DON 2 Music Review

EXPECTATIONS


There are immense expectations from the music of Don 2 and there are quite a few reasons for that:


- This is one of the most anticipated sequels of the current times and actually takes the story forward, hence almost warranting that good music would be the soul here
- Music of Don - The Chase Begins is still playing, courtesy 'Aaj Ki Raat' which is popular despite being heard first half a decade ago
- Music coming from the house of Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani always promises a certain degree of class
- Whenever Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Javed Akhtar have come together, they have seldom failed
With such factors raising one's expectations to a real high, nothing less than fantabulous is acceptable for the music of Don 2.


MUSIC


Write your own music review of Don 2 Shah Rukh Khan's begins the album with a 35 second long monologue where he hints of his arrival all over again. In the current scenario, this could well be a statement from him to all his detractors (in real life as well) where he conveys the point loud and clear that he would never fade away in oblivion and it's a matter of time that 'he is back'.


Next to arrive is the title song which goes as 'Zaraa Dil Ko Thaam Lo'. This track basically picks thread from 'Aaj Ki Raat' and aims at bringing back the sound of the early 80s though in a fresh new presentation with clear inspiration from James Bond flicks. Nothing wrong with that as it actually goes well with the film's genre and it creates the kind of mood which is expected from the genre to which Don 2 belongs. While Anusha Mani begins the proceedings, it is Vishal Dadlani who arrives a little later in the day with the quartet of Raman Mahadevan, Mani Mahadevan, Siddharth Mahadevan and Kshitij Wagh coming together for a chorus. Not the kind that you would hum around the streets, this one is basically a theme track that should take the story forward.


What catches your attention though is 'Hai Ye Maya' which fuses the action genre of late 70s/early 80s well with the contemporary sound hence fully justifying it's inclusion in Don 2. Expect the song to play at various junctures in the film as and when there is a thrilling encounter involving Shah Rukh Khan. Though in last few years Usha Uthup has come behind the mike for many a Bollywood tracks, it is 'Hai Ye Maya' which turns out to be her best in ages. It is remarkable to see the lady doing exceedingly well and holding her own in the times when dozens of youngsters have come and gone. Add to this the kind of composition that Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have managed here and there is all the more reason to grab the 'remix version' with both ears!


Listening to 'Dushman Mera' reminds of many a cabaret sequences from the 70s that had the likes of Helen, Padma Khanna or Bindu gyrating to a fast paced tune in a villain's den. The song in question has a female protagonist hunting for her 'dushman' with the man of the moment having his own score to settle with his enemies. While Sunitha Sarathi is an unconventional choice as a singer here, she still does well. However what is surprising is to hear Shankar Mahadevan sounding so differently from his usual self. Also, one wonders why there wasn't another singer roped in for the job as Shankar seems a bit out of place here.


Thankfully fun is restored soon after with 'The King Is Back - Theme'. A four minute long piece that takes forward the anthem of 'Don' that has been popular for over three decades now, this one is an absolute killer with Sunitha Sarathi justifying her inclusion as the singer here. She has a few words to mouth though in this musical piece which acts as a wonderful background score, so much so that one can't have enough of it despite hearing it repeatedly.


Shaan's version of 'Main Hoon Don' from Don - The Chase Begins Again is presented again in Don 2 as 'Mujhko Pehchaanlo'. This time around the man who has been entrusted with the responsibility of being the voice of 'Don' is K.K. who comes up with a full throated rendition. Surprisingly though, the zing of the original is missing here what with neither the voice nor the overall arrangements really cutting the ice. Lyrics are different this time around and though yet again it's the call of the central protagonist for his enemies to be aware of his second coming, the thrill is missing here as well as in the 'remix version'.


Last to arrive is 'The 'Don' Waltz' and while it may go along well with the film's narrative, the only exciting portion for the listener here is the point where Caralisa Monteiro brings back the theme sound of Don.


OVERALL
As mentioned at the very beginning, nothing less than a rocking album was expected from Don 2. However, what one gets to hear is a soundtrack which is pretty much a mixed bag. At places it works while at points, it just doesn't make you jump with joy. Also, there isn't anything which comes across as memorable enough to be played a few months down the line, leave aside a few years. Eventually what you get is a soundtrack that would go along with the narrative and acts as a good situational ingredient but that's about it.

