Music Review of Race

Article Updated 06 February, 2008 10:58:07 PM IST

Music Review of Race

Directors Abbas-Mustan have been associated with some thrilling and pulsating films and the music, like their direction, is always a treat. Earlier it was Anu Malik followed by Himesh Reshammiya, who were the permanent music directors and gave some outstanding scores in the past for the director duo. Who can forget Anu's fantabulous compositions in 'Baazigar', 'Soldier' and ' Ajnabee' or Himesh's scores in 'Aitraaz' and 'Humraaz'. After Himesh decided to compose only for his own films, Pritam was the obvious choice. However, their first venture together, 'Naqaab', disappointed big time, as the film as well as its music sank without a trace. So let us checkout whether Pritam's luck works for this Tips venture and can he be called a true inheritor to a great legacy, set by Anu Malik and Himesh Reshammiya?

The album kick-starts in the fourth gear with the title track, 'Race Saanson Ki' which can be called the nth version of Pritam's very own, 'Dhoom' title track. But it will be unjust to solely blame Pritam for rehashing his own chartbuster, as it is obvious that it's the makers who want him to compose along those lines. As for the song, it commences with some totally groovy guitar beats (keeping in mind Saif's recent 'avatar' as a rock artist), followed by the James Bond theme! This is present in between the song to give to give it a thriller effect. Thankfully, the track changes course soon enough. The chorus "Allah duhayee hai, Beataabi chhayee hai, Mushkil judayee hai, Haan tere pyar mein", as well as the 'antaras' are simply fantastic, and soon one starts crooning the chorus, invariantly. The repeat value is high. Sunidhi is at her seductive best, her voice modulation perfect and Neeraj Sridhar, who is the flavour of the season with Pritam's own , "Hare Ram", delivers another cracker of a performance. Pritam's favourite instrument, guitar has been used widely. It has all the ingredients to become a chartbuster, and given the publicity blitzkrieg, the song is bound to hit the charts.

'Race Is On My Mind' is another version of the title track. The lyrics are more in English here. The 'antara' has intermittent Hindi and English lyrics, which makes this song quite different from the original. And obviously Neeraj is a master at that, and Sunidhi is superb, as always.

After the racy title track, its time to go lovey dovey with 'Pehli Nazar Mein' . And who better than the king of romantic numbers, Atif Aslam, to render the spellbinding composition. Atif is simply mindblowing as he weaves a magical spell with his passionate and caressing vocals. It's his rendition ('adaaiygi') that makes the song so special. Romance is in the air with Valentine Day round the corner and the song should serve as a perfect love ballad for all the romantics at heart, who wish to serenade their beloved. But the only sore point, yes, Pritam has done it again! The song is a total rehash of Korean singer Kim Hyung Sup's "Sarang Haeyo". Now, that is inexcusable.

Next up is 'Mujh Pe To Jadoo', rendered by great names of UK Indi Pop, like Taz, from Stereo nation and the rap artist, Apache Indian. Giving them company is Sunidhi Chauhan. All of them come together for a nice, slightly 'hatke' festive number, which is a good mix of Punjabi, English and Hindi. The 'Bhangra' style has not been over used, and the fusion with pop is also unique and pleasantly different. The 'mukhda', "Chori chori ankhiyan ne" is rehashed from Pritam's own "Sakhiyan" ( 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'). However, it is only for a short span, but the rest of the song is definitely good and since it is situational, it will become popular only after the movie hits the screen.

We had a party cum dance song in Dhoom, 'Salaame', another one in 'Dhoom:2' 'Dil Laga Na', and the next number 'Dekho Nashe Mein' appears to be an extension of the same. Pritam can be excused here as the situation seems similar. And he has done a good job yet again. The super fast, extremely rhythmic number, bordering slightly on Latino musical addendums and lovely use of percussion is capable of rocking the dance floor. Pritam hires the services of the best in business, Shaan, K.K & Sunidhi and they create 'dhamaal' through the number . But what must be added here is that the tune is a very heard before one, which is somewhat of a let down.

'Dekho Nashe Mein-Latin Feista Mix', like its title has a very carnival feel to it, with high touches of Latino music (the Flamingo dance type) beats, foot tapping sounds and also the Salsa touch is present. Some lovely synthesized rhythm in the background makes it a good version.

After party number, its time to feel the passion through Monali's 'Zara Zara Touch Me', which commences with rap vocals and some suggestive musical notes. And one immediately asks the question : Is this the much talked about steamy love song between Saif and Bipasha? It appears so. However, the composition is nothing much to write home about. The 'antara' "Tera tera hee intezaar hai, Mujhko bas tum se pyar hai, Khud pe na mera akhtiyar hai" is reminiscent of Himesh's "Gela Gela" from Aitraaz. Monali's vocals are sugary sweet and she does well in the English portions. Her diction is good. Though Sunidhi would have been a better choice, as she is a master of these types of songs.

'Zara Zara Touch Me-Asian RnB' does not appear to be much different from the original version, except the in-between rap'n'reggae are more pronounced here, and the drumming as well as plates and bead sounds are highlighted to give the desired effect.

To sum up, despite all the inspirations, Pritam has once again delivered a hit score and his compositions are sure to burn the dance floors and should prove to be a success. Maybe, the album lacks in originality and the critics are bound to call it a poor man's version of 'Dhoom'. However, with lady luck smiling on Pritam, he doesn't need to worry and should make hay while the sun shines.

Rating : 7/10

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