I was wondering if I should even listen to the album but then I thought of Sharman Joshi and Tabu’s Toh Baat Pakki and decided to give it a shot. Here is the result, nothing great.

The album starts with another version of Aa jaane jaan, sung by Akriti Kakkar and Antara Mitra with Javed Jaffrey doing some rapping up. Singers are OK but with so many better versions of the song already around, nobody will know when it came and went.

The next song, Band Baaja, sung by RIcha Sharma, Ritu Pathak and Rana Majumder is among the better songs of the album. The song has is an enjoyable dance number, as almost clear by name. The song literally has a ‘ring’ to it from the very start and sounds good at the very first time, though I don’t think it has a long shelf life.

The next is Sunidhi Chauhan sung Dil to saala Ullu ka pattha hai. No doubt, Sunidhi sings the song well but the tune is just not that good. Or probably it’s mixing. I’m actually trying to find out what’s the major difference between Pritam and Pritam A songs. Anyway, Sunidhi’s singing still keeps the song listenable. By the way, even after Shankar and Ali Zafar’s good sounding ‘good looking ullu da pattha,’ Sunidhi’s ‘dil to saala ullu ka pattha hai’ sounded a bit vulgar to me. Can’t explain why. Okay.

Suzanne De’Mello’s Atthrah baras ki is the next song of the album. The tune is barely OK and I still felt the pieces of tune were picked up from here and there. Only after listening to the song 5-6 times was I able to hum the punch line of the song. Kinda boring.

The last song of the album is Working Girls sung by Shweta Pandit, Ritu Pathak and Priyadarshini. Well, I’m quite hopeless about the album now and don’t know why exactly this song doesn’t sound good to me, though the tune of the song is quite okay. One problem with the song, though, is lyrics, which amount to nothing.

Overall, Hello Darling is an album Pritam doesn’t seem to have cared about and I don’t think people are going to care either. The best thing from the album seems to be the peppy-dance number band baaja, followed by dil to saala. I think that’s all.

The album surprisingly starts with a Pritam song, Mera Jeena hai kya, sung by Neeraj Shridhar. Interestingly, the song is a bit different from their typical songs as this one seems aligned towards rock. I wonder why Pritam didn’t get KK to sing this one. KK and Nagesh Kukunoor has already been an old hit jodi. Good one but could be better.

Then the next, Dilkash Dildaar duniya comes which is again a Pritam composition and sung by Shaan and Tulsi Kumar. A beat-based song with a nostalgic feel. Shaan is fine but I’m not coming to terms with Tulsi very well. Okay song.

The third song, Rabba comes from Shiraz Uppal. Somehow, I don’t like Shiraz Uppal very much with lower notes. Shiraz is a guy who is best when he sings with his full throat. But here he sings more on lower notes and goes high only for ‘Rabba ye kya hua, Rabba ye dil gaya’ there too not so good I had expected. Some good lyrics and certainly not a bad song, but was expecting more from Shiraz. This is just okay.

Then comes the already heard Zubeen sung ‘Ab mujhko Jeena.’ The song starts somewhat like Summer of 69 but then it moves to a fast, inspiring type song. Can’t say much about the song as I’ve heard it way too much already. It’s even been my ringtone for a long time. So all I can say is the song is definitely good.

Next song of the album, Shukriya Zindagi, that starts on a lovely note and as Shafqat starts singing ‘chhan ke aayi to kya chandni to mili’ in an easy mood, you know you’re going to get an inspirational treat from Salim-Sulaiman and Shafqat. Beautiful lyrics by Mir Ali Husain in continuously second song.

As Shreya Ghoshal starts rendering Pal mein Mila Jahan, in her soft voice, with almost nothing playing in the background, you think it’s a sad version of some song, but then the song proceeds, and after a tough job done by Shreya, instruments appear in the background. A really good song and some superb singing by Shreya but I don’t know how many will have patience to listen to this song. Try to listen to the song anyway.

Finally, Chala Aaya Pyaar brings in Mohit Chauhan. A quite slow, deep song with some romantic lyrics. Somehow after ‘Pal mein’ the song sounds a bit sad as it seems to mix with its predecessor, but as Mohit comes towards the higher notes in the song, you start liking it. Good use of percussion, loved the tabla in the song. Go for it, but it may need some patience before you fall for the song.