Music Review Desi Boyz

EXPECTATIONS


You have very good expectations from the music of Desi Boyz. First and foremost this is an unpretentious out and out commercial outing which means catchy music is pretty much on cards. Moreover, the title song with Akshay and John has already caught attention in a big way. Also, Pritam can well be expected to deliver goods in a biggie like this, especially after some chartbuster soundtracks that he has created for Akshay in the form of Action Replayy, De Dana Dan, Singh Is Kinng and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. With prominent lyricists like Kumaar, Irshad Kamil and Amitabh Bhattacharya contributing here, one looks forward to a fun and entertaining ride.


Write your own music review of Desi Boyz
MUSIC


Desi Boyz gets a powerful beginning with 'Make Some Noise For The Desi Boyz' which is the kind of track that one would have expected when it comes to male bonding between the lead actors. A Punjabi-Hindi-English track by Kumaar that has K.K. singing in an altogether different style (when compared to far sombre songs that he usually sings for Pritam) along with Bob, this one is a chartbuster all the way. Boasted by addictive beats, relentless pace and some quick-fix arrangements that keep the adrenalin pumping for those four minutes, this one starts and finishes in a jiffy with no dull moment whatsoever. As expected, the song is also complimented by a 'remix version' which has a concert/club feel to it, hence requiring a wide dance floor that creates enough space to get the dance moves on.


What takes the fun quotient forward is 'Subha Hone Na De' which is second straight chartbuster track in a row. This one is a club outing as well with a definite Indian melody to it which only accentuates the overall appeal of the song. With Mika Singh getting into a total mood while singing this fun-n-entertaining number, this one also has a sonic sound to it, courtesy the parts sung by Shefali Alvaris that gives an added touch to this Kumaar written number. Though the song requires a couple of listening to make one get into the groove, 'Subha Hone Na De' is all set to become popular in quick time. No wonder, the makers too show good confidence in the song, hence adding not just a 'remix version' but also repeat it as 'Tu Mera Hero'.


After a couple of club outings comes a quintessential Bollywood dance number that has Pritam giving exactly what is expected from him. With its opening sound on the similar lines as 'Zor Ka Jhatka' [Action Replayy] and the mood similar to that of 'Twist' [Love Aaj Kal] , 'Jhak Maar Ke' is clearly one of the massiest numbers that John Abraham has danced to in his decade long career. With Neeraj Shridhar and Harshdeep Kaur clearly having a lot of fun behind the mike and singing to the rhythm of some 'desi' Punjabi beats, 'Jhak Maar Ke' written by Irshad Kamil works instantly with the listener and only makes one nod in approval by the time the 'remix version' arrives.




A much refined version of 'Razia Gundo Mein Phas Gayi' [Thank You] comes in the form of 'Allah Maaf Kare' which only makes one sure that the makers here were sure about bringing in all the commercial ingredients that would have kept the mood of Desi Boyz upbeat and catering to class as well as mass audience. While this Irshad Kamil written song has a core Indian appeal to it, Pritam presents it in a Western avtar to bring in just the right fusion that ensures that 'Allah Maaf Kare' makes it four-in-a-row for Desi Boyz. With Sonu Nigam and Shilpa Rao bringing in a new dimension with their singing style here, 'Allah Maaf Kare' also arrives in it's remix version and makes one head to the dance floor.



Last to arrive is 'Let It Be' which could just have turned into a sad outing if only lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya would have changed a few words here and there or Pritam would have stepped into a much serious zone. However, despite the relatively serious mood of the song here when compared to the rest of the album, 'Let It Be' never makes one feel that the sound of Desi Boyz has been compromised. A song where the protagonist is regretting the mistakes he has made in life and now wants his partner (and life in general) to stick to him as he makes amends, this situational track is sung well by Shaan and has the composer's stamp all over it.


OVERALL


Music of Desi Boyz exceeds expectations. While one was sure that there would at least a couple of chartbusters in the album due to reasons mentioned at the very beginning, it is clear that director Rohit Dhawan had additional expectations from his team here. Result is this soundtrack by Pritam which is one of the better 'masala' albums of the year that works as instant coffee and also promises a good shelf life once the film scores at the box office.

