Aakhari Decision
Worldwide Records, Rs 125
Not a single …er, song, makes a mark in this sorry album, once again including a song that goes Maula mere maula mere in which the word is repeated 16 times before we move on. And even Kailash Kher cannot salvage Oye pappa.
Mohammed Rafi – The Last Songs
Universal, Rs 150
This is the complete soundtrack of a film that never got completed. Composed by Chitragupta, the lyrics are by small-timer Kafeel Azar and the songs are sung by Mohammed Rafi and also Asha Bhosle.
The vintage feel of the songs is a welcome departure from today’s techno claptrap, and to be honest, Rafi’s voice is so fresh and ‘today’ and the audio restoration (done abroad) so exemplary that even songs like Pyar kiya hai aise and Dilwalon ki toli nikli sound better than they are as actual compositions. Teri nazar, Mohabbat karegi asar and Dekho ji waada karo (the latter two with Asha) stand out.
Raveena
Music, Rs 399
Raveena, a pre-teen, is sheer delight in this 12-track set in terms of vocal quality, expression and singing. The songs are heterogenous but serve to highlight the singer’s artistry, especially Destiny, Falling for you and Congratulations!
