Student Of The Year, Ajab Gazabb Love, Ishkq In Paris - Music Review

Student Of The Year (2012)
Music: Vishal-Shekhar

1. Vele ------------------------------- 9/10
A Punjabi, hip-hop song. This one has a greater folk appeal compared to Kukkad. But, the lyrics are fun (whatever you can glean out of the Punjabi lyrics). The instrumentals passages are super chic and laudable. Just a lot of fun.

2. Radha ----------------------------- 9/10
The song is reminiscent of Deewangi Deewangi from Om Shanti Om. It uses all the cliche elements of Bollywood hip hop music. with the clinching factor of it's pure energy. This song cannot leave it's audience unmoved. Udit Narayan makes a pleasant comeback in Radha. Starts out nice and slow with Indian classical piece and quickly blooms into a full fledged hip hop song.

3. Ratta Maar --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Great youthful track that any current or past students will relate to. The title conveys the gist of the song well. A simple strumming track. The change in track in the later half of the song kind of makes one feel, this situational song is modeled after High School Musical. Nice one.

4. Ishq Wala Love --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
A soft melodic romantic song by Vishal-Shekhar. Starts out real soft and gets in it's groove towards the end. This one is for the hopeless romantics who can forgive somewhat lame lyrics.

5. Kukkad ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
A pretty commonplace Punjabi styled party track. The first impression could be a casual shrug, but as you keep listen to, the song keeps getting more foot-tapping. Good one.

6. The Disco Song -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
Another fun disco song of the album. Vishal-Shekhar have hopefully, legally and respectfully used late Nazia Hassan superhit song of the 80s Disco Deewane. The effect is great and the song still feels relevant. Otherwise the song mostly survives on mashing up tunes from the aforementioned song and other songs from the album.

7. Mashup Of The Year -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
If you enjoyed the album so far, this Mashup will surpisingly continue to impress. A straightforward mix of all the tracks from the album, it has been assembled together really well. Different songs gel so well, it deserves praise.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 10/10. One of the most entertaining albums of 2012, this sure is Album Of The Year for Vishal-Shekhar.

Ajab Gazabb Love (2012)
Music: Sajid-Wajid

1. Sun Soniye ------------------------------------- 9/10
2. Sun Soniye (Remix) ------------------------ 9/10
One of the most melodic romantic song to come from Sajid-Wajid who always seem to be too distracted for this genre. The song has a certain intensity in terms of emotions. The good part of the song is it wastes no time capturing it's audience. The female lead voice falls a little short in comparison with the male lead's command. The Remix is faster version, as one would expect, but the charm of the song stays intact.

3. Boom Boom (Lip Lock) -------------------- 6/10
4. Boom Boom (Remix) ------------------------ 6/10
This is almost a replica of Soni De Nakhre from Partner. If you loved that one, there is no reason to not like this one. Adequately fun song.

5. Nachde Punjabi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6/10
A hardcore Punjabi hip hop track. If you are a fan of this genre, it could be the song for you. Otherwise, if the neutral audience can stand the Punjabi folk instrument Algoza (the one that makes that annoyish continuous flute sound), it is a decent song.

6. Tu -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
This is a very strange song to come from Sajid-Wajid. It almost feels like a Himesh Reshammiya. However, if you are fan of HR as well as Mohit Chauhan, this slow romantic song with it's folkish appeal will impress you. Otherwise, a passable track.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 7/10. A decently entertaining album. Sajid-Wajid have kept their goofiness at bay and have done a decent job out of this one.

Ishkq In Paris (2012)
Music: Sajid-Wajid

1. Jaane Bhi De (Duet) -------------------- 7/10
2. Jaane Bhi De ------------------------------ 7/10
Sonu Nigam and romantic song lovers should like this one. A plain vanilla soft romantic track. Don't expect too much and it might actually win your heart. Probably Wajid loved this song so much, that he decided to record the same song solo too.

