Randomness.....

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Don 2, Jo Hum Chahein, Pappu Can't Dance Saala - Music Review

Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011)
Music: Salim-Sulaiman

Salim-Sulaiman give us another album to think about. Like always, they cannot break into the blockbuster music arena. They have a knack of producing good music that passes under the radar, however this time around, they fall a little short of it. Not terrible, but not enough to qualify for many props.

1. Fatal Attraction ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8/10
One of the best instrumentals in a recent while. The instrumental music meanders through extreme party beats to a romantic tune and back to it. A great filler dance club instrumental. Put the speakers on full volume.

2. Thug Le ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
A foot tapping musical duel between a guy and a girl. It is the combination of the lyrics and the video that does it for this song, which otherwise is pretty plain. This would be a great song for college dance challenges/competitions.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don 2 (2011)
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

The movie, about Don, or the legend of him, brings with it an aura of power, crime and the latest addition to it is the intrigue and mystery surrounding the Don. In terms of the music album for this album, this ends up being it's curse. Almost all songs, either have this touch of mystery or are laden with the Don theme. None of them really end up being as good as the previous Don, and as has been noted lately, the once super-chic trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have proven they are no longer as resourceful as in years past. A couple of decent songs that prop up the story of the movie, but nothing of significance outside the context. The better ones include:

Hai Ye Maya - Great performance by Usha Uthup. It has been a while for her in the mainstream. The song is very one dimensional though an would probably enhance the movie experience, but not otherwise
The Don Waltz - This instrumental is not worth listening to apart from the fact, that it makes Don theme and Harry Potter theme sounds much alike

Overall, a sufficiently dull album to care about.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jo Hum Chahein (2011)
Music: Sachin Gupta

A youthful album, however, in a not so adorable way. Does not come close to the energy and fun of Luv Ka The End or Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge, but a few decent songs here and there makes heads turn. Nothing in the album is worth a high recommendation, but here are the ones that deserve a mention

Brownie points:

Peepni - If you are looking for a new party song, this should be the latest addition. Great beats and exudes a carefree attitude, makes it fun to tune it to this song.
Ishq Hoton Se - A pretty decent romantic tune. Nice tune, upbeat mood and a lead up to a climactic main verse are it's strengths. Lack of originality, it's biggest failing.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pappu Can't Dance Saala (2011)

Music: Malhar Patekar

The new music director has certainly given his best shot. It just good enough for the average music lover. The tracks get a bit soulful. The tunes are too generic though, leaving no memories behind with it that would make us come back. Thankfully it is not a trainwreck and does not deserve to be panned.

Saajana - A very girly and dreamy romantic track. Not great, but sticks truthfully to it's purpose.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Desi Boyz, Ye Stupid Pyar, Loot - Music Review

Desi Boyz (2011)
Music: Pritam

1. Subha Hone Na De --------- 9/10
2. Tu Mera Hero ----------------- 9/10
The most romantic track of the album, while being highly peppy and happy. A great song for the parties and late night celebrations, as the lyrics say it all. While the beats never let up, the song never digresses into any sort of melodrama. This keeps the song true to the genre. The only possible blemish being, the tune of the female part of the track, raises the ghosts of plagiarism for Pritam.
The two songs are almost identical, with only the opening and some beats here and there being different.

3. Make Some Noise For The Desi Boyz -------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
A great entertainer. The perfect track to shed all the glum and get on the dance floor. The song though shot on two male dancers is fist pumping and packs an energetic mood in the air. Who better than KK to do just that?

4. Allah Maaf Kare ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Sonu Nigam completes his recent comeback with this track and album. An energetic and romantic track, whose sole purpose is entertainment. A little too long, but fun.

5. Jhak Maar Ke --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A Punjabi music styled Neeraj Shridhar love track. The romantic duel between the male and female duel is cute and the bhangra beats, shehnai and acoustics are all nicely blended together. Harshdeep Kaur rounds off the song well with her support act.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 9/10. While not the individual songs are memorable, with a limited shelf life, the songs compliment each other superbly. This makes the album as a whole a great entertainment package. Lack of any melodrama in 8 out of 9 songs keeps the album very upbeat. Great work Pritam.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ye Stupid Pyar (2011)
Music: Reeky Dev, Vipin Patwa

1. Lamha Lamha ------------------- 8/10
A great romantic track by the newcomer music directors. This song is not a melody, but a pop romantic song. Nikhil D'Souza is definitely ramping up his credentials as a romantic singer.

2. Tere Naam Se -------------------- 6/10
This is a decent love track, opening with a English poem which is also interspersed in between. KK handles the rest with his commanding voice. Despite sounding good, the tried and tested tune makes the song feel stale.

