Patiala House, Angel, Ramayana - The Epic - Music Review

Patiala House (2011)
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

There was a time when Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy brought to us fresh, foot-tapping music. And it was not too long ago, but over 2010, they seemed to have ceded their position of the most happening musicians in the industry.

1. Baby When You Talk To Me, Baby When You Talk To Me (Remix) --------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Probably, the most different song the album has to offer. It is pleasant and Suraj Jagan keeps alive his brand of lending his voice to atypical songs. The song has good beats and never hurries itself or the listener, although the opening is a tad slow and the song is repetitive. The beats of the song have driven me crazy, as they are very similar to 'some' English song, which I cannot pinpoint. The Remix and the original are pretty much the same.

2. Kyun Main Jagoon, Kyun Main Jagoon (Unplugged) -------------------------------------------- 6/10
This song reminds us of the magic the title tracks of Kal Ho Naa Ho and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna created. Very similar in style and mood. However, it is fails to resurrect the same charm. Melodious, but stale.

3. Aadat Hai Woh ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Another better sounding track, which fails to break the barrier of likability. The track has a pretty slow start and is pretty monotonous, although the climactic style of Vishal Dadlani helps to keeps the interest alive.

Final verdict - A pretty disappointing album, totally lacking any originality by the accomplished musicians. Most of the songs could be related to any of the songs from Shakar-Ehsaan-Loy's previous albums. The only reason it gets reviewed first, is to get more eyeballs on this blog, starting out with a major release :)

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Angel (2011)
Music: Amjad Nadeem

A new entrant into the music industry. Always exciting. And although the music in not the most memorable, it is good sounding indeed.

1. Phir Teri ---------------------------------------------------------- 7/10

Did I mention already that Sonu Nigam has been staging a quiet comeback. Another gem from the prolific singer, reminding us that, slow and soft melodies are his territory. Very pleasant and unassuming. Well done Sonu.

2. Rubaru (Kyun Faaslein Hai) ----------------------------- 7/10

Another soft melody from the new musician. Literally, because we get to hear him in this track. Not a great voice, nevertheless, it adds a new sparkle to the song. And not taking away anything from the track, it is just pleasant to listen.

3. Angel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A very pleasant song. Nothing new. But just melodious with two good playback singers: Karthik and Shweta Pandit. Shweta Pandit has an amazing voice, I must say. I almost thought she was Shreya Ghoshal, till I knew better. For some reason, this song reminded me of Baatein Hawaan from Cheeni Kum.

4. Tell Me Why --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
I don't remember the last time Neeraj Shridhar disappointed me in any song. Another hip track from the singer who has always helped us get dancing and lift the spirits. Yes, this is an energetic and fun song and it will not disappoint. Just don't expect to light the party on fire.

Final verdict - A very commendable performance by the lesser known Amjad Khan. Do get numbers 1, 2 while 3 and 4 are up to you. This is a typical album, where the liking for the songs will only develop after a little more exposure.
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Ramayana - The Epic (2010)
Music: Shaarang Dev Pandit

One of the umpteenth animation movies on one of the most popular Indian epic: Ramayana. The unfortunate fate of music of such movies, is their devotional overtures. Despite the handicap, Shaarang Dev Pandit succeeds in creating in energetic and contemporary music. Not that the album will earn much fame, but kudos to the effort. The smartest thing he could do was to get the best singers for the album.

1. Tu Hi Tu Hai --------------------------------------------------- 7/10
What an unexpected romantic song in this story. And boy, dare I say it was bad. KK and Shreya Ghoshal bring us an adorable, romantic track as good as anything they would.

2. Jaiya Ho -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Sukhwinder Singh is a maestro when it comes to evoking energy and emotion. A nice song obviously invoking images of Lord Ram's army marching towards Lanka with complete determination.

3. Sia Ram Ram ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A boring devotional track? Hardly. Neeraj Shridhar just has the ability to add style to anything. Even a devotional song. Nice work.

4. Jungle Ke Raja ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/10
It is was just funny to listen Mika Singh sing this one, and does he let us down! Of course, not. But the song is boring overall.

