Music: AR Rahman

Lyrics: Abbas Tyrewala

Label: Saregama HMV

Rating: 2.5/5

After creating some fun and romantic numbers for Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, The jodi of Abbas Tyrewala and champion composer AR Rahman is back with Jhootha Hi Sahi.

Rahman has composed seven tracks plus two remixes that encompass many different styles, moods and flavours.

You might have definitely heard the track 'Cry Cry'. The lyrics are penned down by none other than Tyrewala. The song says 'Cry cry itna cry karte hain kaahe ko? Itna darte hain kaahe ko?...' Though the song gives out a good message, we were expecting a better set of words coming our way. Rashid Ali has a youthful, fresh voice and with Shreya Ghoshal joining in with her sweet voice, it further sets the mood of the song. Not a super hit, but is a likeable song.

Next comes an enjoyable desi mix. The flute and other instruments in 'Maiya Yashoda (Jamuna Mix)'  gives the track a wonderful Indian flavour. It might remind you of tracks like 'Radha Kaise Na Jale' from Lagaan. Chinmayi and Javed Ali have done their best to lift up the mood of the song. Thumbs up for Rahman. The music is just fabulous with good mixing of tempos and beats. The track will definitely make you dance to it.

There is also Maiya Yashoda (Thames Mix) and here Rahman just adds in some electronic beats. This track is good to ears but lacks the much-needed spark. The Jamuna version is our pick.

'Hello Hello' is an interesting track because of its unconventional sound though might not be as popular with the audience. Karthik gets behind the mic here. Rahman again gets a little experimental with music by inserting funky vibes and creating a blend of various instruments like violin. Lyrics are not-too-good-not-too-bad but Karthik's silky voice covers up all the minor flaws. It's worth a spin.

This one is for all the lovers of romantic music. 'Do Nishaniyan' is a soft soulful song and none other than Sonu Niigaam can do a better job at it. Sonu's magical voice and Rahman's delivery of music makes the song worth listening to. Every word is full of meaning and depth and gives the song a rich feel.  'Is phone ke saaz par meri aawaaz bhar mujh pe hansti hai khamoshiyan' says the lyrics and you might wonder what the word 'phone' is doing amidst all the dream words. But soon you will again join the flow of the song. Rahman surprises you when he gives a rock delivery in one section and then a piano line in the other. Your 'list of best tracks' might be incomplete without this track, but that's only in case you're a fan of love songs.

Once again we have Sonu with the Heartbreak Reprise of 'Do Nishaniyan'. The track overflows with feelings of love such that you can literally feel the heartbreak. Rahman has created perfect sound with nothing besides a simple piano.

We then have Shreya Ghoshal singing the bouncy track 'Pam Para'. The track holds a lovely mix of genres. Rahman lends it a hard hitting beat and a new groove. Though Shreya might have sung it well, the song is neither robust nor catchy.

Part romantic, part classic 'I've Been Waiting' is a track that has a jazz flavour. Vijay Yesdus takes you on a ride to a dream world with his voice that melts down like butter. This song can literally make a young girl think of all the beautiful romantic things that can ever happen to her. The song easily shifts from English to Hindi and back, the shift is really smooth.

Lastly, a simple acoustic guitar melody 'Call Me Dil' is quite harmonious. This time Rashid Ali proves that he has a super-good voice quality. With the first song 'Cry Cry', we were a little upset with Abbas for the lyrics, but they are not as bad as we thought. His words have worked quite well in many songs. This ones says, 'Call me dil, call me baby, call me jo naam tu, main wohi, call me sach to main saccha, call me chaahe jhootha hi sahi.'  It turns out to be a situational title song for the film. Well done Rahman!

With the album 'Jhoohta Hi Sahi', Rahman definitely attests that he is indeed a master at his craft, and with each new album he will continue impressing his fans. But the songs would have definitely fared well had the lyrics been exceptional.