Hindi music album reviews

Nickelback: Dark horse
If you are a fan of the rock band Nickelback, it's natural to expect well-written and produced songs. We agree that their latest album Dark Horse does not really disappoint, but is certainly not the best from the rockers.

Dark Horse has a good mix of ballads – just plain fun songs and also the hardcore Nickelback stuff that old fans seem to prefer. So there's something for everyone. Songs like If Today Was Your Last Day or This Afternoon are instantly catchy, while avid rockers will find much to like in Something in Your Mouth.

The album does take you back to the good old hard rock days of the 80s, but overall I felt the whole concept about sex, drugs and rock n' roll is a bit jaded. All said and done, Nickelback may be blunt, wild and a bit too brash with their approach towards music. What you can't deny is that they remain the dark horses of rock!

Kal Aaj Aur Kal Rafi
Sonu Nigam
This 6 CD- collection is Sonu Nigam's tribute to his musical idol Mohamad Rafi. Nigam sings re-recorded versions of the late legend's 100 milestone classics. These recordings are mostly from the mid-90s and they offer an interesting study of the initial phase in Nigam's progression into contemporary India's major musical icon. Sonu's renditions of Rafi gems such as Baharon Phool Barsao, Ehsan Tera Hoga Mujhpar, Yaad Na Jaaye Beete Dinon Ki and Khoya Khoya Chaand touch your heart.

Guddi/Ashirvaad/Khubsoorat
Various Artistes
This three soundtrack combo offers music from three memorable classics made by the late great filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee. In Guddi and Ashirvaad, Vasant Desai composes sweet melodies like Vani Jayram's Bol Re Papihara, Lata Mangeshkar's Ik Tha Bachpan and Manna Dey's Jeevan Se Lambe Hain Bandhu. R.D. Burman then lends his magic-touch to Khubsooratwith songs like Asha Bhosle's Piya Baawari and Sun Sun Sun Didi.

Barsaat/ Chori Chori
Shankar Jaikishan
This twin soundtrack combo album features music from Shankar-Jaikishan's early career. The dazzling composer-duo (with the help of lyricists Shailendra and Hasrat and singers Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh and Manna Dey) came up with all-time classic songs like Barsaat Mein Humse Mile Tum, Chhod Gaye Baalam, Hawa Mein Udta Jaaye,and Rasik Balma. Listening to this album is to experience Hindi music's golden era in its full bloom.