3. Saiyaan -------------------------------------- 7/10
An intense song of a broken heart brought to you back Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. His fans will love it. It is a tad sad though, so be warned. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is commanding in this genre.The slow start to the song culminates into a qawwali vigor towards the end. One of the best sad songs off late.

4. It's All About Tonight ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6/10
The track is hip and happening, however, it has a certain sense of staleness to it. Feels like it belongs from about 8-10 years ago. Fun and entertaining, but not enough.

Final verdict: Sajid-Wajid yet again have not indulged in goofdom with this album. Overall, the album isn't too impressive as Sajid-Wajid play too safe, and some songs sound too old for 2012.
Vele - Student Of The Year Radha - Student Of The Year Ratta Maar - Student Of The Year Ishq Wala Love - Student Of The Year Kukkad - Student Of The Year The Disco Song - Student Of The Year Mashup Of The Year - Student Of The Year Sun Soniye - Ajab Gazabb Love Boom Boom (Lip Lock) - Ajab Gazabb Love Nachde Punjabi - Ajab Gazabb Love Tu - Ajab Gazabb Love Sun Soniye (Remix) - Ajab Gazabb Love Boom Boom (Remix) - Ajab Gazabb Love Jaane Bhi De (Duet) - Ishkq In Paris Saiyaan - Ishkq In Paris It's All About Tonight - Ishkq In Paris Jaane Bhi De - Ishkq In Paris

Heroine, Barfi!, Qayamat Hi Qayamat - Music Review

Heroine (2012)
Music: Salim-Sulaiman

1. Saaiyaan ---------------------------------- 9/10
The song has a very spiritual feel to it. A very calming tune and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan pours his heart out as usual. His fans will love it, and it is one of his recent best. A tad slow, this song is made for a mood when you need some comfort.

2. Tujhpe Fida ------------------------------- 8/10
A typical party track from Salim-Sulaiman. The beats are catchy and the use of techno instrumentals make it a perfect discotheque song. The song opens with a predictable pace, but gets into it's full flow by the middle. So, just hang on if the first minute does not impress you.

3. Halkat Jawani ---------------------------- 7/10
One of the many rowdy item numbers produced lately, this song offers nothing new in terms of appeal or tune. However, Sunidhi Chauhan's zesty voice and overall upbeat/careless mood of the song makes it a fun song. A perfect fit this Ganpati season.

4. Khwahishein ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
Shreya Ghoshal at her best. The song is a nice melodic narration of someone's ambitions. The track meanders through a soft melody and soft rock effortlessly evoking a rousing emotion.

5. Main Heroine Hoon ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
The opening of the song is very catchy, very glitzy. Though the song is solely about the theme of the movie, in fact, the title track, the somber mood and the turbulence of emotions is directed with passion. The use of sitar midway is refereshing and it breaks the monotony of the song.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 8/10. Though the songs are not chartbusters by themselves, the overall album is very catchy and will entertain you. There are no remixes to deal with and Salim-Sulaiman have proven their worth again.

Barfi! (2012)
Music: Pritam

DISCLAIMER: I am writing this review after I have watched the movie, which in my opinion significantly affects the perception of the album. Why? Well, the visuals/plot greatly adds to the charm of the song, especially, if the song enhances the storytelling experience; which in this case was the case. I will also add that, I had mixed reviews for the album before watching the movie, but they have gone from mixed to rave after the movie experience. So, treat this review as biased.

1. Kyon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10/10
A very easy going and adorable song that speaks of the simple joys of life, again. The slow start of the song might put someone off, but touches your heart as it progresses. Has a 70s feel to it. Sunidhi Chauhan sparkles in this idyllic track.

