Music Review - Kai Po Che, Rise Of The Zombie, Zila Ghaziabad

Kai Po Che (2013)
Music: Amit Trivedi
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1. Shubhaarambh ------------------------ 9/10
Amit Trivedi's musical odyssey takes him from Maharashtra/Tamil Nadu (Aiyyaa), Punjab/Rajasthan (Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana) to Gujarat with this track. Set on the beats of a garba and using authentic Gujarati vocals, we are awakened to the musical beauty of a garba. Very upbeat and festive.

2. Meethi Boliyaan ----------------------- 7/10
A soft and melodic jazz track which exudes a feeling of all the simple and nice things of life, with a dash of childhood nostalgia. Great vocals by Mili Nair, not so much by Amit Trivedi himself. More on that in final comments. Pleasant track.

3. Manja -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
Right from the outset, you know this song will capture our hearts. An optimistic narrative with an allusion to kite terminology, the song stays soft throughout it's course towards an operatic finish. Drawback: Amit Trivedi's voice.

Final verdict: Overall, gets an 8/10. Just three songs in the album, but all three are very much enjoyable. Amit Trivedi's unique musical style is getting a blossom after a couple of years since his entry into Bollywood. His songs exude a purpose and the judicious use of instrumentals make them a euphony. He needs to watch though where he lends his voice. He sings well, but his voice doesn't have the melodic luster. Mohit Chauhan would have been awesome for Meethi Boliyan. Good short album overall.

Rise Of The Zombie (2013)
Music: Debzil Mathias, Arfaaz N Anuraag, Ray N Brotherhood, Boomerang, Sofia Jannok, Suraj Jagan, Luke Kenny, Caralisa Monteiro, Anuraag Shanker, Ankur Tewari
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This album is more like a convention of India's struggling or entrant rock bands. For some reason, rock music coming out of India, is really light on bass guitar and soft on drums. It is an odd album, with some English and some Hindi songs. Very experimental album with a few interesting ones.

Brownie points:

• Dil Pukaare - If you long for more Zuj Gibran like Pakistani rock band music, this one is for you. A decent soft rock track with nice instrumentals.
• All Alone - A soft serenade on strumming guitars by Caralisa Monteiro. An all English track, it is nice to listen to.
• Blackbird - Another guitar strumming English track. It is notable for the fact that it's style is very similar to Mumford & Sons without the crazy euphoria they bring.
• Tanhayee - This is a strange one. Initially it feels super mediocre with the vocals and instrumentals out of sync, but gets way better when it gets into it's stride. Interesting rock music twists in the later half  keeps this song alive. The ending very Evanescence like.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 5/10. Kudos to the exposure experimental music is getting. Rock music is getting a foothold, but it has ways to go before it can get any serious on the world stage.

Zila Ghaziabad (2013)
Music: Amjad-Nadeem, Bappa Lahiri
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Owing to the backdrop of the movie or just due to a rowdy turbocharge the music directors had, the overall album has got an uncouth and cacophonous appeal to it. Even the predictably dhinchak song Baap Ka Maal from Mamta Sharma could not salvage this album. Yeh Hai Zila Ghaziabad sounds almost like a rip-off of Hud Hud Dabangg from Dabangg.

Brownie points:

• Ranjha Jogi - For those who can never get enough of Sonu Nigam's and Shreya Ghoshal's melodious voice, this qawwali-like romantic track is for them.
• Tu Hai Rab Mera - ...and for the Mohit Chauhan fanatics, there is this one. CAUTION: Tulsi Kumar almost ruins this song with her shrill voice. She is not a bad singer, but is not good at least in this one. Yet another hopelessly romantic track.

Shubhaarambh - Kai Po Che Meethi Boliyaan - Kai Po Che Manja - Kai Po Che Dil Pukaare - Rise Of The Zombie All Alone - Rise Of The Zombie Blackbird - Rise Of The Zombie Tanhayee - Rise Of The Zombie Ranjha Jogi - Zila Ghaziabad Tu Hai Rab Mera - Zila Ghaziabad

Music Review - Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story, Murder 3

Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story (2013)
Music: Sachin-Jigar
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1. Hai Na ------------------------------------- 9/10
Atif Aslam does not quite feature in songs with bass and electronic guitars. This soft rock song which is an interesting narrative of the protagonist has interesting twists with varied and purposeful instrumentals. Very youthful and snappy. Lovely song.

