EXPECTATIONS

Since Aao Wish Karein gives the perception of a romantic entertainer; one does expect music to play a reasonably important role in the film. Also, since composers Ankur Tewari and Xulfi had come up with a couple of tracks worth humming in Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, one expects a certain quality from their soundtrack of Aao Wish Karein.

MUSIC

Beginning of Aao Wish Karein is surprising though with 'Sabse Peeche Hum Khade' kick starting the proceedings. This is the same song that Mohit Chauhan had sung and had featured in the film Let's Enjoy. This time around it is Kunal Ganjawala who comes behind the mike for this melodious track that has an old world charm to it. Since the song has been heard over all these years, there is an instant recall value and it doesn't take much time to hum this Ankur Tewari written and composed number all over again.

Later, Kunal Ganjawala comes up with a much slower 'reprise version'. Sunidhi Chauhan brings on the spunk with a livelier version titled 'Sabse Peeche Kyon Khade'. Lyrics are different this time around and are told from the female protagonist's point of view where she gets into a conversational mode with the guy.

Xulfi begins 'Reh Jaane Do' with the trademark sound of guitar strings. A soft sounding pop track that has a sad connotation to it, 'Reh Jaane Do' moves at a very slow pace with focus on lyrics and rendition rather than any beats that could have otherwise diluted the overall impact. The song may not be the pick of the current season since it's not the kind that could be sung around the streets. However, hear it in the context of the film's narrative and it could make for a good background score. Also, after a promising beginning, its 'antara' doesn't quite manage to hold one's attention.

In the similar mode comes 'Tum Mere Ho' which is a romantic duet by Kunal Ganjawala and Sunidhi Chauhan. By now, the mood of the album is pretty much established as each of the songs so far has followed the same theme without getting into any tangents. The focus is not on creating a chartbuster song that would rock the dance floors or be played on highways. Instead, emphasis is on coming up with the kind of soundtrack that goes well with the soft and simple mood of the film, an atmosphere that composers Ankur Tewari and Mikey Mccleary manage to create in 'Tum Mere Ho'.

Xulfi comes up with the best track of the album in the form of 'Kuch Aisa' (which comes in both the upbeat and 'sad version'). If there is a song that deserves to be heavily promoted as of this very moment, it is 'Kuch Aisa'. Unfortunately, since there is a very small window between the music and the film release, it seems like quite a difficult task for this romantic melodious number to reach out to its target audience in a big way. It's the kind of song that most film makers would have loved to incorporate in their films as Xulfi has done quite well in playing the triple role of singer, composer and lyricist (with Danish Khan).

The last song of the album, 'Sab Yahaan Hain', though doesn't quite lead to similar sentiments. Set as a celebration song in a 50's mode, this Kunal Ganjawala sung track aims at getting into a carnival mode. However, it's playing time would be relegated to the screen time that it gets on the big screen since it is a hardcore situational song. A number about the wish coming true for the lead protagonist in the film (played by Aftab Shivdasani), 'Sab Yahaan Hain' is written and composed by Ankur Tewari with Mikey Mccleary joining in.

OVERALL

As stated earlier, it is apparent that the makers of Aao Wish Karein didn't quite have a chartbuster musical in mind when they came together to make music for the film. This is why the mood of the album remains situational for most part of it. Though none of the songs are bad per se, there isn't a hit quality to them either that would make the album sell like hot cakes. Hear it for some soulful moments in 'Kuch Aisa' and 'Sabse Peeche Hum Khade'.

OUR PICK(S)

'Kuch Aisa', 'Sabse Peeche Hum Khade'

Shaili is all set to launch her first music album which she herself has written and composed. Presented by AIMEE Music Company, this album is titled Mainu Lagya Ishq Da Rog.

The album comprises of seven songs and the music video for the same is directed by Navin Batra. “I am very excited about the music album, more so as I have written and composed for it,” says an excited Shaili. She further adds, “It’s my first album and contains 7 songs. All songs are love songs, and are full of feelings of love. The tunes are so catchy that one will feel the music in their heart directly.”

Devoted to music ever since the age of twelve, Shaili was trained in music by the Late Sh. Kailash Pawar and she explored her passion for music further by performing live.

Shaili is not new to showbiz. “I am a dancer too,” expounds this versatile singer, “I have performed in various stage shows and videos that were aired on channels like Zee Music, Mh1, etc.”

Yes you have heard it right; Riteish is hooked on to a romantic number from his upcoming film Aladin. A sensuous love song, 'You May Be’ from his forthcoming flick Aladin is not only his favourite, but also, has become a highly addictive caller tune for the young actor.