Final verdict: Get 1 above. If I were to watch this movie, I would know for sure, the songs would not add a boring stoppage to the story, but will only add a great effect to this epic tale. Thanks Shaarang Dev Pandit for adding the necessary spice to this otherwise brushed-aside-as-devotional genre.

Fool's gold

     Be grateful for the friends you have, be thankful to your family that helps you out in all situations. Be comfortable with the body you have, be calm with the weather outside as it is weaving another pleasant experience for you in this world. Do not fight the situations that you cannot ever change.
    
     Be happy for there are multitude ways to be unhappy. There are an awful lot of situations that will fill you with disappointment. For some reason, unhappiness lingers while joy fades like a rainbow. Like Edison quoted, when he found the right metal for his bulb: "I found 999 ways of not making a bulb", our life is filled with many more than 999 ways to sadness.

     Finding happiness and peace of mind has always proven to be a mirage. In fact, the quest for it has driven some people out their homes, leaving behind their possessions to find the answers. It is more unlikely than likely that most of us will ever bump into an answer.

     Life is like sailing a ship in an endless ocean with the sails catching the winds of emotions. Left loose our emotions will lead us, better, drag us in directions without us knowing where we are going. Just because the air is windy does not mean you set the sails high. While the answer to this is to not moor your ship in the middle of nowhere, it is not letting loose the sails all the time. Remember, the entire ship is yours. Set the sails free only when the wind is in the right direction, and most importantly, take control of your rudder.

     There will be choppy waters. There will be obstacles. But unless you understand these obstacles are the doors to continued joy, happiness will elude you. Had it been as simple as to walk through all the doors, there would have been no doors at all. Do not sit down thinking about how troubling it is unlock every door. Think about the joy of finding the right combination and move forward to achieve it, for an empty mind is a devil's workshop.
    
     The devil here is no mythological hideous creature with horns, sharp teeth, red eyes and a lust for blood. But it is the devil that will make you feel depressed. It is the dweller of nothingness. Do nothing and it will start to consume you. It will make you leave your ship and plunge into water. Do not ignore the help of others who throw the buoy at you, as they mean nothing more than help. They may not mean to get you aboard their ship, but help get you on yours. Do not turn away your well-wishers for their may be someone who might want to get aboard your ship. For their will be someone who will appreciate the beauty of your ship.

     The jewels of happiness are littered all around us. Lust them, want them, but do not fall for them. They might appear to be right in front of us, but be careful because there might be a strong current lying in your way that could wreck your ship. Test the waters, think if you can make it or can afford to take the risk. Talk to others to find if it is worth the trouble.

     And most important of all, do not worry. You will fall in water, you will sail uncontrollably at times, the jewels will elude you. But never let loose, for no one knows which direction to go, but you will more often than not, know where not to go. May be happiness just lies in sailing smoothly, helping the fallen and accepting the help, and taking a break at times. Not all jewels are meant to be had.

DTBHJ, YPD, Spanish Beauty, Walkaway

Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (2011)
Music: Pritam

Thanks! Thanks! Thank you so much Pritam. Thanks for making an appearance again. After a fair amount of time, finally we have some music that can be safely called good. It has been a drag for the past few weeks to listen to mediocre, from major to minor music composers alike.

1. Tere Bin, Tere Bin (Reprise), Tere Bin (Remix) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 8/10
I have not really determined yet the style of Pritam's music (the reason many might know what it could be), but this track did feel a little similar to Crook's music. A soothing romantic track from Sonu Nigam, what he does best. After a while of me bashing Sonu Nigam on his choice of songs and his late marginalization amongst the current crop of singers, he silences his critics, me included with a fine piece of melody. The Reprise version by Naresh Iyer is equally good, though he likes the persuasiveness of Sonu's voice. The Remix is OK. It retains the original charm of the song, but rushes too much with the tempo which does not suit this song well.

2. Jadugiri --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A pretty generic dreamy song, which is good enough to get your feet tapping. Gets slightly repetitive after a while. But not bad.

3. Beshuba ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6/10
Another product from the Shreya Ghoshal's sugarcane factory. You know it is just sugar. Nothing new. But you still can't help liking it. To be frank, a very generic tune, plain vanilla lyrics, but Shreya Ghoshal-Kunal Ganjawala duet works the necessary magic.

