Karam   Producer: Harry Baweja Director: Sanjay F. Gupta Starring: John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra, Shiney Ahuja, Bharat Dabholkar, Vishwajeet Pradhan Music: Vishal-Shekhar, Pankaj Awasthi, and Amit Mishra Lyrics: Vishal Dadlani, Dev Kohli, Irshad Kaamli Singers: Sonu Nigam, Mahalaxmi Iyer, Sunidhi Chauhan, Vishal Dadlani, Pankaj Awasthi, Harshdeep, and Alisha Chinoy Audio On: T-Series    Number of Songs: 9 Album Released on: February 2005 Reviewed by: Aakash Gandhi  - Rating: 7.5 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review Movie Review

Vishal-Shekhar captured the youth’s hearts in Popcorn Khao…Mast Ho Jao, Musafir, and Shabd; let’s see if they can do it all over again!

With Vishal-Shekhar there is always one constant…Sunidhi Chauhan. In every album that they wave their wand at, she has atleast one song that takes the nation by storm, whether it be

Chal Hatt (Shaadi Ka Laddoo), Dupatta Beiman Re (Popcorn Khao…), Saaki (Musafir), or

Khoya Khoya/Sholon Si (Shabd). She’s in the hot n’ heavy mode once again here with Ishq Nachaiya Kare. V-S use their skill of creating a high-energized dance number here to create something that should conquer the dance floor for a little while. Although upbeat, this number doesn’t live up to some of the previously mentioned gems that these three individuals have created together. Although Vishal lifts himself out of the clichéd item lyrics, he doesn’t create anything special. All in all, this one is a good piece that should take control over the clubs and dance floors for a short hiatus. The instrumental version is of lesser value.

After creating a flashy item track previously, these versatile composers revert to yet another one of their specialties: Romance! Koi Aisa Alam brings together a pair of extremely talented singers rarely ever heard together, Sonu Nigam and Mahalaxmi Iyer. It must be noted that Mahalxmi is amongst V-S’s favorite vocalists and is finally re-introduced here after being invisible in their last couple of albums. With the serene support of a Nylon guitar, V-S create an environment that will ooze all over you. Sonu Nigam and Mahalaxmi work together perfectly as their voices are a couple to amaze!

Dev Kohli’s lyrics fit the puzzle perfectly as he escapes the wraths of conventionalism in writing some fresh romantic poetry. V-S create another fabulous legacy with Koi Aisa Alam that will live on in the Romance Books…(note: this is the only track that doesn’t have a rehashed version)

Le Jaa, which appears in two versions, must be noted for its lyrical ingenuity, which is provided by Vishal, who redeems himself with this Punjabi/sufi influenced track. Vishal-Shekhar’s mellow orchestration is appropriate for the theme of the track. Vishal not only composes and writes, but he also sings (nothing new) alongside Harshdeep. Vishal’s voice is definitely one that won’t sit will with many, however his vocals fit certain songs uncannily, such as this one. Harshdeep sounds like a duplicate Richa Sharma. Knowing V-S and Richa Sharma’s reputation is one of class (Dhooriyan and Rabba), one wonders why they didn’t go for Ms. Sharma in this piece. Evidently, V-S want to add to their exclusive collection of singers. This song passes, yet it’s definitely not up to the standards that Vishal and Shekhar have set for themselves

Guest composers, Pankaj Awasthi and Amit Mishra, compose the title track Tera Hi Karam. One who doesn’t read the credits could have easily mistaken this one as one of Vishal-Shekhar’s tunes as their styles of composition are very similar. Nonetheless, Pankaj Awasthi renders this piece himself with yet another sufi influenced voice. His vocal talent is definitely evident, however, it won’t sit well with the listeners as well due to its sharp texture (similar to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan). The song has its catchy moments and does succeed to an extent. Presented in two versions, Awasthi and Mishra can’t do much to help this album.

Alisha Chinoy makes a rare appearance in Tinka Tinka. Vishal-Shekhar are able to end an otherwise average-to-above-average album on a stupendous note. Alisha’s voice glides over the light rock composition with utter ease. V-S’s play of the piano in the musical interludes add a touch of grandiose to the song. Vishal and Irshad Kaamli’s lyrics are just, in that they successfully capture the feeling of sensuality. This piece is repeated with an Instrumental reprisal that too, has its moments.

Definitely not one of Vishal and Shekhar’s best works, actually amongst their worst albums, but it still succeeds. That should give you a hint as to how skilled this duo is. These contemporary artists are out with a vengeance and one of these days they are going to blow the roof off the Hindi Music Industry, if they haven’t done so already. The music of Karam has just succeeded in helping raising the hype of this rather unpopular film…hopefully the music of Karam will find a place in your music collection.