Ra.One Music Review

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

The much awaited music of Ra.One finally arrives on stands. Expectations. Expectations and some more expectations. This is how one looks forward to the music of Ra.One and why not, after all this is the biggest ever film starring Shahrukh Khan which has created huge buzz accompanied by immense hype ever since it was launched. The last time music directors Vishal-Shekhar and 'BaadShah' Shahrukh Khan joined hands, the result was Om Shanti Om (2007) which is still considered the best work by the musicians duo who also erupted a volcano last year in the name of 'Sheila Ki Jawaani' (Tees Maar Khan). So are these expectations met? Well, very much as each of the seven unique tracks along with few instrumental themes and remix bring on a variety that makes Ra.One a winner all the way with a total of 15 tracks.

The soundtrack opens with Chammak Challo, which has already gained popularity for two reasons. First, due to its leaked International Version on the net three months ago, second, a renowned International artist- Akon, has been roped in for this Indo-Western unique composition. If that is not enough, hear the lyrics 'Tu Meri Chammak Challo, Teri picture ka main Hero', written by Vishal Dadlani and Niranjan Iyengar. The brilliance with which Akon renders the Hindi vocals can even give Ash King (Te Amo and I love You fame) a complex for his Hindi dictions. Hamsika Iyer, who is a regular voice with ad jingles, lends good support to him and makes the composition highly addictive that will be remembered for years to come.

Make no doubt that Vishal-Shekhar are on the verge of breaking Pritam's record for most number of versions of a particular song by providing four other versions of Chammak Challo after the original one (a total of five). First on the line is Chammak Challo Punjabi Mix which has 'plug-it-on-and-dance' flavour that is applicable for dance floors as well as parties. Chammak Challo Club Mix and Remix makes the experience even better with the Chammak Challo International Version (leaked version) being a solo outing for Akon with no Hamsika Iyer, however, Akon is well used but it seems too much of him by now with so many versions.

Shafqat Amanat Ali, Vishal Dadlani, Clinton Cerejo, Shekhar Ravjiani yes, that’s the list of singers for the next romantic composition Dildaara-Stand By Me (based on Ben.E.King's song 'Stand By Me'). It's melodious, breezy and a sure shot chartbuster from the word 'Go' with Shahrukh Khan looking absolutely stunning in his curly hair cut. Shafqat Amanat Ali comes out of his sufiana-comfort zone and once again his voice reminds me of Shankar Mahadevan, but nevertheless he has been used beautifully with good support from others for the English renditions. Hear some innovative vivacious classical notes with rock beats from 2:10 to 2:30, sheer brilliance. The lyricist Kumaar, a hot favourite for Vishal-Shekhar, does a commendable job once again with his pen. However, one more antara could have been included but nevertheless it's a song which one would just wish could be played in loop for hours at a stretch.

Criminal a 'qaatil' composition for which Vishal Dadlani and Shruti Pathak joins Akon, has all in it to be a havoc at the discotheques. An immensely innovative track which will certainly get appreciation at an international level. It's high on Vishal-Shekhar trademark orchestra and drum beats and is filled with English and Hindi vocals with some brilliant lyrics written by Vishal Dadlani and Kumaar. Akon impresses again with his Hindi dictions and Vishal Dadlani stands tall with him. Shruti Pathak after 'Aas paas hai khuda' and 'Tujhe bhula diya' from Anjaana Anjaani is used well by the composers in a male dominated song where the protagonist is describing the 'latka-jhatkas' of his lady love as 'qaatilana'. Undoubtedly the song needs to be promoted aggressively (SRK is all guns blazing for this number) and will be a rage once the video is out.

Criminal Club Mix provides nothing extraordinary with some usual bass and increased tempo. The original is far better.

Ever heard a fusion of Tabla beats and English renditions, sit through this next six minute composition Bhare Naina which falls in the same corridor as Piya Kesariyo from Hum Tum Shabana. Crooned by Nandini Shrikar, it starts with a haunting prelude which seems the basic theme of Ra.One as it is heard again in the interludes and in other tracks as well, including an instrumental. Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani joins in with their English and Sanskrit enchants in this epic classical cum western outing, which shows an altogether different facet of the composer-duo. Panchhi Jalonvi lyrics are fresh and at the same time painful and slightly makes us remember Vishal-Shekhar's very own 'Jag Soona Soona Lage' (Om Shanti Om) which was penned down by Kumaar, solely on the lyrics front. While one waits to see it rise in popularity in days to come, one can be sure that this is one song that has in it to enjoy a long shelf life. (Don't dare miss the peaceful but short flute renditions from 4:10 to 4:20).