Brownie point:

Stupid Pyar - Gets a mention for the song has a heart to it. The tune is a classic Bollywood romantic one. Not impressive, but does have the ability to rope in the listener's heart.

Final verdict: Get 1 above. The overall album is mediocre. However, the new music directors show spark, as mostly no song in the album is downright rubbish.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Loot (2011)
Music: Shamir Tandon, Mika Singh, Shravan Sinha

Just a big loud yawn. And when nothing is right about the album, veiled cusswords in Saari Duniya Mere Ispe makes it more annoying.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Rockstar, Tell Me O Kkhuda - Music Review

Rockstar (2011)
Music: A. R. Rahman

1. Saadda Haq ---------------------------- 8/10
Probably, the best and signature song of the album. This track is a good confluence of rock and grunge genres. The tempo is a little slow, but thankfully the lyrics and employment of bass guitars has been done well, without holding much reservations. This makes it a rare song being true to this genre in Bollywood. There is only one grouse that this song could have been a little shorter than 6 minutes, which has diluted the punch of the song somewhat. Mohit Chauhan, unexpectedly shines in this song.

2. Tum Ho ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
For the die-hard romantics. A vintage Mohit Chauhan track; this is his strength and this could be his best track till date delivering an unwavering performance. Despite the great vocals and honest effort by A. R. Rahman, this track falls well short of being truly memorable. It's constant slow pace and a hint of sorrow mood causes some listener fatigue. Again, for die-hard romantics.

Brownie points:

Hawaa Hawaa - A retro style, high tempo track from Mohit Chauhan. Pretty fast and great song to croon if you know the lyrics by heart. The song meanders through rousing moments and simple joy.
Jo Bhi Main - This is for Mohit Chauhan fans only. Otherwise steer clear of this track. Also, the Ya ya ya part is funny and the chorus of it hilarious.
Kun Faya Kun - A. R. Rahman does it again. This is the expansion pack for Khwaja Mere Khwaja. There is nothing new about society in the context of music, only that A. R. Rahman has been putting his weight behind this genre, bringing the Sufi devotional music to the mainstream, in a good fashion. Add this to your spiritual collection.
Sheher Mein - A goofy, interesting and casual jugalbandi by Mohit Chauhan and Karthik.

Final verdict: This is a weird album. From a neutral standpoint, A. R. Rahman has grossly disappointed his fans. From this huge album, only one song getting a solid 8/10 and another barely making it to the passing grade is a big let down. Although, Mohit Chauhan fans should totally lap up the album, which contains a whopping 8 originals by the singer-in-form. The only comfort lies in the fact, that being A. R. Rahman, he has managed to create all tracks that are at least bearable, rather than outright trash.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tell Me O Kkhuda (2011)
Music: Pritam, Sajid-Wajid

Not much was expected from this album, however, Pritam and Sajid-Wajid directing the music, raised a few expectations. While it is always great to rip on truly pathetic albums, this album does some things right to save grace and garner a few brownie points:

Mera Man Jabse Racha Hai Sawariya - If you can survive first 30 seconds of Marwadi folk music, this is a surprisingly fresh and melodious track by Shweta Pandit. Easily reminds us of Tum Jo Aaye from Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai
Love You Dad - A decent track, with lots of emotion in it. Although it's specific lyrics to the movie's plot and a sub-par female lead voice undo it's potential.
Nagma Koi Gunguna Ne Ka - Shreya Ghoshal. Will not disappoint her fans. Ever.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Love Breakups Zindagi, Miley Naa Miley Hum, Na Jaane Kabse.. - Music Review

Add caption

Love Breakups Zindagi (2011)
Music: Salim-Sulaiman

1. Rab Rakha ----------------------------------------- 9/10
Salim-Sulaiman and Sonu Nigam get together another magical romantic track. This song has a great similarity to Shukran Allah from Kurbaan; so if that song impressed you, this one will be a song looking, err, listening forward too. Who else than Shreya Ghoshal can round up the track's sweetness. For melody fans.

2. Love Love Love ------------------------------------ 8/10
A soft, but peppy romantic track. It sounds a little like the Bacardi song, though not completely but reflects the mood and tempo. Simply nice and entertaining without any fanfare. A good song to lift up the mood.

3. Chhayee Hai Tanhayee ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8/10
Fans of qawwali melodies will love this one. It is not an upbeat qawwali, but a more controlled tune and track of a troubled heart. Soulful.

