Daawat-e-Ishq: Music Review

  Starring: Parineeti Chopra & Aditya Roy Kapur

Music Composer: Sajid - Wajid

Daawat-e-Ishq, or Feast of Love, is a romance about a young saleswoman, Parineeti Chopra, and Aditya Roy Kapur, a charming young chef who woos her with his spicy kebabs and greasy naan. The music is composed by the Yash Raj banner favorite, Sajid-Wajid, who gave us Ek Tha Tiger, and just like other Yash Chopra films the standards are high for this one. This sweet romance brings in seasoned favorites like, Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, and Javed Ali, who each have dozens of classic romance songs under their belt. Daawat-E-Ishq promises a lot more than it has to offer. 

Daawat-e-Ishq's album kicks off with a classical style qawwali title track that  has already been recently sending waves across Indian cinema. Daawat-e-Ishq ropes in Javed Ali in his comfort zone, utilizing all his vocal capacity with alaps. Tabla combines beautifully with harmonium among other  instruments to add further to the complexity of this song. This song tends to sound a little too much like a title track, as it is very conversational, making it a more situational number. However, as the song progresses, Sunidhi Chauhan jumps in and the pace increases. 3.5/5

Mannat, Daawat-e-Ishq's core song features Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, and Keerthi. The instrumentals are richly done in this song, as the title song. However as rich as these instrumentals are, this song instrumentals are not multilayered, offering variety. Offering a touch of the Middle East, this is a Sonu song entirely, with bits and pieces of Shreya and Keerthi. This song is a little more serious in tone than one what expect from this type of romantic song, but nevertheless is a welcome addition to the soundtrack. 4/5

In the Mannat (reprise) Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam trade places. She is now the lead singer, and does a great job in Nigam's shoes. Sonu Nigam takes the backseat in this one, however it is still a fantastic song. Depending on your singer preference, either duet is good. They are both equals in vocal talent. 4/5

Sounding like a typical Holi song, Rangreli, brings in lots of traditional Indian instruments, like dhol, alongside brass instruments, and brings in a lot of scraps from the title track into the melody. The drumming is heavy, and Shreya Ghoshal's voice is playful and intertwines well with Wajid's voice. Although this song is a burst of fun, and has excellent use of instrumentals, there is nothing really distinct about this song in the end. 3/5

Shalmali Kholgade enters the Daawat-e-Ishq soundtrack with Shayarana. This female solo is the least intricate of all the songs in this music soundtrack. It is the typically strong female song we have seen from the Yash Raj Camp, like Jazba, though lacking the overall energy. The strange guitar beats, snapping, and Shalmali Kholgade's Western sounding singing when she says the "Shayarana ooo oo " hook, brings in a cheesy inspirational country hook into the song that make it sound very Western and contemporary, making it different from the rest of the soundtrack. 2.5/5

The music gets back on course once again with a rock infused classical song, Jadu Tone Waaliyaan by Shabab Sabri who does an excellent job of classical performance. The electric guitar portions seem to overwhelm the traditional portions, as well as the strange use of a saxophone midway. Not really a harmonious merging of East and West, but not horrible either. 3/5

The Daawat-E-Ishq instrumental is a good background music for the album, but is not something to focus on entirely for listening pleasure. It goes in too many directions to listen to alone. Although, it sounds less complex than the original song, it really doesn't offer anything for the listener to do anything with. 2/5

In the end, the Daawat-E-Ishq soundtrack is not really a feast of love, or a feast of superb music for that matter. It doesn't have horrible songs, but it doesn't really have enough good songs to be considered a remarkable album. For so many skilled singers and products, Daawat-E-Ishq's soundtrack did not live up to the Yash Banner expectations of good music.

