Okay, I am not going to go on and on about why everyone has high expectations from the Jab We Met team. And how Love Aaj Kal is one of the most awaited soundtracks of the year. So let's get straight to the music.
Love Aaj Kal opens with one of the most interesting tracks in recent times. By remixing the legendary Nagin snake charmer tune, Pritam puts his skills to fine use this time. Now this can surely qualify as inspiration or tribute, rather than blatant plagiarism. The snake tune leads into a hip-hop heavy track called Twist. As with Pritam's Bhool Bhulaiyaa number, Twist also has an instantly catchy hook. Akshay regular Neeraj Shreedhar delivers big time in what could be one of Saif's biggest hits ever. Don't be surprised if it's all over the radio stations very soon.
Jab We Met discovery Mohit Chauhan sings the soulful Yeh Dooriyan. Lavish use of background instruments elevates the feel of the song. But like most of Mohit's songs, it is not likely to receive much visibility. Faster compositions tend to have a bigger draw.
But visibility should be no problem for Neeraj and Sunidhi's Chor Bazaari. If Twist had the snake sound, this one has a typical marriage band in the background. Pritam plays around with sounds and voices throughout the track. Chor Bazaari has an on the move-bohemian feel to it considering Imtiaz's first two movies were about lovers on the run.
Main Kya Hoon is a prototype Kay Kay solo for the movie's leading man. This one is sure to get a lavish picturisation, given that Saif is also producing the film. It's both fast-paced and melodious at the same time. There's also a hint of electronica to the sound a la Kay Kay's Door Se Paas Aye from Musafir.
Like Mohit Chauhan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's situational songs also tend to go unstuck in the publicity of an album. A talented singer no doubt, his style is getting repetitive. Most of his songs bear striking similarities to Jag Soona from OSO. Aaj Din Chadheya is no different. Thoda Thoda Pyaar has a strong dose of Punjabi folk in it. Sunidhi sings with attitude and it remains to be seen which of the two heroines performs to this one.
Just when the album was dipping comes the theme song Aahun Aahun. It talks about love and heartbreak in underground UK Bhangra pop style. For its sound design and blend of folk with modern, this one's the hidden ace of the album. It's impossible to escape the energy in this track. Very Karan Johar in its style and packaging, Aahun Aahun could be Pritam's ticket to making music for more NRI romances.
It's unfair to compare Love Aaj Kal to Jab We Met. Remember! The later became a catalogue album only after the film caught everyone's fancy. Love Aaj Kal has a mix of situational tracks and guaranteed chartbusters. Since the movie spans over two generations from Punjab to UK, the distinction is evident in the music as well.
Verdict: It's one of the most complete albums in recent times. Saif brings the best out of Pritam for his maiden production.
Rating: 4/5
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