4. Abhi Kuch Dino Se ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10

It seems that Mohit Chauhan has found his niche, or may be he typecasting his style of singing. This is another of his monologuing tracks, with more vocals than background music. Basically unplugged type of track. Since, I don't like this type of music with him, I was not impressed a lot. But if you are a Mohit Chauhan fan, this one is for you, without doubt.

Final verdict:
Definitely get number 1 above. 2, 3 and 4 are definitely not bad, but it's up to you. If you are looking for new songs, these are recommended.

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Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011)
Music: Pyarelal, RDB, Nouman Javaid, Anu Malik, Sandesh Shandilya, Rahul Seth, Sanjoy Chowdhary

A gang of musicians just like the Deol's in the movie. Either The Family was not very serious about the music for the film or not one musician could put up to a family of sardars (just kidding). The music is very open to taste with these recommendations:
1. Yamla Pagla Deewana - The remixed version by Sonu Nigam is pretty nice sounding. He definitely is making a comeback. If you liked Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, it is highly likely that you will like this one.

2. Tinku Jiya, Chamki Jawani - Add this to your Bidi Jalai Le collection. Chamki Jawani has a hilarious opening, and the beats are just awesome for some Ganpati style dance. It loses steam in the later half.

3. Sau Baar - Atif Aslam, Shreya Ghoshal romantic duet. Only for the fans. I am just shy of declaring Shreya Ghoshal a legend.

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Spanish Beauty (A Beautiful Wife) (2010)
Music: Aravind, Shanker, Atif Aslam, Masta Justy

I see four musicians above, but I guess it was decided that it was Atif Aslam who would sing all the songs. If you are a Atif Aslam fan, go for this one. Plenty of him here. In fact, as a bonus you will also find his past chartbuster, Doorie in the album.
But for others benefit, Atif does what he does best. Screams harshly all over the place. The opening of I Wanna Have Sex is pretty slick, but overall the song is boring.
Boring album.


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Walkaway (2010)
Music: Shekhar Ravjiani, Vishal Dadlani, Sagar Desai, Ram Sampat, Sona Mohapatra


1. Dheere Dheere ----------------------------------------- 7/10
Actually not a really bad album. Well, I did not know Vishal-Shekhar were one of the musicians, but this track has their stamp on it. Decent enough and very Anjaana Anjaani-esque.


2. Rozaana ----------------------------------------------- 6/10
Another song with Vishal-Shekhar written all over it. Not great, but when I heard this song first, it made me feel I was listening to some bank or insurance company advertisement that promises a happy life, with a family happily sauntering on a lawn depicted. Not great a song.


3. Banna Banni - This is a fun and energetic song. It dance, drama and emotion. Add this to the wedding songs collection. Not great otherwise.


Can someone tell me why Dil Diya was added to this album? It is a typical 60s classical Indian music track, totally boring for this generation, may be music to previous generation.
Overall a reasonably good album.

NOKJ, Impatient Vivek, MMK, Turning 30!!! - Music Review

No One Killed Jessica (2011)
Music: Amit Trivedi

Amit Trivedi comes back to us with some grunge-rock styled music. Does he impress us? Yes, .....

1. Aitbaar ------------------- 6/10
A very exciting opening rap, good beats and rhythm employing the bagpipes, some techno sound-mixing and and emphatic voice will help you stick with the song. Despite having numerous positives, it just gets about 6/10 underscores the complexity of producing good music.

2. Dilli -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/10
An excellent blend of hard rock music and the Indian classical music counterpart: Karuna ras. However, it is not truly melodious and fails to evoke a sorrowful rage, is the lament.

3. Aali Re ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/10
Weird opening to this song puts us off instantaneously. However, it picks a very energetic beat later on, reminding us of Gal Mitthi Mitthi from Aisha

Final verdict:
.....however, a slow start to most songs loses our interest early.

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Impatient Vivek (2011)
Music: Neeraj Shrivastava, Raja Ali, Shahdaab Bhartiya, Aanamik Chauhan

A not-so heard of movie and a new music director. Exciting times! It has been evident by now, a number of movies have decent music and this album is no exception.

