Music Review Kick

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…Expectations:

They are humongous. The Salman Khan-Himesh Reshammiya combo is back three years after Bodyguard.

Music:

There are only two compositions that Himesh actually composes here – and the standout one, 'Tu hi tu' has not less than six versions, thus accounting for half the total number of tracks. There are three versions – by Mohammed Irfan, Neeti Mohan and Salman Khan, and their respective remixes with cosmetic changes like speed and add-on beats. Minor variation even exist in the three main versions in lyrics, pace and orchestration. Salman Khan and Mohammed Irfan sing identical versions in lyrics, and we must say that software processing apart, the Khan version is a little more evocative, expression-wise, than that of the professional singer.

But by far the standout version is the female one, sung with infinite love and passion by Neeti Mohan. The touches she imparts to this amazing composition are 'mind-blowing', to use an expression popular in showbiz. Neeti sings as if she intensely means every single word, hovering between the high octaves and a silky, soft tenor that almost goes husky in true lovelorn manner.

Himesh anoints this superlative avatar of the song with some add-on impact with a resounding orchestration – literally, for reverb is brilliantly employed. The tune by itself is a complete humdinger – a melody similar in tenor but far superior to Himesh's 'Khaali salaam dua' in last year's Shortkut Romeo.

The romantic, almost Sufi-ana sentiment is lifted by eons in this version, as Mayur Puri's words attain a higher class because he writes at a level that tugs at the heart ('Tu gaya jo chhod kar / Mere dil ko tod kar / Kya mil gaya / Paas ho to bura / Door ho to bura / Aisa mere khuda kyoon hai').

However, it is the other track, 'Jumme ki raat' that will fly tall at the charts! It gets three versions – a normal and speeded-up remix by Salman Khan and Palak Muchhal, and another remix where Mika sings along with Palak. The Mika version sadly sounds fatigued, as the singer refuses to give any fresh colour to his singing, while Palak is shockingly flat in all three versions – this song deserved the skills of either Shreya Ghoshal or Sunidhi Chauhan. It is now more than high time that both the seasoned Mika and the relatively fresh Palak outgrow their seeming limitations and go beyond and surprise us with some new elements and colours in their work.

Breathing life into this rambunctious track is Salman Khan again, as his voice brings in the required machismo and mischief both, even if processed electronically. Having said that, the peppy tune, clearly and self-admittedly (by Himesh) inspired (in spirit only) by the cult 'Jumma chumma de de' from Laxmikant-Pyarelal's Hum, has smart but conventional lyrics (by Kumaar with Shabbir Ahmed). And we wonder why two gentlemen had to collaborate on such undemanding lyrics!

The relentless rhythm and pace of the tune alongside the desi typically Himesh flavour indicates another chartbuster, just like its source of inspiration. And its remixes clearly indicate a desire to cater to the forthcoming festivals in its orchestration.

Yo Yo Honey Singh surprisingly delivers a track, 'Yaar naa miley' in which another voice dominates – co-singer Jasmine. The song is quintessential Yo Yo in its lyrics and composition. But it is Jasmine who rules as she delivers a quaintly appealing combo of words and hooks, thanks to her nasal tenor, and the riff reverberates in our heads even after the track is over.

Finally, gimmick specialists Meet Bros. Anjjan come in to fashion 'Hangover' and its remix version. While the MBA Swag version (whatever that means) is sung by Meet Bros. Anjjan, DJ Sumit Sethi and Prince, the more refined, mellower version is rendered by Salman Khan, Shreya Ghoshal and Meet Bros. Anjjan and is strangely termed the Remix version!

This catchy song is not the stuff lingering melodies are made of, so we will not have a hangover of this one! But Kumaar's lyrics, even if in a routine way, skillfully encapsulate the character of the hero and his attitude to his beloved.

Overall:

The soundtrack is an outright winner, and will help the film big-time. Never mind if just 4 basic compositions have been blown into 12. Our rating, as usual, is for the commercial value of the soundtrack.

Our Pick:

'Tu hi tu', 'Jumme ki raat'

Music: Himesh Reshammiya, Meet Bros. Anjjan, Dj Angel & Yo Yo Honey Singh
Lyrics: Mayur Puri, Kumaar, Shabbir Ahmed & Yo Yo Honey Singh
Music Label: T-Series

Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama. Read more