2. Phir Le Aya Dil (Reprise) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10/10
3. Phir Le Aya Dil --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/10
If the repetitiveness of the simple, 70s styled songs gets to you, this Indian classical piece comes to rescue. Soft, calming and a great representative of how Indian classical can still be relevant and entertaining. There are two versions of the song: male and female. Both are completely identical, however the Reprise version, which is the male version sounds better of the two.
Rekha Bharadwaj at the cost of sounding a little phony in her Indian classical singing, brilliantly sings the main version (kind of a backhanded compliment here, sorry).
The key to enjoy this song is to soak in the tempo and not worry about it's length.

4. Aashiyan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8/10
Probably the best situation song of the movie, when two simple and lost souls find a common purpose to their insignificant lives. A great song of simplicity and the simple joys of life.

5. Main Kya Karoon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
A stereotypical Pritam romantic track that uses strumming guitars and soft male lead voice. Easy going and super romantic. This song is representative of the album, in which the instrumentals have been sparingly and distinctly used. The individual instruments don't blend or fade in the background and have a clear purpose in the track. The endearing male lead voice can be a little bit of a turn-off.

6. Barfi! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
7. Ala Barfi! (Version 2) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
Initially I wished to accuse this song of evoking a forcible 'awww' reaction by adopting a 50s style of playful songs: Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi anyone? Although, the song is based in the 70s in the movie, and the feel of the song is perfect for the script. Mohit Chauhan adds another gem to his collection. The song is a bit lengthy would be it's drawback. The two versions are almost identical

8. Saawali Si Raat --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
The song is beautiful and extremely soft. Not much can be said of this one, except, at one point feels like a lullaby, albeit a very nice one. By the middle of it though, it slightly loses the grip on the narrative.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 9/10. Pritam does it again. He makes me mention every song of the album: that includes the alternate song versions too. He has simply aced his assignment to craft soft music for a movie primarily based in the 70s. Hats off!

Qayamat Hi Qayamat (2012)
Music: Suraj Kanodia, Aanchal Talesra, Manoj Tikaria

This is a blast from the past kind of album. Or may be it is intended for a market that is stuck in that age in terms of Bollywood exposure. All songs sound like they come right from a early 90s movie. Terrible. After listening to Bichchuda, you come to appreciate the singing style of Ila Arun, no matter how much her voice is ridiculed or hated.

Saaiyaan - Heroine Tujhpe Fida - Heroine Halkat Jawani - Heroine Khwahishein - Heroine Main Heroine Hoon - Heroine Kyon - Barfi! Phir Le Aya Dil (Reprise) - Barfi! Aashiyan - Barfi! Main Kya Karoon - Barfi! Barfi! - Barfi! Saawali Si Raat - Barfi! Phir Le Aya Dil - Barfi! Ala Barfi! (Version 2) - Barfi!

Raaz 3, Chal Pichchur Banate Hain, Aalaap - Music Review

Raaz 3
Music: Jeet Ganguly, Rashid Khan

1. Deewana Kar Raha Hai --------------- 6/10
A pretty standard Nadeem-Shravan-esque romantic track. Simple and nothing striking about it, but it is just fairly easy going with a hint of sadness. In case you are a Javed Ali fan, this might be even more in this song for you.

2. Oh My Love ------------------------------ 6/10
You have to be die hard Sonu Nigam fan to like this one. This is him to it's core. Melodious and soft to the core, this song is all that made Sonu Nigam what he is today. On the flip side, it means there is nothing novel about the track for neutral audience.

Final verdict: A safe album. The songs are directed in an extremely predictable manner for a horror Bollywood movie. In fact, Chirantan Bhatt did a much better job at this genre with Haunted - 3D. Decent album, could have tried harder.

Chal Pichchur Banate Hain (2012)
Music: Gaurav Dagaonkar

1. Bas Tu Hi ------------------------------ 8/10
Javed Ali fans have yet another slow paced melodic song to listen. Very easy going song that can be enjoyed in the company of that someone special, or may be alone. Shreya Ghoshal is her super sweet self. Very much like Saude Baji from Aakrosh.

