Music: Sachin-Jigar
Lyrics: Dinesh Vijan & Priya Saraiya
Music Label: EROS
Expectations:
Dinesh Vijan has a distinct musical record as producer. Here he is also writing all the songs along with Jigar's wife Priya Saraiya. So we do have expectations on the higher side, with Sachin-Jigar again in the musical saddle.
Music:
The already endemic 'Jee Karda' once again demonstrates Divya Kumar's expertise at emoting high-pitched numbers with punch. Rousingly orchestrated and written (albeit in almost pure Punjabi), the rock treatment blends so well with the folk-like element. The exuberant delivery of the voice is a completely different and welcome alternative to the all-too-pervading Sukhwinder Singh style in Punjabi folk as heard in today's film music. Divya is intense, almost militant as per the needs of the lyrics and the tune - here is where we find the three main elements - the vocal, lyrical and musical - in complete synergy. And the orchestral treatment is in good tandem with them.
The Rock version of 'Jee Karda' (Divya Kumar) seems like only a filler for the album. Full with gimmicks in sound, instrumentation and vocals, it can be heard once, and forgotten, though the lyrics are partly different. Divya screams cacophonously and the song's angst is over-projected.
We quite liked the wholesome and melodious notes of 'Jeena Jeena' (Atif Aslam). The lyrics are simple ('O aasmaan mila zameen ko meri / Aadhe aadhe poore hain hum') and with a nice familiarity and though the notes are reminiscent of a couple of early Sachin-Jigar tunes, the song appeals to those who love the melodious approach in films. The composition has strong, intrinsic melody and the well-considered orchestrated synergizes into a potent experience.
The remix version is again a filler track and has a faster beat. The composition is so smooth that it adapts well to the pace, but the rest is all gimmicky, with the reverb increased at junctures and other 'techno' processing adding to the intended noisy element.
The third composition, 'Judaai' (Rekha Bhardwaj-Arijit Singh) has some poignant strings as a prelude and comes across as a slightly different track on separation. Its compositional complexity might prevent this song from having a wide spectrum of fans, though. The lyrics have an unnecessarily high proportion of Punjabi again. However, some of the lines connect, again with their simple familiar language ('Phir se mujhe jeena / Tujhpe hai marna'). As for the singing, Arijit overshadows Rekha, which does not happen every day, given Rekha's calibre and skills.
Overall:
Two tracks of three will hit the bull's-eye. Sachin-Jigar, arguably the brightest and most versatile of the new lot, prove their mettle again.
Our Pick:
'Jee Karda', 'Jeena Jeena'