Shankar Mahadevan is a choice of many composers when it comes to deep songs, and even more when there are less instruments in the background, as Shankar has got some awesome power in his voice. Therefore, after Raajneeti’s Dhan dhan dharti re, he gets to sing another earthy song with less instruments and more singing. And the song is none other than Shreya sung Pal mein mila Jahan’s male version, but Shankar gives the song much more power than Shreya did. I guess people would like this one more, if they have enough patience to decide.

After this, the album has five remixes but I wouldn’t even hear them as of now, after listening to seven songs already. Oh, btw, there is one sad version of Shukriya Zindagi which is again a wonderful listen for those who appreciate one minute long instrumentless pieces. Cuz I was a fan of Aashayein slow version and always played the song after the slow version.

Overall, the album is not bad, but not very good either. While no song is actually bad, only a few, namely ab mujhko jeena, shukriya zindagi, pal mein mila jahan look upto their level. Mohit Chauhan and Shiraz Uppal are a bit below their own set standards. The biggest problem is that few songs in the album catch you instantly, though I hope many of the songs will sound just perfect in the movie as background.

All I’d say is, I had some more aashayein from aashayein.

The album starts with a rock-ish title song sung by another newcomer called Rohit Sarkar. The song has a punch feel attached to it and Swanand Kirkire’s lyrics quite help that. Nothing great but the song certainly sounds good as a background in the promos. I think good promotion will make the song popular for at least some time, till the release or so.

The second song of the album is Mohit Chauhan’s Mann Lafanga, which is definitely the high point of the album. Anandh goes on to give Mohit a good tune and his singing has all the necessary and regular effects. In short, the song sounds as good as any running song of Mohit Chauhan. Also, the tune has an oldie feeling to it or maybe it resembles some old song vaguely. Whatever it be, the song sounds good and that is what matters. Go for it.

The next song is Dhatad tatad sung by Monty Sharma’s Saanwariya guy Shail Hada along with Anushka Manchanda. The song has almost no quality, except that it’s chipku. Dhatad Tatad may sound like a tongue twister but actually the term is a tongue sticking one as the music is too simple and repetitive. Also, the music seems vaguely similar to some Amitabh Bachchan movie or maybe some ’90s song. (tumsa koi pyara koi maasoom nahi hai, is it??) Oh yes, in some corners, even this song has good lyrics.

The next in the album comes Nain Parindey sung by Shilpa Rao. This one is a soulful, slow song and Shilpa sounds perfect there. Swanand Kirkire and Shilpa Rao’s big names get Anandh’s equal support in the music department and the result comes out really good even if not great. Another piece of Top quality after Mann Lafangaa.

Rang Daalein is the next song of the album and this time Rock star Suraj Jagan comes up behind the microphone, in his full Rock mode. The song is almost a full fledged rock one, at least in terms of singing while Anandh seems to be in a mood to experiment as he goes out of and then back into rock mode, especially in interludes. The song, like many more good ones, doesn’t sound too good in the start and sounds a bit noisy too but once you grow into the song, you may like it, or even love it. Just do go for it if you are into that new genre in the making — Bollywood Rock.

At the end comes an instrumental, Born to Fly. The instrumental starts well I kinda liked the first half but then the second half gets all background score cum medley. Near the end it the tune starts getting into climax which sounds okay. The last ‘Lafangey Parindey’ probably said by Rohit Sarkar sounds not-too-bad.

O yes, there is a Remix of Mann Lafanga by Joshilay. Not bad, okay.

Overall, Lafangey Parindey tries to get into rock a bit while trying to maintain a balance by keeping two very typical songs (from Mohit and Shilpa), but end of the day the balancing thing doesn’t seem to succeed completely as both the types seem like parts of separate albums. Still, most of the songs are at least above average (except the sticking dhatad tatad) and as a re-debutant, R Anandh does a pretty good job.

In short, I can say, ye saaf kabhi ye gande, lafange parinde..

The album starts with title Hum Yaadon ke Sang jee gaye which is a typical, known type of semi-rock with typical and okay lyrics. Not a great listen but not bad. The good thing about the album is that this is not the best song of the album. And btw, of course, the song sounds better at higher volume.

