Pritam Chakraborty is easily among the hottest composers right now, with almost all his albums doing well (and if not the whole album, then it'll be the one-or-two songs in it that will make the rage). RACE, JANNAT and now KISMAT KONNECTION. Obviously, after the fiery music score of RACE, and the unconventional Bhatt-style score in JANNAT, it is very obvious that one expects "Higher and Higher" from Pritam, is that not? And after the Shahid-Pritam combo last year with JAB WE MET, the heat level rises higher. The promos have already come out on Television, and publicity is rock solid. So, what does Pritam make out in his latest?
Well, critically assessing the album, Pritam has done fabulously well, and keeps up with the expectations; maybe a bit more than that. The album has to be one of the better albums of the year, if not the best.
Neeraj Sridhar is evidently Pritam's current favorite, and that shows, as the album kickstarts with this powerful track, which is called Aai Paapi/Tu Hai Meri Soniye. It's not exactly high on beats, and it even starts in a very queer way. But the elapsing of the seconds in this track ensure that you're either moving your body or tapping you foot or shaking your head or anything like that. What works for this song is Neeraj Sridhar's modern, urban vocals and of course, Pritam's groovy composing. This one gives effect if you hear it on your Hi-Fi sysyem. To ensure more listening pleasure, please turn the volume knob to the highest. You'll enjoy it, seriously, and even for those who listen to MP3 Players, turn the volume to 100% and rest assured, you won't regret it.
The remix version has only introduced club beats and has given a sonic feeling to Neeraj's voice. Nothing much to talk about this remix, except for the fact, that is pleasant on the ears, and doesn't disappoint, though it isn't better than the song! Time and again, it has been proved that a remix should take a songto another level, and not move around the song.
Once Pritam likes a singer, he will use himm or her in every other album in as innovative a way as possible. This is already showing with Neeraj Sridhar, and now the latesl singer who has joined Pritam is none other than the husky, smooth Pakistani singer who created the rage with his entry in 2005 in Bollywood ("Woh Lamhe" from Zeher created the ripples on the radio waves). Yes, guys, you guessed right, Atif is back again, shortly after a superhit "Pehli Nazar Mein" from RACE. This time he teams up an unlikely pair with Alka Yagnik (which works big time) in Bakhuda Tumhi Ho. If Pritam repeats a singer, he also knows how innovatively to present him the next time, so that he/she doesn't sound repetitive. This is exactly what Pritam has done over here. The song starts off with strings, after which comes the trademark Atif-Aalap, which instantly clicks on us. Alka Yagnik doesn't come immediately; she comes in the first stanza. Oh, and by the way, listen out for the flut-ish piece before the first stanza. Easily the best song of the album so far!
There is a remix version of this song (obvious, innit?), but this time the remix impresses. Though it's got club beats, and it's the typical remix that it is, it is not loud, and that's what works for it. It's like a lounge outing, because the pace hasn't changed a bit. Also, the Tumhi Lamhaaton Mein/Tumhi Din Raaton Mein chorus has been converted into a sonic effect, and of course, has been put in the right places. Go for this one!
HardKaur did exceptionally well for herself last year with her entry in Bollywood in JOHNNY GADDAR, singing the chartbusting Move Your Body. It seems she's only moving her body more and more, albeit this time with Pritam. The song is now called Move Your Body Now. So, what does one get after hearing the song? Immense pleasure, of course, as it's such an RnB/Bhangra song, which starts off with HardKaur herself, Suheil (last heard in METRO) is well, and has done well! Shaan is his usual smoove-groove type. And Akriti just fits the song, and how! The lyrics, which go like Saade Naal Karle Party/Kudi tu Lagdi Hai Naughty/Freaky Freaky Raat Ho Gayi are immesely likeable, and make this song a nice one to shake a leg to. And the best part is HardKaur ending the song with Okay That's It! The other version of the original has the same number of minutes and seconds, but Shaan and Suheil are largely replaced by a very raw, but likeable Adeel (never heard of him). Shaan's name isn't mentioned in the credits, but he sings the lyrics: Saade Naal Karle Party/Kudi tu Lagdi Hai Naughty/Freaky Freaky Raat Ho Gayi, anyway. Though the Shaan/Suheil version sounds a tad better professionally, listen it for repeating the hear anyway.
The remix tries to be different, but all the juicy parts have been cut off, which results in reducing the overall impact of the song. Strictly okay.
Shrey Ghoshal starts this album's next, which turns out to be THE romantic number that has finally come. Is This Love/Kahin Na Laage, as the number is also called, features Mohit Chauhan, who was last heard in the chartbusting and immensely likaeble TUM SE HI from JAB WE MET. This song also moves in a TUM SE HI kind of pace. But do NOT think the song is a copy of TUM SE HI. In fact, it turns out to be on par with Bakhuda..., which of course, means that alongwith the Atif Alsam featured song, this one impresses big time. Rock on Pritam!
The remix, just like the remix of Tum Se Hi from JAB WE MET, doesn't want itself to be a club track, though it has club beats in it. Listen to the remix for reliving the song, 'cause it's worth it.
Remember the Sajid/Wajid bhangra Aaja Soniye from MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI? I guess you people do. Anyway, the Sonu Nigam (or Niigaam?) and Sunidhi Chauhan number in this album, called Soniye Ve/Dhak Dhak Dhak sounds similar is another one of those bhangra numbers that is very deja vu, but very likeable nonetheless. Go for it if you aren't bored of Bhangra yet.
This number too has a remix version, which does quite well for itself, largely because of the sonic repetition of Soniye Ve. A good hear, and largely at par with the original, 'cause it's as good!
This album does all it can to impress. While Bakhuda... is going to hit the radio airwaves, and become the most likeable song after Pahli Nazar, Is This Love is not far behind. And of course, who can forget Aai Paapi? All I can say is but it, buy it, buy it, you won't regret it, and it's worth the money you pay, or the time you take to hear the songs. Buy it!