Music: Vishal Bharadwaj

Lyrics: Gulzar

Rating 4/5

Label: T-Series

Ishqiya opens with a retro twist - thanks to the minimal arrangements and the breezy accordion accompaniment (rarely used by music composers today) on Dil to Bachcha Hai. The song is sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - nephew of late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali. Rahat delivers the song in a relaxed way and breathes life into each word - don't remember anybody else doing that lately! But but but… this is not the only song that will switch on your relaxing mood, as  another composition, the jazzy ghazal Ab Mujhe Koi also becomes a must listen - wifey Rekha Bharadwaj delivers this song in a reassuring style. If the song catches on, expect ghazals to make a comeback in Bollywood.

The album is heavy on classical music, but not in a way that pushes you to do 'wah wah' the traditional way - GenX will probably say 'awesome' because Bharadwaj wisely layers the classical with a touch of contemporary without really affecting the soul of the songs. For instance, in the purely raga based composition Badi Dheere Jali, Bharadwaj sprinkles electronica over the traditional sound of sitar - another must hear. This song is sung by Rekha Bharadwaj and she's nothing less than terrific.

Next is Ibn-E-Batuta sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Mika. A wild search on the internet reveals that Ibn Batuta was a Moroccan traveler (!) but going by the sound and music, the song is peppy and energetic - Sukhi and Mika take on the mike for a conversational trip. By the way, does anyone know what the word means?        

For remix enthusiasts, the album offers versions of Dil Toh Baccha Hai and Ibn-E-Batuta  

The USP of Vishal Bharadwaj's music lies in his simple approach and equal focus on lyrics, vocals and balanced arrangements. Music of Ishqiya is organic, but the difference is that this time Vishal Bharadwaj puts his semi classical music background forward (don't forget he started out as a Ghazal singer!) So, the album turns out to be a mix of retro, semi and light classical music. The lyrics are by Gulzar, and he's in flow right from the word go. Ishqiya is Bharadwaj's latest after Kaminey and he definitely proves that he is at as ease with the Dhan-te Dhan's (bang bang songs) as with the Chappa Chappa's (folk) or ghazals! A great way to start a year - go for it.