1. Tujhe Manga Hai, Tujhe Manga Hai - Remix ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A pretty decent, semi-romantic semi-sad song. The Remix is also pretty well done for the original song quickly falls flat adding the necessary zest it needs. This track however emphasizes how much of a difference a good playback singer makes to a song's melody and therefore success.

2. Ek Pari Pagal Si, Ek Pari Pagal Si (Love Reprise) -------------------------------------------- 6/10
Another promising song. A refreshing melody with 90's style orchestra score could take you down the memory lane to Ghar Se Nikalte Hi from Papa Kehte Hai. Time for some egging. Like previous comment, this track emphasizes the importance of good lyrics.

Final verdict:
It is not wise to do it all for a movie: acting, singing all the songs. Are you reading this Vivek Sudarshan?

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Mumbai Mast Kallander (2011)
Music: Teenu Arora, Afsar Sajid, Aanamik Chauhan

Now, I will admit I did not expect to be entertained by this album. But what did I know, I would have some fun. The title of the movie is Mumbai Mast Kallander! Could not get more corny than this. In no way will the songs make their way to your music player, but again, the album is entertaining enough.
Brownie points:
1. Ram Nam Bhaj Le - Neeraj Shridhar adds his own spice to this track. Back off Vivek Sudarshan. That's what good singers do. They make even mediocre songs sound music to our ears.
2. Sloshed - Typical Neeraj Shirdhar party track. Cheesy lyrics and a distasteful female playback singer.
3. Sunn Zara - KK tries to salvage this track, but by the middle of it we understand the tune itself is pretty boring and it was KK's crisp voice that made us listen this far.

Final verdict:
Entertaining with nothing of significance.

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Turning 30!!! (2011)
Music: Siddharth Suhas

This is an album that will bring you a big yawn. Obviously, the album is no good, but it is neither horrible to rip it apart. Very bland and generic. Seems like the songs are just fillers in the movie, instead of accentuating the mood of the movie. Nevertheless, a bore.
The only songs breaking the 'generic' song mode are Sapney and Will You Marry Me?

The end of 2010.....

....was not really great

Tees Maar Khan (2010)
Music: Vishal-Shekhar, Shirish Kunder
A pretty disappointing album, salvaged by Sheila Ki Jawani, salvaged by Katrina Kaif. Vishal-Shekhar need to pull up their socks soon.

Isi Life Mein...! (2010)
Music: Meet Bros Anjan Ankit
A much better sounding album overall than TMK. Nothing outstanding, but if you feel adventurous, lend your ear to these, in order: Tere Pyar Mein for Shreya Ghoshal, Isi Life Mein for Mohit Chauhan

Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyon.. (2010)
Music: Nikhil Kamat
It is always nice to listen to decent album, at least when the music composers try to create good music. The result: Dabi Dabi Khwahishien, all three versions

Rakta Charitra - 2 (2010)
Music: Imran-Vikram, Dharam-Sandeep, Bappi-Tutul, Sukhwinder Singh
Hate continued. Nothing of melodious value. Khel Shuroo Jo Tune is one of the most psychotic songs ever in Bollywood

Nakshatra (2010)
Music: Dj Sheizwood, Sameer Sen, Harry Anand
One of those albums which you were glad you did not listen to

Tera Kya Hoga Johny (2010)
Music: Pankaj Awasthi, Abhishek Ray, Ali Azmat
Sometimes I just want to tell the producers of the movie, that if they are not serious about the music in the movie, they can save it for something better on the film.

Mirch (2010)
Music: Monty Sharma
Kaare Kaare Badra tells us why Shankar Mahadevan is such an awesome singer. A decent attempt, but will not get more attention than this.

Toonpur Ka Super Hero (2010)
Music: Anu Malik, Rishi Rich
Though holding good to it's promise of being peppy and jolly like the movie's theme, it is no good. I love the music composers name, Rishi Rich!

Payback (2010)
Music: Dev Sikandar
2010 did end on a very sorry note musicwise. Except for Sheila Ki Jawani there was nothing to rejoice about. Oh wait! Was I talking about Payback's music? That was too harsh. Some songs were decent. Does it help? Guess not.

The Best of KK and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - 2010

Yes, it's that time of the year when we reflect on the past 12 months. In this series-of-don't-know-how-many blogs, summing up 2010 of Bollywood music.

