Reviews

DIL HI DIL MEIN
Sony Music, Rs. 55
Even Rahman couldn’t help getting inspired by the infectious Titanic theme music, and he uses it in the beginning of the first track of the film Ae nazneen suno na. But that’s the only inspired part of the song, after which it takes off on its own into a lilting tune. Sensitively sung by Abhijeet, this happens to be one among the two best songs in the album. The second best song comes next, the dandiya number Chaand aaya hai zameen pe aaj garbe ki raat mein, with foot-tapping beats. There have been dandiya songs before, and popular ones too, but this stands out as different, with its fast-slow-fast rhythm. Dola dola is composed well, reminding you of a golden oldie, but it jars because of singer Swarnalatha’s typical South Indian diction, especially the words Dola dola are irritating to the ears.

If Ricky Martin can come up with an ode to Maria, so can Rahman. And that’s what you get to hear first on Side B. Compared to Martin’s record-breaking song, Rahman’s isn’t all that impactful. But it’s got the beats and is well-sung by Remo and Devan. The lyrics though are atrocious, comparing fishing net with Internet. Roja Roja meri ho ja by Hariharan is forgettable, while Sawar gaye, the marriage song is passable.

Nothing great coming from Rahman in this album. The songs convey a feeling of deja vu and have a typical South Indian flavour since they were composed for a Tamil film. They have limited appeal.

MATA BHAJANS - 24 KARAT GOLD
Tips, Rs. 55
Some of the best Mata bhajans from the Tips stable have been compiled in this album. And the best thing about them is that they have been sung by leading singers Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik. So this album surely has an edge compared to other devotional albums. Of the 11 bhajans featured here, the ones that stand out are Bhakton ko jagrate mein, Sun le maa Sherawali, Sharan teri pade, Tum vinti suno, Maiya ke dar pe chal and Maiyaji ke mandir mein. For Mata bhakts this definitely is a bonus album.

MAA TERE JOGI AA GAYE
Zee Music, Rs. 32
Another album devoted to Mata, this one has bhajans sung by veteran Mahendra Kapoor. The most appealing thing about this album is of course Kapoor’s voice and his soulful singing, and then Surinder Kohli’s composing. Usually, not much attention is given to composing devotional songs, which is why they all sound alike. But Kohli has put in effort to make the bhajans appealing even to those who are not the religious type. Nirdosh Balbir’s lyrics also need a word of praise. There are eight devotional numbers in all, and the title bhajan, Oonchi oonchi pahadon pe and Mera man mandir hai ask for repeated hearing. The album is among the few good devotional albums.

ISHQ DIWANA (PUNJABI)
Sarthak Music World, Rs. 45
The album, consisting of six romantic tracks with racy rhythms and in Shafqat Ali Khan’s vibrant voice, enriched through years of classical training, presents an off-beat form of music. The foot-tapping rhythms and the youthfulness infused into the songs by the singer-composer will appeal to all music lovers, irrespective of age. Ishq diwana, the title track, and Lag jande are the pick of the six songs, the remaining four being Main na jamdi dhola, Rogi ishq de, Rab waris and Sajna door diya. The folk tunes are eminently hummable, irrespective of the language. The audio has been produced by Bhupindar Singh, the music arranger being Jeetu.

SURMA (PUNJABI)
Sarthak Music World, Rs. 40
This is another audio with songs in typical Punjabi beat. The six folk songs included in the album are traditional and written almost 100 years ago. They have been rendered by Shafqat Ali Khan, who has also composed the music. The beat throughout is vibrant and typical Punjabi folk music. Shafqat, with his classical background, has rendered the songs effectively. A treat for music lovers, specially connoisseurs of folk music.

SAI BHAJAN
Krunal, Rs.35
The devotional album includes 13 Sai Baba bhajans which have been rendered with fervour by singer Jaideep Swadiya. Based on tunes of Pradeep bhajans, the tracks are bound to be liked and appreciated by Sai devotees. Sai Ram Sai Shyam, Sai ek anek hai naam, Sai teri Shirdi mein and Bhajale bande Sai ka naam are meaningful and appealing. Music arranger is Paresh Shah, who has done a competent job. Sai devotees are certain to add this cassette to their collection of devotional audio albums.

CHALA JAAU JYOTIBA PAAHOO (MARATHI)
Classic, Rs. 35
This is yet another devotional album of aartis and gondhali compositions pertaining to Jyotiba. There are eleven tracks in all, and since they are in the old traditional folk format, their music is not credited to anybody. Jyotibachya darshanala chala, Jyotibala aale pahooni, Jyotibachi aarti, Chala jawoo Dev paahoo and Baanoo Chandanpurachi have been rendered by Janardan Sathe, while Rangnath Sathe has sung Jyotibacha naav ghyaava, Tuzya naavaane Khandobaraya, Devaa jyotiba, Malhari devaacha, Asaa Jyotiba gaaje tayaache naav and Parsu radoon radoon. The audio is a must for Jyotiba devotees.

PAHUNI JHAALI MAHERCHI (MARATHI)
Krunal, Rs. 35
A family drama in Marathi with emotional overtones has been presented in this album. Prakash Hilge is the writer of this play, which has been directed by veteran actor Dinkar Inamdar.

The artistes who have "enacted" the various characters in the drama with appropriate voice variations are Nanda Shinde, Miss Mohini, Paurnima Bhosale, Shivraj Chougule, Sachin Jitkar, Soniya, Kuwari Mayuri and Vijay Dalvi. The theme of the play holds appeal, which could have been further heightened with the addition of a couple of meaningful songs in the background.

Reviewed by Salma Khatib And Pandit Shimpi