"Chammak challo" (Official video song) 'Ra.One' Shahrukh khan, Kareena Kapoor

Watch the extended version of 'Chammak Challo' video song of Shahrukh Khan, Kareena kapoor starrer upcoming movie Ra.One. This song is sung by R&B artist Akon. Enjoy & sing along "wanna be my chammak challo". This movie is SRK's most awaited movie for this year with breathtaking stunts performed by King Khan himself.

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan-Music Review

EXPECTATIONS


Now that's the kind of subject and genre where you do expect Yash Raj Films to come up with a winner of a soundtrack. Marriage, celebration, dulhan, stars like Imran and Katrina, 'dhol', the works - there is no reason why one would expect anything lesser than a foot tapping soundtrack that promises to keep the fun and energy high. Though you do expect quality lyrics with Irshad Kamil on board, you are particularly excited to check out what does composer Sohail Sen deliver for his first ever YRF film after impressing in his earlier two films with Ashutosh Gowariker - What's Your Raashee? and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.


MUSIC


Write your own music review of Mere Brother Ki Dulhan It's a winning start, expectedly though, with the title song 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan' turning out to be just the kind of song that you would have expected at the very beginning of the album. A celebration number where a youngster is out to look out for an ideal 'dulhan' for his brother, what is special about this song are the kind of lyrics put together by Irshad Kamil who makes it all sound like a matrimonial ad. While KK sings it with the right spirit and fervour, 'dhol' beats further accentuate the overall appeal hence establishing that composer Sohail has adapted himself well into the YRF groove here. A sure shot hit track.






Next track is equally enjoyable as it takes forward the legacy of YRF when it comes to establishing woman power by putting them at the top of affairs. This time around they do it with Katrina Kaif by making her a rockstar and in this endeavour of theirs, the musical team as well as singer Neha Bhasin give their all to create 'Dhunki'. A song with a perfect thump to it and the kind of overall arrangements that promise a big screen outing that would make a huge impact for sure, 'Dhunki' is contemporary while also fusing itself well with traditional Indian elements by means of rhythm and melody.


Newcomers Benny Dayal and Aditi Singh Sharma, who have been doing well in practically every opportunity that has come their way during last 2-3 years, do well all over again with 'Choomantar'. This may not be the kind of song that is instantly catchy or make you head for that dance floor. However, play it around yourself and rest assured, there won't be a dull moment. A number which is sung quite softly and should do well as a part of the film's narrative where the two characters are getting closer to each other in their journey together, 'Choomantar' does well as a standalone track and the 'remix' that follows.


After a couple of dance numbers and a soft track comes 'Isq Risk' that arrives in two fantastic version. First to come is the 'sufi' version that has Rahat Fateh Ali Khan getting into the same mould as 'Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji' [Ishqiya] though with a twist as some fun lyrics become a part of the song as well. However the core strength still stays on to be melody with the factor that works best being the sheer simplicity of the composition. Not just is 'Isq Risk' sung well with the arrangements being just perfect for the sober mood, here, it is also quite catchy that makes one pick this instantaneously.


What turns out to be riotous though is the 'Risky Mix' version here which has Sreeramachandra, Neha Bhasin and Joshilay coming together for what could well find a way soon enough in the discotheques and pub. From being 'sufi' in mood, it suddenly switches to being a dance floor number that has in it to turn popular soon enough in days to come. In fact it is amazing to see how the same song can be presented in altogether different contrasting versions with just a change in arrangements.


The way Ali Zafar (heard for the first time in the album) begins to render 'Madhubala', it reminds one of the kind of compositions that were made during the 70s with men like Rajesh Khanna or Rishi Kapoor being at the helm of affairs. In fact the kind of beats and pace that 'Madhubala' boasts of, one is instantaneously reminded of 'Jai Jai Shiv Shankar' which continues to stay alive till date. With Shweta Pandit doing well as always, the song has a rustic flavour to it, stays on to be simple yet effective and maintains a 'desi' touch without getting into the 'Munni' mode.


Another track that follows the same mode as 'Madhubala' in terms of setting and sound is 'Do Dhaari Talwaar'. In fact this Shahid Mallya and Shweta Pandit song pretty much seems like an extension of what one had heard just moments ago. A decent track, it has it's chances provided there is good enough picturisation that accentuates the overall appeal.