After four brilliant compositions comes Right By Your Side, an animated, techno-peppy song by Siddharath Coutto and written by Anvita Dutt. Though Vishal Dadlani renders full support to 'Life Sahi Hai' (Pyar Ka Punchnama) fame Sid Coutto but still it results in an average track. It's a usual Vishal-Shekhar tune which defines their trademark style from their days of Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999) till today. Passable.

Moving further, Raftaarein executed by vociferous Vishal Dadlani (who is also the lyricist for this one) and Shekhar Ravjiani is a blusterous composition which will leave you spellbound and stunned due to its power packed vocals and tribute paid to 1970-80's style of R.D. Burman ('Duniya Mein Logo Ko'). It defines the overall theme of Ra.One and will find its place at various junctures in the movie post interval. The surprise element comes in the form of Shekhar Ravjiani who after crooning 'Bin Tere Unplugged' from I Hate Luv Story's (2010), proves his menace as he overpowers Vishal's audacious voice (at places though) with his never-heard before avatar with some high energy notes to start with. A brilliant composition and will certainly be an interesting watch in the Big screen with SRK's superhero avatar.

For Jiya Mora Ghabraye (The Chase), director Anubhav Sinha's makes his presence felt as it is quite similar to the themes of his previous ventures Dus (2005) and Cash (2007). It’s more of an instrumental where a talent like Sukhwinder Singh is wasted by making him render some classical notes and alaap which seems a bit unnecessary in a total rock feel environment. As a rock-theme instrumental it might work but expect nothing much from the lyrics and vocals.

What continues after these seven tracks is a series of instrumentals, three in number, each with about one and a half minutes duration and almost the same theme that is heard in the previous songs. First in line is Comes The Light (Theme) which gives a mild feeling of Don-The Chase Begins Theme. I Am On (Theme) is a fast instrumental of the song Raftaarein. Song Of The End (Theme) as the name suggests is sad one and may be used in the climax sequence.

Ra.One is an unconventional album, especially when one looks at it from the Bollywood standpoint. Change is good and it is slowly but steadily. While Vishal-Shekhar can take pride on coming up with something that justifies a certain quality, SRK and Anubhav Sinha can be rest assured that this is their best work till date. With the kind of hype that has surrounded the movie; the music should find instant attention and will grow from strength to strength with about 40 days till the movie releases. Dildaara will see itself scorching the charts and Chammak Challo alongside Criminal will certainly be a hit at an International level. Highly Recommended!!

I rate it 4 out of 5!


Edited Version @ PlanetBollywood

Rascals Music Review

Rating: ★ ★ ★ 

Masti. Masala. And some 'dhamaal'. That's exactly what one expects from the music of Rascals. Movies and Music coming from the house of David Dhawan (Director) have a certain template feel to them. His films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya (2005) and Partner (2007) have been youthful entertainers with good music and this time with composer Vishal-Shekhar and lyricist Irshaad Kamil and Anvita Dutt at at the helm of affairs, one expects full-on-entertainment in 4 originals and 2 remix that awaits.

The first track, rather the title song Rascals is a roaring composition, from the lyrics to the high fast paced beats, it will hook you instantly. Neeraj Shridhar is a regular with composer Pritam and has delivered a dozen odd chartbusters with him already, however, when it comes to Vishal-Shekhar, they have used him quite sparsely ('Ajab Leher' in Break Ke Baad-2010), that makes it interesting as to how well they have used his voice for a racy composition, musical arrangements of which reminds the title tracks of the Golmaal Series. The lyrics co-written by Anvita Dutt and Irshaad Kamil are fresh, young and innovative at the same time with lines like 'Diya leke dhoondho jaake nahi milenge ajkal, Hum jaise dil phek nikkamme, Na hum jaise Rascals' catching instant attention. The song will find its place at multiple situations in the movie and will gel brilliantly along the narration of the movie.

Rascals Dance Mix is an ordinary remix and wasn’t required.

