Well, I am not talking about acting, but like almost every Salman film, this time SRK starts the soundtrack of Don 2 with a dialog, that merges into the second track, Zaraa Dil ko thaam lo, beautifully sung by Vishal Dadlani and Anusha Mani. I mean Shankar Ehsaan Loy this time get a voice that sounds like that of a Don instead of Shaan, who sounded all nice, not too fit for a Don I’d say. The melody is nice even though SEL keep the arrangements much as in the previous Don. Nice start.

The thing that most interested me, however, was Usha Uthup’s mysterious voice singing na koi raat hai, na koi din yahaan, to start hai ye maaya. Shankar Ehsaan Loy come up with a nice melody again, though the arrangements have been kept very espionage-y, reminding me of Karthik calling Karthik where this job was entitled to Midival Punditz. Totally like. Precisely, it’s ‘more than background.’

Dushman Mera is again the mediocre sounding number of the album that may well turn out to be the ‘Aaj ki raat 2.’ The interesting part of the song is Shankar’s voice that does not sound ‘regular’ at all. Sunitha Sarathy’s voice with controlled frequencies and almost no background music, is wonderful in the beginning. Do not listen to the song for Shankar, at least not the regular Shankar. He just uses his powerful voice to put some simple lyrics very simply out there, like Kishore Kumar? I don’t know, but yeah, Shankar is doing things in an old style here. Good chances that his singing here will totally grow on you.

The King is back theme is a bit too techno, though and the surprise voice almost made me laugh. Listen at your own risk. Btw, the second half of the theme, with a little ‘emotional’ sound is nice too.

KK starts singing Don’s title song from where Shaan left it, but the arrangements here is what is interesting. The way drums have been used, it almost reminded me of Darshan Doshi and MTV and KK’s voice may sound a little too overpowering in the beginning, at least if you imagine SRK there, but then KK is one person whose voice can never ruin a song. At least never has something like that happened till date. For the rest, SEL have done some nice work with the slightly-slower version of Don title track.

Oh, btw, the lyrics kinda disappointed me in this one. I think Javed saab could do better on this one.

If there is one more thing in the album to listen to, it’s Don waltz. Believe me, when I heard Waltz for the first time, my first thought was that Bollywood is growing up. At three minutes and twenty eight seconds, which is the length of many of my favorite songs (or so I feel, somehow), Don waltz, a tune that sounds totally like the background music of an animation/cartoon film, is a new experiment that you’d probably love to listen to, at least for once.

Overall, Don 2 is almost all that was expected, with nothing new, but the old things have been packaged well and look nice, and not just from the outside. The variety here goes less than in Farhan-SRK’s last Don, but the quality is the same, or may be a little better. Go for it if you want to, because whether you want it or not, you almost know what it is, and you’re right in thinking that you know.

The album starts with ‘Mauka‘ which is, in a way, the theme song of the movie. The song, that basically talks about giving a chaanas (chance) is a song with enthusiasm and a wish to do something. Sung by five singers led by Raman Mahadevan and Mahalaxmi, the song has an item’ish, addictive touch to the music and zeal in the lyrics. Will get promotion, has to work.

Next comes Achcha lagta hai, sung by Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal. The song that reminds me of rut aa gayi re in the first few moments, is a peppy number with some nice and fresh arrangements and while Mohit Chauhan is as great as ever with his lovely voice, Shreya is completely into the conversation happening in the song. Liked it. Very much.

Still, Kaun si dor/ Saans Albeli, the composition of Prasoon Joshi, is the surprise of the album. While I had no idea what to expect from him in his first ever composition (at least to my knowledge, in and out of movies), he completely took me by wonder with the song that, sung by Pt Channulal Mishra (with Shreya in case of the duet version Kaun si dor), goes almost completely classical, and the best part is that once I started listening to the song, I did not feel like stopping it for even once in the quarter to six minutes’ run of the song. Completely loved Prasoon’s debut as a composer.

The last song of the album is Roshanee, sung by Shankar Mahadevan, which starts in a slightly ‘Uff teri adaa’ style, but shifts totally to a passionate, ‘joshila’ number very soon. Again some new arrangements from Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy with some good words by Prasoon.

In short, the album is a small treat of four songs from Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Prasoon Joshi. Prakash Jha, who got four different composers to create four songs in Raajneeti has once again got it right, in fact better this time.

Khwabon ke Parindey has Alyssa singing a beautiful song in her sweet, eclectic voice, while Mohit supports her. Alyssa does a Caralisa in this one, almost going the Phir dekhiye style, though the song is slightly higher on notes compared to that one.