OVERALL


Mere Brother Ki Dulhan is a winning album by all means and has in it to be widely popular in days to come. As expected, the entire soundtrack follows a fun approach without anything becoming overtly mushy or mellow. While Irshad Kamil keeps his poetic instinct aside for most part of the soundtrack and instead gets something out and out massy for popular consumption, composer Sohail Sen can be assured that he would now have a successful soundtrack to his name as well that would find a wide audience for itself.

Bodyguard Exclusive Video Song-Teri Meri

Teri Meri - Bodyguard

LENGTH: 2 Minute(s) 44 Seconds
RELEASE DATE: 31/08/2011
PRODUCER: Atul Agnihotri, Alvira Agnihotri
STARCAST: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Mahesh Manjrekar, Shatrughan Sinha, Aditya Pancholi, Hazel Keech, Rajat Rawail, Asrani, Katrina Kaif, Raj Babbar, Mohan Kapoor, Himani Shivpuri
DIRECTOR: Siddique
TAGS: Teri Meri • Rahat Fateh Ali Khan • Shreya Ghoshal • Shabbir Ahmed • Himesh Reshammiya • Bodyguard •

Bodyguard Exclusive Video Song

LENGTH: 2 Minute(s) 44 Seconds
RELEASE DATE: 31/08/2011
PRODUCER: Atul Agnihotri, Alvira Agnihotri
STARCAST: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Mahesh Manjrekar, Shatrughan Sinha, Aditya Pancholi, Hazel Keech, Rajat Rawail, Asrani, Katrina Kaif, Raj Babbar, Mohan Kapoor, Himani Shivpuri
DIRECTOR: Siddique
TAGS: Teri Meri • Rahat Fateh Ali Khan • Shreya Ghoshal • Shabbir Ahmed • Himesh Reshammiya • Bodyguard •

Aarakshan Music Review

EXPECTATIONS

Despite the fact that Prakash Jha's last film Raajneeti had boasted of some memorable music, there is still wee bit apprehension about what really would be in store forAarakshan. Yes there is a romantic pairing of Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone but then given the serious/topical nature of the film, it must indeed have been a challenge for composer trip Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and lyricist Prasoon Joshi to get the kind of soundtrack in place that carries enough potential to make an impression outside the theatrical run as well.

MUSIC


Thankfully it is a good beginning for Aarakshan with 'Achha Lagta Hai' turning out to be a catchy melodious outing. The kind of track that manages to make an instant impression due to the intrinsic simplicity that it carries, 'Achha Lagta Hai' also boasts of good lyrics by Prasoon Joshi who amalgamates poetry for Saif's character while making Deepika's portions more jovial and straight-to-the-point, as is also suggested as a part of the song. While Mohit Chauhan is good as always, it is Shreya Ghoshal who seems to be having maximum fun while rendering this number that also reminds one of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's 'Agar Tum Kaho' from Lakshya that had a similar mood and theme.

A celebration number about rising to greater heights as and when opportunity comes calling, 'Mauka' is a hardcore situational track. Surprisingly though the song doesn't quite rise above mediocrity and just manages to pass muster without making one bothering to give it a second listening. However the makers seem to be quite confident of 'Mauka' as they have actually included it's 'remix version' as well. From a 'desi' feel, the song which is co-composed by Prasoon Noshi moves into a Western mode but despite coming together of a horde of singers, namely Mahalakshmi Iyer, Raman Mahadevan, Tarun Sagar, Gaurav Gupta and Rehan, there isn't much that one finds appealing about 'Mauka'.

A song with a strong classical base is heard next in the form of 'Kaun Si Dor' which has Pandit Chhannulal Mishra and Shreya Ghoshal coming together to create a rather sombre outing. It is difficult to imagine the situation in the film where this song would appear since in isolation it just doesn't have much in it to appeal to a wider segment of audience. Eventually the song (which appears again as 'Saans Albeli' as a solo by Pandit Chhannulal Mishra) boils down to merely being a part of the narrative though one strongly suspects that it may end up slowing down the proceedings in a dramatic fare like Aarakshan.

Situational mood of the album continues with 'Roshanee' which has a revolutionary touch to it and is expected to play during the portion of the film when things are heating up as good takes over evil. Shankar Mahadevan leads from the front here in this song which is a decent hear but then again the problem lies in the fact there isn't any shelf life for the song beyond the film's run in theatres.