As you move along, Daler Mehendi will take you on a ride through the next track Tik Tuk for which Monali Thakur supports him well. The lyrics 'tik tuk tik tuk ghodi chadd le' will draw comparisons with the iconic song Bhootni ke from Singh Is King , but to clear the air, both the songs have nothing in common except the singer Daler Mehendi and the Ghodi. The Dhol beats and the English rap in the interludes (take special notice how the word Tik Tuk is pronounced by the rapper) makes the song a perfect western-punjabi entertainer that will make you pump up the volume on your music device. The video with a sizzling comic chemistry between Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt is making rounds on the television and is a nice watch altogether.

The next two compositions solely belongs to Irshaad Kamil(Lyricist) , starting with Pardaah Nasheen by Neeraj Shridhar and Sunidhi Chauhan which is a weak composition when compared to the first two tracks with the musical arrangements being quite similar to the previous track Tik Tuk, with a vast dip in the tempo and pace. Neeraj Shridhar tries hard to create the same magic as in 'Ishq Ka Kalma' (Aey Rubana) from Goal (2007) but fails. Vishal-Shekhar maintains the same high orchestra-drum beats in this composition as well without offering anything extraordinary. Average composition and could have been better.

Naughty, Sensuous, Seductive-that is what Shake it Saiyyan; the last track; is all about. Sunidhi Chauhan after 'I Don't Know What To Do' from Housefull (2010) provides another raunchy number which is highly addictive with Haji Springer doing the rapping portions in the interludes. In a composition like this, lyrics play a very important role and Irshaad Kamil is impressive yet again. As far as the video is considered, after a dud debut in last year’s Aisha, Lisa Haydon will be seen shaking her booty with Sanjay Dutt in this song and the early promo's with a slight glimpse of it has already created substantial buzz. No doubt this hot sizzling number will attract lots of eyes and ears with time.

Shake it Saiyyan Hip Hop Mix is good but nothing innovative as such. 

Vishal-Shekhar continues their silent run in 2011 with Rascals being their second release of the year after Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap which was also an ordinary soundtrack. With Ra.One music release lined up, the buzz is around that it’s the most experimental soundtrack by them till date. Coming back to Rascals, it's a fun album and never takes itself too seriously to turn into a landmark affair that would be remembered for years to come and that is why there is no conventional love song or 'Dil-Tootna' affair. The songs are entertaining to a certain extent and will fit in well in the film's narrative. 

 I rate it 3 out of 5.


Edited Version @ PlanetBollywood

Damadamm Music Review

Rating: ★ ★ 1/2

After breaking all records at being unsuccessful as an actor, Himesh Reshammiya is back with his latest venture Damadamm! which claims to be a rib-tickling musical rock house. Before his first movie as an actor in the name of Aap Ka Surror-The Real Love Story(2007) ,Himesh composed some super hits tracks for albums like Tere Naam,Namastey London,Aetraaz to name a few. But after the super success of Aashiq Banaya Aapne, Aksar and then his album Aap Ka Surror, he decided to only compose for his acting ventures with Bodyguard being an exception recently. His previous movies Karzzzz(2008),Radio(2009),Kajraare(2010) went Dhadaam at the box office and Kajraare wasn't even released worldwide, only one print was sold so that the producers can legally sell the satellite rights to the small screen(television).Nevertheless the music of all his movies attracts lots of attraction, especially among the worldwide HR fans, so this time also keeping aside the fate of the movie, lets analyse the music which as expected boasts of monstrous 15 tracks with 9 originals,5 remix and 1 promotional song with Sachin Gupta(music composer for Prince-2010 and the voice behind Tere Liye-Unplugged) for which Himesh has himself penned the lyrics.

The title song Damadamm is an unexpected number to come out from Himesh's directory with an endless list of singers Himesh Reshammiya, Vineet Singh, Alam Gir Khan, Shabaab Sabri, Punu Brara, Palak Muchhal, Sabina and Rubina Shaikh.The song will be liked instantly even if it comes to Non-HR fans, especially due to the variations in the 6 minute number which comes out as a fast -paced-qawwali with a sufiana touch to it. Having said that ,the part 'Dama Dam Mast Mast Mast Mast Kalandar' gets monotonous after a point and could have been more innovative, but still its worth a try with Himesh trying a different genre altogether.

