Hum jo chalne lage – Jab we met (Pritam, Hindi)
This was one of the songs that did not impress me initially in this soundtrack. But, I loved this track in the film and completely loved the line, ‘Manzil se behtar lagne lage hai yeh raaste‘, which perhaps explains the film as well! Shaan is in fabulous form in the song that is loaded with the usual Pritam-styled orchestration that we’ve come to love!
Labon ko – Bhool bhulaiyya (Pritam, Hindi)
One amazing melody. Pritam at the top of his melodic form. KK is simply delightful in this track’s rendition.
Para para – Tamil M.A (Yuvan Shankar Raja, Tamil)
Yuvan displays musical traits very unique to his dad in this incredible track. The entire tune structure flows so smoothly that it feels like a tightly knit piece and makes for compelling repeated listens. The lyrics too add considerable charm.
Kash laga – No smoking (Vishal Bharadwaj, Hindi)
With lyrics like Kash laga, its difficult to ascertain if this song is meant seriously! But the three singers – composer Vishal Bharadwaj, Daler Mehndi and Sukhwinder blend in the sufi-tinged tune so well, that the result becomes one heck of an addictive track. There are generous Rahman’ish touches too, notably in the interludes.
Is pal – Aaja nachle (Salim Sulaiman, Hindi)
A rather predictable tune, particularly the antaras – but its the simplicity and familiarity that makes this track endearing. Sonu and Shreya breathe life into this beautifully, like only they can. The composers include small innovations like that extra piece of sound that accompanies whenever Is pal is sung – interesting addition, that!
Kelaayo – Azhagiya Tamizh Magan (A R Rahman, Tamil)
Almost resembling the free flowing structure of Rahman’s own Mellisaye from Mr Romeo, this is one heck of a song – involving a delightful retro bit in shades of darbari kaanada and that continuous techno rhythm!
Alaigalin osaigal – Rameshwaram (Niru, Tamil)
Composer Niru redeems himself after a dismal film and pop debut. The lyrics, explaining the pangs of a refugee from Sri Lanka are written with a ray of hope and the simple, pleasant tune lends itself amazingly well here. Its a tough call between this one and Naan tharai nila, from the same film, but this one wins for its serene, breezy tune.
Khoye khoye chand – Khoya Khoya Chand (Shantanu Moitra, Hindi)
Two lyricists – Swanand Kirkire and Ajay Jhingran knock the daylights out of established singers in this joyous celebration of a jazz and qawali combination. The lyrics by Swanand himself is yet another highlight – he seems to reserve such stuff for composers like Shantanu Moitra!
Malarudhu malarudhu – Manjal veyyil (Bharadwaj, Tamil)
Bharadwaj makes it again – a fast paced melody mildly reminiscent (at least to me) of an archaic SA Rajkumar track from Manasukkul Mathappoo (O ponmaanguyil). I’m really not sure why I’m reminded of this forgotten, but lovely track – there’s nothing similar tune-wise, its perhaps the energy in both the songs, while being perfectly well laid out melodies in essence. Malarudhu is slightly more artificial in comparison – the way its sung, but nonetheless a neat song by the composer.
Teri talaash hai – Ramanasia (Raman Mahadevan, Indipop)
The reprise actually sets the mood since it examines the tune threadbare and lets us soak in it. The actual track is superbly composed and sung by Raman Mahadevan and the orchestration matches the track brilliantly. There’s a hint of Leslie Lewis as well – the better tunes of the indipop expert, that is!
