You may already have been seeing the latest promos of an upcoming release of Parineeta. Starring Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan and newcomer Vidya Balan. It is a directorial debut of Pradeep Sarkar, and it is produced and co-written by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, one of India’s finest filmmakers. I believe this is a remake of Bimal Roy’s award-winning 1953 film that starred Ashok Kumar and Meena Kumari. I will take a look at this movie before the new one releases very soon.
These promos are very beautiful, and it is one of movies I am eagerly waiting for this year. I am glad the album has been released already, composed by Shantanu Moitra.
Let’s see how he has done:
Piyu Bole, Piya Bole - Sonu Nigam & Shreya Ghoshal
Right in the beginning, there is a sweet piano melody that makes you want to sway along. I would have preferred a guitar intro, but this was nice as well. Surprisingly, in the beginning, that is Saif singing. He is quite good! It is a very relaxing beginning, where he starts with a casual tone crooning ’’You are mine’’ along with the ’’Hey, hey, hey, la, la, la.’’ Then Shreya joins in beautifully and she is perfect for this song already. This song is already likeable even more with the cute notes between Sonu and Shreya, but then, Shreya amazes me when she sings along with the tablas. OH MY GOD! I am loving the song already! I missed those kind of tunes and the tablas. So beautiful and mesmerizing! It reminded me of R.D. Burman’s old tunes. Oh, how I miss his work so much. I’ve been yearning for this type of music for a very long time, and applaud Moitra for making such an amazing song. Waah, kya gaana hai... Sonu and Shreya are amazing when they are together. Remember those days when Rafi Saab and Asha Ji were singing together? Waah.. Anyways, this song is very similar to one of the 1942: A Love Story songs as well. With the chorus, orchestra, and the flutes, very Burman-like, but I don’t mind it at all. You might want to put the volume way higher to hear the violin is playing behind Sonu, very very well-done. Very simple song, yet beautifully composed. Everything is perfect in this song. A top notch.MY RATING: 10/10
Kasto Mazza - Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal & Children Chorus
A train song... Haven’t had one of those in a while. Guitars strumming, and children laughing in the background -- it sounded nice. Then the children begin singing ’’Kasto Mazaa’’. It doesn’t sound very ear-pleasing at first, and I was hoping for a recovery from either Sonu or Shreya. Then, it has become a very sweet and relaxing song with the flutes, soft guitar and soft drums. In the verse, it becomes a foot-tapping Indian song while Sonu softly sings with the tabla and the train ’’chug-chugging’’. Moitra successfully brings two different songs into one, it is very enjoyable. Sonu and Shreya are of course, singing very well. I just wish the children weren’t singing that much. They kind have ruined it. Anyways, hear it for the Sonu, Shreya and the nice, mellow music as well. The best part of the song is the background music along with the flutes. I applaud the flute player who amazingly and quickly raised from his low notes to the high notes in the background behind the different singers. Again, simple tunes, simple music, yet somehow it’s great. MY RATING: 8/10
Soona Man Ka Aangan - Sonu Nigam & Shreya Ghoshal
Another piano beginning. Sonu sounded a bit like Hari Haran right here. Another soft, romantic song that will make you sway along. Right when Shreya began singing, it reminded me of an S.D. Burman song now. Aah... I like the little tribute there. For a good song, all you need a flute and a sweet voice. In the verses, though it did sound like Sonu was struggling with the high notes, but I think he handled it well. This is more of his song, and it does belong to him because I liked the way he croons the loving mood here. While listening to this song, you may want to close your eyes. It’s quite nice and soothing. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think Shreya and Sonu are singing a typical type of Bengali tone there, and it’s quite cute. MY RATING: 9/10
Kam Paheli Zindgani - Sunidhi Chauhan
Ooh! A jazz song! I suppose Moitra is experimenting with what he can do. A typical foot-tapping Jazz ballad that fits exactly into that era featured in. And who else but Sunidhi can sing this number? A snaps here and there with the sazzy saxophone and foot tapping piano notes... It’s catchy, and I love Sunidhi’s jazzy voice she has put in here. Very ear-pleasing, but I have heard a lot of these type of songs before, and it doesn’t excite me that much. This song is a keeper though, I won’t skip it. I know this song will grow on me. I am giving it a chance. MY RATING: 7/10
Raat Hamari Toh - Chithra & Swanand
I love the haunting voice of Swanand in the beginning. It was already mesmerizing. Again, the tune in this song sounded so similar to one of Burman’s works, when he said ’’Kitne Dhino Ki Baad...’’. Am I the only one here? Anyways, I loved his little solo, and I am looking forward to hear more of his voice in the future. Chitra! Oh! I haven’t heard her in so long! It’s a nice slow song, filled with simple and soft drum beats, violins and guitars. Chitra is sounding a bit shaky in some parts in this song. Yet, overall she has sung quite well. A very quiet, soothing song and again, you may want to close your eyes and relax in your favourite chair. MY RATING: 9.5/10
Dhinak Dhinak Dha - Rita Ganguly & Chorus
Sadly, right in the beginning of this song I didn’t like it at all. It sounded like one of those annoying, typical Indian songs. I skipped this instead. Perhaps some people will like this song. It seems to me that this song will suit better in the movie, but it’s not good for the musical ears.
MY RATING: ??/10 I don’t know what to say! It’s only one song anyways, it doesn’t matter.
Hui Main Parineeta - Sonu Nigam & Shreya Ghoshal
The slower and shorter version of ’’Piyu Bole’’. Behind Sonu’s mesmerizing voice, you can hear some of the prayers/hymns (I think). This is more sensual and romantic. I like the first version better though. MY RATING: 6.5/10.
OVERALL ALBUM RATING: 4.5/5 BUY THE ALBUM NOW! Don’t ignore this precious treasure!
So far in this year, Bollywood is rocking with good music! Finally! First it was Lucky, then Taj Mahal, then Bose - The Forgotten Hero, and now Parineeta. If you want good quality Hindi music, then go for these albums I have mentioned above, they are definately worth it. Haha, I already have my top albums of 2005 list. Not so soon though.. I am awaiting for a lot more amazing albums.
P.S. What is up with the Bunty aur Babli music? Only one song, (Chup Chup Ke) is decent, and the rest is just plain bakwaas. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, I expected better from you guys! Same thumbs down goes for Kaal, the same techno bull. Both of these albums are a waste of money!