Music Review: Khoya Khoya Chand

Album: Khoya Khoya Chand
Music Composer: Shantanu Moitra
Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire
Album Rating

Khoya Khoya Chand reminds one of the 70's Hindi film music, when melody was of the essence. With some new singers and some established ones, this album is a treat to the ears. The music composer being the same, this album has resemblance to Parineeta.

Chale Aao Saiyan
Singer: Shreya Goshal

A classical based song, beautifully sung by Shreya Goshal. The presense of sarod, ghungroo, tabla make it a thumree. A beautiful number which changes paces in between. Shreya sounds different - her voice is more shrill than nasal. It reminded me of Chalte Chalte from Pakeezah.

Khushboo Sa
Singer: Hamsika Iyer

A new singer on the block who has worked wonders in this song. This has a vague resemblance to 'Kaise Paheli' from Parineeta. The mellow tune, the piano and the singer's sensual's voice make this song worth listening to.

O Re Paakhi
Singers: Sonu Nigam

I can't help it, this song reminds me Parineeta's Soona man ka aangan. Sonu Nigam is brilliant as ever. The opening is beautiful - only piano is playing intermittently in the background and Sonu's voice is even more enjoyable. Mid-way, the background music stops and Sonu is just singing. A song which you should enjoy with closed eyes and with lights off.

Sakhi Piya
Singers: Shreya Goshal, Pranav Biswas

A beautiful, melodious number. Pranav Biswas has a base voice which sounds great with Shreya's melodious voice. Background music is minimal with intermittent piano and santoor (is it santoor?) and violin. A slow, relaxed song which is thoroughly enjoyable.

Thirak Thirak
Singers: Shreya Goshal, Sonu Nigam

Relatively fast paced, this song is full of masti. Just like in Piya bole from Parineeta, Sonu outshines Shreya. His voice is so expressive, Shreya sounds weaker. This song borrows a stanza from the mukhda of the next song, but you don't realize it until you listen to the next song.

Khoya Khoya Chand
Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Swanand Kirkire

The best song of the album. Khan saab is wonderful and his voice is charming. Swanand adds some reciting in between. A very passionate and energetic song.

Yeh Nigahen
Singer: Antara Choudhary and Sonu Nigam

This song sounds so much like a 70's Rafi song. Sonu even tries to bring in the harkatein, which were Rafi's trademarks. Antara is good too, but she is pitted against Sonu and she will sound weaker.

A very beautiful album, with melody at its core. An album definitely worth listening to.

Music Review: Saawariya

Album: Saawariya
Music Director: Monty Sharma
Lyrics: Sameer
Album Rating:

With musical hits like Khamoshi and Devdas behind him, Sanjay Leela Bhansali can be trusted to give us a movie with good music. He doesn't disappoint us with his new movie, Saawariya. The much hyped launch pad of kids of industry's two big names, Rishi Kapoor and Anil Kapoor, has a good collection of songs. Romance, love, passion is oozing out of the songs. With songs being so hypnotic, I am waiting to see how they are taken to a new level by Bhansali's cinematic skills. I am sure it will be a feast for the eyes and ears.

Instead of giving us soft, monotonous songs, the relatively new director, Monty Sharma gives us songs with varying rhythms and notes. He has also given us two new noticeable voices, Shail Hada and Parthiv Gohil. Hada's Saawariya and Gohil's Yun Shabnami prove the singers' skills. In all, an album that deserves to be in your kitty.

Saawariya
Singer: Shail Hada

This song is doing the rounds on TV and is already a hit. We have a new singer, Shail Hada, who has an unusual voice. The song is a romantic, passionate number. Shail pumps energy and passion into the song. He carries off some yodeling too. An apt title song for the movie. Lyrics are nothing exceptional, but the simple tune of the song takes your heart away.

Jab Se Tere Naina
Singer: Shaan

Another romantic song, sung by Shaan. It wavers between mellifluous notes and passionate beats. Shaan modulates his voice well - going soft at times and oozing energy where required. Lyricist has not done anything extra-ordinary. One can find quite a few cliché phrases. A nice song to listen to, especially if you are in love. You would want to switch off the lights, sit back, close your eyes and relish the song.

Mash-Allah
Singer: Kunal Ganjawala
Lyrics: Nusrat Badr

Kunal is back with his enchanting voice. When you listen to this song, you go into a trance. The soft background music, Kunal's hypnotizing voice, the magical lyrics - the song is so romantic, you will fall in love, if you haven't already. No other singer could have carried it off so well as Kunal. Not even Sonu Nigam. This is an out and out Kunal Ganjawala song.

Thode Badmash
Singer: Shreya Goshal

It's the girl's turn to express her love through this song. Shreya Goshal tries hard to bundle enough naughtiness and love in this song, but she fails at certain points. When the song reaches high notes, her voice sounds strained. Lyrics are very ordinary.

