Dostana

Article Updated 04 October, 2008 07:13:43 PM IST

Dostana

After a flurry of mediocre to average albums in the second half of the year, one is really looking forward, in fact, thirsting for one album that will appeal to the sensibilities of quality music lovers and will have a long shelf life, and who better than Vishal-Shekhar to deliver that. V-S have been assigned the responsibility of composing music for the first time for Dharma Productions and naturally expectations assume mammoth proportions. Reasons are obvious. Dharma Productions have always been associated with high quality, chart busting music right from 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' to 'Salaam-E-Ishq'. V-S have had a hit album in the form of 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' but one feels that their best (after 'Om Shanti Om') is yet to come!

Vishal Shekhar gave us 'Lucky Boy' and 'Small Town girl' in 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' and now they bring for us, 'Desi Girl'. The title couldn't be more right as the song is infused with all the traditional musical instruments like 'dhol', 'tabla' and 'harmonium'. The rhythm is reminiscent of Dharmendra's 'Jat Yamla', although certainly not derived or copied. The song is a treat as the superb fusion of Western and 'desi' rhythm is absolutely lethal. Shankar Mahadevan is a class apart and imparts his own touch and uniqueness to the song. His enthusiasm and energy comes through and one does not have to be a Nostradamus to predict that the song is bound to be a surefire chart buster (specially in the Overseas, where it is more relevant), what with the two handsome hunks, John and Abhishek grooving to the beat with the ravishing Priyanka Chopra. The lyricist Kumaar provides the perfect background with a superb intermingling of Hindi and a sprinkling of English. The highlight of the track are its lyrics, "Dekhi lakh lakh pardesi girl, There is no one like my desi girl."

The superb start leads to another winner in form of 'Jaane Kyun' which could have been better called 'I'll be alright.' A light, breezy situational number that embodies the true spirit of friendship and can be classified as the theme song. The composer (Vishal) himself comes behind the mike for the theme track and he is awesome. The lyrics by Anvita Dutt Guptan are simple yet they convey the message of friendship and companionship, no dramatics like the 'Yeh dosti stuff' or even 'Salamat rahe dostana hamara' here. V-S go light on the arrangements making the orchestration more subtle with just a touch of light classical jazz with some Blues touch, hinging more on the guitar and its variants. A pure listener's delight that will be used as a background score highlighting the friendship of the two male stars.

Soft caressing guitar strums usher in easily the best composition of the album, 'Khabar Nahin'. The hauntingly beautiful composition is a rare gem, one that will linger long in the memories of its patrons. The excellent 'mukhda' which is all sufi is its heart, and Amanat Ali and Vishal Dadlani's rendition, the soul of the song and together they create a deliriously devotional number. It will not be wrong to say that V-S are the best when it comes to sufi based compositions and this number is a testimony to the fact. A liberal peppering of English lyrics keeping the youth as well as the Overseas factor in mind and once again fuses with its Hindi counterparts and balances the song, and it does not appear forced. Put in repeat mode and feast on you love birds and die hard romantics.

It is time to get mushy and romantic once again as Shaan comes up with another superb love ballad, 'Kuch Kum'. A pure melody based track that has the capability to flutter many a romantic heart and will definitely be a perfect gift for the loved ones in the coming year's Valentine Day. The song gets all the more special because of Vishal's excellent yet simple to comprehend and implement (in practice!) lyrics. More than once, Vishal has shown his writing prowess and in this composition he is simply fantastic. "Kuch kum roshan hai roshani, Kuch kum geeli hain baarisheinh, Kuch kum lehrati hai hawa, Kuch kum hai dil mein khwahishein". It will not be an exaggeration to say that this is V-S's best after 'Main agar kahoon' and 'Aakhon mein teri' both from 'Om Shanti Om'. The musical arrangements completely rest on the soft piano notes accompanied by soft drumming and guitaring. The croonings in the background are exhilarating, though at times we hear shades of SEL's 'Aao Na' (Ash-Vivek's Kyun Ho Gaya Na").

It's time to come out of the dreamy, romantic mood and get boisterous and create ruckus with the all Punjabi 'Maa Da Laadla', a totally folk based number that is bound to be a hit with the children and youth. Specially, if you have loved 'Bhootni Ke' (Singh Is Kinng), we are sure you will freak out on 'Maa Da Laadla'. Though the number is based on a popular Punjabi folk on which many hit Punjabi pop songs have been based (Harbhajan Mann's Kudi Kat Ke Kaalja Le Gayee) but the treatment is very different and so is the situation. The Crazy frog singing style adopted gives the song a hilarious touch and the superb rhythm gets one going as soon as the song begins and never does this pace slacken. Saleem, the singer is fantastic as he sings with utmost ease and in keeping with the joyous mood of the song.

The last song of the album 'Shut Up and Bounce' comes as an anti climax as the song is a let down specially when compared to the five excellent songs that one gets to hear in the beginning. However, one must add that the song itself is not bad, in fact, it is a fun, rollicking track, the only problem is that it does not stand up to the high standard that V-S have set for themselves with this album. It's a number that comes by dime a dozen and does not quite fit in with the things. The talented Sunidhi comes up with a good rendition as usual, the attitude and the style very evident.

We do feel that for 'Dostana' Vishal-Shekhar have tried to incorporate the good features of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy style, keeping in mind the fact that they are composing for Karan Johar. But credit must be given to them for incorporating their own brilliant touches instead of just rehashing blindly. One is almost hesitant to say that the album has just one mediocre track 'Shut Up and Bounce', such is the quality of the 'Dostana' audio. Grab it and freak out!

Rating: 7.5/10

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