Lyrics: Rafa Dafa Kiya Nahi Jaaye (Radio - Love on Air)

A little, lovely song from Himesh Reshammiya's Radio - Love on Air, which reminds me of 90's songs with Nadeem Shravan's music and Vinod Rathod's voice. Set in a light mood, the song has depth too, and Himesh's voice, for the first time, sounds innocent to me. Check out for the song. Here are the lyrics.

tere gham se bari ho jana behtar hi tha..
tere gham se bari ho jana behtar hi tha,
par khud hi badla hai maine irada rihai ka

mila mila sa juda juda sa main haara haara sa
khila khila sa khafa khafa sa main maara maara sa
rafa dafa kiya nahi jaaye,
tujhe jiya bhi nahi jaaye,
tujhe bhulaya nahi jaaye ho..

mila mila sa juda juda sa main haara haara sa
khila khila sa khafa khafa sa main maara maara sa
tere gham se bari ho jana behtar hi tha..

hoti jahan bhi hai, dil ko teri khushi,
dard wahin tere khil jaate hain,
tere bin tujhse hi, mujhko to aise bhi,
mere dono jahan mil jaate hain..

tere gham se bari ho jana behtar hi tha,
par khud hi badla hai maine irada rihai ka
mila mila sa juda juda sa main haara haara sa
khila khila sa khafa khafa sa main maara maara sa

rafa dafa kiya nahi jaaye,
tujhe jiya bhi nahi jaaye,
tujhe bhulaya nahi jaaye ho..

Music Review: Radio (Himesh Reshammiya)

Himesh Reshammiya is here again. With his new movie: Radio - Love on Air. In a new voice. Yes, the CD cover claims 'New Voice' above the song list.

Well, the album has 12 songs out of which (only) 3 are remixes. Even though Himesh has sung all the songs himself, in his 'new' voice, he has kept himself in control on many things, remixes one of them.

Mann ka Radio: The album starts with Mann ka Radio which is a song that you'll probably end up loving if you don't decide NOT to listen to Himesh at any cost. Because this catchy but not-that-Himesh-ish song is going to be a hit on FM and television. Himesh has sung the song with nasal effects though there is some hint of that in higher notes. Listen to it for a few times and you'll be humming the song.

Zindagi Jaise Ek Radio: This one is something Bhangda-like, while Himesh has tried a Rajasthani/Hariyanvi touch. The lyrics of the song have words from the vocabulary of today's youth. Not one for long run, but the song is catchy again and should work in short term.

Janeman: OK. Himesh said new voice. But this song is more. The song sounds different right from the first word Himesh croons. The song might have been a blockbuster had Sonu Nigam sung it but then, a non-nasal Himesh doesn't sound THAT bad and the quality of music makes the song worth listening. On a serious note, Janeman is a good, soft, romantic number that one would like. Shreya Ghoshal is the female voice in the song and that gives a freshness to the album. Listen to the song when you're free and can lend your ears to some melody.

Piya Jaise Laddu Motichoor Wale: Well, I saw the name of Rekha Bharadwaj and I knew that the song was good. The song is a slow, soft, subtly romantic song where Himesh has given space to Rekha and she does take the song ahead on her own. You may need to hear the song five times to love it but the song is definitely one for long race. Special addition: Shehnai in the start.

Go for the song. Recommended.

Koi na Koi Chahe: Another romantic, slow, but relatively higher notes' song. Himesh has sung the song mainly himself in the beginning and Shreya has not been given very much to sing in the song, but later on she gets a fair share of things. One good thing good about the song is that it uses very less instruments in the background and you actually get to listen to the song more than instruments.

Teri Meri Dosti Ka Aasmaan: Well, this is one DUET where you have one Shreya Ghoshal and one Himesh Reshammiya. While Shreya starts the song with her soft, soothing voice, Himesh comes up in between and sings some high notes. This keeps on going alternately for some time and then the period of both singers increases. The whole setting looks good and I like the song. Had Shreya not been there and if Himesh got the entire song for himself, probably this one would be something like his earlier songs but Himesh has used Shreya's voice well to create a good, balanced song.