2. Main Gaa Loon Zara -------------- 8/10
A lovely song of enthusiasm and optimism. A free spirit singing his/her heart out. The tempo is good and the song is entertaining. Nothing more is required out of it anyways. Good job Gaurav Dagaonkar.

3. Baanwra Mann ----------------------- 7/10
A very upbeat song and yet another track this week that uses light guitar strumming. Shaan shines after a while, and Sunidhi Chauhan continues to sparkle with melodies. The tune is fairly standard, but the innocence portrayed is a bit contagious, minus the slight repetitiveness of the tune. Short and sweet.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 7/10. The album is positive and entertaining. It makes for a soothing listening.

Aalaap (2012)
Music: Agnee

1. Shuruwat Pyaar Ki ------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
One of the nicest romantic tracks of recent times. Soft but distinct guitars and offbeat playback singers are it's strengths.

Overall, the album is fairly decent. Agnee does a great job in the sense that the entire album has tracks that are likable to listen to. Just not that great to occupy a few megabytes on the MP3 players.

Song - Movie

Deewana Kar Raha Hai - Raaz 3 Oh My Love - Raaz 3 Bas Tu Hi - Chal Pichchur Banate Hain Main Gaa Loon Zara - Chal Pichchur Banate Hain Baanwra Mann - Chal Pichchur Banate Hain Shuruwat Pyaar Ki - Aalaap

Joker, Challo Driver, Jalpari - Music Review

Joker (2012)
Music: Gaurav Dagaonkar, G. V. Prakash Kumar

1. Kafiraana --------------------------- 8/10
Here comes another song with Marathi flavor, using a Marathi word in a double-meaning way. Truly Dhagala Lagli Kala style. Sunidhi Chauhan brings her zest and commanding voice to this song while Farah Khan brings another fun themed song to life after Sheila Ki Jawani from Tees Maar Khan. Only for those who can digest the lyrics, I Want Fakht You, but still very fun.

2. Sing Raja --------------------------- 6/10
An interesting foot tapping track by Daler Mehndi. It is surprising that his voice fills the air with so much energy, still. Good beats and interesting upbeat lyrics sure to lighten up any mood. Great party/college cultural show track.

Final verdict: Overall, the album is average, except the two tracks above.

Challo Driver (2012)
Music: Gaurav Dayal, Sajjad Ali Chandwani

A pretty standard album. Not utterly terrible, but the music directors stick to the absolutely tried and tested formula; the result being a decent album with nothing to remember. Wakhre Wakhre Kaam is probably the most interesting track, with it's fun take on life. Dehle Pe Gulla is for those who love standard Punjabi hip hop.

Jalpari (2012)
Music: Midival Punditz, Ashish Chauhan

Some albums exist only for the sake of enhancing the mood and adding more color to the storytelling. Jalpari is one such album. It will not be fair to scale the talent of the music directors here, as it certainly is not the case, but the album is really boring. Only three tracks: that's some relief.

Brownie point:

• Neeli Neeli Khili Khili Si Duniya - It a decent Indian classical music based song that is soothing when played in the background. It is pleasant as a song when not focused on it. The tempo is good, and the beats and the raag used portrays emotions intensely.

Kafiraana - Joker Sing Raja - Joker Wakhre Wakhre Kaam - Challo Driver Neeli Neeli Khili Khili Si Duniya - Jalpari

Gangs of Wassepur 2, From Sydney With Love, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi - Music Review

Gangs of Wasseypur 2 (2012)
Music: Sneha Khanwalkar

Sneha Khanwalkar puts to close the two part series of the most daring, offbeat and hilarious album. Continuing the same Bihari, rural theme of Gangs of Wasseypur (1), the songs are again only for the daring and experimental listeners, for those who can handle sarcastic humor in their music.

