Fool N Final

Article Updated 14 May, 2007 09:31:20 PM IST

Fool N Final

Not many remember Ahmed Khan's first directorial venture 'Lakeer', but its lovely, melodious music by A. R. Rahman still lingers in the minds of music lovers. For his next, Ahmed now has the backing of one of the most benevolent producers of recent times, Firoz Nadiadwala, known for his huge multi-starrers like 'Awara Pagal Deewana', 'Deewane Hue Pagal', amongst others. Both the above mentioned films had some commercially successful music by Annu Malik, so it comes as a surprise to see Himesh as the composer of 'Fool N Final'. Once again, a big banner has favoured Himesh leaving aside Annu Malik, sad but true.

Let's now get on to the album and check out if it's the same old Himesh. Or do we get to hear something new, keeping the Nadiadwala tradition of big entertainment alive and kicking?

Looks like we are right on dot with the first composition of the album 'Tere Layee', as this number along with different sounds has a new start. A departure from Himesh's all-familiar nasal crooning and even the background chorus is in the form of rap vocals by Arya and Ganjawala's alternate-crooning (instead of Himesh), which will be loved by all who have become tired of Himesh. Kunal's dew fresh vocals suit Shahid's youthful voice. The track is a light, breezy love song. Himani sings in a slightly base voice, which matches Ganjawala perfectly.

Eureka! Finally an album by Himesh that has some other remixer apart from Akbar Sami. The 'Tere Layee - Remix' by Hanif Shaikh has been tastefully done. The fresh vocals have not been relegated to the background, despite the pace, which is a tad on the racier side.

The rhythm is gonna get you! Yes, that's what the next track 'Ek Kalsa' does to the listener. The hip-hop track picturised on the talented but unfortunate Viviek Oberoi, shot on the beautiful sandy locales of Dubai (a favourite with Firoz) certainly has all it takes to reach the charts. Sameer's lyrics have been inspired by the Punjabi pop chart scorcher 'Ek Glassy, Do Glassy'. Himesh's base vocals and the accompanying thick string guitar, along with siren sounds give a mysterious and tense touch to the number.

'Ek Kalsa - Remix' by Hanif Shaikh has again been done well, as the catchy rhythm of the song has not been tampered with, only the musical arrangements in between differ to an extent.

As soon as the song 'Sigdi' commences, it does not take much to guess that it will be picturised on macho-man Sunny Deol. Himesh sounds more like Mika in this cute Punjabi bhangra based composition. All the necessary accompaniments like the dhol and tasha along with the 'oye oye' and the 'balle balle' and the racy rhythm encompassing the boisterous, carefree and fun loving sprit of Punjab is present. And not to forget Jayesh Gandhi's alaaps, which by now have become an essential component in most of Himesh's numbers. Get ready to see a few cute bhangra steps by the action star, reminiscent of his illustrious father in 'Main Jatt Yamla Pagla Deewana'.

Since the pace was already too fast and good enough for dancing, there was absolutely no need for the 'Sigdi - Remix' by Hanif Shaikh. It is just a space filler.

Is the next track 'Yeh Dooriyan' an ode to Shakira by Himesh? Sameer's lyrics (in the mukhda) are hard to understand. Is it Tamil or Telugu or what? Even if we set aside these confusions, this is a pretty ordinary dance track, which even Shahid Kapoor's gyrations cannot lift. The only thing that stands out is Hanif Shaikh's singing. He has a nice, sweet voice (but alas, bad diction), though he needed a better composition to showcase his talent.

The 'Yeh Dooriyan - Remix' by Hanif Shaikh is better than the original. The pace is just suited for shaking a leg or two, though nothing great.

Himesh's favourite remixer Akbar Sami, along with Jatin surfaces in the last track of the album 'FNF Masti - Remix'. True to its title, it is full of masti, a cocktail of (some of the portions) all the songs in the album, superbly blended together. The remix commences with the 'Tere Layee' tune and then all hell breaks loose, as the crazy frog inspired remix of the golden classic 'Jo Wada Kiya Wo' from 'Taj Mahal' is unleashed. It's really wacky and funny, keeping up with the comic flavour of the movie. It can be used as a promotional music video to a good effect or during titles.

All in all, the audio of 'Fool N Final' may not have us critics swooning, (most "big" critics always put down Himesh albums!), but given the kind of music that Firoz Nadiadwala requires, it seems like Himesh has done it again. If you don't believe us, ask the earlier regular, the Indian Idol spoiled (but still very talented) Annu Malik, as to why he has been having sleepless nights. The audio may not have scorched the charts but once 'Fool N Final' releases, the situational album is bound to sell.

Rating : 7 /10

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