Thursday, January 24, 2013

Music Review - Race 2, Akaash Vani, Mumbai Mirror


Race 2 (2013)
Music: Pritam
Buy on Amazon!

1. Be Intehaan ------------------------------- 9/10
2. Be Intehaan (Official Remix) ------ 9/10
Atif Aslam is back for his fans, and in general, this is one touching song. Very much like Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. This melody is great from it's opening and sucks it's audience in it's charm along the way. Sunidhi Chauhan gets to show off her melodic nous after a while, which she is really good at. Didn't she have a public spat about Atif's singing abilities?
If you want to stay with this song, but want to listen it uptempo, the Official Remix is done pretty well.

3. Party On My Mind ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
A pure fun and zesty party track. The opening and the overall track makes us feel the track is a remix of itself. The opening is solid, but halfway, it digresses a bit. Don't look for too much variety and you will be entertained.

4. Lat Lag Gayee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
The opening of this song is typical Pritam party track one. Fairly common and ordinary so far, but boy! Doesn't this song impress! The rising star of female playback Shalmali Kholgade (Daru Desi from Cocktail fame) is the one who leaves a lasting impression. The song is peppy, energetic and fairly novel for a party track with a fair deal of emotional angle instead of one-dimensional hip hop beats.

5. Allah Duhai Hai ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
A good track to resurrect the original Race theme. If you liked that one, this one will nicely entertain with a good amount of intrigue and energy.

Final verdict: Overall, gets an 8/10. Since 2012 and with the only and first good album from Pritam only screams of one thing: Pritam is gold. Plagiarism or not, he is striking a chord with the masses with nearly every major album of his. This album has four great tracks, with remixes of which most are average. Thumbs up!


Akaash Vani (2013)
Music: Hitesh Sonik
Buy on Amazon!

1. Pad Gaye Ji ------------------------------ 7/10
This is what we are talking about KK. This is your strength and we are glad you give us one more track at what you are good at. The song may be a tad too long at almost 7 minutes, but it is super melodic without being extremely mushy. In fact this track has euphoric moments sprinkled in it's length to keep it interesting.

2. Bas Main Aur Tu (Reprise) ------- 7/10
3. Bas Main Aur Tu ---------------------- 6/10
A very, very, very soft track by Nikhil D'Souza. It may seem a bit too mild and one-dimensional by midway, but by the end, it would have created enough of magic web perfect for a Valentine's Day star gazing mood. But, this song is just enough good for that.
The Reprise is nearly identical; may be just a beat quicker and more beats. In that respect, the Reprise version is better than the original.

4. Tera Mera Naam --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
A simple guitar strumming track for a lonely but reminiscent mood. Shafqat Amanat Ali has slowly turned into a go-to singer for melodies overtime. Good performance on his part. Just a pleasant track.

5. Rumani --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
It's hard to pinpoint the genre of the track, but if anything, it could retro jazz. It is innovative, experimental and fairly riveting. It is completely fresh in it's approach to a peppy romantic track. Doesn't hold up it's grip all the way, but props to Hitesh Sonik for this track.

Final verdict: Overall, gets an 7/10 as an album. It seems like Hitesh Sonik has put in a great deal of effort to make this a lovable romantic album. Most songs fall short to stand up on their own, but could go a long way if they are used right in the plot of the movie. Decent and respectable album.


Mumbai Mirror (2013)
Music: Amjad Nadeem
Buy on Amazon!

1. Marjawa (Male) ------------------------ 7/10
2. Marjawa (Female) -------------------- 7/10
This one is for die hard Sonu Nigam. This is not a track we have never heard before, but Sonu Nigam delivers a strong performance and the genre of the song is his best suit: soft, yet powerful melody. The tune gets a bit repetitive and the song feels over at certain points in the song which feels weird, as the song is not really over.
The Female version of Marjawa by Sayantani Das is equally impressive, which is a completely female track. Same tune and tempo, just sounds nice in a female voice too.

Other tracks of the album are sufficiently tapori and ooze a Mumbaiyya attitude, which seems like a good thing considering the movie title.
Brownie point:
  • Govinda Ala Re - This Gokulashtami celebration track by Wajid is oddly fun for the occasion.
Be Intehaan - Race 2 Party On My Mind - Race 2 Lat Lag Gayee - Race 2 Allah Duhai Hai - Race 2 Be Intehaan (Official Remix) - Race 2 Pad Gaye Ji - Akaash Vani Bas Main Aur Tu (Reprise) - Akaash Vani Tera Mera Naam - Akaash Vani Rumani - Akaash Vani Bas Main Aur Tu - Akaash Vani Marjawa (Male) - Mumbai Mirror Govinda Ala Re - Mumbai Mirror Marjawa (Female) - Mumbai Mirror

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Music Review - Inkaar, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, Four Two Ka One


Inkaar (2013)
Music: Shantanu Moitra
Buy on Amazon!