Damadamm Remix feels unnecessary and could be avoided.

The second track Umrao Jaan with Himesh Reshammiya at the front tries hard to be funny with Purbi Joshi (backing vocals) with her 'No tuchng, Only seeing, No Kissing, Only Seeing' monologue during the whole song, but fails misrebaly.Its highly repetitive and one strongly feels that this song would appear at various junctures in the film's narrative but as an audio it offers nothing special to the listeners. However, Umrao Jaan Remix is the one to look out for with high bass and fast pace and is far better than the original.

Warning: Move further only If you are a die-hard Himesh Fan.

Here comes a trademark Himesh composition Aaja Ve which will give you a subtle wave of 'Tanhaiyaa' from Aap Ka Surror-The Real Love Story and the song Dekhun Tujhe to Pyar aaye (Apne-2007) ,the musical arrangements of which seem to have inspired this number as well. Although the song has nothing to cheer for on the lyrics front (Shabbir Ahmed) but it will strike an instant chord with Himesh fans while catching lots of ears. (Himesh's voice here is quite similar to Vineet Singh at parts)

Aaja Ve Remix is good with just few extra beats minus the original chorus 'ooo ooo ooo' by Himesh.Nothing extraordinary though.

The 4th track Madhushala is a composition of its own kind having ups and downs during its 5 minutes which sees an impressive dual-vocal by Himesh (going full nasal and non-nasal) and Aditi Singh Sharma. After Isq Risk(MBKD),comes another song with new dictions, such as Jisam,khusbu and madhusaala.If you loved Tandoori Nights(Karzzzz) Madhushala is the song to look out for, however it requires multiple hearings to adjust to its unusual style and especially the whacky dance steps by Himesh in the video.Aditi Singh Sharma after Choomantar(MBKD) starts the song with some English vocals (Ishq Unplugged-which was previously the title of the movie) and then brings a touch of 1960's in the antara that follows the harmonium plus tabla, which takes you straight back to an era of Mughal-e-Azam.(there is a vast difference in her vocals for both the renditions).

Madhushala Remix and Madhushala House Mix are both enjoyable and follows the trend that Himesh started years ago of including the Remix of his own compositions through Aashiq Banaya Aapne ,a trend that is applicable to almost every soundtrack today.

Remember Rafa Dafa Kiya nahi Jaaye from the movie Radio-2009, hear Yun To Mera Dil by Himesh and Sadhna Sargam.After a long gap one sees Sadhna Sargam in action but sadly only for 2 lines and one feels that she could have been used more, neverthless the song is engrossing with Himesh going way too low at some notes giving a relief to the listeners from his usual nasalism.Good romantic number.

The 6th track HumTum starts off brilliantly with Vaishali Mhade(SaReGaMaPa 2009 winner) churning out some classical notes but soon is taken over by Himesh and what follows is an average composition ,especially on the lyrics front which are way too simple( hum tum train ki do patri ki tarah) failing to create an impact. Disappointed!

Now, the song Tere Bina is a special one and the past record for Himesh with the word 'Tere Bina' has been outstanding with Tere Bina-Aap Ka Suroor The Real Love Story being appreciated tremendously. The song has all in it to be a hit amongst Himesh's fans and will be a rage like Teri Meri from Bodyguard recently. Although this simple, breezy sounding composition seems to be inspired from the legendry song 'Kahin To Hogi Wo' from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na-2008 which was composed by the maestro A.R.Rehman, but still the trouble-some lyrics (Sameer) and the sad feel will work in its favour making the song popular with time. Decent hear!

Coming to the 8th track which reads I Need My Space is a save-your-ears from Himesh where he almost does a Vishal Dadlani during 'I need My Space, I need My Freedom’. A situational number which gives a heard-before feeling and could have sounded better in the voice of some other accomplished singer.

Up next is Mango, yes that’s the name of the song, which is imaginative and tries-to-be innovative, but despite Mango's engrossing melody, its brainless lyrics kill it. Supporting Himesh is Aditi Singh Sharma who once again impresses in the short High Opera-ish scale with some English vocals and renditions, long way to go for her. Sadly the attempt to create connection between a seasonal fruit 'Mango' and 'Love' seems a lame attempt on the lyrics part and doesn’t leaves a lasting impression on the listeners. The only plus for the composition is the part crooned by Aditi Singh Sharma at the start and then in the interludes, sheer brilliance, the 2nd antara(paragraph) with the English vocals is an instant reminder of the captivating song Reaching for the Rainbow from Love U Mr.Kalakaar-2011.Hear it only for Aditi Singh Sharma.