The second song of the album is Waada, which is a slower number, inspiringly better than the first. Inspiring one to listen to the album ahead. The song starts on slow notes, but as the lead goes on to the higher notes, it is clear that not just the style of singing but even the lyrics sound quite inspired by Atif, the song in question being Kuch is Tarah. Still, the song has a freshness. Recommended one.

The third song of the album is Main Chala, a song with the vocals kind of going on backfoot and some light beats and music coming to the fore. The light experiment makes the okay song a bit more interesting and likeable. The end goes more vocal as the song goes into total rock mode. Good one again.

Next song of the album is Tum Meri ho which starts on very slow, simply lovable notes and grows on to becoming a kinda grey song with passion; the song actually going beyond the ‘newcomer band’ feel, so much that I feel that the lead singer should have been a bit more refined. Likeable experience for sure. A short, good, recommended one. One of the best of the album.

Next comes Bolo toh, which sounds more like a ’90s Bollywood song than a Paki band, with a touch of rock, of course. Purely no-stalgic stuff. I mean, I say no to this one, move ahead.

The next song, Jhoothi Kahani, is a typical band stuff again, very early Atif way. The music of the song is good and singing is interesting while the lyrics are kinda well-written-nonsense. Still, the song, given some time, does sound good and can find space in one’s mind. Okay stuff. Liking the singing in this one.

Aag, the next song of the album sounds quite like Hide and Seek’s maula by Sooraj Jagan in places and hence I couldn’t find a lot new in the song, though the song sounds pretty good and cool.

The last original in the album is the one I loved the first time I heard it. Nothing too big, but Dil ab nahi maanta is a feel-good, kinda peppy number by the band. The lyrics are light inspirational kind and the song has only slight effect of rock. A good end to the album as far as non-remixes are concerned.

Coming to remixes, Hum Yaadon ke sang acoustic mix is pretty good. In fact, it’s probably better than the original song. The club mix starts well but goes all in beats soon. Waada also has a small club mix which doesn’t sound so good in slow parts of the song, but the other part goes pretty okay with mixing and the remix sounds overall okay.

Overall, the album is an okay one from the band, Raeth. Can’t say they have grown very much from their first album but they have at least maintained the standard, enough to listen to their next album when it comes, if not enough to wait for it. Regarding this one, it’s worth a listen and then decide for yourself.

Best picks: Waada, Tum meri ho, dil nahi maanta.

The album starts with Indian Ocean’s Des Mera Rangrez ye baabu. The song is a typical Indian Ocean piece with their familiar voices and instruments. The song is a satirical one on India and the country’s system from top to bottom. Swanand Kirkire and Sanjeev Sharma write some good lyrics and words like ‘raai pahaad hai kankar shankar’ say a lot among them. Must listen. For all the music and words.

There is another version of the song too, called Des Mera – 1. The song goes a bit towards the comic mood and has lyrics bit less serious than the first version.

The second song of the album is a very folkish, very earthy Mehngai dayan sung by Raghuveer Yadav and composed by Ram Sampath. The song is totally based on dholak and all keertan-mandali instruments and sounds like one sung by a mandali. Swanand Kirkire gets us some shallow lyrics about some deep-rooted problems. The song is not about music but I’m certainly loving it. Raghveer Yadav seems perfect for the song.

And yes, there is a remix version of the song too, which sounds even more awesome with all those English lyrics and the different background. Must listen thing.

The third song of the album Zindagi se darte ho which comes from Indian Ocean again, is more like typical music in the market, with a slight rock-ish mood. To be frank, I didn’t like the music of the song much in the first half where there are more of high notes but the second half gets quite better and gives a good feel to the whole song. But then, the thing I loved in the song is the lyrics. Roshni se darte ho, roshni to tum bhi ho, roshni to hum bhi hain, Aadmi se darte ho, aadmi to tum bhi ho, aadmi to hum bhi hain.. Just superb work by Noon Meem Rashed.

The next song is a three minute long chola maati ke raam, composed and sung by Nageen Tanveer. The song is not in standard khadi boli Hindi and the language sounds something like awadhi to me. A bhajan written by Gangaram Sakhet which I half understood, though I still enjoyed the three minutes.

Overall, Peepli [Live] is a pretty good album which looks as good and as different from the contemporary music as the movie itself. The music is good while the lyrics are better, touching the problems they should, and hence making the songs completely in sync with the movie. Go for it if you have any interest in ‘different’ music, that beyond typical, commercial, Bollywood.

