Music Review - Talaash, Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, It's Rocking - Dard-E-Disco

Talaash (2012)
Music: Ram Sampath

1. Jee Le Zaraa -------------------------- 6/10
A pleasant song of a saddened heart sung well by Vishal Dadlani. He shows his non-rock flair in this song which has a decent tempo. The overall feeling of the song is good, just fails to make enough of an impression.

2. Jiya Lage Na -------------------------- 6/10
A track that blends the Indian classical tune with hip hop beats. Fairly melodic and soothing and Sukhwinder Singh is held on a tight leash of the classical tune, which is welcome change of pitch for him. Overall, the song sounds pleasing, but fails to completely capture our hearts.

3. Hona Hai Kya -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A pretty decent song of uncertainty and despair which successfully injects a sense of urgency to the mood. The song does a fair amount of justice to it's purpose. Suffers from a being a cliche track.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 5/10. There are some decent tracks, but none of them break through the must-listen barrier and stay just ok. The other songs are fairly boring bringing down the stock of this album.

Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (2012)
Music: Amit Trivedi

So after his Marathi-themed experiment in Aiyyaa, it is time to go Punjabi for Amit Trivedi. The tunes, theme and lyrics are very offbeat; or daring whichever way one chooses to look at it. Almost all songs fall into this category, although the noteworthy ones include the following.
Brownie points:

• Motorwada - The song impresses purely for the quirky lyrics and the easy paced gangsta tune. The fusion of western gangsta with Rajasthani lyrics is truly unique.
• Makkhan Malai - Amit Trivedi's Marathi experiment continues from Aiyyaa to blend into this Punjabi lyric song. The beats and tune is overly Konkani. The zest and fun of the song is contagious for sure.
• Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana - A lovely song of a squabbling couple. The tune is very traditional, and the instrumentals are almost exclusively Indian giving it a rustic feel. Enjoyable.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 7/10, not for the hit songs, but the fun factor of the album. Amit Trivedi might not be the most successful music composer in Bollywood, but he surely is the most innovative and exciting musician of current times with his skillful adoption of local flavors from disparate Indian cultures. He may not get the recognition he deserves, but from an artistic point of view, he seems to enjoy his craft.

It's Rocking - Dard-E-Disco (2012)
Music: Bappi Lahiri

If you're craving for super cheesy fun, Bappi Lahiri has got some of it in store. It seems, though, he is trapped in some 'Disco' era time warp.
Brownie point:

• Boka Chor - Out of the terrible tracks this album has to offer, this one is a good cheesy one. Right from Asrani's and Bappi Lahiri's dialogues to the catchy rehashing of 80s hit Naino Mein Sapna from Himmatwala tune, it is oddly fun and hip.

Jee Le Zaraa - Talaash Jiya Lage Na - Talaash Hona Kya Hai - Talaash Motorwada - Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana Makkhan Malai - Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana - Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana Boka Chor - It's Rocking - Dard-E-Disco

Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Son Of Sardaar, Riwayat - Music Review

Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)
Music: A. R. Rahman

1. Jiya Re -------------------------------------- 8/10
The best song of the album. Like other songs from this album, the opening of the song is very exciting and gets right to the point generating enough interest at the outset. A trademark ARR style song reminiscent of his past works. The guitar has been put to good use, and the song seems to never give up it's energy and tune has enough twists and turns to keep us hooked.

2. Challa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
A nice song by Bulla Di Jaana fame Rabbi Shergill. His style of singing is both unmistakable and fresh. If you loved him then, you will love him now. The opening of this song is very upbeat and gets you interested in the song right away. The lyrics are a little bit of a downer, but the strumming and beats keep the song going. Not bad.

3. Jab Tak Hai Jaan (Poem) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
For those who appreciate poetry, this one is really good. The supporting instrumentals are well composed in a sense they emphasize the emotions of the poetry pretty well. Well done.

4. Ishq Shava ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Fun enough of a song with middle-eastern beats. Heavily reminiscent of Chammak Challo's beats from Ra.One at times, which happens to be Vishal-Shekhar's work. The song does maintain a consistent tempo, but the song feels a bit like a drag in the latter half with nothing much new to offer.