Damadji Angana hain Padhare: One might be surprised reading Kailash Kher's name in credits but when one reads the title of the song, it suddenly looks easier to understand. The song is sung by both Kailash and Himesh and sounds like a mixing of two completely different songs. While Kailash's part is completely traditional, with Dhols and all, Himesh in his part sounds something like he did in Dhoom Tere Ishq ki (Karzzz). A good experiment. Try the song, you might like it.

Shaam Ho Chali Hai: Okay. This album is for soft, romantic songs with Shreya Ghoshal. One problem with Himesh Reshammiya's songs earlier used to be that they all sound same, even if they're not the same. I guess the problem may surface again as all songs sound soft and romantic this time. Anyway, coming back to the songs, this one also sounds good though Jaaneman looks better in a cursory glance.

Rafa Dafa Kiya Nahi Jaaye: Rafa Dafa is the last original song of the album and lasts less than three minutes. The song sounds like it's being played on an orchestra we once used to see in North Indian weddings, largely because of the drums being played in the background. The beats even remind me of Nadeem Shravan's early days. Interestingly, Himesh's voice in this song, to me, felt like... Innocent. Strange song, feels like a 90's number to me. I'm falling in love with this one. The only trouble with the song is that it ends abruptly.

The three remixes in the album are that of the bhangda song - Zindagi Jaise Ek Radio, the first track - Mann ka Radio, and Rekha's Piya Jaise Laddu Motichoor Wale. Zindagi Jaise Ek Radio is a Bhangda-type song and it's remix had to be there. Mann ka Radio remix has been added with various effects and sounds OK too. About Piya Jaise Laadoo, all I can say is that a good song, if not tempered with badly, gives an OK remix and the same happens with the song. Basically, once again remixes have been added for the addition but unlike before, this time we have only three of them.

Overall, the album does bring a new Himesh Rehsammiya, and it does sound good and refreshing. But I doubt if this Himesh Reshammiya could ever be as popular as the Aashiq Banaya Aapne Himesh once was. Still, the good thing is that he is here and minus the uber-repetition he had created earlier. Listen to him if you're a Himesh fan and give it a try if you're not. At least it is worth that. Mann ka Radio bajne de zaraa...

Music Review: Baabarr (Anand Raj Anand)

Anand Raj Anand can once in a while compose good and now that he has been out of the seen for quite some time, he has given some good music for Baabarr. Interestingly, Baabarr is an album that almost completely belongs to Anand as he has not only composed all the songs, he has even sung one wonderful song and written all the songs for the movie.

Baabarr has just four songs and one remix, along with one Baabarr theme, and has almost every song above a certain level.

Maula Ye Bata: The first song of the album, Maula Ye Bata, is a good song and since it is on TV for some time now, it's already gaining popularity. The song reminds me of Kabhi Aayaton mein Padha tujhe from Dus Kahaniyaan, probably because the song is of similar style and Anand has sung both the songs himself. The lyrics of the song are good. Also, at the end, the song is given a deep Sufi touch that makes the song all the more interesting and beautiful. Full marks to Anand Raj Anand for this one.

Baabarr: The next song, the title Baabarr, is sung by Sukhwinder Singh. The song is one that praises the hero of the movie, Baabarr, something like Omkara title song (Sukhwinder again). The song initially looks like a mediocre number but after listening to it once or twice, it sounds good on high volume. Sukhwinder of course has his effect on the song. Not bad.

Baje Raat ke Baarah: As is probably clear with the name, Baje Raat ke Baarah is a dance song in Desi style. The song is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and some all-of-them-are-same lyrics but the song sounds good as the music as well as singing is done pretty well.

Pagal Manva: The fourth and the final song, Pagal Manva is sung by classical singer Raka Mukherjee. The song, which has a classical touch, is a beautiful composition with good lyrics and Raka has sung it really well. Also, Anand has used more instruments at times than one would use in a normal classical song. A full marks song again.