My Picks: Mannat, Mannat (reprise), Daawat-e-Ishq

Keep Reading:
Kick Music Review

Hate Story 2

Ek Villain Music Review

Lekar Hum Deewana Dil Music Review

CityLights Music Review

Kick: Music Review

Starring: Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, & Randeep Hooda 

Music Composers: Himesh Reshammiya & Meet Bros Anjann

Himesh Reshammiya is continuing on with his 2014 Bollywood escapade in Salman Khan's latest film, Kick, after the musical disaster that was Humshakals. Alongside him, are the Meet Bros Anjann still rivaling in the Hate Story 2 success of Pink Lips.  In this 12 track Bollywood music album, we see repeats of several songs. Having multiple versions of songs seems to be the trend in Bollywood as of late. We have also been seeing many actresses and actors stepping up to the plate and singing behind mike, like Shraddha Kapoor in  Ek Villain and Shruti Hassan in D-Day. Salman Khan lends his vocals to the Kick soundtrack. His leading lady, Jacqueline Fernandez, and co-stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Randeep Hooda, unfortunately, have not contributed to the vocals of this album. 

The Kick soundtrack opens with duo Mika Singh and Palak Mucchal's Jumme Ki Raat. This is exactly the type of song we would usually see Mika Singh in. Himesh seems to be sticking to these desi folk compositions, like Humshakal's Khol De Dil Ki Khidi, also sung by Mika Singh. However, Reshammiya definitely improves on this song injecting it with more life, and making it sound like a pumped up version on Bodyguard (title track), whistling included. Muchhal's vocals come across as decent, but weak. Sunidhi Chauhan, or a stronger female vocalist would have been the prime selection for this kind of song. The winning instrument is,in fact, the Shennai.  Jumme Ki Raat (Version 2) Remix amps up the drums and base, making the song much more enjoyable than the original.  3/5 & 4/5

Jumme Ki Raat (Version 2) features Salman Khan and Palak Muchhal as the vocalists. It is exactly the same as the original version of Jumme Ki Raat. Sadly, Salman Khan does not excel above Mika Singh here. He seems a bit pitchy, almost screaming the lyrics and unable to reach the heights that Singh took it to. Jumme Ki Raat (Version 1) Remix also the same as the Mika Singh's remix version, instead featuring Salman Khan. 3/5 & 3.5/5

Salman Khan is able to redeem himself  in Kick with the duet Hangover . The song is surprisingly mellow for the title, Hangover. Shreya Ghoshal and Salman Khan's voices melt into one another in Meet Bros Anjann composition. This Kick song is multidimensional as this starts as a high class track with the violins preceding Khan's voice, and evolves into an R&B style song as they repeat "Hangover". Perhaps, Hangover, was not the best word choice, as it detracts from the quality from the song, but as in Meet Bros Anjann style they do title this Hindi song with a English word. Thankfully, it wasn't anything like Pink Lips, Pinky or Baby Doll. Something in Hindi seems to be the better choice for Kick, but somehow this track doesn't disappoint too much. 3.5/5 

Hangover (Remix) keeps Salman Khan and Shreya Ghoshal, but adds an additional, and arguably unnecessary layer of beat to the song, detracting from the orginial beauty of the song. 3/5

Hangover Promo Video

The Hangover is redone in Hangover (MBA Swag). This version is the kind of version you would expect from Hangover combined with Swag. The violins and guitar are stripped from this version and are replaced with EDM fused with Punjabi style Desi Beats. We see the some Hindi rapping from the Meet Bros Anjann additionally. This song does detract from Salman Khan's original, and tends to work on the nerves after some time. 3.5/5

Tu Hi Tu is the second romance song in Kick, featuring rising singer, Mohammad Irfan. Irfan has been up an around the scene, making his territory with Banjaara from Ek Villain. His vocals are just as impressive as his previous songs. Light and airy, he sings this song solo, reaching incredible highs and lows with his voice. This song has a light tone, beginning with piano, and having light guitar and violins later on. Extremely tasteful. 4/5

However, the downside of this song has six versions that I will pay little attention to. So the Tu Hi Tu (Version 1) also by Mohammad Irfan, kicks off with a rap and then a reggae, and R&B beat. No. 2/5

Neeti Mohan also has her own version, Tu Hi Tu (Reprise) and Tu Hi Tu (House Mix). Her reprise version is identical Mohammad Irfan's version and is on par with his vocals. The House Mix takes an EDM reggae twist, that is not at all feasible for this type of romantic song, and uses words like "Grind on Him" and "Shine on Him". 4/5 & 2/5

