Shuddh Desi Romance: Music Review

 Music Director: Sachin-Jigar

Starring: Parneeti Chopra,Sushant Singh Rajput,

Vaani Singh

Shuddh Desi Romance is a very interesting soundtrack to say the least. Quirky and fun, these are pleasant desi tunes that play wonderfully with the ears. We dance between high and low, creating a wonderful fusion between old school and new school Bollywood. Shuddh Desi Romance soundtrack bears a resemblance to the soundtrack format of Madras Cafe, since a large portion of the soundtrack in devoted to instrumentals. This Yash Raj film has plenty of acclaimed singers to pump this soundtrack up with unconventional sounds for the youth.

Beginning the soundtrack is the much anticipated, Tere Mere Beech Mein, which is already loved by everyone since the release of its cutesy promo video, which has the young couple doing laundry, cooking, and dancing in towels. This is the sweet romantic duet in the movie and its between our favorite Chauhans (who bear no relation to each other) Sunidhi Chauhan and Mohit Chauhan. It is so desi, especially with its Hinglish and old school Western instrumentals. Typical girl and boy banter throughout gives the song a unique perspective. Its sounds like happier song from the Barfi soundtrack. 4.5/5

Gulabi Shuddh Desi Romance's paints the soundtrack pink with color. This almost sounds like a dance style number like Dum Dum from Band Baaja Baraat, kind of something made for Ranveer Singh. It has a slight R&B flair combined with a desi flavor. Sung beautifully by slightly autotuned  Jigar Suraiya  and Priya Suraiya and paired with an wide array of addictive instrumentals, this song is a winner. 5/5

Divya Kumar, famous from Allah Meherbaan from Ghanchakkar, takes the third song in Shuddh Desi Romance. Chanchal Mann Ati Random, is truly random. It starts one way and takes a kind of jarring oddish turn. It is eccentric in a good way with the direction it takes. Its part rock, part qawaali, and part of who knows what. Towards the end it looses control in a good way. The songs oddities may throw some listeners off. 3.5/5

Shuddh Desi Romance, the title song comes next. It is a duet between two of the other current favorites, Benny Dayal and Shalmali Kholgade. This song takes a similar turn that Teri Mere Beech Mein had, except for more harmonium. This title track doesn't play out as a situtational number like most title tracks tend to do and carves out a niche in the soundtrack itself. Its a pleasurable, feel-good song, like the others songs. By using Hinglish and crazy instrumental arrangements, this song is totally unique. 4/5

Here come the instrumentals. They take some the flavor from the prior songs in Shuddh Desi Romance, but are more subdued. Mujhe Kiss Sakte Ho take a minimal approach, with a soft touch of piano, guitar, harmonium, and other instrumentals. It is a very gentle sound and could definitely be listened to alone. 4/5

Love in Jaipur has some uncredited female singer. It takes on a spicy salsa beat fused with a bit of desi of course. It sounds like the typical traditional women gathering song, but later take a grocery store style slow jazz style. This will definitely excel on the silver screen behind the characters. 3/5

Tezz Wala Attraction has some whistling and shares the same breezy flavor our beginning songs had 3/5

Good bahus smoke in the bathroom,
 not in front of people

Boyfriend Banogey is more ballsy than the previous instrumentals. It has coarser beats and shares some of Gulabi's melody. This could definitely be the theme number for our Kai Po Che hero Sushant Singh Rajput. 3/5

Bhanwara Man Bhatake has the same flavor, though slightly more traditional, it has brief male singer part, but has no credited singer either. Not much to listen to here. 2/5

Shuddh Desi Romance pretty much has all solid numbers, despite most being instrumentals. Sachin-Jigar made a definite effort to compose some unique songs and pulled in inspiration from many different genres. These songs will make you great, and  transport you back to early Bollywood and rocket you towards future Bollywood. Shuddh Desi Romance is so tastefully fun it puts a smile on your face without sounding ridiculous or childish.

My Picks: Gulabi, Teri Mere Beech Mein, Shuddh Desi Romance, Mujse Kiss Sakte Ho

What's your favorite song?
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Boyss Toh Boyss Hain: Music Review

Music Composers: Anuj Garg, Sayanthi-Shailendra, Willy, Dhiren Raichura, Dhwanit Joshi

Starring: Raj Kumar Yadav, Dhruv Ganesh, Aarya Kumar, Divya Dutta, Gulshan Grover 

Forget the others, I'm interested in the
mannequin without a head

What to say about the music of Boyss Toh Boyss Hain?  First of all the movie has quite a name, so it certainly needs a soundtrack to back it up. We have a variety of composers here, so each track has its own flavor. Boyss Toh Boyss Hain is exciting and experimental.

