Madholal Keep Walking: Another big in small package

Madholal Keep Walking was something I wasn’t very keen on listening to. But I still listened to the album, and the result was surprising for sure. Because whatever be the album, Nayab-Raja’s album wasn’t bad for me if not very good, from the very first time you hear it.

The album starts with Bhupinder Singh’s Naina laage that is also named Madholal’s theme. The good thing is that even at 71, his voice is worth listening to and pretty much likeable, with all its depth. So in short, Naina Laage is something to be listened to, for Bhupinder’s voice if nothing else.

The next track of the album is a Ghazal called ‘Falsafa ye Zindagi ka‘ by Altaf Raja. And surprisingly, it turns out to be a simple and pleasant one, where Altaf remains completely in control of himself and sings something that should be liked by more than just his fans.

Next comes a Qawwali called Khuda ke vaaste which is sung by Aslam Sabri. The qawali is not bad but then if you are not into qawalis, I cannot guarantee that you’ll like it. Try it if you want to.

Fourth song is again Naina Lage which is this time sung by Parveena and named as Wife’s theme. I won’t say this one is a refined version of the earlier one but certainly this one is a smoother one while Bhupinder’s version is completely based on the depth in his voice. Still, I liked Bhupinder’s version more. Somehow.

Next is a quarter to four minutes song called Yeh Dharti sung by Raja. It’s that sad, philosophical, inspirational and a bit even preachy type of song that are a bit rare nowadays. Still, I liked the song, worth a try again.

Next comes the final Naina Laage, the daughter’s theme, this time sung by Mitali Singh. Mitali is very sharp, almost squeaking, but thankfully for a short time only. When she surprisingly comes back to a normal, softer, heavier voice, it sounds good to ears. The way she sings Naina laagge re laagge re, found it interesting. Though the song doesn’t stand tall with two versions already present.

The final song of the album is again a surprise, or rather, almost a shock. The song starts totally in a Rock mood and I hear Raja Hassan in a completely new avatar. As he sings the deep lyrics of title song Madholal keep walking in a venomous tone (did I get the word from Zehreelay Zehreelay??), I fall in love with Raja Hassan once again, after quite a long time I guess. Listen to this song for the rocking music, Raja Hassan’s new avatar, and if nothing, then some super-inspirational lyrics.

Oh, btw, I think the song will sound fine as background too, set behind probably the climax.

Overall, Madholal Keep Walking is a big surprise in a small package, and the way it covers Ghazal to qawwali to Rock, I just loved the composers Nayab-Raja whose two earlier albums I haven’t even heard the names of. At least worth a listen if not more. I guess more WILL be there.

Soundtrack details:

Composer: Nayab and Raja

01 – Bhupinder Singh – Naina Lage (Madholal’s Theme)
02 – Altaf Raja – Falsafa Yeh Zindagi Ka
03 – Aslam Sabri – Khuda Ke Vaste
04 – Parveena – Naina Lage (Wife’s Theme)
05 – Raja – Yeh Dharti
06 – Mitali Singh – Naina Lage (Daughter’s Theme)
07 – Raja Hassan – Madholal Keep Walking (Title Track)

Tags: Altaf Raja, Bhupinder Singh, Music Review, Nayab-Raja, Raja Hasan