Karzzz

Article Updated 02 September, 2008 11:53:54 PM IST

Karzzz

India's only true rockstar, composer, singer and now a successful actor, Himesh Reshammiya rocked the box-office with Aap Ka Surroor, proving to all that his massive fan following does translate into ticket sales. Now, after a gap of almost a year, Himesh is back once again with his favourite banner, T-Series and the remake of Subhash Ghai's immortal suspense-cum-revenge drama, Karz. Expectations are once again manifold from this project as audio giants T-Series are the producers and nothing short of excellence in the music department is expected.

The first look of Himesh's title track 'Lut Jaon Lut Jaon' sent his fans into a tizzy with the promo carrying excellent response all over. Superb metallic flute notes, Harshdeep's haunting, slightly inebriated vocals and trademark Himesh's nasal alaaps provide the perfect 'agaaz' (start) to Lut Jaon'. It has tremendous repeat value and it would not be an exaggeration to say that this is one of the most bewitching songs by Himesh ever. He has put in his best into composing, singing as well as the arrangements. He sings with utmost feeling and Harshdeep's intermittent "Sufi" styled rendition is a class act! The melody is new and infectious and the programmed blend of flute and synthesized arrangements in the background provide a suitable foil to the composition. Sameer too needs to be commended for his masterly hold over Urdu. Never once does he make the lyrics too heavy. The song will appeal to both the masses and the classes (a rare distinction for Himesh) and will rule the charts for days to come.

The 'Lut Jaon-Club and Lounge Mix' is for the youth and so the required addendums are there to convert it into a dance track. The tempo is super-fast and may appeal to the target audience. 'The Pink Panther' theme music, along with lovely metallic flute notes have been liberally used to give the remix a mysterious touch.

"Doston yeh mohabbat bhi kya cheez hai, Na jeene deti hai, Na marne deti his, Ab aap longon ka sahara hai, Dua kijiyega, Kyonki woh mujhe na mili toh mar hee jaonga." With this emphatic, heart touching appeal Himesh kickstarts 'Hari Om'. Needless to say that the title (and the start) is inspired from Kishore Kumar's evergreen, classic 'Om Shanti Om' (Karz) that is popular even today. However, there is no need to get alarmed as this is not a remake (we mean remix!) of the original as Himesh does his own stuff. This is another superb all-out effort from the singer-composer and it can be said to be Himesh's answer to Pritam's 'Hare Krishna, Hare Ram'. The fast tempo with slightly rockish touch is most probably a stage performance number (remember Himesh plays a rock star) and so guitar, drums, synthesizer, along with plate and bead sounds have been utilized to their maximum to lend the desired effect. The guitar piece is simply superb. The English portion too has been done tastefully and so it doesn't appear forced.

'Electro Mix' is beautifully done by Akbar Sami but it's the 'Indian Mix' that is simply breathtaking. The shehnai rhythm that he used so effectively which had the entire nation swinging in 'Jhalak Dikhlaja' (Aksar) too makes an appearance. The fusion of western beats with Indian arrangements is mind-blowing.

Some nice soothing guitar beats lead to a scorching party number 'Tandoori Nights'. Do not be mislead by its title (which might sound odd) as it is another hit track by Himesh. Do you ask why? Well, the answer is simple. Himesh is doing what he is best at - rehashing his old hits tracks, and we all know that his fans love it. But what must be added here is that the background rhythm is deadly. The rap and reggae portions and the English quotient add to its universal appeal. The 'antara' leads us back to the sixties (a ploy Himesh used well in his earlier hits). Sunidhi makes a perfect entry and with Himesh at his nasal best and the song is bound to make an appearance at the charts and clubs.

'Tandoori Nights-Club and Lounge Mix' by Akbar Sami is once again intended as a dance track and serves as a mere space filler.

The party mood gives way to the intense love ballad 'Soniye Je Tere'. Bollywood's most happening rapper Earl D'Souza commences the proceedings with some superb rapping which conjoins with some nice, traditional rhythm. That gives us a good track that will be lapped up by the masses. The only problem with it is that the whole melody (which is simply superb) is inspired by 'O Meri Jaan' (Manzil-Manzil) featuring Sunny Deol and Dimple Kapadia. Just the rap portions and arrangements differ. It's a duet and so we have Tulsi Kumar giving company to Himesh. Tulsi has matured as a singer and she does an able job. The 'mukhda' as well as 'antara' is difficult to render as the song requires each to be sung in different pitches, but both the singers are up to the task.