5. Saans ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6/10
6. Saans (Reprise) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/10
ARR probably had decided he was going to have some fast opening instrumentals to all the tracks in this album. The opening for this one is pretty epic, although what ensues is a bit of a letdown. This is a purely romantic track that meanders at a leisurely pace. No wonder Shreya Ghoshal was chosen to sing this one, and Mohit Chauhan also is in his element in this one. Truly for fans, not for others. If Mohit Chauhan is too much of a distraction, the Reprise versions would give you 2 minutes of unadulterated Shreya Ghoshal.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 6/10. The album is not one of the best works by ARR: Rockstar remains his best work of late so far. The tunes follow a predictable path: ARR plays it a little too safe. Being himself, the tunes are not downright terrible, but some are extremely melodramatic, which could be the theme of the movie, but without the background, it becomes a bit too mushy. Decent album, but nothing blowing out of the water.

Son Of Sardaar (2012)
Music: Himesh Reshammiya

1. Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein Ye Sawaal Aata Hai (Funk) --------------------------- 6/10
2. Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein Ye Sawaal (Trance) --------------------------------------- 6/10
Normally, Ajay Devgn (it pains me to spell his name with the missing vowel), falls flat with his punchlines and in-song dialogues, this monologue put to tune is fairly good. The lyrics are funny, but when listening to the first dialogue, it feels, it should have been 'Daughter Of Sardaar' and not the son. Some of the techno elements in the Trance version are pretty slick, but the original remains the better of the two.

3. Bichdann -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A classic HR  une of a yearning/broken heart. The style is fairly similar to Aap Ka Suroor album. In his heydays, HR would have himself sung it, but Rahat  Fateh Ali Khan fits well too. His fans might like it.

Final verdict: In an album of 11 tracks, only 3 get a mention. That goes to show how Himesh's stock has taken a plunge. Probably, he should playback his own songs again. Probably.

Riwayat (2012)
Music: Sushil Lalji

A pretty average album for a not so mainstream movie which just makes matters worse for the album. Thankfully, the music director has shown enough flair so as to not make it suck altogether. Cliche and thus, boring

Brownie point:

• Aansu Kabhi Chhalke Nahin - Fans of late Jagjit Singh might actally like this one, as he sings to his strength. Others can ignore him as they have always done.

Jiya Re - Jab Tak Hai Jaan Challa - Jab Tak Hai Jaan Saans - Jab Tak Hai Jaan Jab Tak Hai Jaan (Poem) - Jab Tak Hai Jaan Ishq Shava - Jab Tak Hai Jaan Saans (Reprise) - Jab Tak Hai Jaan Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein Ye Sawaal Aata Hai (Funk) - Son Of Sardaar Bichdann - Son Of Sardaar Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein Ye Sawaal (Trance) - Son Of Sardaar Aansu Kabhi Chhalke Nahin - Riwayat

1920 Evil Returns, Aiyyaa, Future To Bright Hai Ji - Music Review

1920 Evil Returns (2012)
Music: Chirantan Bhatt

1. Jaavedaan Hai ------------------------- 9/10
This track feels straight out of a Pritam album; specifically Jannat 2. Chirantan Bhatt uses KK's ability the best possible way, which is another factor why this song has a semblance to prior Emraan Hashmi movie songs. KK's style of starting out the song slow building up to a climactic finish is well composed. Great track, a tad too long.

2. Uska Hi Banana ------------------------ 9/10
Trademark Chirantan Bhatt melancholic song, beseeching the almighty for help. If you are a fan of sad romantic songs, then you will absolutely love this song. Rising playback singer Arijit Singh sings his heart out in the song.

3. Apnaa Mujhe Tu Lagaa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Another typical Chirantan Bhatt track: romantic, with a dash of sadness. Sonu Nigam does justice to this melody with his masterful voice without going loud or soft. The track has a nice flow to it, with a soft rock-like guitar and drums instrumentals. The theme tune of the song is catchy. Overall, the song is adequate, but not bad. For Sonu Nigam fans.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 6/10. Chirantan Bhatt has either worked in a niche or has found one. Yet another album composed for a horror/thriller Bollywood movie, with the theme of the songs tending towards melancholic love. Couple of decent songs in the album.

