New Age Musicians in Bollywood

Music is more than entertainment . It is company to a lonely heart, a form of expression and also therapeutic. Music collections make wonderful gifts which can be treasured from time to time. In the earlier times of Bollywood, music was simple and lyrics were rich. There was less scope for employing instruments which were very traditional in nature. The latest recording studios are equipped with modern equipments and voice treating abilities.

 The public demand is also for all kinds of music. The new generation is a keen observer of international grooves and modern remix technology. Easy access to music is also making them aware of hit numbers and this is seen as the latest mode of entertainment. Instrumental music is also catching up. If one actually has to talk about musicians then it is a known fact that R.D. Burman was many years ahead of his times. His songs were mega hits and that automatically made the movies a blockbuster.

 Ismail Durbar can also be seen as a great musician of todays times. The song of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam have a strong Indian and yet the magic is well nourished with beautiful singers. The songs of Devdas again makes him a marvelous musician. Anu Malik is always in the musical arena churning out new numbers. His compositions are easily popular with the audience and masala movie music seemed to be his forte. His music for Virasaat was a great hit that made people recognize his talent. More magic in music is seen in Aks, Ashoka and Akele Hum Akele Tum.

 The soul filling music of the trio group, Shankar Ehsaan and Loy are always coming up with innovative ideas in music to enthrall the audience. The songs of Taare Zameen Par is proof enough with the emotional rendition in Meri Maa. There was hit songs in Dil Chahta Hain and the latest hit is about Rock On.

 There are no words to describe the powerful music and magic created by A.R. Rehman. The songs and beats of Taal still evoke refreshing memory. The latest forte seems to be the songs of Jaane Tu which was again explored with the fresh voice of Rashid Ali. The songs of Guru with his own sung numbers are pure melody. There is lot of scope with singular albums with pop artistes like Mika, Hard Kaur and DJ stalwarts with their specialized music remixes. 

Indian Tribal Songs

India is known for its rich history and culture. What is the better way to represent them both than by the Indian tribal songs? These songs are very popular across the whole country as they represent the cultural diversity of our country. Almost every part of our country has something different especially, the food, the language and of course the music. This explains the wide range of Indian tribal song styles, which are found.

The best part of Indian tribal music is that it represents the culture of the particular state or region and more importantly is fun to watch and listen. Did you know that this kind of music needs no formal training? It is just passed from generation to generation. Though many youngsters these days are educated, they still like to represent their roots and dance to the melody of their tribal songs. With these songs, they celebrate their life.

You would be surprised to know that there is a tribal song for every occasion. It can be a birth, marriage or festival, tribal music offers a wide range of music for any event. It is usually played with drums and small flutes. The instruments include Dholak, Saringda, Bansuri, and many more. Each instrument is made from different materials and each of them produces different music. This factor gives the Indian tribal song a different charm and appeal.

Robot – Music Review

Robot is directed by Shankar who is known for making extravagant movies. The movie is in news for long because of Southern superstar Rajnikanth. The lead actress is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and music has been composed by Oscar winner A R Rahman. The album begins with “Naina Miley” rendered by Rahman, Suzanne DMello, Lady Kash n' Krissy. Honestly, the song has good beats but that’s about it. Doesn’t leave any impact and is just kind of okay.

Next up is “Pagal Anukan” sung by Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghosal. Another average song that you can listen once or twice but that’s that. However, the song has innovative lyrics.

Third track is “Chitti Dance” and it is sure to make you fall for the Mozart of Madras all over again. The number has incendiary cocktail of break-beats, drum 'n bass, bol-scatting and a soaring string break. It is more like a western classical symphony. Rahman at his very best. Going by the music of this particular track, you can expect some killer moves by Rajni.

Next song is “Arima Arima” sung by Hariharan, Naresh Iyer, Sadhana Sargam and Benny Dayal. The song has ‘robotic’ feel but fails to leave an impact. It definitely has marching feel and distorted guitar dives but I am not sure you will be humming it for long.