The first song of the album is, Aazadiyaan, the one we have been listening to, in the promos pf Udaan already on TV. But then, what we get in the promo is the end of the song, the start of the song comes a typical Amit Trivedi, though the music sounds quite like Jaane yeh kya hua of Karthik calling Karthik in the start. Lyrics of the song are really good and add to the quality of slightly rockish, good song.

Geet mein Dhalte Lafzon mein is sung by Amit and Amitabh, the composer-lyricist duo and sounds fresh. As the trend of the album builds up, one can easily see that the effect of rock can be seen pretty well on the album. Amit Trivedi seems to be having a good time with his signature rockish style of composing with added effects of soft vocals. But then, there is again those lyrics, dhool jami thi aankhon mein, khwaab khile ab laakhon mein, naya kuch naya to zaroor hai, dard ki baatein kal ki hain, aaj mein khushiyaan chhalki hai, jebon mein hum raatein liye ghooma karen, fursat ke ye mauke sabhi chooma karen. Listen to the song for those lyrics. Awesome words.

The next, aankhon ke pardon ke, or the other version of Kahani Khatm hai, is sung by Joi Barua (the Ek hulchul si guy) and Neuman Pinto. Keeps the album going in the same mood.

Mohan is someone big I don’t know. I remember the name from London Dreams where he sang Khanabadosh and this time he sings an even more awesome ‘Naav’, or Chadti Lehren Laangh na paayen. A song with Folk touch and composed by Amit Trivedi (I wonder if that is also becoming a type now) sounded really good to me even when I heard it for the first time. Go for this rock-folk.

Do we have the word Chorus anymore? I wonder the same as I read the names of the singers of Motumaster. Anyway, a masti-piece, sounding like part of college-students’-enjoyment in the context of the movie. Nothing serious here, and that is all that matters in the song.

Next in the album comes Nadi mein Talab hai, sung by Amit, Joi and Neuman, the song reminds one of Ek Hulchul si, with lyrics quite different than the mentioned. As the three sing ek udaan kab talak kaid rahegi, roko na chhod do ise, one is bound to feel the positivity of the lyrics. Good again.

The album ends with a ‘soft’ instrumental which, a bit surprisingly for me, showed no effect of rock and sounded like a heart to heart talk, after which you could let the album end and sleep peacefully. Or start again with Pairon ki bediyaan khwaabon ko baandhen nahi re…

In short, lovable album. Kinda typical stuff by Amit Trivedi, but not a thing I would call repetitive or can be disappointed with. Good music and Awesome lyrics. That makes Udaan. Go, fly.

PS: Finding the best of the song is really difficult, but I guess in terms of music ‘Naav’ is the best.

The first track of the album is a well known, typical Himesh Reshammiya thing, Kuch to baaki hai. The song is a slow, nostalgic, painful one, something like Humko Deewana kar gaye title track. Not bad, at least after a long break as I haven’t heard this type of a song for quite some time now.

The second song, Milenge Milenge, is sung by Alka Yagnik and Jayesh Gandhi while another version is reportedly sung by Himesh Reshammiya and Shreya Ghoshal. The song is kinda old again belonging to the ‘Kyonki’ (remember that Kareena Kapoor-Salman Khan film?) age. The background sounds try to add to a nostalgic effect but the result isn’t much success. Sounds like an average song with slight touch of Himesh Reshammiya. Interestingly, Himesh’s own version of the song sounds a bit more interesting as Himesh (I guess it’s him) sings the song quite noiselessly and noselessly.

The third song of the album is Tum Chain ho, sung by Sonu Nigam, Alka and Suzanne D’Mello. The song is a slow, soft number and sounds soothing even in the 30 seconds. Quite hopeful from the song though it sounds a bit aged. Sonu Nigam in his typical soothing soft voice makes this one certainly worth a try and buy.

Btw, do you think Rahat Fateh Ali Khan wasn’t singing for us ten years ago? He was. Or so it feels when you hear ‘ishq ki galee‘ sung by him in Milenge Milenge. Rahat just sings his second song for Himesh Reshammiya after Namaste London and this one is nothing like Main Jahan Rahoon for sure. The song sounds something like a Nadeem-Shravan tune, at least from the preview, reminding me of Dulhe ka Sehra as Rahat sings so much like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Btw, I’d not suggest you to keep the thing in mind because at least as of now, the song doesn’t seem anything close to the old one.