Senorita sung by Hrithik, Farhan, Abhay and Maria Del Mar Fernandez is gonna be the attraction of the album as the three actors seem to be doing good not only in singing but dancing as well. Lovely.

Shankar Mahadevan gives his first solo appearance in Der Lagi Lekin, Maine jeena seekh liya. I think the line says a lot about the song. Javed Akhtar’s positive lyrics have been sung by Shankar with all ease and in a way that the song appeals to you the very first time, to grow on you more, every time you listen to it. DO listen.

Loy, Dominique, Clinton Cerejo. You know what type the song is gonna be as soon as you read the names. A techno-techno Sooraj ki Baahon mein is nothing too new as far as arrangements are concerned, but the composition has got some simple-addictive-good beats and you learn four lines the first time you listen. You know what it means, don’t you? Hey Yeah!

In To Zinda ho tum. Farhan Akhtar renders his dad’s words as a poem with some music in the background, something that tends to inspire you, but though the words are good and well rendered, probably they are a bit too less. Could have been more, and thus better.

As for remixes, Ik Junoon remix is even more addictive than the actual song I guess, though Senorita Remix is not as interesting as the original.

Overall, ZNMD is something to celebrate, like you see in the movie. Do go for it. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy are there again.

The album opens with an Eena Meena Myna Mo sung by Yashmita Sharma. Quite an experimental tune, Eena Meena Myna Mo has touches of earlier works of the trio, but the song is quite fresh and Yashmita Sharma has certainly sung it beautifully. And the lyrics made me go back to the credits once again. Yes, it’s Javed Akhtar. Good one to start with.

The next, Suraj Jagan’s rocky, uplifting Suno Brother somehow seems potent to fit in a children’s movie. I guess SEL did something similar in Taare Zameen Par with Bheja Kam as well, but then the 3 minute track here is not so much rock as was Bheja Kam, and is kinda less experimental. An okay song, well sung by Suraj.

The title song Zokkomon has two versions. While the four plus minutes’ version is wonderfully sung by Shankar and does sound good with its slightly uplifting lyrics and part zealous-part beatful music, the smaller version sounds more like a background piece. Not too good, but the longer version is worth a try.

The next song, jhumjhunmakadstrma (no, I didn’t copy-paste), is sung by Kailash Kher, and while the song reminds me of Jajantaram-Mamantaram with its name, the song is a lovely tune with some easy on ear beats. Kailash Kher may not seem like such a good idea for a children’s song, but he does a wonderful work there. After all, Raghubir Yadav has done so much story-telling and singing for children with a similar kind of voice. Do try this one if you are interested in children’s songs.

Darsheel Safary, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Shaan. Anyone would think of Bum Bum Bole, but then if that was your thought, you may be in for a slight disappointment as you listen to tum bin ye dil ghabraye. This one from Shaan is a slow, soft, slightly sad song, which I guess is way too slow for a children’s movie, even though the song has quality. Do try this one without thinking of the movie. Nice, but probably a misfit, at least until I watch the movie.

Overall, Zokkomon is a nice try by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, a try at that tough thing that is to create music for a children’s movie. But then it’s much better than the music that is offered by most of the children’s movies coming up today. I’m not too hopeful from the movie, but this standard of music certainly gives the movie some edge over other children’s movies and there is at least some hope building up.

The album starts with Vishal Dadlani’s It’s a game. While the song is not an instant thing, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s arrangements with a hangover of Karthik Calling Karthik make Vishal’s good singing work to some extent. You may like it if you pay some attention.

The reprise version sung by Sunitha Sarath seems dull, probably because the voice lacks the life that Vishal has in his voice.

Kaun hai Ajnabi has some lovely vocals by KK and Aditi Singh Sharma, but the song sounds more of a Pritam number than SEL’s. Not bad, though nothing great. Interestingly, the remix of the song works equally good.

Maine ye kab socha tha is a different side of the album where Shaan comes up to sing a romantic number with Anusha Mani, supported by Loy and almost a chorus, something like in We are Family. Though the song is quite good in parts, it doesn’t really sound like one song in whole and that may be a reason for its failure.

The last original number, Mehki Mehki, sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Kshitij, is a different sound and almost enters the territory of A R Rahman. At some points I just felt like I have heard the song, but it was probably just the ambiance and hence I couldn’t point towards any song. With a slight touch of old Bollywood songs of maybe ’70s and all these new mentioned things, Mehki Mehki is definitely something worth a try. Listen to it and probably you will fall for it in due time.

As for the remix of Mehki Mehki, it’s not bad, but the song loses the beautiful arrangements that existed in the original version and made the soul of the song, so nothing much to listen to here.

Overall, Game is an okay album but if you’re thinking of buying the album just because you know Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and you know their standard, you may be in for a little disappointment.

