Kajraare   Producer: Krishan Kumar, Bhushan Kumar Director: Pooja Bhatt Starring: Himesh Reshammiya, Mona Laizza, Amrita Singh, Natasha Sinha, Gaurav Chanana, Javed Sheikh, Gulshan Grover, Adnan Shah Music: Himesh Reshammiya Lyrics: Sameer Singers: Himesh Reshammiya, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Harshdeep Kaur Audio On: T-Series    Number of Songs: 11 Album Released on: 01 June 2010 Reviewed by: Gianysh Toolsee  - Rating: 7.5 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review

The challenge for the singer is to keep the fans in mind, as well as the audience of his release. This is how ‘Kajra Kajra Kajraare’ has been originally composed, retaining the same formula, of repeating the first few lines. Fuelled by a catchy tune, strong background music with dholaks, a solo violin piece, the composer’s familiar sounds with the keyboard, the first track is instantly lovable. Sunidhi Chauhan does the trick and gets mostly a supporting vocalist’s role. Her presence is mostly felt in the preludes and interludes, adding a hip-pop feel to this excellently composed number. The composer in Himesh Reshammiya makes excellent use of the orchestration, which is loud and clear. ‘Kajra Kajra Kajraare’ is on the same tempo of the title track of Aashiq Banaya Aapne, but is a completely upbeat experience. It is also a strong hint that he is moving in a totally different direction with the composing and singing.

Himesh Reshammiya bounces back in the packaged hit ‘Rabba Luck Barsa’, which presents listeners a melody from the school of Laxmikant-Pyarelal. This addictive melody emerges as the strongest attraction of the soundtrack, immediately creating a peaceful atmosphere for the song to proceed further. The uncredited prelude (Mahesh Bhatt?) is apt for a wonderful start, and with Himesh’s voice echoing ‘Rabba Rabba’ from miles away; this is the new genre the composer needs to work on! The acoustic guitar is heard beautifully in the background, the sarangis are delightful and the laid-back beats provide the required structure. Even the middle octave singing gels well with the good tune. The experimental track is an absolute winner; capturing hearts with this addictive melody and groove!

Both remixes (DJ Lloyd and DISCREET) are set to put other cheesy remixes in the closet for good. Kajra Kajra Kajraare (Party Mix) and Rabba Luck Barsa (Party Mix) will create fury on the dance floors and other DJs will attempt crazy stuff with these two original tracks. It’s pretty much impossible to hate and ignore. ‘Kajra Kajra Kajraare (Party Mix)’ ports a galloping beat and the updated melody line, in the echoing voice of Sunidhi Chauhan, ensures the tantalizing electronica experience is present. Plus, Himesh Reshammiya’s voice in an increasing tempo can drive any dance floor wild! ‘Rabba Luck Barsa (Party Mix)’ sides more on pumping electronic music, with an added funky sound which is exciting to the ears. Nothing intensive, but it works!

At this stage, it is worthwhile buying the soundtrack, just because of these four tracks.

Aafreen opens up in a typical Himesh style and is a slow paced number with lots of emphasis on singing, concentrating on the semi-classical areas. Himesh Reshammiya and Harshdeep Kaur, previously paired in ‘Lut Jaaon Lut Jaaon’ (Karz), manage to offer an excellent performance in this quasi-ghazal. The well-composed number, which has a true Indian melody to the core, is supported by the tablas, sarangis and other common Indian instruments. ‘Aafreen’ is surely to touch one’s emotions with its melancholic overtones.

Shreya Ghoshal, who is a favourite of Himesh Reshammiya, is paired in two exclusive romantic songs. Tujhe Dekh Ke Armaan Jaage is a high pitched track, which relies substantially on the higher vocal chords of Himesh Reshammiya, while Shreya Ghoshal provides the romantic angle. Music and orchestration follow the similar path of recent romantic songs of the music director, which have been heard in Radio. This song turns out to be an enjoyable experience as it makes use of a titling tune, synthesizers and sarangis. The high pitched singing appears forced in some places and the orchestration is somehow too common, with the beats sounding too ordinary for such an excellent tune. Shreya Ghoshal shines as usual in her elegant voice. ‘Tujhe Dekh Ke Armaan Jaage’ contains lots of emotions and is a superlative effort from Himesh Reshammiya.

The second romantic outing; Teriyan Meriyan, is slightly better in all aspects; tune, singing and lyric. Once again, the prospects of the song are dampened with the pitch being too high for Himesh Reshammiya. Indian classical music is again at its best, with the regular instruments heard in the previous romantic song. The combo of Himesh Reshammiya and Shreya Ghoshal assures that the romantic quotient is high.

Woh Lamha Phir Se Jeena Hai, featuring Himesh Reshammiya and Harshdeep Kaur is a mix genre of ‘Lut Jaaon Lut Jaaon’ (Karz) and Himesh’s romantic ballads. Even the efforts are intentionally good and honest; the song drags too much and is also highly reminiscent of previous Reshammiya’s tracks. The same orchestra and repetitive background music makes it difficult to make a clear distinction. The atmosphere which it carries along is a treat, but the packaging could have been better. Woh Lamha Phir Se Jeena Hai (Party Mix) is bland.

The Indian melodies continue in Sanu Guzara Zamana and the predominance of the Indian instruments is again prevalent. Himesh Reshammiya and Sunidhi Chauhan sail through easily, with Himesh showing an extensive range of singing capabilities. Backed by a good tune and an excellent orchestration, the quasi-ghazal clicks big time, after repeated listening. The calming ‘Sanu Guzara Zamana’ is definitely a treat to the ears, with both singers essaying the lower to middle ranges, while the accompanying music does not distract the clear voices. Sanu Guzara Zamana (Lounge Mix) is a smoother lounge mix and worth a listen.

There are lots of moments in the soundtrack where one expects that Himesh Reshammiya will produce something smashing, but in Kajraare, he keeps a low profile and comes up with a consistent soundtrack. Sameer’s lyrics are worth a mention. In a nutshell, Himesh Reshammiya can still be considered as an ace music director, who is currently experimenting with some songs, but still hasn’t created the magic and frenzy of Aashiq Banaya Aapne and Aksar.

 » Check out the Spotlight Section for complete analysis of the soundtrack.