Abbas-Mustan have always had a good ear for music. For the most part they have always resurrected Anu Maliik and kept with him even in his down phases. Unfortunately some of their soundtracks were detailed of such, but it was Baazigar, which shot them into the spotlight, both Abbas-Mustan and Anu Maliik. The soundtrack was filled with a variety of love songs that easily hit the spot. While the soundtrack went on to become one of Anu Malik’s biggest hits, the Maliik here is obviously different than the Maliik of today, for the ‘inspiration’ nonetheless was quite evident. Baazigar was one of the many hits Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan had and the music was an essential part of this.

The title track would follow in traditions of excellent title tracks from the Abbas-Mustan -Maliik team. “Baazigar O Baazigar” is one of many Kumar Sanu-Alka hit numbers. It would pave the way for “Soldier Soldier” and “Mere Zindagi Mein from Soldier and Ajnabee. Maliik’s orchestration is immediately catchy and almost perfect. His use of the chorus to provide the listener with a sort of mood, not only for the song picturizations but the story of the film as well. Overall it was a great use of melody. Nawab Arzoo’s lyrics are perfect for the film and the song does well to start off the soundtrack on a hit note.

“Ae Mere Humsafar”, is an in tandem dholak musical which accentuates Gauhar Kanpuri’s lyrics and the deep husky voice of Vinod Rathod. Anu’s music was a hit for this number, but it is Rathod who carries the film off as Alka Yagnik supports him well with her soft renditions.

The pop feel is quite noticeable in the chartbuster, “Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen”. While the feet stomping tune is catchy and at times irresistible, the chorus is directly ripped off from an American pop tune. “Ta, uh oh, uh oh”, or something to that extent. That was easily forgiven with the dark Shah Rukh set his feet to it in the film. Kumar Sanu once again gives much reasoning to the success he faced earlier on in his career. Dev Kohli came up with more than apt lyrics to suite the situation. The percussion used by Maliik is good, and much better than his short contribution to the song.

Asha Bhosle contributes with “Kitaben Bahut Se” alongside Vinod Rathod. The song is a more passable tune with regular instrumentalization, regular lyrics courtesy of Rani Malik, and regular music.

Vinod Rathod has thus far dominated the soundtrack as with “Chuppa Na Bhi Nahin Aata”, his solo. Again, his deep husky vocals are the songs ticket and the slow composition is aptly toned for the feel of it. However, the song does have its portions of boringness including a portion where Rathod simply drags his vocals endlessly.

Unoriginal would be the best word for “Tere Chehre Pe”, a song by Alka Yagnik, which was not featured in the film. Fun, romantic, since the tune wasn’t in the film Malik decided to use it again (and had used some of the others for his future release Ishq).

Finally, “Samajh Kar Chand”, the romantic duet with Alka and Vinod was one of the better songs on the soundtrack. Zameer Kazmi’s lyrics are beautiful and Anu has composed to match them.

Baazigar showed that a group of lyricists with one composer could come up with a great deal of variety. It certainly holds a lot of melody, which would prove a great listen for anyone looking for good music.