The last original, rather promotional track Bhool Jaun co-composed and co-sung by Himesh Reshammiya and Sachin Gupta is an example as to how impactful can be Himesh tunes if he allows other singers to sing. One can sense that Sachin Gupta is caught in the Tere Liye Unplugged (Prince) mode and he has tried to bring in a similar feel here as well, but nonetheless it’s a perfect end to the soundtrack and the song makes up for a decent hear which will gain popularity once its video is out.

Damadamm! doesn’t lives upto the expectations of Himesh fan’s, leave apart Non-HR fans .His previous soundtracks Radio and Karzzzz were far better and offered some repeat-value tunes, but Damadamm! except for 2 or 3 compositions has nothing to cheer for, especially on the lyrics part, it’s a big disappointment with Shabbir Ahmed doing for the Title number and Aaja Ve and Sameer for the rest of the songs. Both the writers provide nothing extraordinary for what could have been a soulful ride with Himesh rendering some heart-broken tunes. Having said that,Damadamm! will for sure find its place among HR fans but one doubt whether it will have a long shelf live.

I rate it 2.5 out of 5

Edited Version @ PlanetBollywood

Love BreakUps Zindagi-Music Review

Rating: ★ ★ 1/2

After a blockbuster score in Band Baaja Baraat last year, the duo Salim-Sulaiman is back with Love BreakUps Zindagi having Zayed Khan and Dia Mirza in the lead role as well as the producers .One doesn’t expects a roller-coaster ride from the movie, sole reason being the lead pair which doesn’t have a great past record.Zayad Khan's Blue (2009) and Yuvraaj (2008) came and vanished without making any noise. Same goes with Dia Mirza who despite spending a decade in the industry doesn’t have a Hit to her name. Keeping aside all permutations and combinations lets dive into the world of Javed Akhtar (Lyrics) and Salim-Sulaiman (music composers) who offers a total of 5 tracks including a Remix by DJ A-Myth.

The album opens with a philosophical track, Rozaana sung by Salim Merchant, which just needs few hearings to captivate your mind and not many would agree that it starts where Tarkeebien from Band Baaja Baraat ends solely on the lyrics front which describes Life in a beautiful way. The short harmonica portion in the 2nd interlude is unexpected and innovative at the same time. Its video has already gained lots of appreciation and with time the song will be loved by everyone. Brilliant start!

Rozaana Remix by DJ A-Myth deserves to be the only remix in the album, with an English rap to start with and then some foot tapping beats which makes the song a perfect entertainer.

Rozaana.. Subah Leke aati hai Roshni!!

The 2nd track Rab Rakha starts with Salim Merchant crooning the chorus part in his trademark style which highly resembles their own composition Shukran Allah from Kurbaan(2009).Both the songs have almost the same list of singers Sonu Nigam,Shreya Ghoshal, Salim Merchant with Shraddha Pandit(Band Baaja Baraat Title song) being the only new entrant for Rab Rakha. The way Sonu Nigam joins in after Salim Merchant, one can straightaway draw parallel lines with Shukran Allah. The lyrics are simple and doesn’t have anything extraordinary to offer but the song changes gears after the first antara(past 3 minutes) when Shraddha Pandit enters and brings a Punjabi touch to the song with her soul-stirring voice. Surprisingly the period is short lived for only 40 seconds ,after which it continues with its usual tone. A good track all in all which will be seen playing at marriage celebrations for sure!

When you read the credentials Benny Dayal and Shraddha Pandit for the 3rd song named Love Love Love ,expectations goes sky high due to the combination of Benny Dayal and Salim-Sulaiman which has provided songs like 'Tarkeebien' and 'Dum Dum Mast Hain' from 'Band Baaja Baraat'(2010) and 'Pocket Mein Rocket' from 'Rocket Singh-Salesman of the Year'(2009).But the 'Trio' fails to cast the same Magical spell again in Love Love Love which comes out as an ordinary track and becomes a speed breaker in the album, hampering the ambience created by the first two songs.

