Alright everyone rejoice! Nadeem Shravan are back in full form, providing us with some true blue music. Kasoor is their latest offering as music directors and after the success of this summers Dhadkan and last summers Sirf Tum, they bring us some more of that good stuff. Kasoor is a relief in today´s day and age. We don´t come by those truly satisfying scores every day and god knows the last few months have been horrible for Hindi film music, Nadeem Shravan on the other hand provide us with simple, yet refreshing compositions.

Kasoor has the Nadeem Shravan stamp on it. Yes those same simple beats, but there is a small, yet effective twist to their usual compositions. There has been a lot more focus on the saxophone, and trumpets along with experimentation with the piano going on in these songs. The result is not earth shattering, but a lot more interesting to hear. As for vocalists, there are three singers for all six songs! The usual hindi soundtrack these days consists of anywhere from six to eleven different singers, here we have the crème de la crème of playback singers. Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik.

Side A begins with the song that is on everyone´s lips, the song which has been released as their first teaser. Kitni Bechain Hoke sung with ease by Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan. The song will definitely be a chart topper. Nadeem Shravan have done an awesome job with their musical composition in this track. Whether it be the saxophone and piano trills which open the songs or Alka´s sensuous yet innocent vocals which carry the track, this one is a definite crowd pleaser. Udit compliments Alka´s smooth vocals, but the song definitely belongs to Alka who infuses a certain playfulness into this seductive track. Sameer´s verses for the song are somewhat different, but they still keep in the boundaries of a typical Sameer verse, so there is no change from him. The perfect way to start off the album.

Zindagi Ban Gaye Ho Tum is that typical Nadeem Shravan track. We´ve heard the tabla/jhankar infusion backbeat before, we have heard a variation of the same lyrics, but it is still interesting. Why? Well personally I liked the piano trills which occasionally popped up in between lyrics. The small and simple addition to the typical score works wonders. Alka and Udit glide through the track with ease, every note is hit and overall the song, although pleasurable, doesn´t really stray from the mainstream and does not provide any challenge for the two vocalists.

Mohabbat Ho Na Jaye is an attempt by Nadeem Shravan to break away from their image. The track has a distinctively westernized feel, but not in the techno whiplash way, more in the soft melodious way. This track isn´t instantly likeable, but the verses specifically sound different and that adds to the appeal of the song. Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu do a commendable job with their vocals, but they almost seem to struggle with the chorus bit of the song. Sameer does his usual again, not really providing anything new in terms of lyrics. This track takes a few listens to get used to.

Koi To Saathi Chahiye begins Side B of the album. This super solo is sung with verve and gusto by Kumar Sanu. His vocals glide over the lyrics like silk on skin. He does a commendable job effortlessly. The composition itself is not typical of Nadeem Shravan but again it is not really that different either. However the song is a winner, and that´s for sure. Sameer also wins with his lyrics, the melancholy expressed through his penmanship is effective.

If Kumar Sanu can have a solo, then Alka Yagnik also gets her solo. Dil Mera Tod Diya has to be the second best song on the album. It´s an Alka powerhouse, a hands down winner. Her vocals aren´t provided with much of a challenge, but she still manages to breath life into this track. Sameer´s lyrics are wonderful, he really excels with this track and provides us with some memorable lines. The composition itself is nothing out of the ordinary, but thanks to the lyrics and vocals, it´s a pleasure to listen to this one!

Kal Raat Ho Gayee brings Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik back together to end off the album. The song is a decent effort, but it pales in comparison to the other tracks on the album. The reason for that may be the fact that the song is recorded on a lower frequency than the others. The tabla/jhankar infused beats are back in the compositions along with the violins. Nadeem Shravan don´t really stray from their formula here, they keep it simple. Sameer who impressed with the lyrics for the previous two songs goes back to his normal self here and provides us with those typical lyrics. Overall the song is enjoyable, but not as enjoyable as any of the other songs on the album.

In total Kasoor is not a classic, it´s not mind boggling, it´s not earth shattering, but it is good, simple, loveable music. Nadeem Shravan don´t really experiment here with different variations of music, they stick to their usual for most of the album however the experimentation with instrumentation in the songs is what makes them shine. With the exception of Kitni Bechain Hoke none of the other songs stand out as different. Sameer does the usual job with his lyrics and although he briefly does surprise us with lyrical perfection, it is overshadowed by the typical lovey dovey stuff he is known for. Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu do a great job with their vocals, there is no big challenge, but at the same time they do manage to make a difference to the album.

Vikram Bhatt has done a good job at choosing compositions for this Lisa Ray/Aftab starrer. In the tradition of Bhatt films, he has chosen music which is not too flashy, but likeable and endearing. Although Kasoor is no Aashiqui it is not a typical score for today´s times. Kasoor will stand out due to it´s simplicity and the fact that it is original compared to the other soundtracks on the market these days. If music has an effect on the collections of a film, then Kasoor is definitely on its way to becoming a hit.