By Satyajit - Eye TV India Bureau
Juke Box
| click for larger view |
SAIYAAN RE: In "Saiyaan Re", SEL punches fusion "jugalbandi"- a different breed of music that was last felt in their chartbusting track "Kajra Re". Its romantic confrontation conceived as "qawwali" where pop, classical and folk music are coagulated well to give it a festive feel. SEL's finest celebration song "Mahi Ve" has similar feel but this time the desired zing is missing. Shanker Mahadevan makes fine use of his classical voice as he thrusts delightful "ragas" and "alaaps" in the soundtrack. Upcoming singing talent Shilpa Rao sings for female counterpart and displays her raunchy vocal attire in Sameer's traditional lyrics. Loy Mendonca sings chirpy rap lyrics that work in tandem with Shanker and Shilpa's voice. "Saiyaan Re" is an average soundtrack that should possibly find its worth on screen.
MERA DIL: If you have thoroughly enjoyed "Kuch to Hua Hai" ('Kal Ho Na Ho'), then "Mera Dil" will soothe your senses. SEL shoulders this soundtrack on ever dependable Shaan and new singing talent Nihira (Zee TV's "Sa Re Ga Ma" finalist). This sounds as meek comparison with its predecessor where SEL fails to create anything "yuppie" for urban listeners. "Mera Dil" works better as mushy love track that can be visual spectacle where colors, music and nature galore on silver screen. Shaan's vocal modulation is high point in the number and he delivers it with sheer persistence and flair. Nihira's voice quivers and shrills at some places but shows sufficient potential to be reliable campaigner in coming years. Sameer's lyrics are ordinary with contemporary phrases, words and verses that fail to create any ripple. SEL's music is racy but lacks creative input or youthful zing that was felt in their last heard soundtracks "Mitwa" or "Aaj Ki Raat".
SAALAM-E-ISHQ: The "salutation" and "tribute" for love comes in earsplitting rendition of Bagpiper and deafening Bhangra beats in the colorful title track "Salaam-e-Ishq". It may sound quizzical but astonishing that SEL has used army style music by using Bagpiper as musical instrumental with fine concoction of "Bhangra". SEL has teamwork of leading playback singers like Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawala, Shreya Ghoshal, Sadhna Sargam and Shankar Mahadevan besides himself delivering the needful. The musical trio has been a winner in composing title tracks and this soundtrack promises another feather in their cap. The number has "masti" of "Mahi Ve" and "Rock n Roll" and dancing hip-shaking touch of "Kajra Re" and should work magically for the film and album. It's a delightful song and has already worked wonders for the promotion of the film. If you desire to hear something festive in this year's marriage season then hear "Salaam-e-Ishq" loud and this will make mood merrier for you and party. ENJOY!!!
TENU LEKE: Now fine blends of marriage bands are there to delight you with different beats and rhythms as "Tenu Leke" is tailor-made "band-wala" song that is composed as traditional marriage song. Sonu Nigam holds the mike and tries to convince that he is all set to win his bride against all odds. Mahalaxmi Iyer sings for shy and demure bride and sings in tune and tandem with him. SEL comes up with loud and noisy band music that plays the signature tune of "Salaam-e-Ishq". It's a situational soundtrack and adds to songs that are played loud on marriage functions. Nothing spectacular about but if worked appropriately it can be a visual delight.
BABUJI: SEL has shown panache in revamping and rehashing vintage soundtracks in 'Don' and now they are back with another oldie "Babuji". Nihira gets the biggest opportunity of her career as she is the chosen one to sing female solo track in the album that was originally sung by legendary Geeta Dutt in 'Aar Paar'. "Babuji Dheere Chalna…" has been rehashed with flair of seductive lounge music touch and sensuous female chorus of "What's on your mind?" in typical item song attire. This may sound like soundtrack from "remix album" but its merits can be counted on its choreography and its placement in the film. The listeners who have taste for remixes will treasure this soundtrack and after "Ye Mera Dil", it's another hit from SEL.
YA RABBA: "Ya Rabba" is song of divinity, hope, sacrifice and love sung full throttle by folksy singer Kailash Kher with minimum instrumental effect. The song comes in the form of traditional "Sufi" song that works as background number where the singer prays to almighty for strength, courage and exuberance in life. Kailash Kher is an ideal choice for the number but SEL fails to create anything ground-breaking with this sad and morbid number. Once again, it can be dismissed as above average soundtrack that should speak for its merits on screen than in music album.
SEL are the biggest contenders for No.1 slot this year and provide entertainment with new blend of music in numbers like "Dil Kya Kare" and "Salaam-e-Ishq". The album has its share of joy and success but is limited to couple of soundtracks whereas the rest of numbers lack freshness and novelty to grip audiences. The film enjoys high profile face value and so it will hit the market but thereafter its merit will depend on film's box office success.
| Singer : |
| Singer : |
| Singer : , |
| Singer : , , |
| Singer : , , , , |
| Singer : , |
| Singer : |
Kumkum Bhagya
