Hindi Album Reviews - June 7, 2006

Alag
Aadesh Shrivastava
Just like the film's title, the soundtrack too, is "alag" (different). Aadesh Shrivastava not only composes some good, modern melodies, but he also creates opportunities for young singers from the TV show Saregamapa.

In the opening number Sabse Alag, Hemchandra and Nihira (both Saregamapa finds) join established singers such as Kunal Ganjawalla, Gayatri Iyer and Shaan for the number. This sentimental number sounds better as Ganjawalla's solo version. Shaan and Vasundhara Das sing a rocking dance number Hai Junoon Andaz Jeene Ka, exuding a lot of energy. This track appears later as a remix by DJ Suketu. Ujjaini (another Saregamapa find) gets to sing a moody, melodious track Saanjh Hai Pighalti with Anand Sharma and Krishna. It's a notable rendition.

The only disappointment is the mediocre number Apun Ki Toli ( Shaan, Kailash Kher, Aadesh Shrivastava and Vasundhara Das).

36 China Town/ Teesri Aankh
Various Artistes
This combo soundtrack has some foot-tapping and fun songs. Himesh Reshammiya's 36 China Town compositions such as 24-7 I Think Of You, Badi Dil Chaspi Hai, Dil Tumhare Bina, Aashiqui Meri and Jab Kabhi sound much better than Teesri Aankh's tracks such as Chak De Punjabi, Assi Teri Gal Karni, Sharrabiyon and Titliyan Titliyan.

Tathastu
Vishal-Shekhar
This soundtrack includes an intense and emotional sufi qawwali Allah- O- Ali sung by Hamsar Hayyat, which also appears as a remix version later. The rest of the album features other qawwalis such as Mere Saath Chalte Chalte, Tumse Milke Dilka Hai Yeh Haal, Ek Mulaqat Zaroori Hai, Tere Husn Ka Jaadoo, Tum To There Pardesi, Ali Ali, Teri Jawani Mast Mast and Mubarak Eid Mubarak.

Teri Kasam/ Sanam Teri Kasam/ Jawaani
R.D. Burman
This compilation features R.D. Burman's popular tunes from three soundtracks of the '80s. Catchy songs such as Hum Jis Raste Pe Chale, Yeh Zameen Gaa Rahi Hai, Dil Ki Baat Kahin Labpar, Jaane Jaan, Kitne Bhi Tu Kar Le Sitam, Tu Rootha To Main Ro Doongi Sanam and Sajana Main Sada Tere Saath Hoon are simply a treat to listen to.