Hindi Music Reviews - January 4, 2006

Salaam-e-Ishq
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
One of the reasons behind the successful Shankar-Ehsan-Loy reign in the Bollywood music industry is their ability to compose versatile and varied soundtracks. Further, this film, interlinking six love stories, provides them with ample opportunity to carve out tunes from different genres.

The album starts with an energetic pop-qawwali number Salaam-e-Ishq, which doubles as the main title track. It is a fine example of good teamwork by Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawalla, Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal and Sadhna Sargam.

Later, there is another westernised pop version of the title track in Adnan Sami's voice and that, too, sounds good. However, the romantic duet Mera Dil, reminds one of Shankar-Ehsan-Loy's earlier tune Kuch Na Kaho, which is disappointing.

It's predictable S-E-L brand of music - solid and appealing, but it lacks in novelty.

Kya Mujhe Pyar Hai
Various Artistes
This is an enjoyable compilation of recent hits, featuring almost all music genres. The top numbers from this album are Kya Mujhe Pyar Hai (KK from Woh Lamhe), Humko Maloom Hai (Sonu Nigam and Sadhna Sargam from Jaan-e-mann), Pal Pal Pal (Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal from Lage Raho Munnabhai), Main Hoon Woh Aasman (Rafqat Amanat Ali from Krrish) and Main Hoon Don (Shaan from Don).

U & I - 16 Dance Party Hits
Various Artistes
This album features 16 energetic numbers that can make any dance floor sizzle. The highlights include Fanaa For You (Shaan and Kailash Kher from Fanaa), U & I (KK and Pritam from Naksha), Akh Ladiye (Kunal Ganjawalla and Shweta Pandit from Neal N Nikki), Salaam Namaste (Ganjawalla and Vasundhara Das from Salaam Namaste) and Kiss Me Baby ( Adnan Sami from Garam Masala).

Super Hit Ghazals Vol.5
Jagjit Singh
This album definitely lives up to all its promises, since we get to hear some super-hit ghazals in Jagjit Singh's soothing, bass-rich voice. Classic numbers suchas Woh Kagaz Ki Kashti, Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho, Hothon Se Chhoo Lo Tum, Kal Choudhanvi Ki Raat Thi, Chitthi Na Koi Sandes and Sarkati Jaaye Hai are featured in this album. All in all, a pleasant listen filled with ghazal gems.