Music Review - Lootera, Ghanchakkar, Policegiri

Lootera (2013)

Music: Amit Trivedi

Amit Trivedi has probably done a purely romantic after some time. Most of his recent work has been themed humor one after the other.
So, if you were awaiting some standard romantic melodies without much fanfare, this is an album for you. Needless to say, the album is very mild, no sort of zest.
A bit one-dimensional.

Ghanchakkar (2013)

Music: Amit Trivedi

Yet another Amit Trivedi album to review this week, and this one is right up in his alley. A comedy movie, tons of goofy lyrics to play with.
Even though he may not have created the best music, Amit Trivedi continues to display his masterful use of instruments which is clean and distinct.
Brownie points:

• Jholu Ram - The lyrics and overall composition is fun enough. And there is one singer who was mocked for his voice a decade ago. He might find a second wing in lending his voice to funny numbers. Yes, I am talking about Altaf Raja.
• Allah Meherbaan - This is such a stoner of a song. Reminded me of this video.

Policegiri (2013)

Music: Himesh Reshammiya, Anjjan - Meet Bros.

I think Himesh has fallen to such lows that when the movie producers don't think, music is only an option for the movie, they turn to him. After all, someone's gotta compose music. Such a raucous and cacophonous fare.

Music Review - Fukrey, Gippi, Shortcut Romeo

Fukrey (2013)
Music: Ram Sampath

Ever since Ram Sampath had a super hit in Bhaag DK Bose from Delhi Belly, he has been on the path for some validation as a music director. None to be found here. The album is mediocre because the tracks are nothing more than a commotion and follow a classic boring formula. There is only one song that deserves a mention.
1. Rabba - 6/10
The intro of the song is slow and soulful and a bit dry. What follows is a fun Clinton Cerejo track with nice beats and amusing lyrics. The track goes a little flat in the middle. Had this track been a bit short, it would have been nicer.

Gippi (2013)
Music: Vishal-Shekhar

A pretty average album by the musical-duo who were at their peak 3 years ago. This is an album unlike them or may be they reserved their substandard tracks for this movie. We Are Like This Only and Dil Kaagzi are the better ones from the album and at least show these guys have something left in them.
Pretty disappointing.

Shortcut Romeo (2013)
Music: Himesh Reshammiya

Himesh Reshammiya has taken quite a dip. All the talk about him being a passing fancy has turned out to be true. He is back from being HR or Himesh to being just Himesh Reshammiya. Granted even this album is slightly amusing last his past ones, the songs are not the same without his nasal twang. The album sounds like straight from the 90s. So old, cliche and cheesy; but not cheesy enough.
If you want to listen to some train wreck of a song, Ishq Gangster is the one.

Pretty bad week for music.

Music Review - YJHD, GGG, YPG2

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Music: Pritam

Kabira 9/10
Kabira Encore 9/10
This is a song, where I am surprised how no one has copied Pritam yet (no pun intended). The amalgamation of Hindustani classical by Rekha Bharadwaj and freestyle singing is beautiful in itself. The arousing outro with trademark Pritam electric guitars is just amazing.
The Kabira Encore is almost the same as the main version, with a more upbeat wedding mood. The opening is really interesting in the way Pritam has wasted no time in getting the tempo up.

Badtameez Dil 9/10
What a fun song this is. Fast lyrics with funny overtones makes this song a great song for karaoke. The use of trumpets gives it a retro feel. The beats are foot tapping. The song loses steam after a while, but Pritam has been smart enough to keep this song short.

Balam Pichkari 8/10
One of the best Holi songs in Bollywood in a while. The song is catchy and just happy. The euphoric chorus that follow the solos raises goosebumps. The lyrics are also fun to sing along.

Ilahi 7/10
Ilahi Reprise 7/10
The song is pretty upbeat, the mandolins have been nicely used. This is also a signature Mohit Chauhan song and he delivers. Overall good, but not the best song by Pritam. The "Ooh" and "Aah" children lyrics is more distracting than cute.
Ilahi Reprise is not a lot different than the original version. Really, why is even there another version?

Subhanallah 7/10
A lovable romantic track, reminds us of Sonu Nigam, except he is now the past, and we get to hear Sreeram, who is equally pleasant. Otherwise, this is a tried and tested track. There is not much to not like, but nothing new.

Dilliwaali Girlfriend 7/10
Not a musical gem by any stretch, but just a fun musical duel for the party.

Final verdict: Overall, gets an 8/10. A fun album worth paying attention, although not all songs are worthy a mention. While striking the right chords, Pritam displays repetitiveness of his style. Does it signal his downward trend? Not yet.

Go Goa Gone (2013)

Music: Sachin Jigar

Probably not a lot was expected out of an album for a zombie movie (seriously, why does every genre of Bollywood have songs?!). But despite the uphill battle the music duo had to face up to, they did pretty impressively directing some funny songs.
Brownie points:

• Khoon Choos Le - A hilarious take on the Monday morning blues.
• Babaji Ki Booti - This is a perfect song for getting stoned with friends. So frivolous yet deep. JK. Only frivolous.
• Khushamdeed - What is Shreya Ghoshal doing in this album? She is stunning as always, and she carries this romantic track all by herself.

Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (2013)

Music: Sharib-Toshi, Sachin Gupta

It is a full size album, however, half the songs revolve around the main movie theme. And the rest of the album has cliched Bhangra tracks. Average to mediocre album.