Aksar

Article Updated 09 January, 2006 02:20:23 PM IST

Aksar

After the blockbuster success of 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne' (audio), composer-singer Himesh Reshammiya and lucky mascot Emraan Hashmi are back once again and judging by the public reactions it is crystal clear that they have created magic yet again . However, let us check out the album and find the truth or otherwise.

The first track 'Jhalak Dikhlaja' commences with a superb 'shehnai' like piece along with Himesh's nasal crooning (as in 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne') and 'Jhalak Dikhlaja' is indeed a scintillating number. Himesh sings straight from his heart. His efforts, both as a music director and as a singer are commendable. An extremely infectious and addictive number that forces the listener to sing along repeatedly.

'Jhalak Dikhlaja Unplug' is a unique version of the first track. In fact it can be termed as the reciprocal (or reverse) of the remixes! This one can take on the original 'Jhalak Dikhlaja' (which is not the case usually) and is actually on par, if not better than it. Himesh has deliberately sung it at a slower pace with bare minimum musical intrusions and so his nasal crooning dominates the proceedings.

Hats off to Akbar Sami for the excellent 'Jhalak Dikhlaja Remix'. Since the original was already fast paced he did not up the tempo but rather spiced up the already spicy number with the right musical ingredients here and there. To be precise, with the piped organs, brass band, etc. the result is mind-blowing.

After listening to innumerable Western Sufi classics sung by the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Hans Raj Hans and Sukhwinder, it is now Himesh Reshammiya's turn to try his hand at a similar style in 'Lagi Lagi'. Honestly speaking, the song promised a lot initially but later on in the 'antara' it fails to deliver, and becomes an ordinary romantic track. This doesn't takes away any credit from Himesh, who in the company of Sunidhi and has done an excellent job as a singer. Excellent 'tabla' beats along with Himesh's 'alaaps' and Sunidhi's background chorus (which ends the song) does a good redeeming job.

The 'Lagi Lagi Remix' by Akbar Sami is ordinary. The heavy or rather liberal use of Western instruments and the upped tempo has taken away the traditional rustic charm of the original.

'Mohabbat Ke' has Himesh, who along with Tulsi Kumar sings this very fast paced title track. A dance number with some parts ('Janabe Janiye') heavily inspired by the Punjabi pop composition 'Aaja Nachle' (made famous by the Bali Sagoo remix). Putting that aside, this one is again top class. All credit goes to Himesh, although Sameer with his mastery over simple Urdu/Hindustani deserves a mention - " Aksar tu mujhe yaad karta hai, Aksar dil tujhe yaad karta hai, Mere pyar ki aazmaish ho rahi hai, Tujhe paane ki koshish ho rahi hai."

The remix version of 'Mohabbat Ke' is the usual routine stuff; heightened tempo, faster beats and rhythm, with additional percussion and synthesized music.

'Aksar Theme' has some nice old-fashioned piano notes blending beautifully with the background crooning of the lead singer, which later gives way to fast paced synthesized beats and some haunting music along side it. Nice work by Himesh.

Next up, 'Soniye', a soft, slow paced, intense love ballad. It has KK in top form. His voice modulation is just perfect and Sunidhi gives him able support. This one is another gem from Himesh.

The 'Soniye Remix' once again has nothing new and Akbar Sami does another formality after 'Mohabbat Ke'.

'Loot Jayenge' is the only ordinary, run of the mill number. Quite reminiscent of the old Amitabh classic from 'Satte Pe Satta' ('Pyar Hamen Kis Mod Par Le Aaya') and a touch of Viju Shah's 'Saat Samunder' ('Vishwatma'). Talented singers like Kunal Ganjawala and Jayesh Gandhi do all that they can but fail to lift this average number.

The 'Loot Jayenge Remix' is certainly much better than the original and Akbar Sami manages to spice up this otherwise average number and make it quite enjoyable.

We have summed up what 'Aksar' has to offer and there is no doubt that is a winner all the way. No wonder it is the top seller across the country today and definitely another winner for the Himesh and Emraan team.

Rating: 7.5/10

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