To kick off Boyss Toh Boyss Hai we have the title track, Boyss Toh Boyss Hain. This Hinglish track is sung by Neeraj Sridhar and Willii. Even though this is a title track, it is actually pretty catchy, especially when the female voice cuts in and says "Hai Ram, Boys Toh Boys Hain". Definitely one of the best on the album. 4/5

The next song we have is Mika Singh's Gol Gol. This song is tinged with Punjabi techno. The "Gol Gol" part  instantly catchy, but it does have English interludes saying "Shake your Booty", similar the booty shake in Chennai Express', One Two Three Four. Click Here For My Chennai Express: Music Review  But besides that booty shake piece, this is a fantastic track with tons of variation 3.5/5

Our most Punjabi style number is Kachha Papad features Labh Janjua and Anuj Garg. There is a interesting mix of rock, R&B, and Punjabi here. The guitar solos are wonderful, but besides these short intervals of instrumentals there is nothing to separate this song from other Punjabi numbers. Decent. 3/5

Out of all these eligible bachelors, I would
choose the creepy silver man in the middle

Mohit Chauhan's voice brings a good balance to the Boyss Toh Boyss Hain album in Sab Kuch Badal Gaya. This song literally begins with all clouds. It is starts of light and airy with a light flute beat, then  builds an inspirational sounding romance song. However, it is interrupted by a voice singing in English, Sayanthi-Shailendra. This spoils the song for only momentarily, until violins and sweet pianos come to the rescue. This is a different kind of song, and not something to be ignored. 3.5/5

Coffee Shop Mein is a song you would expect from a movie called Boyss Toh Boyss Hain. Shashaa Tirupathi's voice is seductive in this entertaining Hinglish number. This is a fast paced number flows rapturously, but there is not necessarily a hook, since the whole song is it a hook itself. 3/5

The composers pull Sunidhi Chauhan and Anup Jalota in for the uplifting song, Dreaming. This song has a light electronic beat, and is sung in Hinglish once again. The lyrics are a little cheesy, but the vocals of both singers are truely magnificent.  Jalota's voice is reminiscent of Bollywood from the seventies and eighties, while Chauhan brings in a modern twist. 4/5

Boyss Toh Boyss Hain returns for a remix. Boyss Toh Boyss Hain Remix picks up the electronic beat and speeds it up a little. There is not a huge difference between the two. 3.5/5

For a smaller film, with mostly unknown composers, Boyss Toh Boyss Hain soundtrack is very good. The composers genuinely tried to create unusual songs while staying true to the Bollywood roots. This soundtrack can work beyond the silver screen and into your car.

My Picks: Boyss Toh Boyss Hain, Dreaming, Sab Kuch Badal Gaya, Gol Gol

Check Out My Other Reviews:
D-Day: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/d-day-music-review.html
Ramaiya Vastavaiya: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/ramaiya-vastavaiya-music-review.html
Issaq:http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/bollywood-music-review-issaq_21.html

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Issaq: Music Review

Music Director: Krsna, Sachin Gupta, Jigar
Starring: Prateik Babbar & Amrya Dastur

For some reason or another, there hasn't been much of a buzz about the Prateik Babbar starrer, Issaq or its music. The main actress is newcomer, Amrya Dastur. It is rumored that that she plays Juliet in this modern adaptation of the Shakespearean classic. So far not much is known about the movie, but I will confess that the music is superb. Issaq's music is directed by Krsna, Sachin Gupta, and Jigar. So with these great music directors come amazing voices like Mohit Chauhan and Mamta Sharma. Issaq offers unique arrangements and definitely is worth a listen.

So let's begin with the first track of Issaq, Issaq Tera (Male) by Mohit Chauhan.  This song begins with a beautiful instrumentals and continues with flute interludes. Chauhan's voice is smooth and creamy throughout this dreamy romantic number. However, it gets a little repetitive and doesn't have much of a a hook, except for saying Issaq Tera over and over again. 3.5/5

We have a second version to the song, Issaq Tera (Duet), with Mohit Chauhan and Smitha Jain as the lead vocalists. Jain's voice sounds almost ghostly when paired with Chauhan's  and does nothing to enhance the song. The duet runs barely over two minutes, which is too short for any Bollywood track. The male version is much more remarkable. 3/5

 "That boat has such beautiful sails"
"Oh that warship over there coming to kill you?"

