Marigold

Article Updated 16 August, 2007 10:18:35 PM IST

Marigold

Romance is in the air! The lovely 'sitar' and violin piece, accompanying Shaan's dew fresh vocals seem to state just that pure feeling of bliss in the love ballad 'Yeh Pyaar Kya Hai/Seven Stages Of Love'. The bare minimum musical arrangements (with only the superb 'sitar' and violin piece) is to highlight and emphasize Javed Akhter's exceptional lyrics, as the genius and the ever romantic poet, unfolds the seven stages of love (right from setting the eyes on the beloved to falling in love) with some beautiful, classy words. Here in this stanza he puts forward the first stage "Pehla rang hai suno kaisa, Saamne aaye, Koi aisa, Dil kahe khwabon mein hi isko to dekha tha." Shaan is absolutely magical. The only thing missing is the pace, which does not matter much.

'Seven Stages Of Love' is also incorporated in the song 'Yeh Pyaar Kya Hai', one can say that it's the all English counterpart of the first number, to cater to the English-speaking audience. The song commences in a opera-like style by Truth Hurts. Shaan is once again top-class and equally at ease with the English rendition (he has shown us that in 'Bull's Eye', from "Apne") as he complements Truth Hurts to perfection. The hugely talented director, Willard Carroll shows his prowess with the pen, and his lyrics match perfectly with the Hindi counterpart, never once do they appear out of place.

Moving on the next number 'Yeh Pyaar hai', it has all the pace and rhythm that was lacking in the first number. A superb romantic composition, with soft orchestral arrangements that slowly picks up pace and reaches a crescendo (thankfully not cacophonous). S-E-L are in top form and Shaan is delightful. The hummable chorus, Javed Akhter's exemplary lyrics, along with Willard Carroll's perfectly blended English lines, all put together make up a gem of a number.

Next up is 'Paagal Si Saari Lehrein', performed by Vikas Bhalla and Alka Yagnik. The mukhda seems to be a derivative of 'Yeh Pyaar hai', as far as the tune is concerned. But this is more raaga based, more Indian, as musical instruments like the 'dhol', 'daf', 'tabla' has been predominantly used. Good to hear the sweet-voiced Alka at her best. One time actor and pop singer, V.J Vikas Bhalla (who also plays a cameo in this film) does a fine job as the singer, but both Alka and Vikas are let down by an average composition.

One average track follows another. 'Tan Man/Marigold Erupts' is supposed to be a passionate love song but it lacks passion and fervor and S-E-L seem to be heavily inspired by Rahman's music from his earlier Hindi films. Even the talented Alka is screechy in parts. Vikas Bhalla, Sneha Pant and Nihira Joshi fail to rise above the so-so composition.

Nikita Nigam's clear, heart-touching vocals commence 'Sachha Pyaar/the Meaning Of Love', which at first appears to be a tragic love song, but after a while the lyrics as well as Nikita's singing style change and one realizes that its actually another love song. Once again Javed Sahab is class beyond compare (he stands out as far as romantic lyrics are concerned). The relaxed pace and the soft musical arrangements make this a good composition.

'Listen To The Music' is another all English composition, performed by the lead female artist of the movie Ali Larter herself, along with Shaan and Truth Hurts. The lady who was recently voted one of the top ten most beautiful woman, also has a beautiful voice, which she uses to perfection, and Shaan and Truth Hurts lend able support. All marks to S-E-L, as once again they have adapted this English song to suit Indian taste and sensibilities, what we mean is that the tune is more traditional and not too western. This along with the first two are the best songs from the album.

Lastly, we have another all English composition, 'Meaning Of Love', performed well by Truth Hurts. The song commences in high pitched vocals (almost opera-style). English lyrics by Truth Hurts bedecked with Indian musical arrangements (together), makes this song appear to be a fusion of the East and the West and is this praiseworthy. The background music is inspired in parts from Salman Khan's 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' number 'Jhonkha Hawa Ka', sung by Shankar Mahadevan himself.

To sum up, this is a very classy album by S-E-L, barring a few ordinary tracks, of course. The album has an assortment of beautiful Hindi and English songs that will find select appreciation. But given the fact, that the album has not been publicized properly, only makes things difficult for the audio as well as the movie!

Rating : 7.5/10

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