Bad Music 'HAMPERS' VEER !!!

From here on the album takes a turn for something even better with 'Surili Akhiyon Wale' coming next. A melodic romantic number that boasts of some heartfelt and never heard before lyrics (has anyone ever heard of 'ankhiyan' being 'surili'?), it is further elevated due to silky vocals of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. He sings 'Surili Akhiyon Wale' at a low pitch and in the process of doing so comes up with a rendition that would certainly make a mark for months to come. Sajid-Wajid take a complete departure from the kind of score they have made for films like Wanted and get into a classy scheme of things.

The song also includes an English portion (obviously created for a Brit woman who is in love) and singer Suzanne D'mello pretty much justifies her inclusion. In fact it's not just the 'mukhda' but even the 'antara' that works so very well that one finds it difficult to move on to the next track in the offing. A brilliant track that also appears in a much deserving duet which also features Sunidhi Chauhan. If the film is successful at the box office, it would be hard to ignore 'Surili Akhiyon Wale' which is as pure as it gets.

It is the same purity that can be evidenced in 'Salaam Aaya' and by the time the song is one minute through, one is convinced that Sajid-Wajid had some of their best compositions reserved for Veer. In fact the song makes one wonder that why had they been choosing a different route for most of their masala outings when they had so much to offer. A soothing track that sees the coming together of Roop Kumar Rathod and Shreya Goshal, 'Salaam Aaya' is a moderately paced love song which is a complete shift from the high-on-beats club tracks that are in vogue today. This one has a truly Indian appeal to it and though one doesn't quite hum around such songs on road, it does make a good impact on audio.

For Salman Khan fans through there is 'Meherbaniyan'. A Sonu Nigam solo, this one has an elaborate beginning to it and while there is a definite old world feel to 'Meherbaniyan', one can't deny the fact that Salman will have his fans asking for more once the track plays on screen. The beginning of the track doesn't quite indicate where it is heading but the moment the word 'Meherbaniyan' is heard for the first time (after about 60 seconds), it is obvious that there won't be any looking back. A dance number that could well have been placed in a movie belonging to today's time, 'Meherbaniyan' may not carry the same appeal as the opening three tracks but would go down reasonably well with the masses.

However, for class lovers there is a 'thumri' - 'Kanha' which establishes once again that Sajid-Wajid do come with a good enough classical background. They may be making a Paying Guest on and off but listening to 'Kanha' brings an entirely different facet of their composing skills. They also rope in the best in the business with Rekha Bhardwaj leading the charge. Even though the track has a strong classical base to it, the accompanying vocals of Shabab Sabri, Toshi & Sharib ensure that it doesn't just restrict itself to the class audiences. A very good piece musically, it should add value to the film's narrative.

Last to come is a one minute instrumental piece 'Spirit Of Veer' which has a 'Meherbaniyan' feel to it while being laced with fun and humour.

OVERALL

Veer throws a pleasant surprise. There were apprehensions galore (as explained eariler) but a couple of listening pretty much facilitates their dilution. Sajid-Wajid have indeed given their best three soundtracks ever in Veer and though they may have had managed chartbusters earlier, Veer is the kind of album that would fetch them a much deserving respect. Along with Gulzar they have created the kind of tunes that may not necessarily turn out to be the hugest chartbusters of the year but would certainly be remembered for time to come.

OUR PICK(S)

'Surili Akhiyon Wale', 'Salaam Aaya', 'Taali' [Play Songs]

1. Taali
Begins with soulful wordings sung by Sukhwinder Singh. Then transits to a Gujarati themed song. Preferably meant for regional listeners only.

2. Surili Akhiyon Wale
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's songs now seems to sound very similar. He uses the same flow and the same pitch for this song similar to 'Zindagi' from Dil Kabaddi. It also means that the song is equally good.

3. Salaam Aaya
Suits perfect for depicting the old King Rule era. Sweet lyrics with light music, a melody.

4. Meherbaniyan
The song only gets better when there is chorus singing of Meherbaniyan. Not the best from Sonu Nigam for sure.

5. Kanha – Thumri
Sensational song! Although much of the song features some other Indian Language then Hindi. So, there will be disparity between listeners but the two beginning lines you hear will leave you spellbound.

6. Spirit Of Veer – Instrumental
This is only the theme music of the film. Sounded childish to me.

Remixes
There are no typical remixes but a duet and solo version of the earlier songs. Offers variety and are equally good.

Overall Music Review of Veer

Veer Music Album suits the theme of the film well and cleverly recreates pre-historic era through its music. One of the best works by music duo Sajid – Wajid in recent times. Lyricist Gulzar delivers adequately with his expertize lyrics. Choice of the singers for each song is remarkable, almost feels like that these songs were made by keeping them in mind.

Favorite Soundtrack: Kanha – Thumri

Worst Soundtrack: None

Verdict: Music matches the theme of the film

In any case, I am not going to bother posting more and more reviews of Veer's music. Considering it has two chartbuster songs, Salaam Aaya and Surili Ankhion, I hardly see it as a 'bad' music album.

Artist: Sonu Niigaam, Wajid, Neuman Pinto, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Suzanne D'Mello, Rekha Bhardwaj, Sharib Sabri, Toshi Sabri, Shabaab Sabri, Sukhwinder Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, Roop Kumar Rathod, Shreya Ghoshal

Music Director: Sajid-Wajid

Lyricist: Gulzar

Label: Eros Music

Genre: Bollywood

Rating: 2.5/5

When one listens to the Veer album, they know right away that Sajid-Wajid have clearly tried to make music different from their usual kind. Now, how far it will impress audiences is yet to be seen'

The album opens with Taali, sung by Sukhwinder Singh, Rahat Ali Khan, Wajid and Neuman Pinto. A track about warriors and victory, it sounds like an AR Rahman composition. But it suits the film and makes for a good listen. It also has another version; a solo by Sukhwinder that is only a lot more dramatic.

The next track, Surili Akhiyon Waali is one of the most romantic songs one could come across these days. Complete with beautiful lyrics and perfectly sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the song couldn't have been any better. While it is somewhat tragic, it is nonetheless one of the album's best songs. It also has a duet version, with Sunidhi Chauhan, which sounds slightly better than the original.

Salaam Aya, the next song, has some good vocals by Roop Kumar Rathod and Shreya Ghoshal. While it is not quite on the same level as the earlier track, it has a place of its own.

Meherbaniyan, a dance number, sung by Sonu Niigaam comes next. It is probably one of those tracks on the album that will attract masses. While it is a misfit for a period film, audiences may still enjoy it.

Then comes Kanha, a Thumri number, by Rekha Bhardwaj and Toshi-Sharib. A nice classical music piece, which will hopefully do some good for the film, Kanha makes sure that it's not just the classical music lovers who enjoy it.

The closing track of the album is an instrumental track, The Spirit of Veer, which is the theme of the film. It is somewhat average and it leaves one wondering why it isn't as dramatic as the film's story goes.

In short, it is a refreshing change to see Sajid-Wajid shift from their usual style of music and try something new. Gulzar's lyrics also do wonders. The album would probably get noticed a lot more if the film does well. As of now, all we can say is it's good for a try. But if you're looking for chartbusters, this might not be your cup of tea.

-Preity Punjabi/ Real Bollywood