Yeh Vaada Raha   Producer: Ramesh Behl Director: Kapil Kapoor Starring: Rishi Kapoor, Tina Munim, Poonam Dhillon, Raakhee & Shammi Kapoor Music: R.D.Burman Lyrics: Gulshan Bawra Singers: Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar Audio On: Music India    Number of Songs: 6 Reviewed by: Mandeep Bahra  - Rating: 10.0 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review

Whatever the fate of Ramesh Behl’s movies, hit or flop, their soundtracks were always worth listening to. Yeh Vaada Raha shines like a sparkling diamond among other precious Ramesh Behl gems. Forget all the sleazy, tawdry remixes that topped the Indian charts recently; the original is far superior. R.D.Burman gave some of his most innovative tunes to Behl like "Jaane Jaan Dhoondta" (Jawani Diwani) and "Kasme Vaade Nibhayenge Hum" (Kasme Vaade). However, with Yeh Vaada Raha, R.D.Burman hit gold! Six exquisite tunes with timeless appeal. Gulshan Bawra, for once, abandoned his trademark colloquial, frivolous lyrics for real poetry and what emerged was arguably the best romantic album of the eighties. All the songs fit the film’s story perfectly, making the album all the more enjoyable.

Starting with "Yeh Vaada Raha" the album sets a standard that is upheld throughout the soundtrack. The title track has one of the coolest intro.’s ever, leading to a very ear-friendly duet. The touch of modern jazz fused with an Indian melody is made even more enjoyable by some great singing by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar, and some infectious rhythmic hand-clapping which is used to great effect in the film. Very few songs have this kind of appeal: the more you hear it, the more you want to hear it. Rewind!

The solo, "Aisa Kabhi Hua Nahin" has Kishore Kumar describing the girl of his dreams. Listen to Kishore sing the heroine’s name, "Sunita, Sunita, Sunita…." at the beginning of the song and you’ll recognise where Ismail Darbar got his inspiration for the recurring riff in "Aakhon Ki Gustakhiyan" from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar team up again for three more duets. Firstly, "Jeene Ko To Jeete Hain Sabhi", which is a light hearted tune with rather philosophical lyrics. However, the song is enjoyable and the lyrics don’t sound like they’re preaching.

"Maine Tujhe Kabhie Kuch Kaha Tha" is a more conventional love song with a tune you’ll be humming for hours. As in the title track, Asha Bhosle sounds particularly good in this song, not that Kishore Kumar doesn’t. Once again, the song will make you want to hit the rewind button.

From the soothing tones of the previous track to the more up-beat, "Ishq Mera Bandagi Hai", Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar continue to enthral us. The hand-clapping resurfaces briefly connecting it to the title track. The ‘gypsy/calypso’ style of the song is a departure from the pace of the rest of the album but the lyrics are no less poignant. Yet again the song caters to the story, making it an essential part of the album.

Finally, Asha Bhosle goes it alone for, "Mil Gayee Aaj Do Lehren". Asha’s singing is impeccable as she gives real shape to this finale number. The by now famous hand-clapping recurs giving a final turning point to the story (watch the film and you’ll know what I mean).

Yeh Vaada Raha is definitely one of R.D.Burman’s most accomplished albums. Indian melodies orchestrated in a very contemporary style (for the early eighties, anyway). No serious music collection is complete without this album, so if you don’t have it, what are you waiting for?!