Reviewed by Mandeep Bahra
mandeep@indolink.com

It seems that every soundtrack these days has at least one 'lifted' track! Even the much praised "Bholi Si Surat" from the recent Dil To Pagal Hai seems to have been derived from an '80's R.D.Burman number, "Nasha Husn Ka" from the little known movie Mardon Wali Baat!

AAKROSH is no exception. "Hello Hello Bolke" is a note for note copy of the popular "Buffalo Soldier"! So what makes this track so enjoyable? It certainly isn't the infantile lyrics (courtesy of Dev Kohli), nor is it Anand Raaj Anand's average adaptation of the original. It is actually Abhijeet and Kavita Krishnamurthy's expressive singing that makes this songa winner. The two crooners interact well and lift this song above mediocre status!

GUPT's "Ai yai yai yai yaa" girl, Hema Sardesai grabs the mike for "Ujla Ujla". This one's an enjoyable cabaret number that displays Hema's ability to ape Alisha's style. With Alisha absent from film music lately Hema may just fill the void. Die-hard music buffs will recognise Asha Bhosle's vocals screaming out "Jaa Jaa Jaa Na" in the middle of the song. Why Asha agreed to sing just four words is a mystery! (She's not even credited)

"Madhosh Ho Gayi Main" is the best song on the album. It is reminiscent of Anand Raaj Anand's earlier creation, "Gore Gore Paon" from Ghoonghat. Asha Bhosle is at her sensuous best accompanied by an equally skillfull Abhijeet, giving this song considerable 'rewind' value!

"Tadke Tadke" is a 'buddy-buddy' song by Udit Narayan and Abhijeet. The song is fairly 'formula', but has an infectious tune you'll be humming in no time. "Yeh Ladki Hai" by Udit Narayan and Kavita is also an okay track which will probably make it to the charts.

Aditya Narayan warbles his way through "Picnic Mein Hogaya" along with another child artiste (uncredited). Anand Raaj Anand gets the two minors to sing parody versions of Anu Malik hits, (is this revenge for the "Jhanjhariya" episode?). The album could have done without this song! The irritating junior Narayan should spend less time in the recording studio and more time in school!

AAKROSH is a worthy buy, but will the film be worthy of it's score?!

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