The next, Kyun Main Jaagoon by Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan maybe a bit too slow for loving it the first time, but as you listen to it, you love it more and more. A beautiful track with the background music that slowly grows inside the track. The unplugged version of the song is equally good. Oh, pain in Shafaqat’s voice sounds so very natural in here.

Mehndi vi mehndi, mehndi vi mehndi. Gaadha rang je chadhiya te balle ve balle. I am reminded of Kal ho naa ho. And then of Ajab Prem ki Gazab Kahani as Hard Kaur comes in, and then Shankar Mahadevan sounds all in mad-dance mode. Well, the song sounds a bit broken at the start, but once you’re used to it, the song is definitely gonna rock you. Raula pai gaya. Raula pai gaya. Dil se gaya. Raula pai gaya.

Khwabon ke lifafon mein, kisson mein kitabon mein, Vishal Dadlani sings aadat hai woh in his soft-husky voice. Well, I was surprised quite pleasantly, but a bit confused too as to why Vishal was singing this, and then when I heard usko banane wala kuch kuch to behka hoga, I knew Vishal was the perfect singer for the song. Lovely music, superb lyrics, deep singing. Woh aadat hai is a song with some poetry. I loved it, probably the most in the album, almost as much as Kyun Main Jaagoon. Do listen.

Baby when you talk to me is one more song in the Bollywood rock. This one is sung by Suraj and the way he sings it, it reminds me of Sadka kiya, though the song is not much like that one. Simple tune, and very instantly likable.

The next song, Tumba Tumba tudak gaya, is a kinda slow Punjabi-mixed dance number which stands out for its simplicity. Hans Raj Hans does a beautiful job at this one. The song may not be the best thing when you listen to it the first time, but slowly it takes up its space in your head. Also, have hopes from the video of the video.

Kailash Kher. Richa Sharma. OK. Kailash isn’t here this time, but Richa Sharma sings the mukhda of the bhajan Kailash sang for Road to Sangam. Aval Allah. A small track for the background. Not the full bhajan though, sadly.

The next thing is the remix of kyun main jaagoon. I’m not much into remixes, but quite loved this one. Try once even if you don’t listen to remixes.

The last, baby when you talk to me remix isn’t bad either, probably because there are no huge changes made in the song and speed seems to be the same.

Oh, forgot Raula pai gaya remix. Totally enjoying it.

Overall, Patiala House may not be among the best of Shankar Ehsaan Loy, but like most of their albums, the album has some freshness, and some good ol’ things. To say the least, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, once again, don’t disappoint.

aaj phir din hua
phir armaan jagne lage
chahaten uthi, nayi,
lo seene mein benaam si,
khwahishen dabi hui
kai dilon mein kayi
kya hua kyon bhala
dil mazaron se ho gaye

reham-o-karam ho jaaye dobara
reham-o-karam ho jane do ishara
reham-o-karam ho jaye dobara
reham-o-karam ho jane do khudara

ho ho ho, hohohohohoho, ho ho
ho ho ho, hohohohohoho, ho ho

tere bina sardi mein wo garmi si na rahi
na garmi mein hai tere pyaar ki thandak
ho.. tere bina badle saare mausam kyun is tarah
kuch bolo lab kholo do ye bata
taras gayi, baras gayi ab ye nazar
de do mujhe zindagi nayi

raham-o-karam ho jaaye dobara
raham-o-karam ho jane do ishara
raham-o-karam ho jaye dobara
raham-o-karam ho jane do khudara

ho ho ho, hohohohohoho, ho ho
ho ho ho, hohohohohoho, ho ho

dekho na, tere bina ajnabi tanha main
jaise hoon, rootha hua waqt se ek lamha main
aake tu mana le
hans le hansa le
rootha rootha jee na paunga
yaadein sabhi ye poochhe har ghadi
tere kyun hain bata aansu chhalke

rehem-o-karam ho jaaye dobara
rehem-o-karam ho jane do ishara
rahem-o-karam ho jaye dobara
rahem-o-karam ho jane do khudara

ho ho ho, hohohohohoho, ho ho
ho ho ho, hohohohohoho, ho ho
ho ho ho, hohohohohoho, ho ho
ho ho ho, hohohohohoho, ho ho…

For the meaning of the song, check this post at Bollymeaning.

BUY We Are Family from Flipkart.

We are Family starts with SEL at their romantic best, as they come up with a typical romantic Aankhon mein neendein sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shreya Ghoshal along with Shankar Mahadevan. Irshad Kamil does no breakthrough to lyrics but adds a few beautiful touches to his words here and there. Lovable. A song for the long run.