The third set of versions of Tu Hi Tu are done by Salman Khan, in Tu Hi Tu 2 (Version 2) and Tu Hi Tu (Version 2) Remix. This song doesn't match to Mohammad Irfan's version, but isn't horrible either. Khan's voice sounds a little raspy here and isn't as smooth as Irfan's original vocals. This fortieth Kick remix the same as Mohan's remix and just as bad. 3/5 & 2/5

Yaar Na Miley featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh and Jasmine, is surprisingly the only song that isn't remixed on the Kick soundtrack. This is supposedly the item number of the soundtrack, with Nargis Fakri as the main dancer, which is pretty much all she is good for at this point in her career. This EDM song is a little bland, and offers nothing we haven't heard before. Lyrically, like all item numbers, the item girl is boasting how great she is. Yo Yo Honey Singh's rap is the only bright part of this soundtrack, however he is only it in for a little bit of time. 3.5/5

In the end, Himesh Reshammiya outdoes himself in the Kick soundtrack. Despite the album being weighed down with multiple remixes, this Hindi soundtrack is able to come out as a winner. The soundtrack will definitely help promote the soundtrack, but according to history a Salman Khan movie can't be a failure during Eid. 

My Picks: Tu Hi Tu, Jumme Ki Raat (Version 2) Remix, Yaar Na Miley, Hangover

Keep Reading:

Hate Story 2

Ek Villain Music Review

Lekar Hum Deewana Dil Music Review

CityLights Music Review

Humshakals Music Review

Zanjeer: Music Review

Music Directors: Chitrantan Bhatt, Anand Raj Anand, Meet Bros Anjan and Ankit

Starring: Priyanka Chopra, Ram Charan, Sanjay Dutt

"Not so most comfortable with this hug"

The Zanjeer remake's marketability is off to a rough start with the introduction of the Telegu actor Ram Charan, however Priyanka Chopra will absolutely be the the saving grace when it comes to bringing in the audiences. The three music composers have a lot on their hands with the Zanjeer soundtrack, as it will be compared to the original. 

Zanjeer begins with Mumbai Ka Hero featuring Mika Singh and Talia Benson. This Chitrantan Bhatt
composition the typical roguish hero song that Mika Singh is popular for with bits and pieces of rap and speaking verses tossed in the middle. Its reminiscent of "Udd Udd Dabangg".  I'm sure that Talia Benson is responsible for the horrible female rap intrusion in the middle. Here's a lyric from it, "Oh my god is that your gun?!! Can I hold it pleeeease???" This song offers nothing new and certainly nothing listenable. 2/5

Pinky: Lesser than Munni
Greater than Sheila

The soundtrack continues with the item number Pinky featuring Mamta Sharma and the Meet Bros. This song falls into the Sheila-Munni item number craze. It lacks anything special and almost sounds like a leftover nineties composition. The lyrics are tasteless. [The song picturized on the left] This Meet Bros Anjan Akit composition is a loser. 2/5

Chitrantan Bhatt composes another song in Zanjeer called Lamha Tera Mera. This romantic song by Wajhi Farooki and Palak Muchhal separates itself from the soundtrack with its lighthearted upbeat flavor. These two are a great duo and work so well together to create a special, uplifting song. 5/5

We have another Ankit Bros composition Kochey Pathan Ki Zubaan (Qawaali). It contains all the necessary elements of a qawaali and even features Sukhwinder Singh along with Shabaab Sabri and the Meet Bros. It sounds very similar to Agneepath remake's qawaali number, Shah Ka Rutba. However, it is a mediocre composition that had the potential to be so much more 3/5

Kaatilana is another item number from Zanjeer, but more retro sounding than the traditional Pinky. Shweta Pandit sings her heart out against the disco beats. This song is situtational could definitely danced at a critical part of the movie and compares to Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai's Parda Hai Parda.  2.5/5

