Music: Vishal - Shekhar
Vishal - Shekhar have been languishing in experimental mode for quite a while after a wildly successful 2010. Some interesting music here and there, they did not have any break out albums or major releases. They finally come back with
Shanghai which is a fairly decent album as a whole. The songs are unassuming, but they are enjoyable regardless it's sad theme or rowdiness.
1. Duaa ------------------------------------------ 8/10
A great sad song depicting the the haplessness of the situation. It doesn't take the listener down into a depression, instead, it expresses the emotions in a melodiously emotional fashion. The construction of the song with a soft opening and a strong end works well.
2. Bharat Mata Ki Jai ----------------------- 8/10
3. Bharat Mata Ki Jai (Remix) ---------- 8/10
A fun song with dhol beats and brass-band background music. It's raw appeal, energetic beats, caustic yet funny lyrics makes for one rowdy dance party. Only it's slightly disparaging take on India could be it's biggest drawback in reaching it's full potential. The
Remix is as good as the original, hardly any difference.
4. Khudaaya ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
5. Khudaaya (Remix) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
Yet another sad track, which is more of a romantic one. The beats and tune is fairly soft and the transition between the song's main tune and
qawwali is seamless. The transitions adds a good flavor to the song, which could easily have been a languishing tune. Good one. The
Remix is very interesting if you liked the original. Starkly different beats than the original version. And they work fairly well, even for the
qawwali portion.
6. Imported Kamariya ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
It looks like even item numbers can have genres within this genre. It is mainly constructed as an item number, however, the lyrics take the track in a social critique form. The beats are addictive, and thus, like
Bharat Mata Ki Jai, this track though fun, may or may not be as successful. Still fun though.
7. Morcha ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Never thought a song about a demonstration and demands of social would sound good. The opening of the song is very strong, and the tune and energy never really dips during it's entire length. It is certainly fun and invigorating. The social message is a bit of a turn-off.
Final verdict: Overall, gets a
7/10. All the songs are fairly fun and melodic. They are all decent, but it's biggest drawback is the negative note which almost all of them carry.
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Mr. Bhatti On Chutti (2012)
Music: Channi Singh, Sidhharth, Suhas, Taz, Tony Kakkar
Although it is about 5 musicians on the album, it feels like
Taz (famously known for
Stereo Nation), seems to have tried to put in his touch of fervor to the album in the following two songs.
Brownie points:
- Balle Balle - This track is pretty fun with it's foot tapping beats and could be used in a hip hop bhangra mix. The famous Pyaar Hua Iqraar Hua background theme is nicely used to create a retro feel to this high tempo number.
- Good Boys Bad Boys - This song has good energy. Could make it's way into a nonsensical party track. Better than having no use at all.
Duaa - Shanghai
Bharat Mata Ki Jai - Shanghai
Khudaaya - Shanghai
Imported Kamariya - Shanghai
Morcha - Shanghai
Bharat Mata Ki Jai (Remix) - Shanghai
Khudaaya (Remix) - Shanghai
Balle Balle - Mr. Bhatti On Chutti
Good Boys Bad Boys - Mr. Bhatti On Chutti
