Music: Himesh Reshammiya

Lyrics: Sameer

Rating: 2/5

Label: T-Series

So Himesh Reshammiya is back - but albeit with his old ways - and while his trademark style did create a rage, over the years it has started to sound repetitive.

While his last film Radio's music was much more experimental, with Kajraare it seems he has treaded very safely to ensure it appeals to the masses or is played in discotheques. After giving the album a hear, there is no doubt, that Reshamiiya has got his act right - it will appeal to those who love his trademark style. However there will be large part of the audience who will find enough to compare with his old tracks and start ranting once again. If not the nasal twang, this time its the highly accented vocals.

The album has seven tracks - and what is a Reshammiya album with no remixes? So add four to that.

The title track Kajra Kajra Kajraare throws you in the Reshammiya sphere - almost instantly - and probably you'll start recalling his old catalogue once you are through the first few bars. There is no experimentation on the song. The only change are Himesh's accented vocals that tilt to the Haryanvi kind - but it's more of a put off. The song also features singer Sunidhi Chauhan - though one usually expects something good from this versatile singer, on this song, she'd rather be somewhere else instead of rapping "I want to see your mother-father" like a wannabe.

Distinct bass line, plus dhak chik beats, plus a concoction of Aashiq banaya aapne and Shaka laka lak lak lak lak lak lak boom boom is equal to the next track Rabba lak barsa. Haven't we had enough of such hook happy crappy songs? If you haven't, Rabba lak barsa is for you. What's unique about the song, I am yet to figure.

The only song on the album with an exception is Aafreen, and that is because one can hear and feel some effort put onto it. The song with its ghazal-like semi classical orientation does have an effect with its contemporary arrangements. Singer Harshdeep Kaur does a good job with her vocals on the song.

Tujhe Dekh Ke Armaan Jage surfaces with a lounge feel. Reshammiya has made extensive use of sarangi on easy going beats music. And though such combinations have been used umpteen times, it has always proved to be pleasant on the ears. The song also features Shreya Ghoshal - but it's certainly not her best.

Most songs in the album are made with a per-concieved idea - of catering to the masses or being played in clubs - and though it is Reshammiya's trademark style, variations are missing - to add, one cannot hear Himesh on seven songs back to back -  maybe its time to break his own rules and call over other singers who can add in their own element and colour.

A huge HImesh fan will definitely go for this. Others can listen to Aafreen - the only distinct track on the album.

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