4. Rozanna ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Yet another upbeat and catchy track from the album. It is nothing new or foot tapping, but it has the potential to make to croon along. A definite mood lifter for a solo journey. It's failing however, is the repetitiveness of tune, which thankfully is slightly contained by the tracks short length.

Final verdict: A short and sweet album, with the trademark style of Salim-Sulaiman. This duo is definitely silently creating respectable music. Hardly any song can be panned is a good achievement by this pair. An album worth every penny. Gets a 8/10, if you like soft melodies.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miley Naa Miley Hum (2011)
Music: Sajid-Wajid

1. Wake Up Now ----------------------------------------------- 7/10
A very upbeat and a song of the youth. The tempo is foot tapping and the good mood is very contagious. Besides these positives, the song is just another fun track.

Brownie points:

Katto Gilehri - Daler Mehndi brings us another possible Ganapati hit. The folkish energy by Daler Mehndi couple with some corny background score and female lead, Mamta Sharma makes it a great song for the lovers of this genre.
Haan Yahi Pyaar Hai - A pleasant romantic track by Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal would have been a huge hit in the early 2000s. It is respectable, but just sounds a little stale now.

Final verdict: All other songs are also very listenable. This is a surprise package from Sajid-Wajid who have claimed their fame by lending some goofy tunes to Salman Khan movies. It is a decent album that mostly fails to pass the novelty quotient.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Na Jaane Kabse.. (2011)

Music: Jatin Pandit, Deep Gupta

A farce of sorts. Another example of perfunctory music. And yes, for confirmation, we have moved into 2011. Just saying, because, the songs makes us feel we are in the 90s.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Ra.One.....and Be-Careful - Music Review

Ra.One (2011)
Music: Vishal - Shekhar

1. Chammak Challo (Film Version) ------------------------------ 9/10
2. Chammak Challo (International Version) --------- 8/10
3. Chammak Challo Remix (DJ A-Myth) ------------------------------ 8/10

Riding on the latest Bollywood craze of tapping corny catchphrases, like Sheila Ki Jawani, Chammak Challo has hit a home run in that regards. Add to it the international star power of Akon; which in itself comes loaded with curiosity and scrutiny over his accent. Add a good tempo to the song, and you have a chartbuster. And chartbuster it is. Thankfully, Vishal-Shekhar have not slacked on their part and have put on their musical genius to make it truly enjoyable. Fun to listen to and bound to be replayed for some time to come in our music players.
Further, in total there are five variations of the song. Owing to fast pace of the song, there is not much room left to remix, rejigger the tune and beats. Out of the four remixes, Chammak Challo (International Version), which is essentially a male only track and Chammak Challo Remix (DJ A-Myth) are the better ones.

4. Dildaara (Stand By Me) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
The opening of the song is a little laughable, although if you just stick around a little while you might be in for an adorable romantic track. The song goes through many twists and turns from melody, to qawwali vocals to some techno mixing, but overall succeeds in pleasing our senses. The quick beats and fast tempo for a song of this genre gives it a hint of an old melody being remixed, which of course, is not the case.

5. Right By Your Side --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
Vishal-Shekhar take us four years behind with this track. The tune is reminiscent of Dostana and Anjaana Anjaani, which are albums unsurprisingly directed by Vishal-Shekhar. Nothing new here, but still fun. For some strange, the tune also reminded me of Duck Tales title track.

Overall: Overall, the album is entertaining, bordering on average. Vishal-Shekhar are more and more looking like they have passed their prime. The tunes sound all too familiar, and neither are the new ones stand out on their own merit (for eg. Chammak Challo has a lot going on for it besides the song itself). The album is huge (15 tracks in total), so a majority of the album is passable.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Be-Careful (2011)
Music: Siddharth-Suhas

Umm....when the movie asks us to be careful, we abide by it and avoid crossing it's path. Music, at the least for sure. Barf.
Oh wait! Love Technology must get a mention for being unintentionally hilarious.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge, My Friend Pinto, Azaan - Music Review

Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011)
Music: Raghu Dixit

Following Luv Ka The End, here comes another youthful and carefree album that will make your feet tap and take you down the memory lane (if you are in that stage of life). But only not as great an album as Luv Ka... Here are the top picks:

1. Chhoo Le ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Suraj Jagan has been coming up with more and more rock tracks lately. Conversely, rock genre is gaining traction in Bollywood. Either case, a great rock track tailor-made for stage performances. Suraj Jagan seems to stretch his vocal chords a tad too much at times. Fun track nevertheless.

2. Uh-Oh Uh-Oh ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
If anyone wants to reminisce or anyone wants to cherish their current days in college and first romances, this song truly epitomizes these emotions. Very innocent and playful, and needless to say naively romantic. Uh-Oh Uh-Oh I am getting nostalgic.