The surprise for me was Hare Kaanch ki choodiyaan. I was expecting the least from the song as it has only one version, sung by Alka Yagnik. But the song is more than that as Alka renders the wonderfully simple lyrics ‘pehne tere naam ki, radha ho gayi shyaam ki,’ on a simple and catchy tune. While the higher notes of the song remind me of older songs, say of early ’90s or something, the beat-based part is total catchy and the overall mixed effect is quite good. Nothing really new, but likeable.

Besides this, the album has typical Himesh style remixes, especially of Kuch to Baaki hai. And frankly, after such a long break from that Himesh-mania on dance floors, these remixes are at least okay with me. In fact I am kind of liking them.

Another thing worth mentioning besides the remixes is the Unplugged version of Tum Chain ho. While the original song sounds good, the unplugged version sung by Vineet Singh sounds even more awesome. A total surprise with some superb singing by the guy.

Overall, Milenge Milenge is quite expectedly old but at the same time good. Himesh Reshammiya has given his ‘touch’ to the album but not made it a noise of his own. Sonu and Alka seem to be doing good in the album, Alka after a long time I guess. Rahat is not bad either. My guess is that for the first few times you might find the songs a bit old and not-so-good, but in due time, you will probably like the songs. At least quite a few of them.

I’d say, a bit below expectations, but above average.

My Picks: Tum Chain ho Unplugged, Ishq ki Galee, Hare Kaanch ki Choodiyaan, Kuch to Baaki hai.

The album opens with Khuda mere Khuda, sung by KK and Shreya Ghoshal, which is definitely good, the best of the album, and can be easily found on the TV. Though I don’t guarantee you can watch the video. So my suggestion is, get the music alone, without visuals. A typical KK song. With good music and some little, interesting effects by composers Sachin-Jigar.

Chhote tera birthday aaya, the next song of the album, as can be guessed from the title of the song itself, not meant to be long term. Talking of short-terms/movie-specific things, I’d say the music of the song is not too catchy. Sachin-Jigar have roped in good singers who try to help the average composition and the result is something that could do had the movie been good. But with the movie it is, the song is bound to be lost.

The third song of the album is Vande Mataram, just by name. The song sung by Jigar (one of the composer duo) is actually something between Rock and Hip Hop and vaguely reminds me of Rann. A good attempt but I don’t know how much the song fits into its lyrics. Still, with good picturization, the song can do well.

The next song of the album is Anushka. I mean, Anushka’s Firangi Paani. The item number from the very first word, Firangi Paani has some good-for-the-song lyrics and Anushka sings the song pretty, pretty well. The additional voices sound real. In short, here comes another good one. Go for it at least once if you like item numbers. And do that before you watch the video, cuz I feel there is a risk of video not being as good as the song.

Overall, Krantiveer is an above expectations album with two good songs. Especially if you see a promo and the actors on mute, you are definitely not going to bother about the album. But it’s worth bothering once. For Khuda mere Khuda at least.

For Sachin-Jigar, good work guys. But you need to go much higher.

Kajraare opens with your very own Kajraare. No, don’t be angry. By your very own I mean like it or not, this song is going to be there with you. Very, Very Himesh. The only interesting thing in the song is that he has used both western and traditional instruments in the song, if only you can notice that behind Himesh’s voice. If you think you don’t like the song and can keep away from the song, I can only smile.

The second song of the album is again the one you might have heard already on TV, Rabba luck luck luck luck rabba luck barsa. Oops. Who is that in the voice over? Mahesh Bhatt I guess.. Well, whatever, the song is a typical Himesh song again which might easily stick to your tongue and you can be found cursing yourself for humming the song sometime. I won’t say it’s good but Himesh certainly what he’s doing. So not bad.

The third song of Kajraare, Aafreen, is actually one of the best songs of the album. Some good music with Indian traditional instruments and Dholak beats sound pretty good and if you don’t mind Himesh Reshammiya’s voice, the song is definitely worth listening to, and more than once. The slow song
also has Harshdeep Kaur singing near the end for sometime but most of it goes to Himesh only. Good but Himesh’d.