After the four songs, there is a two minutes and thirteen seconds long Baabarr theme, which has nothing much to tell about. The album ends with an unplugged version of Maula ye Bata which sounds more like a musical concert in front of your eyes than a song. Anand Raj Anand undoubtedly deserves praise for this composition.

Overall, with Maula Ye Bata and Pagal Manva, Anand Raj Anand has made a sound base for the album and the other two songs make the album good enough to listen the entire album in one go. A good piece of work. Go for it.

Tanha (The Unforgettable)

It seems while making Devdas Ismail Darbar had a beautiful song that he did not or could not adjust in the album and now the song is here in some barely known movie called The Unforgettable.

Well, not caring about the movie or its cast, the one thing that is to be remembered is that the song in the movie, Tanha, is a gem that must be listened to. Straight from the genre of Devdas something near Silsila Ye Chahat ka, Tanha rouches you deep in the first time itself. The song is sing by Sunidhi Chauhan and she has proved yet again she has it in her to sing anything.

The only thing I can say about the song is - Go for it.

Lyrics:

Tanha...
Tanha...
Tanha na kategi raat aisi hai,
Tanha na kategi raat aisi hai,
Janmon se pyaasi hoon
Janmon se pyaasi hoon..
Ye pyaas kaisi hai...
Tanha na kategi raat aisi hai..


Tan ko jala ragi hai saanson ki garmiyaan.. garmiyaan
Tan ko jala ragi hai saanson ki garmiyaan.. garmiyaan
Koi samet le mujhe baahon ke drmiyaan
Baahon ke darmiyaan
Seene mein sholon ki..
Seene mein sholon ki...
Ik lahar jaisi hai..
Tanha na kategi raat aisi hai...

Khushbhoo ka koi jhonka chhookar guzar gaya guzar gaya
Khushbhoo ka koi jhonka chhookar guzar gaya guzar gaya
Chupke se koi mere dil mein utar gaya
dil mein utar gaya..

Saanson mein sulagti hai, ye aag...
Kaisi hai....
Tanhaa na kategi raat aisi hai...

Vaada Raha... I Promise (Toshi-Sharib, Babu Mann, Monty Sharma)

First thing, do nto ask me who is the composer for this album. Two songs by Rahul Seth and Sandy, one by Toshi and Sharib Sabri, one by Monty Sharma, one by Babu Mann and Gourov Dasgupta, and three themes by Sanjay Chowdhary. If you're not lost after this much, I am.

Okay, coming to the point now, there must be something in the album due to which I'm taking the pains to write about such a complex album. Yes, there is. A song by Toshi Sabri, A song sung by Parhiv Gohil and Shail Hada (composed by Monty of course) and a beautiful number by Babu Mann. These are three things for which I'm writing. If you do not want to read ahead, simply go and find the three songs by these guys and enjoy, but if you still want more, go ahead, read the whole thing.

Vaada Raha: The first song of the album is the title song Vaada Raha.. I promise. Composed by new Sabri Brothers Toshi-Sharib and sung by Toshi alone, the song is worth a listening for sure and good chances you will like the song the very first time you hear it. The song is a typical Toshi-Sabri and might remind you of Toshi-Sabri's previous creation for Raaz sequel. The instrument selection and Toshi's voice with the words Vaada Raha may even remind you of Khakee soundtrack but don't worry, the song will pass these all and at the end, you will like the song. Go for it.

Rab na Kare: First of all I'd like to congratulate Babu Mann for one of my friends said that his voice in the song sounds like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan could have been in his younger days. Not a lot, but somewhere in some corner, I felt it was not completely wrong.

Anyway, leaving aside the too-big-compliment, the song is a wonderful composition by Mann and Gourov Dasgupta and Babu Mann has lived up to his reputation in singing this beautiful song. The song has a Sufi touch with lots of newer-age instruments. Listen to the song, I hope you'll like it.