Yoon Shabnami
Singer: Parthiv Gohil
Lyrics: Sandeep Nath

Yet another romantic number. What's with Bollywood and moon? From ages, the girl's beauty is being compared to the moon and the tradition continues in this song. Parthiv Gohil is a brilliant singer - his voice is literally dancing when he modulates.

Daras bina nahin chain
Singer: Richa Sharma, Shail Hada & Parthiv Gohil

The song starts with Richa Sharm'a alaap. Has she become famous as an alaap provider rather than as a singer? The music director's attempt at including a classical based song in the album. With Richa's commanding voice, the chorus, the male voice (Is it Hada and Gohil or both?), this song is very powerful. There is a haunting tune in the background. I couldn't identify the instrument used. Does anyone have an idea what instrument that is? It's a beautiful number which will make you get up and dance. It reminds me of the dance numbers in Devdas.

Sawar Gayi
Singer: Shreya Goshal

A Shreya solo. Another classical based song. A soft, slow number. Shreya sings this really well. Don't pay attention to the wordings, because they are nothing new.

Jaan-e-jaan
Singers: Kunal Ganjawala and Shreya Goshal

Probably the weakest song in the album. A judaai number, sung by Kunal and Shreya. Kunal sings well, but this is not his forte. Lyrics are very very ordinary. This song reminds me of the old song 'Tum mere ho, mere hi mere ho'.

Pari
Singer: Kunal Ganjawala

The hero is fantasizing about his loved one. He compares her to an angel. Lyrics become a little interesting here. 'Uski khamosh aahat ko sunta hoon mein'. Nothing new, but still makes your ears stand. This is a Kunal song and he makes complete justice. It doesn't have a catchy tune and it is difficult to sing. I don't see this song becoming a hit with the public.

Chabeela
Singer: Alka Yagnik

A change from the soft, slow songs. This is a fast, dance number sung by Alka Yagnik. Alka tries hard at modulating her voice, but sounds strained. Has she already lost the strength in her voice? It has a catchy tune, this is going to be a hit with the dance troupes.

Saawariya (Reprise)
Singer: Shail Hada

Shail is back with the title song and his magic. A perfect end to this great album.

Music Review: Om Shanti Om

Album: Om Shanti Om
Music Director: Vishal and Shekhar
Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
Album Rating:

Farah Khan’s next venture has the who is who of Bollywood. Considering this, I was expecting a few dozen songs in the movie. It manages to churn out one dozen. Her earlier movie, ‘Mein Hoon Na’ had some memorable numbers. The title song itself is still hummed at places. The peppy ‘Chale jaise hawayen’ is still fresh in people’s minds. Farah Khan had to present something good, if not better, but with this album is disappointing. This album lacks melody, noticeable tunes, interesting voices. The music composers have roped in some of the noteable singers (including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Richa Sharma), but still fail to produce one memorable song. With its poor original songs and poorer remix versions, this album can be easily avoided.

Ajab Si
Singer: KK

A soft, melodious, romantic number. Interesting lyrics. “Dil ko banade jo patang saasen yeh teri woh hawayen hain”. For the first time, I see heart compared to a fly and breath to wind. Interesting! ‘Chandni teri roshani ka halka sa saaya hai’ - I loved this line. Javed Akhtar has given us a romantic song which is as fresh as a flower. KK sounds strained and nasal in some places.

Deewangi Deewangi
Singers: Shaan, Udit Narayan,Shreya Goshal, Sunidhi Chauhan,Rahul Saxena

The title song of the movie should have been more powerful. It will no doubt be compared to the evergreen Rishi Kapoor song ‘Om Shanti Om’. The song fails to make you sit up and take notice of the song. It’s very slow for a dance number and the voices sound all messed up.

Main Agar Kahoon
Singers: Sonu Nigam, Shreya Goshal

Remember Sonu Nigma’s popular album ‘Deewana’? This song could have been easily included in that album without disturbing its theme. The typical ball dance beats and the slow tempo and of course, Sonu Nigam’s voice - all of this remind you of his previous soft numbers from ‘Deewana’. It took some time to understand the words of the song, and that means Akhtar has worked hard on this!

Soona Lage
Singers: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Richa Sharma

When two voices as powerful as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Richa Sharma come together in a song, you expect a magical song. Sadly, this song is far from it. The tune itself is not catchy - it falls flat on your ears. A classic case of wasting two great voices. Why are rustic voices like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Richa Sharma used only for melancholic songs? Maahi ve, Agle janam mohe, Maula mere maula mere are some examples.

Dhoom Tana
Singers: Abhijeet, Shreya Goshal

Abhijeet is back after a long time. His voice quality is so good and his singing is effortless - he is one singer wasted and the loss is ours. Compare Shreya’s and Ahbijeet’s singing in this song - you will know what I am talking about. Coming back to the song, the song searches for its identity - it can’t decide whether it wants to be called a wedding kind of song or a hip-hop or disco. Dhol, saxophone, hip-hop beats - one mixture which you are better far away from.