Shantanu Moitra has managed to shine every once in a while, but this album is almost a complete bust for him. The only saving grace for the songs could be an apt placement in the movie, which is rare. His retro leanings in Darmiyan and Maula Tu Malik Hai are evident but they don't turn out well. Boring album.

Brownie points:
  • Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai - The rock opening of the track is very arousing and catchy, although the songs suffers from Bollywood's interpretation of rock: Good guitars, great theme, nice beats and gritty, yet terrible vocals of Suraj Jagan. Have no  clue, when doing so many things right, Bollywood musicians end up messing such a vital component of a song. The song otherwise, is fairly interesting, although the lyrics are a bit topical to the movie.
  • Inkaar (Theme) - A nicer sounding theme. After Chakravyuh, this one has some character, although doesn't fulfill the expectations

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola (2013)
Music: Vishal Bhardwaj
Buy on Amazon!

Vishal Bhardwaj's Indian classical leanings and a penchant for clean, well-themed music is evident in this album. Unfortunately, it does not translate into a fulfilling album in any particular genre. The most it gets is mention for a few songs. Overall, a decent and quirky album without much to care about.

Brownie points:
  • Oye Boy Charlie - If there was a second coming of Kajraare Kajraare from Bunty Aur Babli, this is it. Everything about this song: the opening, the fast paced mujra, the background qawwali, the unrefined feel to the song and the cheesiness, it's all there. Only if this was the first song of this genre would it have been as hit. Good, but not really.
  • Badal Uthiya, Badal Uthiya (Reprise) - For the soft and melodic Indian classical loving fans, this one won't disappoint. Rekha Bhardwaj sticks to her forte of classical Indian music, except this time she doesn't sound pretentious (like I had criticized her before). The Reprise version sounds equally well, if you like this one that is, which is a male version sung by Prem Dehati who gives this song an authentic Haryanwi harundertones.
  • Lootnewale - Sukhwinder Singh and Master Saleem deliver a raw and energetic song. In terms of artistic value, this is a great piece which sticks true to it's theme and cultural nuances, but just not entertaining enough to remember.
  • Khamakha - This song feels like one that would be real nice and pleasant with it's opening, but just turns into a dragging affair with it's slow pace. As an audience, we hope the song blooms into something nice midway, but it doesn't and it is almost too late for a superb piece of devotional chorus at the end.

Four Two Ka One (2013)
Music: Avishek Majumdar, J. D. Singh - Rajan
Buy on Amazon! Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai - Inkaar Inkaar (Theme) - Inkaar Oye Boy Charlie - Four Two Ka One Badal Uthiya - Four Two Ka One Lootnewale - Four Two Ka One Khamakha - Four Two Ka One Badal Uthiya (Reprise) - Four Two Ka One

There is nothing wrong with trying, and there is always the first time. Unless it is one of these reasons, the composers get no clemency from the harsh criticisms this album might receive like the overall haphazard and a cursory treatment to the tracks. Employing successful playbacks like Mika Singh or composing songs from multitude genres doesn't necessarily mean anything, unless done right.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Music Review - Rush, Chakravyuh, English Vinglish, OMG Oh My God!, JHTTD


Rush (2012)
Music: Pritam
Buy on Amazon!

This a quintessential Pritam album for an Emraan Hashmi movie. Not new, in fact it is a typical album from Pritam, but it is still so lovable. Wonder when will these tunes of Pritam will get old. At least not now.

1. O Re Khuda -------------------- 8/10
Along the lines of Tera Mera Rishta from Awarapan, this is another track of a saddened soul. Good tempo and instensity. Adnan Sami's smooth voice still has the same magic.

2. Chup Chup Ke (Film Version) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
3. Chup Chup Ke -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Pritam uses two of his past creation in one. A soft romantic track on a strumming guitar spliced with a rousing romantic qawwali. Sound familiar?
The Film Version is sung by Ash King of Delhi 6 fame, while the other version by Shaan. This is one of the best songs of Shaan of late, where he seems to falling out of favor.

4. Mumkin Nahi --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
A very Jannat 2-esque track. A soft melody with great vocals which develops great tempo, slowly building up to a great pop rock track.

5. Fukraa ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
An average Punjabi track, but fairly zesty that is enjoyable when not paying close attention. Won't mind it.

6. Rab Ka Junoon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6/10
This track is certainly not for everyone, but gets a special mention in that this track is probably the first time any Bollywood track has gone metal, not holding anything back. Kudos to Pritam for the daring move. The style of this song is very similar to American rock band System of a Down.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 7/10. A fun album overall, with typical yet enjoyable romantic tracks from Pritam with a couple of average but still enjoyable peppy tracks. Pritam doesn't let go one last time in 2012.


