Music and Lyrics: Assorted

Label: T-Series

Rating: 2.5/5

The opening song Cham Cham opens with a familiar beat. Is it Rahman? you think. Well, the man must be on his way for the Grammy's or not, but he sure is inspiring fellow composers. Rahman fans, relax... Cham Cham is composed by Shailendra Barve who had also composed Mera Jahan in Taare Zameen Par. Shailendra picks up Rahman's trademark tabla and clap beat and brings on versatile singer Sonu Niigaam to sing. It's funny how musicians can recreate the Rahman sound now. Just the sound. The track however, is average with thoughtful lyrics by Jeetendra Joshi.

Dev D's superstar composer Amit Trivedi comes next with the rustic 'Bombay Bombay'. The song has a catchy chorus line with semi-rock arrangements. And lets hope it doesn't get into trouble because of its title that politicians love to make capital out of. Wait... one more thing.. the lyrics by Prashant Ingole try too hard to impress with words - but expressing the essence of Mumbai is never easy - this city has too much to rave and ran about! 'Bombay Bombay' is sung by lead actor Siddharth, and though there's nothing challenging in this song for a gayak, one can safely say Siddharth does a fine job.

The next track Haq Se by composer Yuvan Shankar Raja is a kind of song that's born out of an all night drinking binge jam sessions. The song is whacky and mad. Oh yes... Bollywood goers may not be familiar with the new name. Apparently, Yuvan Shankar Raja hails from the South Indian film industry (now you know!). Raja composes this song, and sings it too. Isn't it a good idea to bring in composers that come from other film industries? Just for some fresh perspectives? The lyrics are penned by Nitin Raikwar.

This album in particular will be liked by Swanand Kirkire fans as he takes over the role of composer, lyricist and singer for the track 'Maula'. Kirkire's low bassy voice adds to the earthy lyrics. Did you know, Kirkire had primarily come to Bollywood to make a career as a director? but ended up as a lyricist. Last heard on Gulaal, Kirkire bags this singing chance, and delivers a simple but high on feel sufi-qawwali track. Watch out for him, he's a genius. Last film, 3 idiots 

What can one say about the Vishal Bharadwaj and Gulzar team? They can bring home the cricket world cup by making songs together. Jokes apart, the duo contribute one of the best songs 'Yun Hua' on the album - and how they do it every time, only they know. Yun Hua is a very mature tune paired with Bharadwaj's husky voice. Treading on the semi-classical, this song is simple, and touching. Interestingly, Vishal Bharadwaj had once said in an interview that there was a time when no one was willing to take him on as a music composer (even after Chappa Chappa), people were more interested in his directorial capabilities - believe it? So after he got fully into direction, he thought it better to take the chance and employ himself as a music director! Now that's another reason why he should be applauded.

The composer-lyricist team of Shailendra Barve and Jeetendra Joshi return for a second round with 'Pia Saanvara'. The otherwise contemporarily pitched Sunidhi Chauhan settles for a medium tempoed semi classical song - a good change. The song doesn't have a catchy melody - but give it a listen in your free time. Sound's good.

Aim Laga... ungli chala... carrom jarra, karde garam.. leke Striker. Okay, don't get mistaken, the review is not yet over. These are the lyrics of the next song 'Aim laga', that is, if I have heard them correctly. The song is composed by Blaaze and as expected of a rap song, the song is all beats with forceful Kavita (poetry, I mean). Aim Laga fulfils the need of the must have peppy songs B'town requirement. Dhanyavaad.