Rock on! (Music Review)

A Brave Attempt
By Bollyworld4u,
30 July 2008.
First as a director and now as an actor and singer, Farhan
Akhtar seems determined to push the boundaries of his creativity as far as he
can. He has always dared to do the unexpected, and dared to be different. The
three films that he has directed so far are evidence of that. Now, he takes a
new direction as he makes his acting as well as singing debut with debutant
director Abhishek Kapoor's film Rock On. The music of the film has been composed
by Shankar Ehsaan Loy and the lyrics have of course been written by father Javed
Akhtar. The film's music is naturally rock, and the composers have done a fairly
good job in the album. The surprise element is, of course, Farhan, who reveals a
different side to him altogether. He may not be the best of singers, but he
displays talent and passion in the manner in which he renders the numbers. Out
of a total of nine numbers in the album, five of them have been sung by him.

The opening number of the album is a number called 'Socha Hai' which has
been rendered by Farhan. It is a typical rock number, which opens with the sound
of the electronic guitar. The song's words are simple and yet very catchy. The
music of this number too is very catchy and racey. It is very easy on the ears
and is bound to catch on with repeated hearings. Farhan sings it very well
indeed.
The second number of the album, 'Pichle Saat Dinon Mein', comes in
two versions, one of which is a live version. This is Farhan's second song in
the album and this too begins with the sound of the guitar. Again, what really
works for the song are its lyrics, which again reveal Javedsaab's genius in
being able to write words for every kind of genre. The song has lazy, laidback
style and mood to it, which is enhanced by Farhan's style of singing. The number
has some very good work on the guitar. The refrain of 'na na na na' after every
stanza, makes the song very catchy. Its 'live version' has a few added elements
to it. The experience of hearing this song is bound to be further enhanced by
the manner in which it has been picturised in the film. It begins with the
refrain of 'na na na na'. Farhan appears like quite a pro with this
number.
The title track, 'Rock On' is up next, again sung solo by Farhan. The
rock mood continues. This number seems to lack the punch that the previous two
numbers had. Farhan does a good job but the song lacks a distinctive attitude.
Hence, despite being very well written, it does not have the required impact.
Next comes one of the best songs of the album, which is a number called 'Ye
Tumhari Meri Baatein' sung by Dominque Cerejo. It is a soft rock number, with a
romantic feel to it. Carejo sings it with feeling and her soft, husky vocals
work very well for the song.
Suraj Jaggan's Zehreelay is the weakest number
in the album. It is an out and out rock number, with pumped up vocals and high
voltage music, but it just doesn't work. Suraj has a very good voice and gives
the song his all, but cannot salvage the number. Farhan's 'Tum Ho' makes its
appearance in the album right after Zehreelay and the singer has really excelled
in this number. This is also a very romantic number, with very simply, yet
touching lyrics. It keeps the rock mood alive but with a softer touch. A very
good effort by Farhan and the composers.
The next song has a very unusual
title, 'Sinbad The Sailor'. The number sees Raman Mahadevan join Farhan behind
the mike. It celebrates the spirit of an adventurer and salutes the pioneering
spirit with the similie of Sinbad, the sailor. Again, a simple yet moving lyrics
by Javedsaab. Both the singers jam well and come up with a very catchy
number.
The album ends with Caralisa Monteiro's 'Phir Dekhiye'. This is
another slow number. She gets a great opportunity to display her histrionic
behind the mike as the song is rendered with just a guitar being strummed in the
background. It is pleasing and soothing on the ears.
For those who are
expecting more of the same from Shankar Ehsaan and Loy, this will be a
disappointing outing. But for the discerning listener, this album has enough
gems to make for a great listening experience. The film is, after all, about a
rock band, hence that is the kind of music which has been composed by the music
directors. Of course, one is not sure about how many takers there are for that
kind of music. But it has to be said that most of the songs in this album are
easy on the ears, simple, and sung very well indeed. It's a great attempt by the
composers and the singers.

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Ugly Aur Pagli (music review)

It's An All Out Winner
By
Bollyworld4u, 30July 2008.