Chakravyuh (2012)
Music: Salim-Sulaiman, Aadesh Shrivastava, Shantanu Moitra, Sandesh Shandilya, Vijay Verma
Buy on Amazon!

Too many cooks have spoiled the broth is how this album could be summarized, with the following exception:

Brownie point:

  • Chakravyuh Theme - One of the most intense and true to it's motive theme, a rarity in Bollywood which otherwise dishes out soul-less generic fare as 'themes'. Pretty dark and perfectly portrays an iniquitous mood.

English Vinglish (2012)
Music: Amit Trivedi
Buy on Amazon!

1. Badla Nazara (Female) --- 7/10
2. Badla Nazara (Male) ------ 7/10
A fun track, that is essentially the theme of movie, which sparks a great optimistic mood of a person in a new world. Just fun. Both versions are equally nice.

3. Gustakh Dil ------------------ 7/10
A little too slow. Has a tardy opening, but it blossoms into a great melody, that the initial wait is worth it. Very soothing.

4. Manhattan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
An odd song, with a dialogue to open the song. The overall song is a little casual and goofy, but does it entertain? Oh yes. Very foot tapping.

5. Navrai Majhi ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
Amit Trivedi takes Marathi themed song mainstream. This album which precedes Aiyyaa, seemed like the point where he experimented successfully with this genre of music. Not a chartbuster, plain fun and great for weddings. The American accented Marathi is funny, if anything.

6. Dhak Dhuk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/10
A typical Amit Trivedi track, which is really nice sounding, but puts you in a wonder whether you could listen this slow and soft track to the end. Probably supports the scene well, but doesn't stand up on it's own as a track.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 7/10. Entertaining enough, Amit Trivedi was probably is in his stride during the latter part of 2012. Good for him. Good for us.


OMG Oh My God! (2012)
Music: Himesh Reshammiya
Buy on Amazon!

One of another misfires by Himesh Reshammiya. A pretty large album, but nothing to show for.




Jeena Hai Toh Thok Daal (2012)
Music: Shadaab-Abhik, Siddhant Madhav
Buy on Amazon!

An average album for a cop/gangster film. Alas, there are no more cool gangsta songs from such movie albums coming out, but just terrible ripoffs and terrible item number wannabes.

O Re Khuda - Rush Chup Chup Ke (Film Version) - Rush Mumkin Nahi - Rush Fukraa - Rush Rab Ka Junoon - Rush Chup Chup Ke - Rush Chakravyuh Theme - Chakravyuh Badla Nazara (Female) - English Vinglish Gustakh Dil - English Vinglish Manhattan - English Vinglish Navrai Majhi - English Vinglish Dhak Dhuk - English Vinglish Badla Nazara (Male) - English Vinglish

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Music Review - Dabangg 2, Kismet Love Paisa Dilli, Ata Pata Laapata, Dhama Chaukdi


Dabangg 2 (2012)
Music: Sajid-Wajid
Buy on Amazon!

1. Dagabaaz Re ---------------------------- 8/10
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan comes back with a gem. It might sound like a typical track of his at first. Give it a few repeat plays and this track transforms into a lovely qawwali track. Tere Mast Mast Do Nain from Dabangg's magic has been successfully recreated here.

2. Fevicol Se --------------------------------- 7/10
3. Fevicol Se (Remix) -------------------- 7/10
A typical Mamta Sharma item number, with predictable beats, tune and instrumentals. The mediocrity of the song ends here and if you can ignore that, this is one goofy track for some rowdy fun. Enjoyable. Trademark Sajid-Wajid.
The Remix has been done well, and sounds like a great song for DJs at discotheques. Not over the top.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 6/10. Such a typical Sajid-Wajid album, replete with goofy songs that are more rowdy than genuinely interesting. It seems at times that Salman Khan is keeping Sajid-Wajid in business. A few interesting tracks, but overall average.

Kismet Love Paisa Dilli (2012)
Music: Amjad Nadeem, Santokh Singh
Buy on Amazon!

The album is average except the one interesting track below.

Brownie point:
  • Appy Budday (Videshi), Appy Budday (Desi) - A fun quirky song sung in a boorish Jat inflection. The lyrics are funny and the execution is perfect. The song is very lively overall, except that is loses it's way in the middle. The Videshi version version uses Hollywood actors and American personalities while the Desi version uses Bollywood actors in the lyrics. Both are otherwise the same and equally funny.

Ata Pata Laapata (2012)
Music: Sujeet Choubey, Amod Bhatt, Rajpal Yadav, Sukhwinder Singh
Buy on Amazon!

The album is replete with village like folk music. So unless you are into this genre, not a lot can be liked about this album. On the other hand, if you look at this sarcastically, there are some songs to enjoy like Don't Take Tension and Joban.

