Satyagraha - Exclusive Music Review!

The music launch of Satyagraha was a star studded one. Salim-Sulaiman, who have given some of the most amazingly refreshing albums in recent years, teamed up with Prasoon Joshi, who is a school in himself for Satyagraha and together, they have churned out an album which is simply mind blowing.

The album opens with a very rocking version of Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, with very deep inspirational lyrics. The backdrop of electric guitars and drums provide a complete rocking feel to the song with amazing classical touch at places by Shweta, making the song a great blend or rather a fusion. Kudos for this one to Salim-Sulaiman!

Aiyo ji is another amazing song with a great classical feel provided by the soulful singing of Shraddha Pandit. It is a must-listen song for all fusion lovers with enthralling lyrics and somehow it gave me the "Jiya Laage na" (Talaash) feel once again. Simply beautiful!

I was desperately waiting to hear something awesome again from Shafqat amanat Ali Khan and "Raske bhare tore nain" did just that. This song has an amazing romantic feel to it with perfect seconds from Arpita Chakraborty. Undoubtedly, the best song on the album!

The album continues with "Janta rocks" by Meet Bros. The song is a quick paced motivational song worthy of becoming a youth anthem for forthcoming protests and rallies. This song could have done better with the music, but nevertheless, is good enough keeping up with the feel of the movie and the concept.

"Hum bhole the" is a complete rock track by Raghu Ram, and is going to appeal to all Indian Ocean fans like me. A bit off-beat with the music and lyrics, and might take some time to get down your system. But if you pay attention to the lyrics, you will fall in love with this one! ;)

The two remixes of Raske Bhare tore nain" and "Aiyo ji" can be missed for sure. :P

Conclusion: The music of Satyagraha is refreshing. The classical touch in most of the songs is very amazing. The lyrics are freaking awesome (it is Prasoon Joshi, after all). Salim-Sulaiman have done a great job. The expectations from the movie are high as well, given the star cast and Prakash Jha. We seriously need good stuff from this camp after Aarakshan. Meanwhile, definitely listen to this album as some of the songs are definitely going on the loop.

My Verdict: (on a scale of 5) - 4.2

Nasha - Get Addicted!

This music album urgently needed a review for one main reason that it might just go unnoticed by most of the people, because it is a Poonam Pandey movie. Yes, it is, but surprisingly the music astonished me! An album where people will expect sensuous, explicit and vulgar item songs, actually has very soothing and beautiful music to offer. The album composed by Sangeet-Siddharth duo (remember Murder 2) has some amazing songs in its bag.

The album starts with the title track 'Tera Nasha'. It is a very soft and soulful song, sung amazingly by Anirudh. The songs is high on romance and is a perfect love song. It leaves you wanting for more by the end. I would definitely say this song is worth being put on the loop.

A disclaimer now - The song 'Laila' is NOT an item song and NOT a cheap song which it might sound by the name. The song, sung in a very passionate and youthful voice by Monali Thakur is worth a listen and is definitely a peppy track for dance and has great head banging and foot tapping beats (let us forget the part that it might have Poonam Pandey in the video).

'Besharam' brings back Shaan once again, and this time with Ansuha Mani (Dhoka fame from Johnny gaddar). Shaan does not fail to impress and creates magic with his cute and romantic voice. Although, I would say he now lacks the "Jab se tere naina" charm, but the song is an instant catch for its appealing lyrics. A big Kudos to the lyrics writer here, and this song will appeal to the naughty and 'besharam' youngsters who will be able to connect with the lyrics.

'Goti song' is another song from the dark genre of 'Khoon choos le', or I would even say 'Sutta'. This song has explicit lyrics and catchy tune, but somehow it still picks up on you because of the humour and satire. It surely leaves a naughty smile on the listener's face.

'Laila unplugged' is sung by the music directors themselves and is definitely a better version that the original one. The album ends with 'Nasha - the addictive mix', which is just another remixed track without which the music albums now are not complete.

Conclusion: Forget the point that the movie stars Poonam Pandey. Listen to the tracks as this album has some great not-to-be-missed tracks. Tera Nasha and Besharam are worth being chart busters if this album gets noticed. Goti song is also definitely worth a listen for its youth appeal. But looking at the current music scenario, the album could have contained an peppy item song as it seems to be the need of the current music scene of India. But for once, do go through this album ASAP and choose what you like!

My Verdict: (on a scale of 5) - 3

(It might be a little erotic and inappropriate for the Indian sensibilities but I personally really liked the concept of the cover)

Chennai Express - Music Review

The much awaited music of Chennai Express has been launched finally! The music album directed by Vishal-Shekhar with songs penned down by Amitabh Bhattacharya has got something for everyone. The music is excessively delightful at places but definitely lacks a spark at others.

Starting with the Title track, I must say there could not be a more befitting track for Chennai Express. Kudos to whoever thought of bringing back SP Balasubramaniam (SPB). The song starts with awesome groovy beats that will definitely make you tap your feet. SPB creates magic once again and his part gives you an awesome 90s music feel, and you cannot help but remember "Aaja shaam hone aai". The lyrics are funky, singing is undoubtedly amazing and this song will make it to the chart busters for sure. No one can guess SPB is 67 years of age and singing this song with the same young man's charm.

One two three four, is another dance track from the album. The song has already made it to the top songs list on major radio stations. The song has an underlying Dhol beat that gives it a great pitch and rhythm throughout. Vishal Dadlani is definitely impressive in this fast paced and catchy tune.

Titli, as a romantic respite in the album, is worth a listen for its classical base and great singing by chinmayi Sripaada and Gopi Sunder. But as the only romantic and soft track of the album, Vishal Shekhar could have done a lot better having created some amazing songs in the past.

Arijit Singh, after a series of super hits one after another, completely fails to impress in Kasmir mai, tu kanyakumari. The lyrics are attractive, but the music is totally a disappointment. Tera raasta chodu na is another disappointment from the album. This could have been made into a better blues genre and something much better was expected from a talented singer like Amitabh Bhattacharya who has made us fall in love in ektara, ek lau, Aazadiyan. The song only picks up from the first stanza, worth a listen still for Amitabh Bhattacharya and beautiful lyrics.

Ready steady Po is a very average dance track and it can definitely be given a miss.

Conclusion: The music of Chennai Express is again Rohit Shetty Shtyle - fast paced, funky, funny and groovy. The lyrics are not great but good. Vishal Shekhar have done a good job with the fast paced songs. The album could have been much versatile with a better romantic song than Titli. All in all, the music has a great mixture of South Indian-ness as well at right places, thereby suiting aptly with the theme of the movie.
Do not miss SPB's return in the title track (worth being played on the loop), One two three four and Title (for a romantic respite). that is pretty much all. The great artists and singers could have been better utilized up to their potential.

My rating: (on a scale of 5) - 2.8