If nothing else, then the title of this film is bound to pique one's curiosity. PNC's Ugly Aur Pagli starring Ranvir Shorey and Mallika
Sherawat, has music composed by Anu Malik, with lyrics by Amitabh Verma. If the music of film is anything to by, then the film promises to be entertaining. The music of the film is contemporary, catchy and pleasing on the ears. Kudos to Anu Malik, who seems to be going from strength to strength in his second innings.
Incidentally, one of the highlights of this album is that it sees Malik's daughter, Anmol making her playback debut.
In fact the album opens with the number 'Talli' sung by Anmol, Mika and Hard Kaur. The number has two other versions as well, one of which is a remix. It has a club feel to it. This is an
out and out fun number, which is bound to hit the top of the charts. Hard Kaur's style of rap along with Anmol and Mika's high voltage singing makes this number a total winner. The remixed version of this number keeps the tempo going. The man behind the remix DJ Amyth does a very good job indeed of keeping the mood of the film going. In fact, he takes the number a step ahead and makes it an even more dhamaal number. The third version of this number has Anu Malik keeping Hard Kaur company. Malik does a good job with the song but this version truly belongs
to Hard Kaur.
Anushka Manchanda and Ishq Bector come together for the second number of this album called 'Karle Gunaah'. This number picks up the baton from the previous number left of. It has a very sensuous feel to it, which is enhanced by Anushka's rendition. Bector does a very good job on this song. But it is a number which has Anushka written all over it. The beginning of the song,
the tabla which leads into the sing, is quite interesting. In all, another number, which is sure to burn the dance floors. It has a remixed version as well, again courtesy DJ Amyth. The remixed version does not do better than the original though the tempo does increase, but the feel of the song is lost in the remix.
The third number in the album is called 'Yeh Nazar' and has been rendered by Sunidhi Chauhan and Shaan. A very typical Anu Malik number. It deceives because of the way it has been arranged. But it has a strong melodic base. Both the singers are veterans and do a very competent job. It ends very well. It is different from the first two numbers which are very catchy on first hearing itself. This number is bound to catch up to, but with a couple of hearings.
The next number in the album is called 'Shut Up, Aa Nachle'. It has a strong Spanish influence to it. It begins with a piece in Spanish which is sung by Malik himself. Vasundhara Das keeps him company for the most part of the song. Midway through the song, Punjabi beats add a zing to the number. Singer Dibyendu Mukherjee appears briefly in the song. But it is for most part Malik's
number. It has a zing to it and is quite catchy as well.
Romance makes its appearance in the album with a 'Yaad Teri Aaye' sung by Mohit Chauhan, who has already made a name for himself in films with 'Tum Se Hi' from Jab We Met, last year. Of course, he has already made a name for himself with numbers like 'Dooba Dooba Rahta Hoon'. He continues his magic with this number as well. It is a number which is pure composition as there is hardly any accompanying instrument, except of course for the guitar. Mohit croons the song in his special style which gives it an wonderful intimate feeling. It is a soulful number, where the lyricist finally gets a chance to write something which is poetic. But the real poetry is in the music and the fantastic rendition by Mohit. This number really changes the fun and party mood which went before. It is a number which asks to be heard again and again. And it improves with every hearing.
The music of Ugly Aur Pagli is truly contemporary with some really fun, crazy tracks. And yet
it is not a light effort. The one number by Mohit Chauhan lifts the album to different level altogether. It kind of completes the album, where Malik has depicted every kind of mood with his music. This album is a winner and full credit of that should go to Malik. A great effort.

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Bachna Ae Haseeno Music Review

Banner: Yas Raj films

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif,
Deepika Padukone, Bipasha Basu, Minissha Lamba

Direction: Siddharth Anand

Production:Aditya Chopra

Music:Vishal shekhar

Bachna Ae Haseeno - Not good enough to draw the ladies

Bollyworld4u [Friday, July 16, 2008]

Here come Yash Raj Films with their 3 heroine project. With Ranbir Kapoor’s previous being a big disaster, this time there is much more hope especially when the title has already proved lucky for Ranbir’s dad.

The music is by Vishal-Shekar and lyrics by Anvita Dutt Guptan.

The album opens with ‘Khuda Jaane’ sung by Shilpa Rao and KK. The track offers a perfect romantic and intensely passionate number with KK bringing in those lines ‘Khuda Jaane’ with complete conviction.

The track sees a ‘Revisited’ version with Abhijit Nalani. This is more of a lounge / club version which is most likely to be placed at a disc round the corner.

Sunidhi Chauhan brings in ‘Lucky Boy’ which acts as the search for a woman’s lucky soulmate. The beats are Punjabi and Raja Hassan of Sa Re Ga Fame adds his bit. The final output is not enticing enough and the track is much below average. Hard Kaur is also heard for a bit in the track. The saving grace may come from the pretty women visuals.

‘Ahista Ahista’ brings in Lucky Ali and Shreya Ghosal- two voices that are poles apart together. If you are looking for a serene number, you’ve got it totally wrong this time. Lucky Ali fuses his sonorous overtones to match with the melodious Shreya Ghosal to provide a racy smooth club number. The track calls for repeat value.

‘Jogi Mahi’ has a certain narration of a story. The track takes off with Shekar Rajvijiani and soon Sukhwinder Singh is drawn in. The typical Yash Chopra number which has all the necessary ‘desi ‘beats will surely call for some great visuals. Himani Kapoor the Himesh Reshammiya favourite too lends her bit. But somewhere the track falls short and remains just another mediocre number.

