The year thus far hasn’t provided much in terms of blockbuster music. Highly anticipated albums were worse than the next YUVVRAAJ, SINGH IS KIING and ADA (one would expect more from Rahman, not Pritam though so SING IS KIING would have been weak no matter what). Now its time for the Shah Rukh and Aditya Chopra connection to make a mark on 2008 with RAB NE BANA DI JODI.
The new Yash Raj favorites Salim-Sulaiman hope to make this a landmark soundtrack in their portfolio; Jaideep Sahni again comes together with his favorite composers for the lyrics. After the success of previous Shah Rukh and Aditya movies DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE and MOHABBATEIN the expectations are sky high.
After the mega hit of ‘Maula Mere’ from ANWAR, one would have expected more quality from Roop Kumar Rathod, but his attempts after the 2006 album have remained below the radar. In hopes of changing that he starts off the list with ‘Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai’. Reliable as ever, the seasoned singer goes about his routine, but no way near the caliber of ‘Maula Mere’ or some of his previous successes. In an attempt to attune the music around Rathod’s simplistic style, Salim-Sulaiman keep the music a little too simple. This is a typical Yash Raj track but everything remains flat, the music, the overplayed lyrics and singing. Imagine a Campa Cola with no fizz. Shreya Ghosal’s later rendition is slower and far more effective, unfortunately its less than the two minute mark.
Slowly inching his way back onto the charts, Sukhwinder jumps on the backs of this deadly duo and shines once again in a very different light. After ‘Chak De’ and ‘Fashion Ka Jalwa’ our Lucky Kabootar makes it a hat trick with ‘Haule Haule’. Relying heavily on the harmonium throughout the song, the brothers are in strong form with a melodic yet simple up beat tune (something they should have considered for the previous number). Sukhwinder cranks down his projection by a few notches to better compliment the track.
If you’ve ever wondered why there are no songs that teach you how to dance, then stop praying your answer is here with ‘Dance Pe Chance’. A track that would fit better with the progression of the film, Sunidhi Chauhan’s instructional video will probably feature the heroine teaching the footloose Shah Rukh how to shake what his mamma gave him. Lab Janjua is also featured but serves no purpose with the repetitive Punjabi verse used throughout the song (might as well have used a struggling wannabe Bhangra singer, chances are they would have paid to be on the album). Barring any originality in terms of the music, there’s no inclination to keep this playing in your iPod.
As a tribute to the oldies, ‘Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte’, Sonu Nigam blends a few lines from classics such as ‘O Haseena Zulfon Wali’, ‘Pyar Hua Ikraar Hua’, ‘Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan’, ‘Dil Ka Bhawar Kare Pukaar’, ‘Jab Pyaar Kisise Se Hota Hai’, ‘Pal Bhar Ke Liye’…and so on. Aside from the utter randomness that’s allowed to ensue, there’s absolutely nothing to be inspired from the song. However, it is a good reminder to go through that “Golden Era” 20-CD set you reluctantly bought.
Salim-Sulaiman’s strong suit are instrumentals. With years and years and a couple months of composing background music, they’ve honed their skills well. Yet this remix/medley of all the tracks on the album, ‘Dancing Jodi’, is far below their standards. Definitely not a good way to end the soundtrack.
When it comes to Shah Rukh Khan films, people will follow him off a cliff. The hype will be reason enough for most to purchase this sparkly and well designed cover layout. One song stands out, the rest in a deep slumber. Another album with hype, another disappointment! Do the producers even bother listening to their finished product before allowing it to be released in the public? Dismal performance from the CHAK DE brothers. Key tracks: ‘Haule Haule’.
Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
