Hindi Album Reviews - March 22, 2006

Rang De Basanti
A.R. Rahman
A.R. Rahman's music in this soundtrack takes some time to grow on you, but later on it amazes you with its versatility. He composes songs that show a fine blend of youthfulness and maturity.

Daler Mehndi and Chitra's bhangra track Rang De Basanti, Naresh Iyer and Mohammed Aslam's Apni To Pathshala and Rahman and Aslam's Arabic-influenced Khalbali have catchy rhythms.

Madhushree and Naresh Iyer's Tu Bin Bataye is a melodic romantic song. Lata Mangeshkar and Rahman come together for their first duet Lukka Chuppi, a touching song. Later, Rahman scores as a singer teaming up with Iyer in the exceptional Roobaroo.

Mohit Chauhan's melancholic Khoon Chala Khoon Chala, Aamir Khan's patriotic Lalkar and Harshadeep Kaur's devotional Ik Onkar are other tracks that confirms Rahman's musical genius.

Vanilla Chilled 01
Various Artistes
Lilting piano, soft rhythms and romantic melodies. Vanilla Chilled 01 relies on these qualities to create a nice atmosphere. The well compiled selection of recent songs include Tu Jahan Main Wahan, I Just Wanna Spend My Life With You, Aisa Koi Zindagi Mein Aaye, Falak Dekhun, Aadat, Tere Liye, Dosti Se Zindagi, Mushkil, Mujhe Tumse Pyar, Agar Tum Mil Jao, My Dil Goes Mmmm and Tu Hai Bhatakata Jugnu Koi.

Special Edition 11: The best of Sharukh Khan
Various Artistes
This compilation of songs from Shah Rukh Khan's films doesn't impress as it picks tracks from his mediocre films. Meri Mehbooba and Do Dil Mil Rahe Hain (from Pardes); Badi Mushkil Hai ( Anjaam); Ishq Kameena and Hum Tum Mile (from Shakti); Seene Mein Dil Hai and Dil Hai Mera Deewana (from Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman) are some of the numbers in this compilation.

Superhit Ghazals Vol. 2
Pankaj Udhas
Pankaj Udhas' ghazals have managed to woo a sizeable audience, thanks to his soft and soothing voice and his populist and easy-listening content. This album features some of his popular tracks such as Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera, Chaandani Raat Mein, Ishq Nachaye Jisko Yaar, Zara Ahista Chal, La Pila De Saqiya, Kabhie Maikhane Tak, Zeel Mein Chaand Nazar Aaye, Patthar Desh Mein and Ishq Insaan Ki Zaroorat Hai.