Aiyyaa (2012)
Music: Amit Trivedi

1. Dreamum Wakeupum -------------- 9/10
This song has to be dealt with the right sense of humor, otherwise you will only finding yourself shaking your head in disgusted disbelief. A great satirical song parodying the style of songs produced by Tollywood/Kollywood. It seems to get the beats, instrumentals, tempo and the loudness of lyrics perfectly to evoke hilarity. Let loose your inhibitions, and this track will be an enjoyable ride.

2. Sava Dollar (Lavni) -------------------- 9/10
Never has a lavni sounded so better. This lavni based song is energetic and the lyrics pack a punch. Sunidhi Chauhan brings her energetic voice into the foray making it zesty. Besides, she and the chorus superbly don the Marathi-accented Hindi making this lavni even more believable. Well done.

3. Mahek Bhi ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Lovely melody from the super sweet voiced Shreya Ghoshal. The track takes almost 2 minutes for the song to begin almost making us believe it is an instrumental. A superb song for peaceful romantic moments.

4. What To Do -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
The most hilarious song of the album in terms of lyrics, composition and execution. And who better to perform than the queen of hilarity in Bollywood music: Sneha Khanwalkar. The lyrics are totally double-meaning and ridiculous, and thankfully, the playback singers go absolutely berserk with it. Love it, hate it, but don't take it too seriously, because you would miss out on a brilliantly composed funny song from Bollywood. The Lijjat papad jingle tune has been used to a great advantage (hopefully with the proper rights).

5. Aga Bai -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
This is an interesting track, which remains relevant throughout it's length while still not fully not capturing our attention. The song has a definite energy to it, the beats are foot tapping and modern techno instrumentals blended with classical Indian musical tunes gives it a slightly surreal feel. Odd song, but enjoyable.

6. Wakda ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
This one is a slightly difficult to describe. The tempo is upbeat and the song constantly meanders between Tamil musical style and Marathi style, with Amit Trivedi's own touch. Fun song, but nothing too striking about it.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 8/10. All the songs keep you engaged in one way or the other. The album is certainly not meant for the entire demographic. Like Gangs Of Wasseypur I & II, this album requires a certain sense of humor from it's audience, without which it is just noise. Amit Trivedi has always been this borderline good musician who normally fails to break the good to great barrier, but I wonder if this is one of his best compositions to date. He has utilized Tamil tunes, Maharashtrian lavni, crazy lyrics, Marathi lyrics and on top of it a believable Marathi-accented Hindi from the playback singers. Wonder if he is highly proud of his own work here.

Future To Bright Hai Ji (2012)
Music: Mohinderjit Singh, Naresh-Paresh, Aamir Ali

There are only 4 original songs in the album, so it looks like each one of the composers had a song to contribute to the album. The album is fairly bland, and there doesn't seem to be any effort to make it any more interesting that what it is. Not an inept piece of work, just lackluster.

Brownie point:

• Ankhiyan Nu Rehn De, Ankhiyan Nu Rehn - A better song of the album for the classical Punjabi music lovers. The song is soft and slow, and a bit introspective. The guitar has been put in good use, and the transition from soft music to a strong performance is well done. The song has two versions, one with Kamaal Khan and the other one with Aamir Ali. Aamir Ali (Ankhiyan Nu Rehn De) sounds better out of the two.

Jaavedaan Hai - 1920 Evil Returns Uska Hi Banana - 1920 Evil Returns Apnaa Tu Mujhe Lagaa - 1920 Evil Returns Dreamum Wakeupum - Aiyyaa Sava Dollar (Lavni) - Aiyyaa Mahek Bhi - Aiyyaa What To Do - Aiyyaa Aga Bai - Aiyyaa Wakda - Aiyyaa Ankhiyan Nu Rehn De - Future To Bright Hai Ji Ankhiyan Nu Rehn - Future To Bright Hai Ji