The Proper Way to Catch Criminals
Dance In  High Heeled Boots and Shorts

The third item number is Shakila Banoo exclusively features Shreya Ghoshal. Composer Anand Raj Anand knows how to bring in a unique flavor while blending old school with new school, and urban with rural. Ghoshal's voice is naughty enough to pull off this number. Shakila Banoo is high in spice, bringing in various instruments like the tabla and harmonium  and really distinguishes itself from the other two item numbers in Zanjeer. 4/5

Thankfully, there is only one remix in Zanjeer that is Kaatilana M.B.A Club Mix. The song is definitely better this time around due to the extra beat that the other version was lacking previously. Who knows what M.B.A stands for here? Hopefully not a degree.3/5

In the end, the Zanjeer soundtrack is mediocre. The plethora of item numbers overwhelms the soundtrack and lowers its quality as a whole.  The composers seem as if they weren't trying to produce anything special and they certainly didn't except for the two outliers below.

My Picks: Lamha Tera Mera, Shakila Banoo 

Check out my other reviews!
Shuddh Desi Romance: Music Review
Grand Masti: Music Review
BollywoodBegum

Luv U Soniyo: Music Review

Music Director: Vipin Patwa

Starring: Neha Hinge, Tanuj Virwani 

Prepare to be romanced, well at least in a cheesy way. What else can a movie called Luv U Soniyo promise? The soundtrack is kind of a corny joyride, but nevertheless a ride. This soundtrack combines Mexican delights with the Indian beats. Be prepared for disaster!

Luv U Soniyo starts with one of my favorite singers, K.K, with Tumsa Nahin Hai Koi. The piano puts a beautiful spin on the song, but this song is really like any empowering romance song. K.K's soft vocals rise almost unbearably when he almost screams "Tums Nahin Hai Koi". Anwesha Sarkar's voice comes in towards the later and softens the song a little. Average. 2.5/5

Pyar Tera by Sonu Nigam has a sweet melody complete with piano like the previous song. It almost sounds like it has been pulled out of a nineties soundtrack. There is a corny English part which talks about how great love is. Just no. 2/5

Pyar Tera is done again in Love U Soniyo in Pyar Tera (Unplugged) sung again by Sonu Nigam, This one is a definite improvement on the original. The melody is kept nice and pure, but it still sounds nineties. 3/5

Luv U Soniyo is our title track by Remo Fernandez. This is where we first see our Mexican flavor. This song captures Mexico in a very annoying way, it almost sounds jarring. We hear phrases and words like, pencil, half a dil, bale bale, bhangra bhangra. This song is trying to do too much, and comes across as irritating 2/5

Eww, you got something  nastaaay
on your back. 

Chalo Chalte Hai Mexico is another Mexican tinged song sung by our sweet Shaan. This a softer selection, and thankfully sounds nothing like our title track. It comes across as endearing, but the English pieces "Can't you see you belong to me" spoil it. Still one of the better songs. 3/5

Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Nigam, and Joy come together for Youre My Valentine. If you have a thinking close to mine, you are already cringing at this title. This is the ultimate cheesy number of the soundtrack. Its so contrived and sounds like a thousand other songs. It is a mix of romance,dance, and pure cheesiness, especially when they say "Yo-o-u A-rrr-eee My Val-ent-iiiine". 2/5

Palko Hai Phool has the duo of Shreya Ghoshal and Shaan. This song mentions Valentines Day again. From the beat to the lyrics this song is a definite no. Too much half-baked romance. 2.5/5

Love You Soniyo (Mashup) is horrible. Most mashup songs never work. Its just an unsatisfying combination of the entire soundtrack. Don't listen. 0/5

Love You Soniyo has the power to make you cringe at its cheesy romantic songs. The compositions are like leftover compositions of the 90's and early 2000's. Stay away from this one!

My Picks If I had to Choose:  Chalo Chale Mexico, Pyar Tera (Unplugged)

Was this soundtrack that bad as I'm making it seem? You tell me!
BollywoodBegum

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
Chennai Express:http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/07/chennai-express-music-review.html
D-Day: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/d-day-music-review.html
Boyss Toh Boyss Hai:http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/07/boyss-toh-boyss-hai-music-review.html

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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Raanjhanaa: Music Review

Music Director: A.R Rahman

Starring: Sonam Kapoor & Dhanush

So if you didn't know, A.R Rahman is back in Bollywood with a new soundtrack. It's Raanjhanaa from the makers of Tanu Weds Manu. A.R didn't really leave us with much memorable tracks in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, so I'm hoping this time he fares better.