‘Small town girl’ comes in with immense resemblance to ‘Ticket to bollywood’ from ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’. The track sung by Shankar Mahadevan has the necessary elements of Punjab and speaks apparently of a sexy looking Bipasha. The visuals might prove good but this is just another mediocre number.

Now comes the most awaited track of the album-the title number. When one gets out redoing or recreating the magic created by the likes of RD Burman, Kishore Kumar and Majrooh Sultanpuri, there’s immense pressure. Vishal-Shekar excel with this one by giving Kishore Kumar’s son the honour of rendering. Sumit Kumar takes off well and Vishal Dadlani adds with the rap bit. This one’s been a rage for years and the new version will just revisit those RD Burman days.

‘Bachana Ae Haseeno’ ultimately doesn’t live up to all the hype and has freshness only in the form of ‘Khuda Jaane’ and ‘Ahista Ahista’. Vishal-Shekar are nowhere close to ‘Om Shanti Om’ and their other memorable albums.

READ MORE - Bachna Ae Haseeno Music Review

Rock On!! Music Review

Rock On!! - Farhan rocking right through

SAVIO ZACHARIA, SAVIO ZACHARIA, IndiaGlitz [Saturday, July 12,
2008]

Farhan Akthar has always found a certain niche in
Bollywood. Even with his very first flick, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ , he explored
a realm explored by very few then. The movie and even its music courtesy
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy(S-E-L) was a rage. Then , Farhan went on to ‘Lakshya’
by bringing out so much more from Hrithik followed by ‘Don’ which was
again rightfully up to the standards unlike other remakes.

Farhan Akthar works closely with people who are close to him
be it S-E-L or old schoolmate of Manickchand Cooper School-Ritesh
Sidwani. The two have established ‘Excel Entertainment’ with an eye for
good films and directors. After ‘Honeymoon Travels’ comes their next
‘Rock On!’ directed by Abhishek Kapoor .

Though Abhishek’s first film ‘Aryan’ wasn’t a rage, this one
sure is. Reasons-‘Farhan Akhtar’ now lends his voice for 6 tracks in the album
and who would believe that he has not been a practicing musician. The album
carries a true rock feel with lyrics by Javed Akhtar and lives up to the title.

‘Socha Hai’ opens with the pulsating electrifying
guitar creating rhythm. Soon you hear a voice crooning that brings in an air of
freshness. And if you are wondering whether this lad is yet another Pakistani
discovery in
India; you’ve got it
absolutely wrong. Farhan Akhtar croons with excellence and you wonder whether
he’s been part of a rock band. The lyrics by Javed Akhtar seeps in with
questions. ‘Aasaman hai neela kyon? Paani geela geela kyon? Gol kyon hai zameen?’
‘Amazing’ is an understatement for this song.

Now comes more of Farhan with ‘Pichle Saath Dino Mein’.
Ehsaan Noorani does it well with the guitar to give Farhan’s sonorous voice the
right pump. Javed Akhtar binds in fun filled lyrics with the rhyme scheme of
‘Laundry ka bill’, ‘Chandi ka Ring’. Don’t be surprised if for the next few
weeks you’ll be left humming ‘Nana na na Nana’ after listening to this one. The
live version too by Farhan is such a treat.

The title track ‘Rock On!’ comes in with the pulsating
theme of ‘Lakshya’. The tune has become more of the identity of ‘Excel
Entertianment’. The track is a free-spirited rock number that speaks about life
at a single glance and the concept of the second chance that life offers.This
one is truly rocking and is soon headed to become the chant of generation next.

‘Yeh Tumhari Meri Baatein’ comes across as a serene
ballad number with Dominique Cerejo impressing with the very opening lines. The
track slowly sinks into you and calls for a definite repeat value. The lyrics
too are soothing. Another lovely track.

‘Zehreelay’ is a track that not many music directors would
dare to explore. It takes you into the psychedelic realm and that too with
Hindi. It just surprises you. New find Suraj Jaggan gives it all behind the
mikes. This one is sure to find its place amongst the hard rock lovers.

‘Tum Ho Toh’ brings in Farhan once again for a soft
rock enchanting experience. The lyrics are intensely romantic and prove to be
the perfect track when in solitude.

‘Sindbad The Sailor’ brings across the long tales of
Sindbad from our story books and Farhan narrates or rather sings it out to us.
Raman Mahadevan of the ‘Hey Baby’ title blends in well with Farhan. This one may
not be the best piece of the album but is quite interesting and is sure to
provide for some good visuals.

Caralisa Monteiro goes old-school with the acoustic piano and
the box guitar creating an enchanting experience. ‘Phir Dekhiye’ is not
the finest piece of the album but the vocals and the lyrics draw you in.

‘Rock On!’ sums up to be a complete rocking experience
and S-E-L ensure that this album lives up to the expectations and the title.
Looks like they should add Farhan to the triumvirate. Don’t just download the
music, go ahead and purchase a collector’s item. Worth it!

READ MORE - Rock On!! Music Review