Kubul: The third song of the album is Kubool, sung by Parthiv Gohil, Sharmishtha Chatterjee, and Shail Hada. The song is a composition of Monty Sharma and Monty lives up to expectations in the song as Shail sings the song pretty well. I'm still wondering why is Shail singing for Monty alone, even after Saanwariya. Kubool is again a wonderful song with high notes and almost the end of good things in the album.

Aaj Aasman: The fourth song Aaj Aasman sung by Shaan and Shweta Pandit is a mediocre love song composed by Rahul Seth and Sandy. The lyrics are also given by same people and they also give nothing worth listening.

Rab na Kare (Slow Version): The fifth song is a two minutes long slow version of Babu Mann's Rab Na Kare which is probably used in Background. Good Voice of Mann again. Pass.

Achal Hain Mere Hausle: The sixth song is again a composition by Rahul and Sandy and this one is worse than the Shaan one. The song is barely passable, at least when you listen to it for the first time. The song, which is supposed to be a motivating one, as is clear by its name, Achal hain mere hausle, does not have music that can motivate one at all. Selection of instruments makes things worse. Even Kunal's rarely failing voice doesn't give much positive result. Skipping the song is recommendable.

After that, there are three themes composed by Sanjay Chowdhary. Nothing much worth mentioning there.

Summary: Overall, the album Vaada Raha... I Promise, is an average album with three good songs, two passable numbers and a few themes. Best way is to pick the first three songs and listen to them. Aaj Aasman can be tried too. I do not think the future of movie would be very great with Bobby Deol as the hero, so try to listen to the few songs it has to offer and move ahead.

Music Review: Wake Up Sid (S-E-L, Amit Trivedi)

If you're not yet listening to the title song of Wake up Sid, you need not worry. Not that the song is bad from any angle, just that the song is a typical Shankar Mahadevan song and if you're not a Shankar n S-E-L fan (which I guess everyone is) you're not missing much.

That about the wake up song, I mean the first song of the album. The lyrics of Javed Akhtar are fine though there is no Sapnon se bhare Naina this time. Lines like Ro pado, ya hanso, zindagi mein koi na koi to rang bharo make the song worth listening to.

The second song of the album Kya karoon, sung by Clinton Cerejo doesn't sound very promising in the first few times but should be liked in longer term. The song is soft and the Clinton has sung the beautiful lyrics in a touching voice.

The next song, Aaj Kal Zindagi has Shankar Mahadevan behind the microphone once again. This one is even more beautiful, more Shankar-like and sounds not just high but soothing too. The lyrics are good and Shankar reaches the peak with Tere liye nayi hai zameen naya aasmaan, likh de hawaon pe koi nayi daastaan. Lovable song.

And now comes the surprise of the album. The best song of the album Iktara comes up and this one is NOT a composition of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, but of Amit Trivedi, the big guy who gave the best of this year (at least according to me) Dev D. The song has the beautiful soul touching voice of Kavita Seth who happens to be one of the composers for the movie Yeh Mera India. With Kavita, the supporting voice is of Amitabh Bhattacharya who penned the lyrics for Dev D (and did not sing a single song then). Go for this wonderful song, Goonja sa hai koi iktara iktara.

After one song, the album comes back to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and 'Life is Crazy', another Shankarish song comes up which is sung by Uday Benegal and Shankar himself. The song is good but with all songs of more or less similar kind, the soundtrack looks repetitive.

The last song of the album is a 3 minute 41 seconds long Wake Up Sid Club mix which is not much different from the original number but gives a good listening experience. The fast paced song sounds good with more instruments and faster beats also and one likes the club mix better than an average remixed song.

Overall, the album is good but Shankar Ehsaan Loy have disappointed. At least for their lack of variety in songs if not other reasons. Shankar Mahadevan singing three out of four S-E-L compositions also gives a hint how desperate piece of work the album is. The album maybe liked but Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy need to work harder and smarter to maintain their standards. And yes, Well Done Amit Trivedi, again!

