Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Chords & notes

OMKARA

Eros Music

You'll know that Vishal Bhardwaj means serious business with his adaptation of Othello when you tune in to Omkara. The songs are intriguing enough when you listen for the first time but some of them take time to grow on you. With the interiors of Uttar Pradesh and a good amount of politics, jealousy, crime and passion dominating the story, the songs are situational. Gulzar's lyrics and Vishal Bhardwaj's tunes lead us into this land of love and deceit as the album opens with Omkara, powerfully rendered by Sukhwinder Singh. The next is O Saathi Re by Shreya Ghosal and Vishal Bhardwaj (the phrase was considered for the film's title before Vishal zeroed in on Omkara). A much sober number compared to Omkara. Beedi is the next song in the album, a rustic club number picturised on Bipasha Basu. Sunidhi and Sukhwinder add an element of drama to this foot tapping song. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who made Jiya Dhadak Dhadak of Kalyug soar up the popularity charts, does a fine job with Naina. Rekha Bharadwaj pitches in with Rakesh Pandit for Namak Issak Ka and Lakkad Jal Ke, a classical song. Suresh Wadkar, another favourite of Vishal, maintains the tempo of the album with Jag Ja Ri Gudiya. The Tragedy of Omkara - an instrumental, is a fitting finale. It is intimidating and grim, taking you to the tragedy of Othello. Omkara's music rocks and the album is worth a buy, but keep in mind that some songs may be more appealing only as you watch them blend into the different situations on screen.

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

Sony BMG

This album is definitely worth a pick for those who love mushy numbers. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy come together yet again for this Karan Johar film, which explains the mild traces of Kal Ho Na Ho in some songs. The album opens with Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik rendering Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, a melodious, slow paced song. The KNHH influence is evident in the club number Where's the Party Tonight, sung by Vasundhara Das, Shaan and Shankar Mahadevan. Likewise, we also vote for Rock `N' Roll Soniye, sung by Shankar, Shaan and Mahalaxmi Iyer. The pick of the album is Mitwa, which is already on top of the charts. Javed Akhtar's lyrics and Shafaqat Amanat Ali and Shankar's rendition make it magical. The album closes with Farewell Trance by Shweta Pandit and Caralisa.One for the lounge? If you ignore the KHNH hangover, this is an enjoyable album.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail