REVIEW OF TERA INTEZAR-****

Tera Intezar - Rahul Vaidya

Sweet'n' young Rahul Vaidya realizes his dream of cutting an entire album comprising entirely his songs. An Indian Idol finalist, while his contemporaries have already seen their debut albums 'Aapka Abhijeet Sawant' [Abhijeet Sawant] and 'Chal Diye' [Amit Sana], his voice was first heard in a couple of songs in Shaadi No. 1. Eventually his debut non-film album too arrives on Sony BMG in the form of 'Tera Intezar' that has music and lyrics by T-Series favorites Sajid-Wajid and Jalees Sherwani. Since his Indian Idol days, Rahul Vaidya promised a great deal and 'Tera Intezar' is no different either with great expectations of some deep rooted melodious tracks. With Sajid Wajid and Jalees Sherwani's names on the credit, it's not a wrong expectation either!

1) Tera Intezar

The opening guitar strings pave way for a soothing melodious track to follow that is instantly and immensely likeable. A mix of 'Ab Mujhe Raat Din' [Sonu Nigam's 'Deewana'] and 'Mujhe Raat Din Bas' [Sangharsh], 'Tera Intezar' works in a big way and brings the talent of Rahul Vaidya to the forefront. So what if he sounds so much like Sonu Nigam? He still is a force in himself and sings like a pro in his very first album. Mark my words; this bundle of talent is bound to go a long way! He sings the songs at a low pitch giving it a subtle feel throughout. A song that is bound to be popular as the days progress, 'Tera Intezar' also appears in its remix version 'The waiting for your mix' that appears in the end and makes the listener enjoy the track all over again. The song maintains its integrity even in the remix version without going overboard due to an unnecessary dose of beats or additional musical instruments.

2) Tere Liye

Yet another melodious track in a row comes in the shape of 'Tere Liye' that is touching and takes you back to Sonu Nigam's 'Jaan', 'Deewana' and 'Yaad' days. If there has been a worthy successor to the three albums since all these years then it is 'Tera Intezar'. First two tracks in this album by themselves promise a great journey ahead because the honesty with which Rahul sings makes a lasting impression. Sajid Wajid's music is low key with minimal instruments in the background while allowing Rahul to demonstrate his talent in the forefront. Jalees Sherwani's lyrics are simple and yet striking. This is an equally good song as the opening number and make for an added reason to go for 'Tera Intezar'.

3) Mausam

Cool breeze of melody continues with 'Mausam' that is bound to enliven your mood. Smooth, subtle with an undercurrent emotion of love, togetherness and affection, it is enhanced further due to boyish charm of Rahul and good music by Sajid Wajid. One wonders why Sajid Wajid are not heard too much in Bollywood scene as time and again they have delivered, especially in the non-film albums. Till this point on, 'Tera Intezar' seems to be another blockbuster in the making for the composer duo.

4) Kangna Re

'Kangna Re' is the first track in the album that deviates from the melody route and there is no single reason as to why this peppy pop'n'rap track shouldn't be presented as a music video. The track has everything in it to be popular once unleashed on screen - the attitude, overall treatment and especially the rhythm. If this number was present in an A grade Bollywood flick, it would have been a chartbuster already. In fact going by the success of songs from Garam Masala and Deewane Hue Paagal, one can already imagine Akshay Kumar dancing to the beats of this track. Takers anyone ?

5) Tumse Bichadke

After a foot tapping and neck shaking 'Kangna Re', the album changes gears with a sad track 'Tumse Bichadke' that is bound to make the broken hearts relive their sorrows. Touching lyrics compounded by Sajid Wajid's painful tune allow Rahul to stretch his vocals to come up with a brilliant rendition. One doesn't mind repeating the statement that this album just doesn't sound like the one that is coming from a newcomer. He is simply astounding once more with 'Tumse Bichadke'. Hear it to believe it!

6) Kuch To Kaho [with Prajakta Shukre]

The first duet in the album comes in the form of 'Kuch To Kaho' in which yet another Indian Idol finalist Prajakta Shukre joins Rahul. Yet another slow paced but impressive love song, 'Kuch To Kaho' is quite likeable and makes for a candle light number. Prajakta impresses with her only outing in the album and sends out a strong statement to the world of music. A number that fits in wonderfully well into the mood of the rest of the album, it boasts of some good'n'simple lyrics.

7) Maula

The album ends with a fast number 'Maula' that is somewhat similar to Adnan Sami's 'Thodi Si To Lift Kara De' in terms of theme [but not the treatment]. Here too there is a demand to the almighty to fill up the coffers and provide all the luxuries in the world. The number is fine but when compared with the rest of the tracks in the album that are prominently mushy and based on melody, one would go for them rather than this one as it is just about passable.

Overall 'Tera Intezar' is a MUST BUY. PERIOD! The young lad has come up with a highly impressive first album that joins the league of other romantic albums like 'Deewana', 'Yaad' and 'Jaan'. If you have liked the three aforementioned albums, then you are going to like 'Tera Intezar' too.

Go for it!

Rating: ****