“Kilimanjaro” is the next track of the album. Full of strange lyrics and average melody, this one is another downer. Same goes for track six, “Boom Boom Robo Da” which seems to fuse everything from Punjabi folk to hip hop to power chord-guitar riffing to nylon string sophistication, and yet fails to sooth or excite.

The album ends with “O Naye Insaan”, sung by Srinivas D and Khatija Rahman. Gives you that oft repeated “Robotic” feel but lacks in emotion. All in all, Robot is a let-down from Rahman’s standards.

We Are Family- Music Review

“We Are Family” is the official remake of award-winning English movie “Stepmom” starring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. The movie has been shot in Australia and stars Kajol, Kareena and Arjun Rampal. Directed by first-timer Siddharth P Malhotra, We Are Family is a family drama about two women caught in an extraordinary situation. Music has been composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and produced by Karan Johar. Lyrics have been written by Irshad Kamil and Anvita Dutt.

The album begins with duet “Aankhon mein neendein” sung by talented duo of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shreya Ghosal. The song depicts honeyed flavor of a new romance. The track is quite good but not something that you will linger over.

Next number has been sung by Akriti Kakkar, Suraj Jagan and Anushka Manchanda. It is more of a desi rock which seems like an ode to Elvis Presley. Lyrics are not that very impressive but you must give credit to the singer troika for putting in their best.

“Reham o Karam” rendered by electrifying combination of Shankar Mahadevan and Vishal Dadlani is a tender and soothing track. Quite similar to “Noor-e-Khuda” from My Name is Khan, It has a sentimental feel to it. A wonderful sung made even more appealing by the quality of the singers.

Next up is “Hamesha & forever” rendered by wonderful pair of Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghosal. It is a melodious albeit melancholic tribute to eternal affections. Song is sure to make you emotional. The sad theme continues with “Sun le dua yeh aasman” sung by Bela Shende of “Su Che” fame.

All in all, this album is certainly not the best of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy but we can safely give it one try.

Aisha – Music Review

Amit Trivedi has been hailed as one of the most promising Indian composers to have arrived on the scene in recent times. His latest offering is ‘Aisha’ starring Abhay Deol and Sonam Kapoor. The movie is a take on the famous novel ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen.

The album opens with ‘Suno Aisha’, a track sung by Ash King, Nakash Aziz and Trivedi himself. Quite a pretty number, it has simple, basic lyrics and soothing melody. The track is bound to garner good reviews.

As large portions of the movie have been picturized in Delhi and Punjab, it has distinctly Punjabi flavor. Second track of the album, ‘Gal Mitthi Mitthi’ will remind you of Trivedi’s ‘Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye’. Tochi Raina has provided the vocals in an interesting club-Punjabi tradition. Song is going to have its days in clubs and discotheques. Well worthy of repeat listening, this one.

Nikhil D'Souza, Neuman Pinto and Trivedi team up for ‘Sham’. It is very much an alt-rock style guitar ballad that evokes a pleasant response from the listeners. Song is unconventional and is quite different. The song has got a wonderful feel about it. One of the best tracks of the album, this one.

Anushka Manchanda lends her voice to next track, ‘Behke Behke’. This is a very stylish song and has several shades to it, right from salsa chorus to a string of hip-hop. A completely fun song, Behke Behke will surely make you groove.

Anusha Mani does an excellent job singing Lehrein. The song boasts of simple sweetness and is more like a standard romantic lament. Full marks to the singer for her performance.

‘By The Way’ is more like a shiny-happy pop song from 80s. The track is full of energy and Anushka croons it quite well. The last two numbers of the album are remixes of Gal Mitthi Mitthi and Lehrein. All in all, Aisha is a fresh and cleverly built album. The songs will definitely leave you wanting for more.