'Soniye Je Tere-Club and Lounge Mix' is once again by Akbar Sami. There was absolutely no need for this, as the original shouldn't have been touched in the first place. The intensity of love in the ballad goes for a spin and the effect is lost.

One intense love number gives way to another, but 'Dhoom Tere Ishq Ki' is class apart. First of all, it is Himesh's original melody (superb raga based), along with traditional Indian instruments have been prominently used, and Himesh's rendition is top class. Lovely santoor, sitar, flute and tabla provide the perfect backdrop for this masterpiece. A superb fusion of "Sufi" and semi-classical, the song is delight in this era of hip-hop and rock. There is a brief mention (intentionally) of Rafi saab's immortal love ballad from Karz 'Darde Dil' (Himesh's favourite) too - "Aur thodi der mein hum juda ho jayeinge". All compliments to Sameer who dared to take up the challenge and create totally new (albeit on a similar track) lyrics and made the number a mesmerizing one.

Nice combo of sitar and guitar strumming along with rap commence 'Sisak Sisak Ke', a situational, most probably a stage performance number. The melody itself is no great shakes (inspired from 'Koi Shehri Babu') but the background musical arrangements have been tastefully done. The nice rhythm (guitar strumming sounding like 'ektara') in the background and Himesh's singing (rock like in part) are the USP of the track.

'Sisak Sisak Ke-Club and Lounge Mix' is another remix that Akbar has spent time on. The ample use of saxophone (which finds a mention even in the rap portions) and some great drumming makes it worth hearing.

Violin, tabla and Himesh's well loved (hated by some too!) nasal crooning, a la 'Aashiq Banaya Apne', commence 'Tere Bin Chain Na Aave', another number that has the trademark Himesh stamped all over it. The number is inspired in the beginning by the super hit 'Dil Kya Kare' (Julie). Sameer's lyrics deserve credit in this intense love duet. Tulsi Kumar is screechy in parts, although the number has Himesh written all over it.

The 'Tere Bin Chain Na Aave-Club and Lounge Mix' is a space filler, though it does not test anyone's patience and is an average effort by Akbar Sami.

Even though the next number, 'Mashallah' is a romantic, "Sufi" based number, it should not be mistaken for another simple love song as Himesh has done his bit to make it rise above the ordinary. The superb change in tempo from a slow drawl pace to a fast, rock in the 'mukhda' has not been done previously and it is the highlight of the track. Once again the ample use of traditional Indian instruments like flute, sitar and tabla makes it a listener's delight.

The 'Mashallah-Club and Lounge Mix' is superbly done. Even though the highlight portion (change in pace) is missing, the all rock and disco effect, with electronic sounds, and shehnai piece make it a nice dance track.

Here's the moment we were all waiting for. Yes, we are talking about the hauntingly beautiful immortal number, 'Ek Haseena Thi' from Subhash Ghai's 'Karz'. This number had the whole nation in its feverish grip when the film released (and the still popular composition continues to give goosebumps). It was the highlight track, and its signature tune has a cult fan following even today. The number is given a totally new hue and flavour by Himesh. One can say that given the mammoth expectations Himesh has done a good job, both as a composer and as a singer, though Shreya does a good enough job. One thinks that Sunidhi would have done justice to the track though. When comparing both tracks, obviously Laxmi-Pyare's evergreen composition stands tall and mighty. Though Himesh does deserve credit for the courage to make a copy of one of the most popular songs ever, and come out with vibrant if not flying colours!

It is very easy to make a remix version of a number that has such a haunting melody and the 'Ek Haseena Thi-Club and Lounge Mix' by Akbar Sami thrives on the USP. But Akbar has done wonders to the number and the background rhythm is superb and is successful in conveying the dramatic aspect well.

On the whole, 'Karzzz' audio is a winner all the way. If one has to search for an ordinary track, there is none to be found. Be it the singing, arrangements or the lyrics, all are top notch. It is an essential buy for all Himesh fans. Even if one is a hater of his music, go for it, as the opinion about Himesh may just change!

Rating: 8/10

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