Daastaan-E-Om Shanti Om
Singers: Shaan

Its probably the scale of this song or the lyrics, this song reminds me of ‘Ek haseena thi, ek deewana tha’. Even the mood is similar. The song talks about treachery. Shaan’s voice is the saviour of the song and even he falters at times. The song is harsh on the ears and it doesn’t touch your heart.

Dard-E-Disco
Singers: Sukhwinder Singh

Don’t ask me what Dard-E-Disco means. Its probably the antonym of euphoria. Anyway, if you listen to this song, you will definitely be a victim of Dard-E-Disco. A remix which is a torture to your ears. Stay away from this song, you might even get a headache.

Deewangi (Rainbow remix)

Someone kindly explain what does rainbow remix mean. As if the original music wasn’t enough, this remix song tortures you till you can’t have enough.

Om Shanti Om (Medley Mix)

Take snippets of all the songs in the album, mix and match, throw in some beats and you have this song. Whats the purpose of this song? Ask the composers.

Daastaan-E-Om Shanti Om

Run as fast as you can. This song is dangerous for your health. Party goers will love this song, no doubt, but when it comes to me, I hate it.

Om Shanti Om Theme Music

After all the head-hurting remix songs, this is a welcome change. No shouting, no hard beats - small, soft clip which ends before you even start enjoying it.

Apart from the KK’s ‘Ajab Si’ and Sonu Nigam’s ‘Mein Agar Kahoon’, all the other songs are not ignorable. If I were you, I wouldn’t spend money on this.

Music Review: Laaga Chunari Mein Daag

Album: Laaga Chunari Mein Daag
Music Director: Shantanu Moitra
Lyricist: Swanand Kirkire
Album Rating:

With the huge success of Parineeta and Lage Raho Munnabhai weighing on his shoulders, expectations from Moitra are quite high. He tries to concoct a different mixture here, but fails to create the same magic. While Parineeta had periodic songs with a strong classical touch, Munnabhai was high on melody. The theme of this album seems to be fusion, but it doesn’t touch your heart. Compared to the nasal songs that top the charts these days, this album comes as a refreshing breeze, but still it doesn’t sound like it’s from the Moitra band.

Ik Teekhi Teekhi Si ladki
Singers: KK, Shreya Goshal

The album starts with this light-hearted, playful song. KK and Shreya Goshal add enough ‘natkhatpan’ into this song. KK’s singing is effortless and Shreya does justice. At one stage, the song’s mood changes and we hear Shreya’s digitized voice with some special effects. Apart from this, the song maintains its mood of light-heardedness throughout. Swanand Kirkire’s words are fresh.

Kachchi Kaliyan
Singers: Sonu Nigam, KK, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Goshal

This song starts with words from a folk song, but almost instantly changes to a fast song. This song is interspersed with English words and Hindi words sung in rap style. This song is an unusual mixture of fast, techno beats and folkish words. Apt for a wedding ceremony or a dance competition. Considering Moitra’s earlier works, this song is completely different. This peppy song is going to be surely a hit with the crowd. For me, probably the weakest song in the album.

Ehi Thaiyaa Motiya
Singer: Rekha Bharadwaj

Totally contrary to the previous song, this classical based song is slow and relaxing. Rekha Bharadwaj’s voice is husky and soothing. Sarod is prominently used in this song and it gives a mujra touch and makes the song sound authentic. With Kathak’s ‘taa-thaiyyas’ interespersed, this is a typical ‘kotha’ song.

Zara Gungunalein Chalo
Singer: Babul Supriyo, Mahalaxmi Iyer

A fast song which tries hard to cheer up the mood after the heavy classical song. Baabul’s voice creates magic, but Mahalaxmi’s singing sounds strained. The song is far from catchy. Moitra tries to give this song an exotic touch with Spanish words and guitar pieces. The tune is nothing exotic, though. Nothing extra-ordinary about this song.

Chunari Mein Daag
Singers: Shubha Mudgal, Meeta Vashisht

What’s Meeta Vashisht doing here? No idea. The combination of Vashisht and Mudgal brings back memories of Man Ke Manjeere. This song does sound similar. With those weird beats (no idea what they are called), this song is a fusion. The background music is kept minimal and Mudgal’s voice sounds great. This song is a different take on the immortal Manna Dey’s song.

Hum To Aise Hain
Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Goshal, Swanand Kirkire

Sung beautifully by Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Goshal, this fun-filled song defines the protagonist family. Sunidhi almost over-shadows Shreya. The tune and the words are catchy. With a prominent ‘dafali’ beat in the background, this song is soothing on the ears.

So, should you buy this album? May be not. Listen to the songs online and then decide whether you want this album for your collection.