Music: Xulfi, RDB, Vipin Mishra
Lyrics: Xulfi, RDB, Syed Gulrez, Vipin Mishra
Bring out the “chutney” remixes and spicy beats for a sizzling taste of ALOO CHAAT! This Punjabi flavored album brings out RDB to lend their two cents along with the rising Xulfi. So will this soundtrack make your mouth water, or just give you heart burn?
RDB makes the first strike with the title track ‘Aloo Chaat’ featuring Nindy Kaur and Smooth (aka “bad imitation of Lil John”). Apart from the unoriginal lyrics peppered in with a random rap, there’s something about the beat that keeps you coming back for more. Smooth’s role adds some “crunk” to the mix while RDB offer a good combination of Hip Hop and Pop (Hip Pop?). Nindy Kaur does little to impress, she’s mainly drowned by the infectious composition. Truly this follows the guidelines of some “Aloo Chaat” with plenty of fun thrown in.
Continuing down the list, Xulfi graces the album with a romantic number, ‘Dhadke Jiya’, that may take some getting used to. A Pakistani singer involved with a Bollywood flick (cue Raj Thackeray and the MNS)?! Somewhere Aadesh Shrivastav is turning in his grave. Wait, he’s alive? Sorry, meant his career is turning in it’s grave.
‘Dhadke Jiya’ doesn’t offer the same high as ‘Laree Chooti’ (EK CHAALIS KI LAST LOCAL) or ‘Yeh Pal’ (AASMA) though the arrangement holds its own with an orchestral feel in the chorus, as opposed to relying on strumming the chords throughout the song. Avid CALL fans and newly formed Xulfi fans won’t be too disappointed, slightly below par however.
Like character actors (you know your Reema Lagoos and Alok Naths) Kailash Kher has established himself as that character singer for those, quote unquote, situational numbers. And yes that makes Kailash Kher the Reema Lagoo of the singing world. Forcing some more ‘Aloo Chaat’ down your throat, Kailash steps forth in a different take for the title track. Vipin Mishra slows things down a bit with a lounge composition, which also acts as a subliminal message for, that’s right you guessed it…“Aloo Chaat”. Overkill much? The song is surprisingly enjoyable and takes on a different direction from what was heard prior with RDB.
Pure Punjabi-Pop tracks or “Boliyaan’s” never quite made a comeback from the late 90s, so it’s pleasant to come across a few here and there. Nindy Kaur takes the majority of the weight, with RDB throwing a few lines in ‘Boliyaan (Giddha)’. Diverting from the title track, RDB opts for a complete traditional direction. Another version is featured, ‘Boliyaan (Giddha-2nd Version)’, and continues where the first one left off with a much faster pace as it progresses.
With already two “chaat” inspired songs why not have a third? Mehfuz Mahruf’s ‘Life Is A Sizzling Aloo Chaat’ (always thought life was like a box of chocolates) has Kunal Ganjawala as the lone singer with Syed Gulrez providing some epic lyrics. The attempted playful writing and uninspired music allow you to snooze past this with ease.
Two remixes of, ‘Dhadke Jiya’ and ‘Aloo Chaat’ (Kailash Kher version), are featured towards the end. Except for a few tracks your better off going to the nearest “cart-wala” and spending money on some real “Aloo Chaat”. Key tracks: ‘Aloo Chaat’ (RDB), ‘Dhadke Jiya’.
**/5