If you haven’t heard the album yet, reduce the volume a bit before the second song starts. As Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy-KJo-Sid make Kajol kill Elvis with Dil Khol ke let’s rock, it’s clear that the song is definitely not the best thing for a music lover, but the song is certainly a tongue-sticker. Taking the video into account, I’d say Anushka does a wonderful job at being carefree while Akriti is good as a support and singer. The rocker Suraj Jagan sings this one also really well, though the negative point of the same is that he doesn’t sound casual unlike Anushka. Last word, you are anyway not likely to love it the first time, and if you’re an Elvis fan, there is no way at all. But even after all this, the song is going to be a hit, a superhit. After all, it’s Elvis’ music, and recreated by none less than SEL.

Next is the Best. Vishal Dadlani and Shankar Mahadevan come together for a wonderful Reham-O-Karam and the song just rocks. Reham-O-Karam starts with a casual solo rendering by Shankar and then suddenly it all gets rocking. From the on Vishal and Shankar sing Irshad Kamil’s lyrics to the wonderful tune of SEL and it’s Magik. Oops, magic.

Next song happens to be Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal’s Hamesha and Forever, which is kind of typical with nothing new but just some sweetness that both Sonu and Shreya have in plenty. A soft, slow number that will stick itself with the story of the movie and will keep walking at its own pace. Another one for long runs, but ma take some time to take off. As the name says, Hamesha and Forever.

The last song of the album is Sun le dua yeh aasmaan. The song is pretty slow, even from Karan and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s standards and Bela Shende does a good and pretty tough job as she moves the song alone. As a matter of fact, it’s almost a theme.

The end of the album is, of course, with a theme and this time Karan keeps the privilege for the trio again after MNIK where he had given the theme alone to Strings. It’s a typical, what do I say.

Overall, We Are Family is a predictably good and sweet album from Karan Johar and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Believe me I’m keeping Karan first because that matters more here. And yes, all the three words (predictable-sweet-good) don’t fit with JailHouse Rock. Still, I’m humming it.

Best of the album: I guess Reham-O-Karam, followed by Aankhon mein neendein.

BUY We Are Family from Flipkart.

It’s another matter that I didn’t like the song so much as the original one, even though I’m not a big fan of Elvis. Probably I didn’t like the voice of Anushka in the song (I hope it’s her) and for sure I don’t think Kajol and Kareena go with that rock voice right after Lata and Alka and Shreya Ghoshal. Still, if the song exists in a Karan Johar movie, it has to be a hit, and however liked or disliked by me, a song can never be not worth a hear if it comes from Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and that too one that was made by Elvis and that when it was listed on the 500 best songs ever.

Oh, btw, Suraj Jagan sounds good in the song.

Here is the video.

and if you want, here is the original JailHouse Rock from 1957. Colorized later, of course.

Now that Karan Johar’s next product We are Family is coming, some of the details are coming out and I’m again getting a feeling that the music of the film will be same again. The typical that happens to be in his movies: one or two songs with a Sufi touch, one party song, like in a bar or something, maybe one philosophical, and quite surely a sad version, and definitely one theme. I think though that after MNIK, WAF also may have one rock-ish number as Suraj Jagan is there again.

For example, I know there is a song called Rehem-o-Karam in the movie and by the very words, I smell a Sufi song. Not that I don’t like Sufi songs but hasn’t he had enough of them in MNIK already? By the way, the song Rehem-o-Karam is sung by Vishal Dadlani along with Shankar Mahadevan. I wish Rehem-o-Karam turns out to be a rock number but chances look kind of bleak.

I know Karan knows what he is doing and I also know that the songs that come out will be wonderful, and at the same time hit, superhit. But I think this way, music loses, and at the end, we lose.

Anyway, all I can do for now is anticipate and guess, until the music release, which is reportedly scheduled for first week of August, though I was expecting end of July, guessing 28th. And all I wish is that I’m proved wrong, and KJo and SEL bring us the best music we have ever heard. Amen.

Update: Here is the detailed soundtrack of the movie.

1. Ankhon Mein Neendein – Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shreya Ghoshal, Shankar Mahadevan (5:02)
2. Dil Khol Ke Let’s Rock – Anushka Manchanda, Akriti Kakkar, Suraj Jagan (03:57)
3. Reham O Karam – Vishal Dadlani, Shankar Mahadevan (05:47)
4. Hamesha & Forever – Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Tara Waaliya (04:51)
5. Sun Le Dua Yeh Aasmaan (Theme Slow Version) – Shankar Mahadevan (03:53)
6. We Are Family (Theme) – Dominique Cerejo, Clinton Cerejo, Neuman Pinto, Vivienne Pocha (02:48)