This week listing the top 10 songs of probably the best male playback singers of this year.

KK

Play Now

 1. I Am In Love (Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai)

 2. Jaane Ye Kya Hua (Karthik Calling Karthik)

 3. Mere Bina (Unplugged) (Crook)

 4. Khuda Mere Khuda (Krantiveer - The Revolution)

 5. Tujhi Mein (Crook)

 6. Luk Chup Jaana (Action Replayy)

 7. Zindagi Do Pal Ki (Kites)

 8. Sajde (Khatta Meetha)

 9. Dil Kyun Yeh Mera (Kites)

10. Daayein Baayein (Guzaarish)

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Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Play Now

1. Tum Jo Aaye (Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai)
2. Surili Ankhiyon Wale (Veer)
3. Tere Mast Mast Do Nain (Dabangg)
4. Bahara (Chill Version) (I Hate Luv Storys)
5. Aas Paas Khuda (Anjaana Anjaani)
6. Sajda (My Name Is Khan)
7. Ghum Shum Ghum Shum (It's A Wonderful Afterlife)
8. Fakeera (Badmaash Company)
9. Man Ki Mat (Aakrosh)
10. Phir Se (2) (Toh Baat Pakki!)

Leave your comments, if you think there were others that did not feature in the top 10.

Band Baaja Baaraat, No Problem, Ramaa: The Saviour - Music Review

Band Baaja Baaraat (2010)
Music: Salim-Sulaiman

If you had come to dislike Punjabi music for it's repetitiveness and pervasiveness, your perception is about to change....

1. Aadha Ishq ----------------- 8/10
Alright, this is not exactly a Punjabi track. But the question is, what is the saturation point for us to listen to Shreya Ghoshal's melodious voice. At least I have not reached there. A typical melody about love and all that jazz. The lyrics are pretty innovative in a poetic way, unlike Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare. Super sweet track.

2. Mitra ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Another slow, silent and good sounding track. It starts out on a very promising note, but gets a tad 'already heard this before' kind of a track. But in all, not bad

3. Ainvayi Ainvayi ------------------------------------------------------------------ 6/10
Now this is where I am talking about Punjabi songs. Nice beats, good rhythm and quite likely to be played at all the forthcoming parties. This will get your feet tapping right from the onset and by the middle of it, it would have set a good tempo. Master Saleem has surely found his niche: Foot tapping Punjabi numbers with a native accent. This is Sunidhi Chauhan's genre now, although she is good enough to sing songs like Aadha Ishq too. Perfect example of what bad choices does to careers.

4. Baari Barsi ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A fresh take on this oft-used Punjabi lyrics. As I said, you will not dislike it, but at the same time it is not awesome.

5. Dum Dum, Tarkeebein, Band Baaja Baaraat (Theme) --------------------------  6/10
The other remaining tracks that are good enough to listen to when not paying attention to the songs, but not so bad that they will attract your attention to make you change the track

Final verdict: Get number 1 above, while the rest are just fun to listen to. Just not great. Salim-Sulaiman have been producing decent music for a while, however they haven't broken the barrier to the recognized as the leading musicians. Just like Amit Trivedi.

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No Problem (2010)
Music: Pritam, Sajid-Wajid, Anand  Raj Anand

The love affair with Punjabi music continues with 'No Problem' this week! The music is true to the styles of all 3 musicians above. Peppy energetic with not much to do with melody. This is an energetic album with a couple of tracks for the dance floor.

• Babe Di Kripa
• Mast Punjabi

In other fun facts:

• No Problem starts out as if it was a Shakira track. I am saying this because this album has a track titled Shakira.
• No Problem and We Are Innocent are typical Sajid-Wajid numbers reminiscent of Welcome.

Final verdict: For the two tracks which could be fun for the dance floors, this is not a noteworthy album

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Ramaa: The Saviour (2010)

Music: Siddharth-Suhas

Oh no! It's not me who co-directed the music. (Actually, if it had been me, I would be been proud despite the poor music). KK tries to salvage this album with Sunlena Sunlena, but it is not enough for this track, leave alone the album.

There are no diamonds to be found in this coal mine.