Brownie point:

• Chhi (Chha Ledar) - The most representative track of this album embodying the oddly funny usage of English lyrics by a rural playback singer. The beats and theme tune of the song, though does not lend for crooning the song at random, is pretty catchy. Fun.
• Bahut Khoob, Bahut Khoob 8 Bit - An extremely surreal mix of sounds of little children talking unintelligibly mixed with daily sounds. For those who love odd mixes.
• Electric Piya, Electric Piya (Fused) - Yet another song that outright mixes traditional rural music with mixed English lyrics in a comic manner. Nothing better than to sing Electric Piya any random time. Would make for a hilarious antakshari or karaoke night.
• Aabroo - A completely rowdy song, the first half is boring, but the climax is amazingly directed.
• Kaala Rey, Moora, Moora (Morning) - These are interesting in that, the songs are very mild allowing the listener to soak in the odd lyrics and not enforcing any theme. Kaala Rey unfolds well from start to end. Moora has an interesting use of string instruments.
• KKL - A strange remix of Keh Ke Loonga from Gangs of Wasseypur (1). Though interesting, the one techno sound is a little overused. Not the best.

Final verdict: Those who like sarcastic music would have found the first part's music pretty interesting and the second part does not let one down on the sarcasm, sticking to the bizarre. Sneha Khanwalkar sure has found her niche in nutty music coming out with Love Sex Aur Dhokha, Bheja Fry 2 and Gangs of Wasseypur 1 and 2.

From Sydney With Love (2012)
Music: Sohail Sen

1. Feeling Love In Sydney ------------------- 6/10
If you loved the tracks in What's Your Rashee?, you might like this one too. This track has a deadpan similarity to that album. His style of an easy paced, leisurely lively music without using too many instrumentals and gimmicks sets him apart. And this track is exactly that.

2. Item Ye Hi Fi --------------------------------- 6/10
A fun and carefree Neeraj Shridhar track. Although this track is overall very average, it's casual lyrics, good beats and tempo makes it likable. The instrumentals connecting two prose are a little unimaginative; Neeraj Shridhar definitely helps its case.

Final verdict: Sohail Sen shows some flashes of good music, but he definitely needs to break out of his own shell and start producing innovative music. Otherwise his stagnation will be his own demise. Just like HR. A decent album, unfortunately in an ordinary fashion.

Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi (2012)
Music: Jeet Ganguly

The album is fairly lively, although most songs suffer from being unoriginal and hence anachronistic for 2012. It could also be that KK has now lost his mojo to captivate his audiences. He sings to his strength in Kaafir Andhere, still fails to impress. All other songs are only average, probably sufficing the plot of the movie, but not good enough outside that context.
Chhi (Chha Ledar) - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 Bahut Khoob - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 Electric Piya - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 Aabroo - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 Kaala Rey - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 Moora - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 KKL - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 Bahut Khoob 8 Bit - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 Electric Piya (Fused) - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 Moora (Morning) - Gangs of Wasseypur 2 Feeling Love In Sydney - From Sydney With Love Item Ye Hi Fi - From Sydney With Love

Ek Tha Tiger, Main Krishna Hoon, 5 Ghantey Mien 5 Crore - Music Review

Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
Music: Sohail Sen, Sajid-Wajid

1. Mashallah ----------------------- 8/10
One of the best Arabic themed music in Bollywood. Wajid Ali has been brilliantly put to use as a playback singer, his unrefined voice working perfectly with the theme. The supporting beats and connecting instrumentals would remind one of belly-dancing scenes (of course, that is not exactly how the song is actually shot).

2. Saiyaara ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
Mohit Chauhan: This is exactly the kind of songs you should be picking to voice. Very Rockstar-like, his fans should certainly relish this piece. The only drawback of this one is it quickly loses steam after a euphoric opening by Mohit Chauhan.