Save the Best for The Last,Yes,as the saying goes,Chayee Hai Tanhayi sung by extremely talented Shafqat Amanat Ali,Salim Merchant and Shruti Pathak is the best of the lot and a song that is tailor made for a singer like Shafqat Amanat Ali who rose to stardom in India with Mitwa in Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna under Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.Shruti Pathak after Mar Jawan from Fashion(2008) gets another opportunity to showcase her talent but unfortunately gets very little space in a song dominated by Shafqat Amanat Ali.It slightly knocks at the doors of Jaane Kyun from Always Kabhi Kabhi(2011) which had the same singer behind the mike but nevertheless the brilliant fusion of Tabla,Dholak and Harmonium makes up for a real treat for the listeners. A song that will enjoy a longer shelf life and will certainly occupy a place in the music directory of all the listeners. The only disappointment is the short duration of song (3.5 minutes) with just one antara(paragraph) which keeps you wanting for more. Recommended!

Salim-Sulaiman has a reputation for the background scores in movies and slowly they have crafted a space for themselves as music composers from national award winning song Ye Hausla in Dor(2008) to their best piece in Fashion(2008) and most recently Band Baaja Baraat(2010) but Love BreakUps Zindagi at the end of the day disappoints with 2 compositions out of 4 being average. With albums like Mausam, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Hum Tum Shabana already rocking the charts and Ra.One,Rascals and Damadamm at the peak of their music release, it’s very difficult for the tracks of Love BreakUps Zindagi to even enter the top 10 list of the songs. Still one can expect Rozaana and Chayee Hai Tanhayi to win the race and gain some popularity.

I am going with 2.5 stars out of 5.


Edited Version @ PlanetBollywood

Force-Music Review

RATING:★ ★ 1/2

Surprise!Surprise!

Harris Jayaraj(anyone?) is back in action who made his debut in Hindi music industry with a magical spell in Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein a decade ago(2001).After that he produced tunes for few Tamil movies and now he marks his comeback through an action-packed Vipul Shah production, Force, starring John Abraham and Genelia Dsouja. with Lalit Pandit as the guest composer.Javed Akhtar makes his pen do the talking as he takes up the job of the Lyricist. The movie being an action-thriller already limits the scope of music and justifiably only 5 original songs have been included in the album with no remixes at all. The expectations are not very high but as soon as I read the name of Harris Jayaraj, I felt an instant urge to check out if this immensely talented composer can create the same magic again!!

The album opens with Khwabon Khwabon a Resurrection of the Tamil versions in 2003 and 2004. It highly resembles the song 'Gustaakhiyaan Hain' from the movie 'Aankhein'(2002), especially the alaap portions. The song does well as an opener and with Genelia looking stunning in the video the impact will be more powerful.

If one is into Tamil music, one knows that the name of Bombay Jayshree is a must when the music is by Harris Jayaraj and the second track Chahoon Bhi is a sweet number by her where Karthik (remember 'I am in Love' from Once upon a time in Mumbai- a brilliant song wasted by not giving it space in the movie) joins in for the second antara. It requires multiple hearings to settle down in the memories of the listeners. Average track which gets monotonous after a point and even the lyrics could not save it.

After Munni Badnaam Lalit pandit is on another planet and the 3rd song Dum Hai to Aaja composed by him and sung by Mahua kamat is really for the people of other planets. A bad attempt to create an audacious song which looks like a horror version of Aey Bacchu from 'Ghazini'.Why opt for Lalit pandit when you have a brilliant composer in the name of Harris Jayaraj. Big disappointment.

I was about to pluck my hairs out of my head after going through this 4 minute of torcher but to my respite comes Main Chali by Naresh Iyer and Shreya Ghosal.A trademark Harris Jayaraj tune from the word go and will be liked instantly by the listeners especially due to the energetic interludes portions sung by Naresh Iyer where he almost does a Benny Dayal and the style gives a hint of some tunes in RHTDM.The best track of the album which provides a lot of variety in its duration of about 6 minutes. Shreya Ghoshal voice is honey dipped in the slow portions and the song keeps u wanting for more. Go for it!!