2. Thoda Thoda ------------------------- 9/10
Wonder where Shreya Ghoshal had been with her super sweet voice. Well, she makes a great comeback with her sweeter than sugar voice and an equally adorable tune for Valentine's Day. A lovely song for the romantic occasions.

3. Aa Bhi Ja Mere Mehermaan ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/10
If you missed Atif, this is not that time. He has featured in two closely released albums, Race 2 and this one. And guess what, you will love him in this song too. He sounds more like Prince in this album, Sachin-Jigar seemed to have recycled those compositions. Nevertheless, a great romantic track by Atif.

4. Dil Na Jaane Kyun ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
A peppy party number from Atif. It is akin to Tum Mile Rock Version from Tum Mile. Although a typical R&B song, it is fun and yet is romantic.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 9/10. A wonderfully romantic album, and Sachin-Jigar score a 2/2 in two weeks with superb music that is varied and conventionally good at the same time. Did I forget to say, in either case it was brilliant and fresh.

Murder 3 (2013)
Music: Pritam, Roxen (band)
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1. Hum Jee Lenge --------------------- 10/10
2. Hum Jee Lenge Rock Version ------------------------------------------------------------- 10/10
If anyone in Bollywood is doing rock music well, it is Mustafa Zahid and his Roxen band. The use of low-pitch acoustic guitar is unexpected and novel. Besides his style of mildly sad melodies is great, unless you are looking absolutely cheerful. Great transitions between lines which gives a nice structure to the song. The transition between soft tunes and hard-hitting louder notes have been executed well.
The Rock Version is nearly identical. For the sake of comparison, the original sounds better and it is a little longer than the Rock Version and thus feels well developed.

3. Teri Jhuki Nazar ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
4. Teri Jhuki Nazar Film Version ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
A quintessential Pritam romantic track. Shafqat Amanat Ali might be one of the most underrated great singers of present times. A simple and lovable romantic melody that harks back to tracks by Pritam in Cocktail, Dum Maaro Dum and Agent Vinod.
If anyone can notice any difference between the main version and Film Version, I am keen to know.

5. Mat Aazma Re ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8/10
Just when I thought KK days were long gone, he makes himself relevant. Although I still believe his days are numbered. Anyways, getting back to the song, this song is everything that made us love KK's commanding voice. Nice instrumentals with a tinge of intense emotions sung well by KK makes this a great song.

6. Jaata Hai Tujh Tak ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
7. Jaata Hai Tujh Tak Film Version ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7/10
A simple and straightforward R&B track by Nikhil D'Souza. The song opens with a fast tempo and slowly leads to main theme. Owing to this, the song feel a bit repetitive by the late middle to the end. Enjoyable song.
Ditto like Teri Jhuki Nazar, if anyone can find the difference between the main and Film versions, I am interested.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 9/10. Pritam has been so consistently successful with his major albums, that it's almost boring to say: Another fine album by Pritam, with some help from Roxen band. He shows some semblance to his past work (without overly typecasting himself). The album is strange though. There are four original tracks and three alternate versions.The three alternate versions are barely alternate. Wonder if Pritam just got lazy or had some money dispute with the recording company or is it good old fraud in plain sight by Sony Music India, that the alternate versions of the songs are near identical.

This rounds up the review of two lovely album for Valentine's Day 2013.

Hai Na - Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story Thoda Thoda - Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story Aa Bhi Ja Mere Mehermaan - Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story Dil Na Jaane Kyun - Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story Hum Jee Lenge - Murder 3 Teri Jhuki Nazar - Murder 3 Mat Aazma Re - Murder 3 Jaata Hai Tujh Tak - Murder 3 Hum Jee Lenge Rock Version - Murder 3 Teri Jhuki Nazar Film Version - Murder 3 Jaata Hai Tujh Tak Film Version - Murder 3

Music Review - ABCD, Special 26, Vishwaroop, Listen... Amaya

ABCD Any Body Can Dance (2013)
Music: Sachin-Jigar
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1. Duhaai ------------------------------------ 10/10
The way this song opens and where it goes from there is completely the opposite. Opens like a typical Bollywood romantic opera, but transforms into an intense and techno-modern medley. Experimental, bohemian and well executed.

2. Bezubaan --------------------------------- 9/10
If you were waiting for a Rockstar like performance from Mohit Chauhan, here comes one after more than a year. Bezubaan, is all what is great about him. The opening is brilliant and the following transition to a hip rap is very fresh sounding. Superb track. The ending which is specially added for the dance sequence (which I speculate because I haven't seen the full video) is odd, but it can be forgiven given the beautiful track.