3. Baatein Shuru ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Another easy going and well paced track. The lyrics of the song keep the mood light, cheerful and the beats make it foot tapping. Again. Very youth-oriented.

4. Har Saans Mein ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
Difficult to classify this song. Whether it is devotional pop-styled qawwali or is this a prayer for love, is totally dependent on the listener, but it does justice to it's genre. Opens with nice acoustics followed by modern qawwali and ending beautifully in a euphoric mood, increasing the tempo towards the finish.

Brownie point:

Dhaeon Dhaeon, Dhaeon Dhaeon (The Seeti Seeti Bang Bang Mix) - This one should not be judged by regular musical standards. This one is sure to make one laugh, the crazy lyrics and peppy beats will lighten up the mood. Hilarious.

Final verdict: Entertaining. Youthful. Get 1 and 2 for sure.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Friend Pinto (2011)

Music: Ajay-Atul, Shamir Tandon, Kavita Seth, Hitesh Sonik

1. Intezaar --------------------------------------------------------- 9/10

One of the finest romantic tracks of the year. Highly western and melodious, it is a dreamy track. On a funny note, this song has the quality of '12am Love Guru' radio show. Still, short, sweet and adorable.

2. Take It Easy ------------------------------------------------- 8/10

Kunal Ganjawala returns for his fans and delivers a solid performance. The track with a tinge of classical jazz is very catchy and easy going, complete with a rousing finale.

3. Tu -------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
A very peaceful and mollifying acoustic track. Definitely could have used a little more zing. Yet, soulful and extremely pleasant.

4. Yaadon Ki --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
Not a great track by itself, but the nostalgia laden lyrics coupled with the earnest voice of KK, does make our head turn and take notice. KK is held back, had it not been done, would have made this song a sure chartbuster.

Final verdict: Intelligent, interesting, entertaining, non-peppy album. Not one track seems to have been made in a half-hearted manner resulting in a respectable album.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Azaan (2011)
Music: Salim-Sulaiman

1. Khuda Ke Liye -------------------------------------------- 9/10
A very typical and oft-heard of romantic tune. However, it is still fresh like a cool breeze. It has a pretty soothing effect and it's soft melody and moderately paced beats makes it agreeable. Shradha Pandit once again dazzles with Shreya Ghoshal-esque voice (the comparison is a bit unfair).

2. Afreen -------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
An average but still a good, peaceful song with soft beats. This song might remind one of HR, but nasal twang is absent and also there is a good use of acoustics that's not a violin. Also, to be noted is the fact that this version is better than Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's Afreen (Reprise) version.

Brownie points:

Bismillah - Add this to your Sufi music/devotional qawwali section. Kailash Kher is just good at it.
Habibi Habibi - Commendable middle-eastern genre track; good for belly dancing. Yeah.

Final verdict: Overall, the album is decent; something one won't mind being played in the background. Salim-Sulaiman generally do not bore their audiences, if not wow them. 1 and 2 above are the better of the pack.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Soundtrack, Speedy Singhs, U R My Jaan - Music Review

Soundtrack (2011)
Music: Midival Punditz, Karsh Kale, Kailash Kher, Vishal Vaid, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Ankur Tewari, Papon

When the title of the movie has any semblance to music, the expectations are naturally on the higher side. Out of many such movies of the past like Saaz, Sur, Rock On!!, Radio and Soundtrack, only Rock On!! has been able to do justice to it's name. The rest have mostly failed. Soundtrack does have many songs, but it's a mixed bag of classical music and techno genre. But all fail to impress. Disappointing.

Symphony Of The Streets - Those with an appreciation for techno-themed instrumentals might find it interesting. It is what it's name is, intelligently creating an instrumental piece out of train, car brakes, bicycle ring bell sounds.
What The F - DJs will love it. But very disappointing otherwise

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Speedy Singhs (2011)

Music: Sandeep Chowta, Meet Bros (Anjjan, Harmeet, Manmeet)

Probably one of the most average work by Sandeep Chowta. Although he is no A.R. Rahman, he is able to produce some energetic and stylish music. This album however is a gross disappointment.

Shera Di Kaum - This Ludacris laden, Punjabi rap/hip hop will get your spirits up and add some fervor to the mood.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

U R My Jaan (2011)

Music: Sanjeev-Darshan

Mera Maula Kare - Why does Roop Kumar Rathod keep on singing the same type of songs, but still end up sounding as soulful and melodious as ever? A Roop Kumar Rathod classic.

That's all there is to this album.