Brownie point:
  • Joban - It is a fun rural marriage party song. It covers everything from being a corny song to situational dialogues which add to the authentic folk feel of the song. Employing folk singer Malini Awasthi (Dil Mera Muft Ka Remix from Agent Vinod) works wonders for the overall feel of the song, and the chorus has been directed well too.
Dhama Chaukdi (2012)
Music: Sahil Rayyan
Buy on Amazon!

If you were waiting for a train wreck of an album, this is it. Cliched, corny and thankfully at times, laughably bad. Title track Dhama Chaukdi and Ringfisher Hai Yeh Mast Beer are the best in this sense. For those who don't get enough of Mamta Sharma, there is also Yaar Mood Jhand Kar Ke.
Fevicol Se - Dabangg 2 Dagabaaz Re - Dabangg 2 Fevicol Se (Remix) - Dabangg 2 Appy Budday (Videshi) - Kismet Love Paisa Dilli Appy Budday (Desi) - Kismet Love Paisa Dilli Joban - Ata Pata Laapata

Monday, December 10, 2012

Music Review - Khiladi 786, Myoho, Cigarette Ki Tarah, Le Gaya Saddam


Khiladi 786 (2012)
Music: Himesh Reshammiya
Buy on Amazon!

1. Hookah Bar ----------------------------- 9/10
2. Hookah Bar (Remix) ---------------- 9/10
One of the best, one of the most catchy tunes brought to us by HR after a while. And finally, HR decides to pick up the microphone. The beats are very buoyant, lyrics are fun and easy to croon along; just in time for the holiday season parties.
The Remix is equally nice, with all the goodness condensed by a minute when compared to the original track.

3. Lonely (Remix) ------------------------ 8/10
The ultimate HR experience. With some video bias, I can say HR has employed his nasal twang well after a long break. The monologue at the opening and the middle of the song is genuinely boring and sounds as if the rapper is saying it while taking a dump. Using Teri Yaad Saath Hai from Namastey London tune works nicely in the track.
The Remix works a little better, as the beats are better. The rapper is limited compared to the original and blends a little better instead of the juxtaposed feeling in the main version of the song.

4. Long Drive ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
5. Long Drive (Bhangra Mix) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
An interesting track which blends the western instrumentals with an essentially Punjabi track. Mika Singh's lazy voice sounds more relaxed than forced energetic, so kudos to HR for his choice of playback singer. The songs swerves between a chic track and outright emotional tunes is pretty unique. The Bhangra Mix is an out-n-out Punjabi folk track which is equally foot tapping. The main track and the remix evoke completely different moods.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 8/10 if you are a Himesh fan. A lot of his albums off late have not featured him behind, which kind of led to a feeling he had lost his mojo. This proves me wrong. The entire album is fairly interesting for his fans, otherwise this could easily have been a mediocre album.


Myoho (2012)
Music: Runa Rizvi

The album has the first big step to climb out of obscurity, and then please the audience enough to take a note. Thankfully enough, the Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na fame Runa Rizvi does a fair job of her music director. The music is folksy and overall pleasant, unlike a lot of painful second tier albums. Good enough to earn some brownie points, and I will respectfully hold back sharp criticisms.
Brownie points:

  • Saathiya - A pleasant and Indian classical romantic track with a tinge of sadness. The male lead could have been a little better.
  • Haq Ali Da -  A typical but still enjoyable track sung by Master Saleem for fans of the sufi genre.
  • Vande Mataram - An oddly interesting patriotic song both intense in it's mood and melody. A good listen every 15th August for Indians.

Cigarette Ki Tarah (2012)
Music: Sudeep Banerjee, Kavita Seth, Ankur Mishra, Viraj Sawant
Buy on Amazon!

An average album for a fairly unknown movie. No surprises here. Not too bad, but nothing of much notice either. Nikhil D'Souza tries in vain to imitate the style of Pakistani rock singers. Sounds haphazard and thus flat in Doorian.
Brownie point:
  • Hey Bhagwan - An average but still fun track about a life turned upside down. Pretty catchy, short and simple.

Le Gaya Saddam (2012)
Music: Amjad Khan
Buy on Amazon!

Oh boy! If I was waiting for bad music to happen, this is it. No point in the tunes, vocals or genres of the album. An all round failure. For some sarcastic humor, listen to Ye Le Ye Le. A train wreck of a song, but not enough to own it.
Hookah Bar - Khiladi 786 Lonely (Remix) - Khiladi 786 Long Drive - Khiladi 786 Hookah Bar (Remix) - Khiladi 786 Long Drive (Bhangra Mix) - Khiladi 786 Saathiya - Myoho Haq Ali Da - Myoho Vande Mataram - Myoho Hey Bhagwan - Cigarette Ki Tarah

Saturday, November 24, 2012

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

Monday, November 12, 2012

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