EMI

Article Updated 28 September, 2008 10:09:25 PM IST

EMI

EMI is Popcorn Entertainment's next venture after MISSION ISTAANBUL which despite the presence of lucky music director, Pritam failed at the ticket window, although Pritam's earlier album BHAGAM BHAAG (also from Popcorn Entertainment) had commercial, potboiler music which was definitely a hit venture for all concerned. This time the makers have gone in for a change and it's a comparatively new composer Chirantan Bhatt, along with a host of lyricists who have been assigned the task of delivering the goods. So, what can one expect in terms of music in a subject like EMI? The film, EMI ( Easy Monthly Installment) is a bittersweet satire that looks at modern day India in a mirthfully subjective way. It's an engaging pick on, the easy to get but taxing to hold, the ever changing credit economy. So, here we go!

The album opens with 'Chori Chori', a dance track that can be classified as an item number, specially as it features the hot and sultry Malaika Arora Khan and the macho actor, Arjun Rampal. The number is as classy as Malaika herself, the Middle Eastern flavour to the beats imparted by the composer, Chirantan Bhatt gives it that oomph and sensual feel. It's the kind of beats usually used in Belly dancing and who better than Malalika to carry it off on screen. Although, this is an oft repeated trick by composers, ever since 'Mahiya' (Awarapan) and 'O Rama' (Jab We Met) became popular. The lyrics by Shakeel Azmi too are routine, heard in most item numbers However, what must be commended is the fact that the composer surely knows his job and the music arrangements are in sync with the flow of the beats and rhythm.

'Chori Chori- Remix'is by Tarun Shahani and Vinayak Manohar. The lazy, Middle Eastern beats are heightened and as a result the tempo generated is fast and quick, and in a way spoils the beauty of the original.

Next up is the fun n' frolic, zany title track, EMI, rendered in his inimitable, well loved style by deadly Dutt and he has in his illustrious company known names like, Suzan, Earl and Mahalaxmi Aiyer. Suzan is superb with her peppy, cute English background chorus, Earl does his usual rap and is good as always. Altogether this is a situational number, peppered with some very apt, humorous lyrics by Shabbir Ahmed and rap by Hamza Farooqui. Together these lyricists give the audience a true insight into the mood and gist of the film. It can be called the theme number also. It is an absolute delight, a rip roarer and all credit to deadly Dutt who takes the number to the nth level of excellence with his superb rendition. The way he says 'EMI, Ekdum sahi hai bhai' is fantastic'. The last zany title track that we had was the 'Welcome' and 'Partner' (to an extent) title song by Sajid-Wajid and this number stands right up there. A truly paisa vasool number that will be fun to watch on the big screen and which is already serving as a promotional track for the album.

'EMI-Remix' by Tarun Shahani and Vinayak Manohar is a space filler, quickened rhythm and beats, no great changes here.

Nice piano piece, lovely female croonings give way to the joyous, boisterous, trumpet and saxophone sounds and thus commences, 'Roshan Har Dil'. This is a situational number, slightly philosophical with a romantic touch to it and is a very average track. The only saving grace are the artists Paarthiv, Neisha and to an extent, Joy. Why we say this is because the song is totally rehashed from Mithun Chakraorty's 'Shaadmani' (Boxer). Even the rhythm in the background (used as a light chorus) is totally lifted from 'Om Shanti Om' title track.

'Vote For Sattarbhai' is once again a lovable, tapori track that is entirely situational and goes to prove that the composer is more adept at these types of humorous tracks. A number in the same corridor as 'Ae Ganpat', will be lapped up by the patrons of these types of compositions. Sung in a tapori style in Mumbaiya lingo, character artist Ninaad Kaamat comes behind the microphone once again and does a commendable job (after One Two Three). The lyricist Amar Valentine does a good job of creating situations that add to the mood of the song. Indeed, a good way of asking for votes. It's a number that will be a delight to watch on screen and we must add that it makes the movie all the more eagerly awaited. The highlight is the mimicry attempt of various actors like, Mithun Chakraborty, Shakti Kapoor and Shatrughan Sinha that is done in a classy manner in order to ask for vote for their beloved Sattarbhai (obviously played by Sanjay Dutt).

'Aaja Aa Bhi Ja' as the title suggests is mushy, missing the beloved number that is quite pleasing to the ears due to its fast pace and Shaan's exuberant singing and back up vocals by Suzan and Rishi. Relying more on synthesizers and percussion instruments the song is just about okay. The English chorus in the background is reminiscent of the 'Ae Ganpat' (Come on, Come on) track and the lyrics by Hamza Farooqui too are heard before, very routine.

The album ends on a romantic note with a soft, mushy, slow drawl composition and it appears that Mohit Chauhan is now getting typecast (rather 'vocalcast'!) and is being asked to render songs on the same lines as 'Tum Se Hi' (Jab We Met). Soft guitar strummings, piano piece and Mohit's baritone, slightly inebriated vocals add to the dreamy interlude of the song. The use of mouth organ and whistle along with some simple lyrics by Sarim Momim make this a decent love ballad, though it is highly unlikely that the song will become as popular as its original on which it is based or may be inspired.

To cut a long story short, the soundtrack of EMI is an average effort (barring the title track, EMI and to an extent 'Chori Chori') which will bear fruits only if the movie succeeds at the turnstile because the songs (though good) are situational and can be appreciated only in the context of the film.

Rating: 6.5/10

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