OVERALL


Aarakshan doesn't boast of the kind of score that has in it to make waves commercially since almost all songs mainly have a situational appeal to them. Yes, at least 'Achha Lagta Hai' is good that prevents Aarakshan from becoming totally forgettable. However despite low expectations from the soundtrack here, the end result is far more being satisfactory. 

Bodyguard Music Review

EXPECTATIONS 

It's the wave factor. When the going is good, everything starts seeming great. And when the packaging is right, you expect the end product to be excellent. You want things to work. Period. And this is where the core strength of 'Bodyguard' lies. With Ready, Dabangg and Wantedbehind him, Salman is having everything going his way. So when he ropes in Himesh Reshammiya to compose music for the film and has Kareena Kapoor for company, you brace yourself to listen to a chartbuster soundtrack. Add to that Katrina Kaif's presence for an item number and you know that this album will certainly get a 'huge opening'!

MUSIC 


It is a Rajnikanth beginning for the album with the title song Bodyguard' composed, written and sung in the same way as the Superstar is introduced in his movies down South (save a Robot which didn't start on a characteristic note). Nevertheless, this Shabbir Ahmed written track has chartbuster written all over it with the kind of lyrics that amalgamate on and off screen image of Salman to perfection. So while he is referred to as 'bhaijaan' and a 'true Indian', even Salman makes a brief appearance with his trademark dialoguebaazi. 'Band of Power' gives further voice to the song which surprisingly doesn't have a female voice even though Katrina would be gyrating to the thumping beats that take this Himesh Reshammiya composition further. As is the case with every track in the album, this one too has a 'remix' to boast of.

There is a twist in the tale soon after with guest composer Pritam bringing on a softer tune with 'I Love You'. Now this is the kind of a romantic melodious number that takes one back to mushy old days of Salman when he had quite a few such numbers to his credit in films like Kahi Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega and Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. However there is a nice Pritam touch to it as well as he adds his own bit to remind audience of the kind of sound that they expect from an Emraan Hashmi track. Hear the middle of the 'antara' portions and you would find the reference points. It is also good to see Pritam experiment with relatively new singers like Ash King and Clinton Cerejo who do quite well to make this Neelesh Misra grow after a couple of hearing. The song is further repeated in a 'remix version' with the same pair of singers though for the unplugged version it is Shaan who takes the centre-stage.


The way 'Desi Beat' begins, it all sounds like a quintessential Punjabi dance number to begin with. In fact for the first couple of listening, this Himesh Reshammiya track seems like a regular number that doesn't quite break any new grounds in its structuring, lyrics or singing. However once you have heard it again in the 'remix' as well as 'Punjabi hip hop mix' versions, it starts coming on it's own as one settles down to the mood and rhythm of the song. Expectedly both Mika Singh and Amrita Kak are pretty energetic behind the mike for this song that also has a brief trumpet portion that gives homage to 'Tum Kya Jano, Mohabbat Kya Hai' from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen. This is one of those songs that are elevated further due to star power and with Salman at the helm of affairs, one can be rest assured that he would make it further special.

The best is reserved for the end though with 'Teri Meri' being not just the best of the enterprise but also one of the top songs to have been released this year. This is the kind of song that one terms as 'lambi race ka ghoda' as it it has in it to be heard for months at stretch. A love song with a tinge of sadness to it, Shabbir Ahmed written 'Teri Meri' is sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shreya Ghoshal with their heart as they bring in the kind of pain that the protagonists must be feeling on screen. In fact with this number Himesh Reshammiya makes one all the more miss him as a composer as a few more songs like this would definitely made Bollywood musical scene much better than what it is today. The very fact that the song appears again in a 'reprise', 'remix' and a 'Theme-Instrumental' version is all the more reason to feel truly satiated.

OVERALL

The music of Bodyguard has in it to be hugely popular amongst audience as it has everything for everything. For the lovers of conventional music there is 'Desi Beats' while for Salman's fans there is the title track 'Bodyguard'. And then for those who are hunting for melody which boasts of a much longer shelf life, there is 'Teri Meri' and 'I Love You' (by Pritam) which are all set to rule the charts in days to come. For all these years if composer Himesh Reshammiya was indeed waiting for the right album to make a comeback then well, this is it!