Lamhaa - Music Review

Remember Rahul Dholakia? Yes, he is the same person who made much acclaimed and hard-hitting Parzania. Now, he is ready with his second offering called ‘Lamhaa’ starring Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu and Kunal Kapoor. The movie is set amidst the troubled milieu of Kashmir and appears to be a gritty take on situations panning out in beautiful valley of Kashmir. The music of the movie has been composed by young music composer Mithoon who had earlier given us ‘Bas Ek Pal’ and ‘The Train’. Lyrics have been provided by Saeed Qadri and Amitabh Varma.

The album kick starts on a supremely impressive note with ‘Madno’ rendered by Kshitij Tarey and Chinmayi. The track is a wandering and scenic melody. A very refreshing song, Madno beautifully expresses the anxiety of undeclared feelings.

Madno has another version in ‘Saajnaa’ surprisingly rendered by Mika Singh. The singer has done a commendable job here. Mika is famous for lively chartbusters but here, he has definitely taken us by surprise by singing in a slow-paced, melancholic tone.

‘Main Kaun Hoon’ marks entry of Dr Palash Sen of Euphoria fame after a long time. This one is a very intense song and has throbbing tone. The track talks about terror, gloom and uncertainty in Kashmir. The song has elements of anger and pain and Palash Sen has done a wonderful job here.

The next number is ‘Zameen-o-aasman’ delivered by Kshitij Tarey. Track continues the forlorn mood of the previous number. It depicts the heart-breaking tale of a broken paradise. A mellow composition, you are bound to be affected with the poignancy of the song.

‘Rehmat Zara’ is a semi Sufi-rock creation sung by Mithoon and Mohammad Irfan. Definitely an impactful song. The album finishes with ‘Salaam Zindagi’ rendered by Mohammad Irfan and Arun Daga. It is an optimistic song highlighted with delightful giggly kiddie sounds and voices chattering in Kashmiri. All in all, Mithoon has done a fantastic job here and gives us lots of hope for his upcoming ventures.

Raajneeti : Music Review

Director: Prakash Jha

Music: Wayne Sharpe, Pritam, Shantanu Moitra and Aadesh Srivastava

Lyrics: Gulzar, Sameer, Swanand Kirkire and Irshad Kaamil

Cast: Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Manoj Bajpai, Arjun Rampal,

Naseeruddin Shah

Raajneeti must be one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Movie promises to be different from what you have ever seen on Indian politics. The movie boasts of a super talented star cast. Expectations are quite high from the movie because of Prakash Jha’s track record. Movie will release on 4^th of June but for the time-being let’s have a look at its music. There are no less than four music composers and equal number of lyricists.

The album begins with drizzle of romance and music cheerfulness in ‘Bheegi si Bhagi si’. Composed by talented Pritam, the track has enchanting vocals and wordings. Rendered by Mohit Chauhan and Antara Mitra, the song will manage to strike chord with you.

Perhaps the pick of the album is ‘More Piya’, composed and sung by Aadesh Srivastav. This is unique song with wonderful mixture of Indian classical music and lounge stylized feel. The fusion pitched composition is serene and captivating. There is a second version of ‘Mora Piya (Trance Mix)’ by deep-throated Kavita Seth. Track has lighter octaves rendered in mould of sluggishly pitched disco-beat fillers. The third version ‘Mora Piya (Twilight Mix)’ is amalgamation of club and lounge remix, rendered by Aadesh Srivastava, Shashi and Rosalie Nicholsan.

‘Ishq Barse’ is a rustic village raunchy track. Composed by Shantanu Moitra and written by Swanand Kirkire, the vocals have been provided by Pronob Biswas and Swanand Kirkire. Song appears appropriate for the theme of the movie. Next up is Wayne Sharpe’s ‘Dhan Dhan Dharti’. Written by Gulzar, this is a spell-binding number. Singers Shankar Mahadevan and Sonu Nigam together pulsate out a never-ending spells of pop-patriotism.

The second version of ‘Dhan Dhan Dharti’ is sung by Sonu Nigam. He has given his best to this song and this must be one of the best patriotic track of our times. All in all, Raajneeti is a realistically penned meaningful cinema that manages to give us soulful music. Worth listening few times.