So Raanjhanaa stars Sonam Kapoor with the Tamil actor, Dhanush. Unfortunately, Abhay Deol makes an extended appearance in the film as well (not a fan). The movie is slated to be released on June 21st. So far the trailers for Raanjhanaa look good, though I am still unsure what the movie is all about. Anyway, lets get down to the music.

Our first song is Raanjhanaa by Shiraz Uppal and Jaswinder Singh- You may remember Uppal from "Roya Re" from Dhoka. It's great to see him back, especially in combination with Jaswinder Singh. It is a very triumphant traditional, feel good song. However, is the title song in the movie, so it does title songs, attachment have like "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" from Jab Tak Hai Jaan. 3.5/5

Next we have Banarasiya sung by mainly Shreya Ghoshal, with contributions from two other female vocalists: Anwesha Gupta, Meenal Jain. This is the sole female folk song with Shreya at the heart. Her voice is sweet and soulful through the highs and lows. The flute and drum instrumentals are beautifully done draw you in. However, the song doesn't have a hook till these instrumentals. 3.5/5

Our main Sufi song of the album is Piya Milenge by Sukhwinder Singh, Sufi Ensemble. A.R combined with Sukhwinder is always a magical combination. Surely everyone recalls Chaiya Chaiya.  Sufi pieces are beautifully laced through this song, while Sukhwinder focuses more with instrumentals for a slight rock feel. 4/5

Ay Sakhi features three female voices taking equivalent parts: Madhushree, Chinmanyi, Vaishali Samant.  This song consists group of women singing and talking with each other. It's not enjoyable to listen to in leisure, but it will probably make sense so where in the movie. I deleted this one. 2/5

Our romantic duet of Raanjhanaa,  Nazar Lagi sung by Rashid Ali, Neeti Mohan, Nakash Aziz. This is one of my favorites on this album. It is a laid back melody complete with slow guitar. I haven't heard Mohan's before, but her voice goes well with Ali's. Every Rahman soundtrack needs a number that really slow and dripping in love, this is it. 5/5

Rabbi Shergill is back in Tun Mun Shudi. The contemporary cool guy solo song, basically is the male counterpart of Banarasiya. It is uplifting and has interesting multilayers of vocals and instrumentals. 4/5

Our slowest number of Raanjhanaa is Aise Na Dekho is sung and composed by A.R Rahman himself. It comes as no surprise that this song sounds sounds good. In the background we have slow jazz beat, but at the same time the songs stays close to the traditional sounds with the instrumentals and the whistling. It almost sounds like an unplugged version. This one an old school charm. 4/5

Rahman loves his instrumental numbers. The Land of Shiva is able to measure up to his past ones. I've always been a huge fan of Rahman's instrumentals. "Ishq Dance" from Jab Tak Hai Jaan and "Liquid Dance" from Slumdog Millionaire were amazing. This one is great. Its suspenseful, with a lot of bell ringing and horn blowing. Its almost as if you were trapped in a chaotic mandir. 4.5/5

Another romantic number Tum Tak by Javed Ali, Keerthi Sagathia, Pooja Vadiyanath excels. Traditional instrumental all the way through, as well as lots of traditional singing techniques. The female voice works well with Javed Ali's in this instance, to give this romantic number a fun, playful feel. There are a lot of hooks and variety to this song. Every time I listen to it I notice something new. 4.5/5

Overall Raanjhanaa is a great soundtrack that gets better as we go through the tracks. Compared to the Bollywood music releasing these days, this is a gold. Good job Rahman!

My Picks: Nazar Lagi, Tum Tak, Tun Mun Shudi, Piya Milenge

Check Out my Other Reviews:

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
Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani: http://bollywoodbegum.blogspot.com/2013/06/bollywood-music-review-yeh-jawani-hai.html

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