Before you listen to the fourth song of Kajraare, REDUCE VOLUME. Because if you don’t, you may get shocked by the sudden high voice of Himesh Reshammiya in Bhindi-lelo-aalu-lelo-paalak-lelo mode. I don’t know why he does that in the song which runs comparatively much smoother after the literally killing start. Tujhe Dekh ke armaan jaage is a soft number with beats, or something that can be close to it in Himesh’s voice. By the way, the song also has Shreya Ghoshal in there and she sings really soft and sweet in the song. You can listen to the song just for her.

Next comes Teriyaan Meriyaan which has some good, soft, music again. The interludes are really beautiful, especially the Santoor part of them, and the melody is good too. Himesh is nasal but doesn’t keeps his voice comparatively low, not going too high, while chakhne-pakne sound a bit interesting. With some other singer, the song could probably be a real interesting thing. Shreya doesn’t get to sing much of this one.

Wo Lamha Phir se Jeena hai sung by Himesh and Harshdeep is the next song of the album. This one is a beat based, typical song of Himesh Reshammiya that really isn’t ‘good’, to say the least. The melody isn’t bad but then Himesh packs the song with instruments and his voice doesn’t help much. I wonder if the song could have done well in the Himesh era but for now, chances are almost negligible, mostly because people not really look interested in his voice.

The last song of the album is again a traditional type, dholak based, and nose-talgic Sanu Guzra Zamana yaad aa gaya. Frankly, the song is good and the music is definitely worth listening to, and had anybody else sung the song, it would have been a hit for sure. In fact, the song doesn’t sound that bad to me with Himesh even but on a few points he just goes too nasal. Another Himesh’d, but good song. Btw, we have Sunidhi here too, if that matters.

Overall, Kajraare is totally a Himesh Reshammiya album where he sings from his nose almost everywhere. Still, if you don’t mind his voice for some good songs, go for Aafreen and Sanu Guzra Zamana. Teriyaan Meriyaan sounds okay too while Tujhe dekh ke armaan jaage has some really beautiful parts sung by Shreya.

In even more short, the Himesbhai is back. Be happy if you’re a fan. Beware else.

Well, let me explain a bit. Prakash Jha’s Raajneeti has a song that is based on Vande Mataram and has been composed/arranged by Wayne Sharpe, the American composer who has composed tracks for Jha’s Gangaajal and Apharan before this. He also created the background music for ‘Lahore’.

The words for the song are set by none other than Gulzar who has kept words quite close to Vande Mataram while giving them a more earthy touch by using simpler words. Of course, there is more to the song that just the words from Vande Mataram but then, you can some up the words as ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘bow to thee, mother’. Touching lyrics from Gulzar once again.

The song is sung by Shankar Mahadevan, but then it has a reprise version too which is sung by Sonu Nigam. Frankly, both of the versions are awesome, at least to me right now because for me, it’s the words that touch my heart, and both the voices are taking that message perfectly.

Talking of music, you can feel the touch of Wayne Sharpe quite easily if you have seen Lahore. But if you haven’t seen the movie, the closest you can think is Rahman. The music is somewhat like Rahman gives sometimes. And somehow, Sonu Nigam’s version seems to have a touch of Rahman in it, probably because we have heard many songs sung by Sonu and composed by Rahman that talk of the country, in kinda similar way. The Legend of Bhagat Singh, and more than that Apne desh ki mitti of Bose, The Forgotten Hero are the points in case.

Whatever it be, here is something wonderful for you, and my guess is that the more you listen to it, the more you’ll fall in love with it. Here are the starting lines of the song:

boodha aasmaaan,
dharti dekhe re..
dhan hai dharti re,
dhan dhan dharti re..

All these lines are sung exactly in the Vande Mataram tune. So u can sing the four lines even without listening to the song if you try.

Btw, the lines I loved more than others are

koi to dhoye ye daag zameen ke,
phir se hare ho jaayen baag zameen ke,
ye soch ke har din har raat os utarti re..

and then, there are touching

bantware ho to ye dharti kat-ti hai
sookha padta hai to dharti phat-ti hai
ik pal jeeti re, ik pal marti re
dhan hai dharti re
dhan dhan dharti re..

Frankly, it’s a lyrical, poetic-patriotic feat from Gulzar. All I can say is go get it.