3. Banjaara ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
An emphatic and pleasant track by the master of zest in Bollywood music industry: Sukhwinder Singh. The opening santoor and recurring violin theme is it's highlight and keeps us interested throughout. Good track.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 7/10. Decently entertaining album by Sohail Sen, who does a terrific job of breaking his mold. His style is not recognizable in this album. The Remixes and other tracks are mediocre and a bit of a drag, save for the aforementioned ones.

Main Krishna Hoon (2012)
Music: Amjad Nadeem

Amjad Nadeem has taken a diversion after directing some mainstream Bollywood music. The music is pretty average to mediocre outside the context of the movie, and there has been no exception since Ramayana - The Epic where an animation movie has had decent music for neutral listeners.
Brownie point:

• Om Namo Namah - To the credit of Amjad Nadeem, this is a good Indian classical track describing the life of Lord Krishna.

5 Ghantey Mien 5 Crore (2012)
Music: Tony Kakkar, Rustam Fateh Ali Khan, Leonard Victor, Sourish, Ali Mustafa

1. Aaye Nahi Chain Kate Nahin -------- 7/10
A soft and silent romantic track in a typical Indian classical/ghazal form, clearly bringing to the fore the classical roots of Rustam Fateh Ali Khan. The bass guitar passages sound a little odd in this track in this overall, enjoy-it-in-solitude track.

2. Mashah Allah Kya Kehna -------------- 6/10
Yet another Mashah Allah for this week. An interesting track evoking the Mohammad Rafi era, axit's tempo and mood. Pretty pleasant.

Final verdict: Overall, the track has it's fairly good tracks and some pretty average ones. 8 original tracks that are pretty decent (at least not outright bad), pushes it's rating to 6/10. Check out the above. Rustam Fateh Ali Khan shows a good spark.

Mashallah - Ek Tha Tiger Saiyaara - Ek Tha Tiger Banjaara - Ek Tha Tiger Om Namo Namah - Main Krishna Hoon Aaye Nahi Chain Kate Nahin - 5 Ghantey Mien 5 Crore Mashah Allah Kya Kehna - 5 Ghantey Mien 5 Crore

Jism-2, Chutki Bajaa Ke, Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai - Music Review

Jism-2 (2012)
Music: Arko Pravo Mukherjee, Mithoon, Vicckey Goswami

Pooja Bhatt/Mahesh Bhatt have always stuck to basic melodies when it came to their movies, Jism (1) and Paap. Chucking any flamboyance, they went ahead with lesser known music directors. Whether it will work for them again in 2012 is a bit suspect. The tracks are either intense in mood, varying from somber to overly romantic, but definitely no catchy tunes here. Overall, thus, the album feels heavy in mood and the basic tunes feel a little bland.

Brownie points -

• Maula - The fans of Pakistani singers and their beseeching style should check this out. This one is certainly intense, but the same high intensity borders on the ludicrous. Not bad. Pooja Bhatt and Ali Azmat of Junoon fame, team up again after Paap. 
• Darta Hoon (Adhoora) - An interesting trance-like track that is reminiscent of the Aao Huzoor Tumko remix by Karunesh. The instrumentals and sedated female lead voice creates a surreal atmosphere.

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Chutki Bajaa Ke (2012)
Music: Raaj Aashoo, Rajeev Thanvi

A very ordinary album with not much effort put into creating good music. Javed Ali shines as a playback singer in overly sentimental Andheron Main Maa, while Daata Tere Sawali (Qawali) piles on the genre of qawali/sufi devotional track without creating much buzz.
(Random thought: At first glance, did anyone think the kid is giving the finger?)

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Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai (2012)
Music: Anu Malik

Talk about a time warp. This album is the best way to experience it. The songs are amazingly stuck in the early 90s. Almost can imagine Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan in their early days lip syncing these tracks. Simply employing the best singers does not make the cut. There has to be a lot of freshness to a song to be successful, and this album is plain stale.

Maula - Jism 2 Darta Hoon (Adhoora) - Jism 2