What's Your Rashee: Music Review

13 songs. Zero remixes/repeats. One new composer. 14 singers. 9 songs sung by the composer himself.

Let's see the album one by one. The first song of the album, Pal Pal, or actually the title track, is a boring song. Start with the second one. **

Here comes the first good song of the album. Jao na is not something superb level, but the song is good and Sohail Sen, the composer and the singer of the song, sounds fresh. ***

The next number, Aaja Lehrate, is an okay dance number sung by Shaan and Bhavya Pandit which is foot tapping and Harman, with his dancing abilities, can make the song go. **1/2

The fourth track of the album finally tells you why Ashutosh Gowarikar chose such a new composer after working with Rahman continuously. The song is almost a Jashn-e-Bahara stuff. One of the best songs of the album. Must listen. ****

With Manunga Manunga, the next number, Actor turned director Ashutosh Gowariker turns into a singer also. The song is average with less than average music in the background. Ashutosh's heavy voice sounds good and the song may be liked for some time. ***

The next song, Sau Janam is a typical traditional slow soft romantic number sung by Madhushree, Sohail Sen, and Udit Narayan. Likable again. ***

Aa le Chal, the seventh song, is a not-too-noticeable song sung by Aslesha Gowariker with Harman Baweja's voice as dialogs in between. **

And here comes the big one. Pyaari Pyaari, the eighth and the best song of the album is such a beautiful romantic number that by the time Sohail Sen starts rendering the third line of the song, one starts humming Pyaari Pyaari too. Alka Yagnik is the female singer for the song and gives a traditional touch to the song. Basically this is the song where one loves Sohail in his composition as well as his voice. Must listen. ****1/2

Number nine, Suu Chhe is kind of a surprise. As must be clear with the title of the song, it has Gujarati words. Not much new about the song but the sounds interesting. **1/2

The next song Salone Kya is a song that has many Hindi words. Well, Hindi here means pure, literal Hindi which is far from our daily language and is found in textbooks and literature. The song is made to sound funny and to some extent it does that. Average again. ***

Dhadkan Dhadkan, sung by Tarannum Malik and Sohail again starts well with Tarannum's voice given some chorus effect. The music is good and even lyrics are fine. Worth listening to. ***

Koi Jaane na is a song with a classical touch. The song is sung by Rajab Ali Bharti and SaReGaMa winner Bela Shende. The song has beautiful lyrics and is well sung. Listen to it if you like songs in classical mode. And yes, for the lyrics. ****

The last song, Chehre jo dekhe hain, is taken up by Sohail again. Though the song is average, since it's the other song that can claim to be the title song of the movie, the song can get publicity and so, be liked too. ***

Overall, What's Your Rashee is an average album with some foot-tapping numbers and a few beautiful pieces of work while most of the songs are average or above average. Still, go for certain songs, like Pyari Pyari, Bikhri Bikhri, and Koi Jaane na.

Meri Khamoshi (Toss)

Ho bahana koi dooriyaan na rahen,
Door tum na raho, door hum na rahen..

The lyrics might not read as good but when you hear the song, everything, music, singer, and lyrics sound wonderful. Sandesh Shandilya gives music for this lesser known movie called Toss. And Vijay Prakash, the guy who sang Manmohini in Yuvvraaj, gets a song composed by Shandilya. The lyrics of the song are by Irshaad Kaamil, the guy who gave lyrics for Love Aaj Kal, and I put the song on.

Since then, it's in repeat mode.

Well, first thing, Meri Khamoshi is not a usual song. The song has poetry spoken in between in the way where the lines of song are suddenly spoken instead of being sung. The song is also not a sad/slow song as the title might suggest. Instead, it's a Sandesh Shandilya signature song, just the way you might have heard in Socha na tha. Vijay Prakash sings the song well. The dialog-poetry voice is given by Sandesh himself. Vijay's voice has wonderful modulation in the song and he is quite like Kunal while singing on higher notes.

In short, if you like slightly 'different' type of songs, go for this Khamoshi.