3. Man Basiyo Saanwariyo ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/10
If you haven't been a fan of Anushka Manchanda's strong voice, this will be it where you will be. She gives an unwavering rendition for an Indo classical rock track. The cyclical motions the song takes between a tune to a euphoric rock experience is very well composed, which keeps us, the audience wanting for more.

4. Sadda Dil Vi Tu (Ga Ga Ga Ganpati) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
This track is for the quintessential Mumbaikar and every Maharashtrian, who knows what the collective fervor of Ganesh festival means. A strange combination of Nashik dhol, bass guitar and Hard Kaur packs a punch. Will make one long for those 10 days.

5. Sorry Sorry ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Amongst all the songs of the album, probably the only most predictable one. A peppy track, which though isn't incredibly innovative, is extremely catchy. Is it enjoyable? Hell yes!

6. Kar Ja Re Ya Mar Ja Re ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
An unexpectedly zesty dance track. Perfect for some power packed performance. A short, invigorating semi-instrumental. The opening and ending is a little creepy.

7. Psycho Re ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Did anyone ask for a rowdy track to forget all the rules and uninhibited fun? A raw, raucous track with typical south Indians beats brings two singers of different generations together: Mika Singh and Udit Narayan. Forget the norm, and enjoy it for what it is.

8. Shambhu Sutaya -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/10
Ditto as above in terms of the intended audience, except this one is more of a devotional track than just-for-fun track. Shankar Mahadevan reminds us of his Indian classical wizardry, while Vishal Dadlani's beseeching voice provides an awesome compliment. A surefire hit this year come Ganpati.

9. Chandu Ki Girl Friend ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7/10
Peppy, nutty song. The tune and beats are very 90s like, and it takes a while to get into the theme of the song. The lyrics slowly sucks the listener into it's fun. Not bad.

Final verdict: Overall, gets a 10/10. Couldn't wait till I got to the overall comments section. This album by Sachin-Jigar is up there with some of the greatest albums by ARR or Pritam or Vishal-Shekhar . The album is a blast of fresh air and gives us a break from the melodies of Pritam while not being a totally fringe album like Gangs of Wasseypur. They deserve a great deal of appreciation for this album. Not one track will bore you.

Special 26 (2013)
Music: M. M. Kreem
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This is a typical M.M. Kreem album. Unassuming and focusing more on the tune than the fanfare. The Criminal, Jism and Sur fame musician delivers another decent album. The songs don't necessarily deserve a great deal of criticism, but the album feels a bit cliche. Nothing wrong with the tracks, it's just that there is not much novelty in the tunes and beats.
If you loved him in his previous albums you will find the below interesting.

Brownie points:

• Kaun Mera - The version by Papon amongst three versions of the song is the best. It is soft and melodious and is accompanied with sufficient instrumentals to keep it engaging compared to the other unplugged versions.

Vishwaroop (2013)
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
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In a string of busts, this is another one from the once prolific music trio. The album has a apocalyptic social feel to it, with it being neither intense in an Indian classical way or the rock way. The songs have no depth. The album completely fails to connect with our emotions. The only noteworthy aspect of it is Kamal Haasan doing playback for some songs. Otherwise, forgettable.

Listen... Amaya (2012)
Music: Indraneel Hariharan
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Just a couple of jingles, coffee advertisement and remix of a classic song. That is the best description for a bland album which might as well put one to a sound  sleep. Don't Listen... Amaya!Duhaai - ABCD Any Body Can DanceBezubaan - ABCD Any Body Can DanceMan Basiyo Saanwariyo - ABCD Any Body Can DanceSadda Dil Vi Tu (Ga Ga Ga Ganpati)- ABCD Any Body Can DanceSorry Sorry - ABCD Any Body Can DanceKar Ja Re Ya Mar Ja Re - ABCD Any Body Can DancePsycho Re - ABCD Any Body Can DanceShambhu Sutaya - ABCD Any Body Can DanceChandu Ki Girl Friend - ABCD Any Body Can DanceKaun Mera - Special 26

Music Review - Race 2, Akaash Vani, Mumbai Mirror

Race 2 (2013)
Music: Pritam
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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
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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
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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

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

Inkaar (2013)
Music: Shantanu Moitra
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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
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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.

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

Rush (2012)
Music: Pritam
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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

Dabangg 2 (2012)
Music: Sajid-Wajid
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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
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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
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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
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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