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 Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Films is one of those rare production houses that seems to “get it” musically (DIL CHAHTA HAI, LAKSHYA, DON, HONEYMOON TRAVELS PVT. LTD). And for a fourth time, Farhan Akhtar joins hands with the musical trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy to bring us the soundtrack of Rock On! SEL are coming off of their average outing in the YRF film Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic. Let’s see if veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar can help SEL get back to their winning ways. In fact, this soundtrack has a special guest singer to introduce… SEL start off this album on a delicately beautiful note with the soulful acoustic solo entitled Phir Dekhiye. It feels like an eternity since I’ve heard such tenderness from the musical minds of SEL, who pave the way for a very simple and subtle composition, arranged by only an acoustic guitar, highlighted by the melodious notes of the piano. This harmonic romance amidst the aural backdrops lends spectacular support to the star of this masterful song – Caralisa Monteiro, who does this number full justice. Ms. Monteiro has been on the Hindi Film Music scene for years, but for the very first time is she given room to blossom, as she comes of age right before our very eyes in Phir Dekhiye. SEL deserve loads of credit for adding a touch of sincerity with their very down-to-earth melody that does nothing but sooths and comforts. Javed Akhtar pens the perfect lyrics, as his words of joy and happiness are unequalled in their subtle class and elegance. Verdict: This is a rare gem that has the potential to go down as an all-time classic by SEL, Javed Akhtar, and Caralisa Monteiro. The heavy rock influences make their first appearance in Pichle Saat Dinon Mein. Although a complete U-turn from the album-opener, the piece has its own style and charisma thanks to the ceaseless play of the electric guitar and the stylish rendition of Mr. Farhan Akhtar himself! Yes sir. Farhan Akhtar makes his singing debut in Rock On’s soundtrack, singing a whopping five of the album’s eight songs! Is he any good? Yes he is. Of course he can’t be compared to the veterans of the industry, but he does do justice to this very densely arranged piece. Low on melody, SEL are all about attitude in a very situational sense. SEL also reprise this number in the ‘Live Version.’ Verdict: This song fulfills its role, but really doesn’t have much stand-alone repeat value. The title track of Rock On plays along the lines of the previous track. With a heavy rock influence throughout, SEL hike-up their collars once again to show us a little attitude. Farhan Akhtar makes a repeat appearance and fits the composition nicely. I don’t know how much melodic repeat-value the number has; but in the moment, the song does have its moments. With regards to arrangements, one wishes there was a bit more space provided for ingenuity, as the repetitive rhythms become a bit too much. Javed Akhtar isn’t given any scope at all as the poignant and graceful lyricist that he is. The lead guitars open Sinbad The Sailor on a loud and attentive note. Another rock number, SEL succeed this time in giving us a little more meat in the melody, arrangements, and vocals. Vocally, Raman Mahadevan provides Farhan Akhtar with just the support he was missing in his earlier two tracks. Arrangements are also much more engaging and enthusiastic, while adding a bit of instrumental variety with certain synths and leads. Finally, the melody (especially chorus add-ins) is extremely enjoyable and foot-tapping. Akhtar’s lyrics have also been nicely integrated. Verdict: The first rock number of Rock On that really shines light on the strengths of the rock genre. Socha Hai is almost identical to Sinbad The Sailor in its treatment. Again we have a rock track with heavy lead guitar throughout. SEL continue with the melodic quality, which, coupled with Javed Akhtar’s inquisitive lyrics, is the reason this song succeeds. Farhan Akhtar really injects life and energy into his rendition, which deserves lots of credit. Lyrics are worthy of attention as well, as Javed Akhtar pushes us to ask “why” to Nature’s wonders. Verdict: Highly enjoyable feel-good number worth a few exposures at the least. The clean guitar opens up the light-rock ballad Tum Ho To. The sincerity and effort is clearly evident by all the major players here. However, the song just doesn’t click on all cylinders. For the first time, Farhan Akhtar slows his vocals down and we’re able to really analyze his voice, and frankly – his weaknesses are highlighted. In addition to a shaky vocal texture, he has trouble hitting the high notes. Despite that, the song still has some appeal due to its balladry feel and above-average melody. Verdict: Other than that, Tum Ho To is a good idea that isn’t all that it could have been. Adding to the soundtrack’s diversity is the pop-rock number, Yeh Teri Meri Baatein. More similar to the stunning opener than any of the other pieces, this composition is an out-and-out winner from the opening clean guitar riffs. And just like the opener, the highlight here is vocalist Dominique Cerejo. Just like Caralisa, Dominique too has been on the Hindi Film Music scene for quite some time, but has never really been given any worthy opportunities until today. Her performance is sublime, as she brings out the gentle nuances in SEL’s beautiful melody. I personally love how SEL spread their wings in the backgrounds with a steady bass line coupled with constant clean guitar riffs atop the jazzy pop-rock rhythms. Not to be left out, this is yet another feather in the overtly-decorated cap of Mr. Javed Akhtar, whose lyrics are meaningful and unique. Verdict: SEL give us music at its very best. Wow! Rock On closes on a truly chaotic note in Zehreelay. Unless you are the type that loves the heavy metal, hard drumming, and fast rock genre then you will be wise to skip by this rambunctious composition. SEL must be given credit for, once again, adding diversity to the genre of rock in this soundtrack. Suraj Jagan’s rough vocals are extremely tough to bear, but do justice to this type of song. Besides that, the number does feature some outstanding performances by the drummer, bass guitarist, and lead guitarist. Verdict: Wacky and wild finish to this very different soundtrack by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Although a majority of the songs reside within the rock genre, SEL have succeeded in bringing diversity to the foregrounds. Rock On shows glimmers of SEL as they once were in ’03 and ’04, when they were truly pioneers in their field. Without question, the two tracks that stand our are a pair of beauties in the form of Phir Dekhiye and Yeh Teri Meri Baatein. This soundtrack warrants my recommendation. And despite its flaws, the music of ROCK ON should earn the respect that it deserves. Aakash Gandhi is Managing Editor and Senior Writer for Planetbollywood.com. He also freelances for the Asian Variety Show at avstv.com.
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