|
By Abid Š2008 Bollyvista.com |
|
|
Black & White |
Lovely flute notes commence the Sufi styled devotional track 'Haq Allah'. The track is dedicated to one of the most popular and famous Sufi saints of all times, Hazrat Nizamuddin Chishti, also known as Nizamuddin Auliya. The last two albums, both Jodhaa Akbar and Halla Bol had Sufi songs dedicated to saints and it appears that it has become a norm to have a Sufi based track in albums. But we don't mind at all as it provides variety and gives opportunity for some lovely qawwali. This number is more of a geet than a qawwali. The climax of the song is especially good as Sukhwinder's singing picks up pace and percussion instruments rule the roost.
Listed as 'Haq Allah-Part II, one expected an extended version of the above number, but it isn't. It is more of a remixed track, as it starts of with Sukhwinder singing in his so familiar and loved Taal style. It is extremely racy and incorporates "Ali Ali" and also "Wahe Guru, Satnam, Satnam" and "Hari Hari" to give the song a nationalistic flavour. The number is situational and is sure to come at some important juncture in the movie, that too in the background. Though frankly speaking, this version is more dramatic and better than the first one which was a bit too flat, in terms of rhythm.
Is it the nightingale herself, Lata Mangeshkar, rendering the last song of the album, 'Jogi Aaya'? No, it is Sadhna Sargam at her excellent best in this pure raga based composition with a heavy semi-classical backdrop. It is quite a challenging number as it has some very high notes which only singers of the caliber of Sadhna Sargam and Sukhwinder Singh can do justice to. The song is similar to Manna Dey's classic number 'Jhanak Jhanak Tori Baaje Payaliya' (Mere Huzoor), but it may be because the raaga is the same. Nonetheless, a superlative effort.
'Jogi Aaya-Remix' by DJ A myth is a routine job. There was no need for a raaga based classical backdrop song to be remixed, but because of marketing concerns it is done. It also serves as a space filler.
To sum up, Sukhwinder has done a good job, though not an excellent one, as this is not a commercially viable album. The problem with Sukhwinder is that he is still trapped in the 70s and 80s and instead should try to evolve with time. The songs are melodious and situational and as Subhash Gai himself says, "Here is music for music lovers to listen and enjoy, with a deep sense which comes with lots of colours in this film called Black & White, ironically."
Rating: 7/10 |
SEARCH
