36 China Town

Article Updated 22 April, 2006 12:19:17 AM IST

36 China Town

'36 China Town' is Abbas-Mustan's second movie for Subhash Ghai's Mukta Arts, after the surprising success of 'Aitraaz' (both musically and box-office wise), in 2004. Once again for '36 China Town', it is the Himesh-Sameer team that worked wonders in 'Aitraaz', with some classy and sizzling tracks. But at that time Himesh was just a composer and not a singer! So let us checkout what the new 2-in-1 Himesh has to offer this time around.

The album opens with the rocking 'Aashiqui Meri' which introduces the hot 'n' happening male supermodel Upen Patel, gyrating to the sensual rhythm of Oriental music (heard in countless martial art movies). Himesh is his nasal self, yet likeable. Surprisingly Sunidhi disappoints with her squeaky vocals. Wonder who made her sing like that, as she is too talented to make such an error. The lyrics by Himesh are situational, though at times we are unable to comprehend them (is it Chinese Sameer ji?). Himesh mixes East-Asian music with modern beats quite well. Though this track should have been an instant blockbuster hit (like most of Himesh's recent compositions) that may not be the case here as the novelty wears off after a few hearings.

The lovely flowing sensual rhythm of the original composition has been totally spoilt by DJ Akbar Sami in the 'Aashiqui Meri (remix)' because of the super fast tempo and singing. The result is disappointing to say the least.

Next up is a cute (picturized on a 'not so cute anymore' Shahid and a quite mature Kareena), romantic racy number, '24x7 I Think Of You', inspired (not musically) from Himesh's recent hit 'I Wanna Spend The Rest Of My Life With You.' Shaan is good as usual, but Sunidhi is out of sorts yet again. It is a routine composition, though Sameer must be given credit for trendy and innovative lyrics that may find favour with the youths. "24x7 I Think Of You (remix)" is a job well done by Akbar Sami. Definitely Akbar is in his elements here unlike in 'Aashiqui Meri (remix)'.

The expected trademark Himesh composition comes rather late in the album. Yes, we are talking about 'Dil Tumhare Bina'. Though Alka is her classy self in this love song (along with Himesh), strangely the chorus 'Rock Your Body' (background rhythm) sounds a bit out of place. And it becomes quite irritating during the last parts.

The 'Dil Tumhare Bina (remix)' is once again by Akbar Sami and he manages to add that extra bit (along with rap) that was missing in the original version. The number becomes quite interesting and the chorus, which was more like a liability (in the original), becomes the highlight here.

The next composition 'Badi Dilchaspi Hai' combines the deadly melody and rhythm of two golden oldies, 'Mere Piya gaye Rangoon' and 'Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka'. K.K. and Arya are just about OK. This new fusion attempt by Himesh defies all logics, except commercial considerations or overwork syndrome. Even Sameer's lyrics are commonplace.

The remixed version of 'Badi Dilchaspi Hai' by Akbar Sami is again similar to any other remix, upped tempo, beats and fast paced singing. And it does no good for the original composition.

The last track 'Jab Kabhie' is inspired heavily by Lionel Richie's timeless love ballad 'Hello'. Still, it is a creditable effort as it's quite a unique number. The kinds not heard in India frequently. It has heavy Western influences (Philharmonic orchestra), combined with operatic parts. Kunal Ganjawala is amazing and shows his range and talent at high-pitched Western opera-like singing. But the number will not find much appreciation in these times, dominated by 'masala' song 'n' dance numbers.

There are two remix versions of 'Jab Kabhie', one by DJ Suketu and the other by Akbar Sami. The Sami remix has a solo Ganjawala singing a fast paced version, which completely destroys the uniqueness of the original. The DJ Suketu version starts with the usual rap interludes. But thankfully, the pace and rhythm remains intact. The English background vocals-cum-chorus enhances the number and it turns out to be the remixed version of 'Jab Kabhie'.

All in all, '36 China Town' is definitely a couple of notches above Himesh's recent Mukta Arts album, 'Shaadi Se Pehle', but nowhere near the banner's 'Aitraaz'. Evaluating on the basis of the standards set by Himesh's himself; it can only be termed as an above average work. As a result, it will have limited appeal and that too for a short span of time.

Rating: 7/10

Print this Article

http://www.bollyvista.com

http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/31/6519