The last track Dil Ki Hai Tamanna by Vijay Prakash, Shalini Singh and Neha Bhasin will straight away remind you the compositions of Kuch Luv Jaisa (2011) where Pritam was the magician. Vijay Prakash after Beera Beera in Raavan(2010) shows his versatility and his combination with Harris Jayaraj always provides a winner.Shalini Singh and Neha Bhasin are 2 highly talented and diversified singers who takes the song to an another level altogether. An easy-on-ears tune which provides a perfect ending to the album with Javed Akhtar at his best. Likeable!

Force doesn’t live up to the expectations, despite Harris Jayaraj being the composer. Apart from Main Chali and Dil Ki hai Tamanna, all other songs disappoints and being an action thriller a theme song is missing which could be used as a background score for the movie.

I rate it 2.5 out of 5!!

Hum Tum Shabana-Music Review

RATING:★ ★ ★

Sachin-Jigar (music composers) have been in business since '4 baj gaye lekin Party abhi Baaki Hai'(Faltu) became a party anthem for the youth. If the music of F.A.L.T.U was high on funky-party beats, the composers proved their knack of music with Saibo in 'Shor in the city' and now with "Hum Tum Shabana"   the duo is ready to rock the charts again(with Sameer on the Lyrics).Although expectations are not very high on the music front, but a look at the variety of singers used for the 5 original and 2 remixes, one surely wants to check out whats in store for them with singers like Dr.Palash Sen(Euphoria lead singer) and Tochi Raina waiting to be heard.

The album opens with a cracker Musik Bandh Na Karo by Abhishek Nailwal, Palash Sen, and Anushka Manchanda, which has Sachin-Jigar 'party' stamp over it. A composition that will certainly refresh the memories of their previous tune '4 Baj gaye' and be a definite chart scorcher in the coming days. The voice of Palash Sen makes me wonder why he is not used more frequently in Bollywood (he last made his presence felt in Lamha last year).

No surprise that we are provided with Musik Bandh Na Karo-Remix which is more fast paced with high bass but nothing extraordinary until we hear some change in the arrangements after about 2 min 30 sec that provides a fresh feel to the song. So as the song says Chahe Saara Shehar Jag Jaye, Ye Musik Band Na karo!!

The 2nd track Hey Na Na Shabana with Raghav Sachar behind the mike enters the border of Kabhi Kabhi Aditi from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na with the allover theme of the song quite similar as the protagonist tries to make Shabana(Minisha Lamba) smile and forget all worries. Raghav Sachar is impressive after rendering some ordinary tunes in Phirr this year. A good composition and will work well along the narration of the movie.

Hey Na Na Shabana-Party Rap Mix is loud and makes for a good remix to be heard.

Here comes the addiction-Thank U Mr.DJ sung by Fully Faltu Mika and Suzzane.A perfect party song (rather a rap) which will be seen making roars at clubs and DJ nights for sure. The tune is catchy and the lyrics are penned kept in mind today’s youth.Mika enters his zone of 'Aey Ganpat Chal daaru la' from Shootout at Lokhandwala and at places one can feel a slight resemblance to 'Singh is King' title sung also sung by Mika.A remix would have raised the bar a little more but anyways the original will find its place for sure. Recommended!!

As one moves on to the 4th track which reads Piya Kesariyo, one gets ready for some epic classical arrangements(due to the name) but 40 sec into the song and it takes you in a jazzy-techno-rocky world of its own. It’s been beautifully and energetically sung by Anushka Manchanda and supported well by Jigar.It doesn't require a second hearing as the song reminds you a forte that belongs to Amit Trivedi ,largely due to brilliant use of electric and bass guitar. A track close to 4 minutes will be an interesting watch on the big screen and will certainly be appreciated by the audience that knows what good music is. Also the lyrics by Sameer prove why he has sustained for so long in the music industry.

The last track of the album Kaari Kaari for which the maestro Tochi Raina has been assigned the task has nothing extraordinary to offer and seems a sequel to their previous composition Bhoot Aaya in F.A.L.T.U. A fast number which tries hard to be a dance number with some unusual lyrics by Sameer but doesn’t make a lasting impression at the end. May gain popularity if promoted well.

Overall Hum Tum Shabana is high on commercial aspect and all the songs will appeal to the masses.Thank U Mr.DJ and Piya Kesariyo needs to be promoted aggressively. Good album all in all.


Edited Version @ PlanetBollywood