Kaante is another multi-starrer ready to hit the Hindi screen this year. Comprising of an unusual yet talented cast, the film was supposed to have as many six music directors, including A. R. Rahman and Viju Shah when it was first launched. Not only that, there were also supposed to be two soundtracks for the film; one comprising of songs from the film for the Hindi version, and the second containing the background music and other tracks for the English version. However, as it turns out, the makers decided not to get so ‘daring’ and ended up releasing just songs from the film, like any other Hindi film soundtrack. The soundtrack is disappointing, given there are a few songs that stick out, but other than that nothing special.

Anand Raaj Anand writes and sings “Ishq Samundar” along with Sunidhi Chauhan. The song is pretty catchy and well sung - Anu Malik needs to take singing lessons from Anand Raaj Anand, who knows how to keep his vocals in check. Anand Raaj Anand is known for dishing out peppy numbers, but he’s done a bit of experimentation here (and other songs in the album) with the arrangement - and that helps the song rather than going against it.

“Maahi Ve” sounds awfully similar to Shazia Manzoor’s “Aaja Soniya”, but nonetheless manages to turn out to be one of the better songs of the album. Richa Sharma and Sukhwinder Singh breeze through this one, they’ve sung many such songs before so nothing new for them here.

Probably the best song of the album is “Rama Re” sung by Sanjay Dutt, Anand Raaj Anand, Shaan, Zubin, and Sudesh Bhosle. Sanjay Dutt’s opening vocals are not only well sung but also well penned. The song is filled with attitude which takes us into the mind-set of the characters. Normally lyrics like ‘collar ko thoda sa upar chadha ke.. cigarette ke dhuyein ka chhalla bana ke’ are a turn off, but the mood of the song and the singing makes the words fit in.

“Socha Nahin Tha” sung by Shaan and Zubin is the sadder version of “Rama Re”, and it’s okay - typical sad/situational number.

“Chhod Na Re” is similar to “Rama Re”in the sense that it’s situational. Sung by Sanjay Dutt, Mahesh Manjrekar, Udit Narayan, and Sudesh Bhosle, this one isn’t as fun or well composed compared to “Rama Re”. Nonetheless, the song will hopefully be fun to watch in the film.

Sonu Nigam makes his only contribution in “Yaar Mangiyaasi.” The only unique thing about the song is that most of the words are Punjabi, but don’t look for any other uniqueness in the song. It’s just an ordinary sad song.

Another run of the mill number is “Dil Kya Kare” sung by Kumar Sanu and Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramanium. The song is not a new exercise for the singers, they’re used to these songs and have sung many as such before. There’s also a solo version by Kavita included in the album.

“Maut” is sung, composed, and written by Lucky Ali. The song is dark, pretty unusual for a Lucky Ali song. Lucky as always sings well, and does a bit of experimentation with his vocals every time he says ‘maut’. However, Lucky the composer and writer disappoints. These types of numbers aren’t his territory. As an ardent Lucky Ali fan, I hope in the future he sticks to what he excels in - soulful and meaningful songs.

“Baby Baby” sung by Sunidhi Chauhan may take a little time to grow on you. Though it’s nothing extraordinary, the beats and the arrangement make it tolerable. The slight touch of the electric guitar and the sax does a whole lot of good for the song. Sunidhi is in her element, breezing through the song without getting annoying.

Remixes of “Rama Re” and “Chhod Na Re” are also included on the album. However, the original versions of both songs are better in comparison to the remixes.

Anand Raaj Anand has tried to experiment a bit with his arrangements in Kaante, and that’s a welcome change. Though he still has a long way to go before he can be fully successful while experimenting (something which only Anu Malik and Ranjit Barot have accomplished recently with Aks, besides of course Rahman).