Riteish admits, “Right from the first time when I heard this song, I was in love with it. It’s the perfect romantic song with a melodious tune that will immediately connect with the youth of today.”

So attached is Riteish to the track that he keeps listening to it whenever possible. “I have the song on my i-pod, as well as on my phone and I listen to it at least a couple of times every day. And you may even catch me humming this tune when I am in a cheery mood!” laughs Riteish.

Film: "Kurbaan"; Music Directors: Salim Merchant-Sulaiman Merchant; Lyricist: Niranjan Iyengar; Singers: Sukhwinder Singh, Kailash Kher, Marianne D'Cruz Aiman, Salim Merchant, Vishal Dadlani, Sonu Niigaam, Shruti Pathak and Shreya Ghoshal; Rating: *** 1/2

Salim-Sulaiman have slowly emerged as creators of amazing and impressive music. With their next album for the movie "Kurbaan", which has Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, they have proved their prowess yet again. The album boasts of songs that grow on you and are not typical.

There are five originals and one remix in the album.

"Ali maula", brilliantly sung by Salim Merchant himself, has a dark, edgy beginning. The slow-paced devotional number is impactful and has minimal musical arrangements.

The track also has a remixed version, which is faster and introduces more orchestration.

Up next is "Dua" - it exudes freshness and gets an edge with the vocals. Crooned by two very talented singers -- Sukhwinder Singh and Kailash Kher -- the song begins with English lyrics rendered by Marianne D'Cruz Aiman. It has strong musical backing and a qawwali touch, which makes it interesting.

Then comes title track "Kurbaan hua" that has Vishal Dadlani behind the mike. It reminds of "Nazara hai" from the film "8 x 10 Tasveer". Nonetheless, "Kurbaan hua" is a power-packed rock number that does create an impact.

Next is "Rasiya", which is the best song of the album. With the deep and extremely engaging voice of Shruti Pathak, the sensual number instantly strikes a chord with the listener. A semi-classical song like this has come in the forefront after a long time.

Finally there is a pleasing romantic number "Shukran allah" sung by Sonu Niigaam, Shreya Ghoshal and Salim Merchant. Its mellow arrangements make it a soothing and likeable song.

On the whole, the album is worth checking out. Salim-Sulaiman have done a great job yet again.

Artists: K.K., Sunidhi Chauhan, Hard Kaur, Atif Aslam, Mika, Alisha Chinoy, Neeraj Shreedhar, Suzzane D’Mello, Javed Ali, Jojo, Soham, Rana Mazumdar, Ashish Pandit, Kailash Kher, Paresh, Naresh

Music Director: Pritam

Remixes: DJ Suketu

Lyrics: Irshad Kamil, Tera Hone Laga Hoon written by Ashish Pandit, Follow Me written by Hard Kaur

Label: Tips

Genre: Soundtrack

Rating: 4/5

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif’s pairing in this film has grabbed everyone’s eyeballs and given it its needed publicity. The music which was launched recently has a fresh feel to it and each song has something new to offer, which is evident from the number of artistes roped in.

The album starts with Main Tera Dhadkan Teri, which is already become a chartbuster. KK, Sunidhi Chauhan and Hard Kaur make it one of the best hears in the album. The song has a remix, by DJ Suketu.

Hard Kaur is heard once again in Follow Me which is a good track by itself and sounds better than its reprises.

Tu Jaane Na, a romantic number, is one of the best tracks what with Atif Aslam doing the vocals and Pritam composing some fabulous music. The reprise has Soham, Rana Mazumdar and Ashish Pandit but Kailash Kher’s unplugged version beats it easily.

The next song, Oh By God, is fun to listen to with its wedding themed beats and vocals by Mika and Sunidhi Chauhan.

Tera Hone Laga Hoon, once again with Atif Aslam, this time with Alisha Chinoy, at the vocals, is the second romantic track in the album which carries a lot of promise and is once again one of the must-listens in the album. DJ Suketu’s remix is quite spunky too.

Prem Ki Naiyya is definitely not one of the most recommended songs in the album. While it can be fun to listen to at some times, it can be equally boring at others.

Aa Jao Meri Tamanna is one of those songs that you feel you’ve heard somewhere before. It is a track that carries a motive to do well, so, it may work with some and may not sound all that great to others. The remix of the song, however, gives it a club feel and makes it sound refreshing.

All in all, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani makes for a good buy. Pritam fans will definitely not be disappointed and even those who aren’t very fond of Pritam will still enjoy the album to a good bit. So, go ahead, listen to the album…we give it a big thumbs-up!