Jheeni Re Jheeni Re is Issaq's classical number by Rashid Khan and Pratibha Baghel. It's a slow song complete light tabla and alaaps. The song is very well balanced, since Khan's voice is strong, while Baghel's vocals are very soft. Both vocalists are exceptional at classical singing and truly make the the song. 4/5

Next we have Bhole Chale by Rahul Ram and Sachin Gupta. This song, like several others that come after, is like a village song. This song is wild, and one of vocalists sound like they are screaming throughout. This is definitely some kind of celebration song, and there may be some drunk actors in this one. Bhole Chale becomes a bit more bearable after it reaches the third minutes. Its a little fun to listen to, but its no gem. 2.5/5

The rock song of Issaq is Aag ki Dariya by Ankit Tewari. This angry number has very hard guitar arrangement and vocalists, and Tewari's gritty vocals enhance this song further. The beat and Tewari's voice calms during the interludes, making it a much more pleasurable to the ear. This is by far the best track on the album. 5/5

We have the second version of Aag Ki Dariya (Unplugged) by Sachinn Gupta. The guitar and drums are stripped away for the much softer sweeter sounds of piano and flutes. It sounds like a completely new song. Its a nice a slow for a calm listen. Both version are great in their own way. This one carries a more sorrowful tune, while the original is filled with more anger. 4.5/5

Eene Unne begins with harmonium tying back to the village roots of this Issaq. This is much better than Bhole Chale, and is the dance number of Issaq, if not the item number. Many singers like  Papon, Mamta Sharma, Kirti Sagathiya, and Tarun Sagar are featured here. There some speaking between the male and female on the album, but it doesn't take away much from the songs. The quick instrumentals and vocals make the song very catchy. There are not many songs out like this these days. 4/5

Malini Awasthi and Raghubir Yadav unite for the traditional number Bhagan Ke Rehan Ke.  This is another classical, perhaps a wedding number, but this one doesn't have much of a hook at all. Its pretty good song with sad undertones, but its not a song worth repeated listens. 3/5

Issaq has many great memorable tracks and should not be overlooked. I'm really looking forward to see how all this is picturized on the screen and will hope the audience will recognize this soundtrack's value.

My Picks: Aag Ki Dariya, Aag Ki Dariya (Unplugged), Jheeni Re Jheeni, Eene Unne, Issaq Tera (Male)

Be sure to check out my other reviews:
Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobara: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/07/once-upon-time-in-mumbai-dobara-music.html
Boyss Toh Boyss Hain: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/07/boyss-toh-boyss-hai-music-review.html
D-Day: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/d-day-music-review.html
Chennai Express: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/07/chennai-express-music-review.html
Ramaiya Vastavaiya: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/ramaiya-vastavaiya-music-review.htm


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Ramaiya Vastavaiya: Music Review

Music Director: Sachin-Jigar

Starring: Shruti Hassan, Girish Kumar, & Sonu Sood

Chocolate Horses

Shruti Hassan is back in Bollywood with Prabhu Deva's Ramaiya Vastavaiya, and newcomer Girish Kumar. The composers for this album are duo Sachin-Jigar. They worked with other composers like Pritam and AR Rahman  for soundtracks, like Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya and Ekk Deewana Tha. Ramaiya Vastavaiya boasts a variety of numbers, not all memorable.

Our first track Jeene Laga Hoon starts Ramaiya Vastavaiya off just right. Atif Aslam's soft and syrupy voice intertwines well with the magical instrumentals. Shreya Ghoshal's voice plays off his voice and the melody perfectly. This is a beautiful romantic duet with all the elements in the all the right places. Don't miss this one. It will have you addicted. 5/5

Mika Singh and Monali Thakur sing the dance number Hip Hop Pummy. The Punjabi hip-hop style number falls along the same lines of every Punjabi number that has been brought to us in recent times. It's not a bad song, its just not memorable or addictive. 3/5

Shreya and Atif team up again for Bairiya. This is a slower romantic duet than Jeene Laga Hoon. Shreya is more of the dominant voice on this soundtrack, and Atif's voice doesn't seem to fit the slow, romantic quality that is necessary. The instrumentals are of superior quality, but this song doesn't have any worthwhile hook and ends up sounding too long for it's four minute duration. 3/5

Peecha Chhute picks up the pace a little. The beat immediately catches the listeners ear, and then Mohit Chauhan's voice pulls us further in. This fun, frothy number will hook you immediately. It has catchy short interludes of a chorus "Rama Rama Re" that are sliced well into the song. 5/5

 "I hate you like I love you"

Shreya and Atif return for the third time in Ramaiya Vastavaiya  for Rang Jo Lagyo. This song builds beautifully, and features Atif's voice in a falsetto. At times, there seems to be a little strain on the vocals, but the light instrumentals and meaningful lyrics compensate for it. Atif goes solo for the first three and a half minutes and the Shreya takes over momentarily. They are a beautiful duo as usual. 4/5

We have a second dance number, Jadoo Ki Jhappi, that brings us back to the movie's original South Indian roots. This one has instantaneous South Indian flair and features the artists, Neha Kakkar and Mika Singh. Jadoo Ki Jhappi (Part 2) is almost the same except it has Mika Singh solo. Neither one is better than each other. This song is for the item song fanatic and no one else. 3/5

On the whole, Ramaiya Vastavaiya is not a bad album. Most of the songs are just okay, but when the songs are good they are fabulous. Snag the good ones and leave the rest behind.

My Picks: Peecha Chhute, Jeene Laga Hoon, Rang Jo Lagyo 

Check Out My Other Reviews:

Ghanchakkar, Issaq, Raanjhanaa, Lootera, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Once Upon A Time In Mumbai

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Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani: Music Review

Music Director: Pritam

Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalki Kochelin, Kunaal Roy Kapur

Pritam is back with a new soundtrack, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. This Ranbir-Deepika comeback rom-com gives leeway for Pritam to experiment. This soundtrack brings the energizing rhythm, while bringing cool, refreshing songs into the mix. Of course, we can always expect a few memorable songs from Pritam album (stolen or not stolen) and here is no different.

Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani begins with the dance number Badtameez Dil. I have to admit I was obsessed with the 1 minute and 45 second long trailer until the release of the full length song. The sound of the saxophone and the trumpets add a classy touch to the nonsensical lyrics.Words flow seamlessly into each other like aloo bhatt, puri bhatt, and  bollywood, hollywood, jollygood. There is lots of rhymes and alliteration, so once Benny Dayal's voice pulls you in it never lets you go. However, Shefali Alvaris' voice is not very pleasant when it comes in at the end of the song. It sounds electronic and autotuned, and does not tie into Benny's smooth word flow. To me it should have been Benny solo. Nevertheless, still a good song. 4/5

Next is Balam Pichkari featuring Shalmali Kholgade and Vishal Dhadlani. Shalmali's voice is a bit eccentric, but its just what it takes to kick-start the song, after the traditional beginning. This is fun, quirky Holi song, we have traditional sounds with violin and whistling. The lyrics are as fun as the beat, and Shalmali and Vishal make an amazing pair. This song is a winner all the way through. 5/5

Our Mohit Chauhan track is Illahi. The song begins with chanting and guitar. This is definitely the young man refreshing song of the album. Illahi separates itself from the first two songs. In the interludes, there is a chorus of children chanting "Na Na Na". Because of the chorus wouldn't listen to this song on its own, but I think this works very well in the movie. 3/5

Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani picks up again with Dilliwali Girlfriend featuring Arjit Singh and Sunidhi Chauhan.  This one has small touches of bhangra and has a desi tune with some English thrown in the middle. This sounds like a typical Pritam wedding song, almost like Soniye Ve Dhak Dhak from Kismat Konnection. Pritam seemed to copy his own style this time. Its a good track, but its really nothing new. 3/5

There are two versions of Kabira. Kabira (Original) features Tochi Raina and Rekha Bhardwaj. This song slow rock melody and both artists' voice are raw with pain. The second version, Kabira (Encore) by Hashdeep Kaur and Arjit Singh has much more soul. We have a more traditional song with a lighter melody in this outing. The chorus and Indian instrumental enhances the beauty of this song.  The encore is like a slow, peaceful ride through the countryside. 3/5 & 5/5

Sreeram and Shilpa Rao's Subhanallah is the romantic duet of Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. Its a light, uplifting song about falling in love that borders on cheesy at
times. To me, it sounds like a re-creation of Shukraan Allah from Kurbaan. Nevertheless, its fresh and exhilerating, with Sreerams squeaky clean vocals. 4/5

Lastly, there is Ghagra our item number staring Madhuri Dixit. So we have a older woman's voice, Rekha Bhardwaj, and a younger man's voice, Vishal Dhadlani. This song begins slow, but picks up pace. However, it lacks the spice and flash that other item numbers have. There are some hooks, but more is needed to make this song a chartbuster. 3.5/5

In the end, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani has a few fantastic numbers, but most of the songs are lacking elements that will help them stand out from other songs like its kind.

My Picks: Balam Pichkari, Kabira (Encore), Badtameez Dil, Subhanallah

Issaq: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/bollywood-music-review-issaq_21.html

Ghanchakkar: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/bollywood-music-reviewsghanchakkar.html

Lootera:http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/bollywood-music-review-lootera.html

Raanjhanaa: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/bollywood-music-reviews-raanjhanaa.html

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