Gangster Music Review

There are certain albums that come with a guaranteed success tag, at least on
the face value. 'Gangster - A Love Story' is one of them! After all why not when
you have three important factors that make the music of 'Gangster' HOT -
a) Emraan Hashmi, who has an enviable success rate of near 100% when it comes to
music of his films
b) Mukesh Bhatt, whose films have always boasted of popular melodious music for
more than a decade now
c) Pritam, whose compositions have more often than not hit a chord with the
youth since the time he started composing
With factors like this, there are immense expectations from 'Gangster' that also
stars last year's hottest male discovery Shiney Ahuja in the title role along
with newcomer Kangna Ranaut who is touted to be the next Madhuri Dixit in the
making by none other than Mukesh Bhatt himself. Directed by Anurag Basu who
returns after 'Murder' and a prolonged life-threatening illness, 'Gangster' has
lyrics by Sayeed Quadri, Mayur and Neelesh Misra.
K.K., who has been silently getting the best of the songs to sing these days
without too much of hype and hoopla surrounding his work comes behind the mike
for 'Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai', a beautifully written number by Sayeed Quadri. A love
song in appreciation of one's lady love, it's the rhythm in the signature
interlude that makes the number instantly catchy. A good romantic song that is
picturized on Emraan as he plays the song with a guitar in his hand with a night
club setting, it is a song worthy of a repeat hearing and that's exactly the
reason why it appears in two more remix versions.
First to come is 'Euro Mix' that becomes much more techno in the way it begins
and brings to fore the true blue club feel. Bunty Rajput is the man behind this
remix and makes 'Tu Hi Meri Shab' much more hip-n-happening. Expect it to be
played in the hottest clubs and the pubs soon! Jatin Shama comes up with his own
remix version and does a good job to ensure that the song is heard till the very
end of the album.
Bhatts have introduced many Pakistani singers to Bollywood but this time around
it's the turn of a Bangladeshi singer to make a mark. James, an extremely
popular singer in Bangladesh, makes his Bollywood debut with 'Bheegi Bheegi', a
song written by Mayur, which is based on Gautam Chatterjee's 'Prithvi'. This is
the same number that has the lyrics 'Na Jaane Koyi' that have been beamed in the
theatrical promos so far. An excellently well written, composed and sung song
that is bound to make you longing for more, 'Bheegi Bheegi' has a lethal
combination of rhythm and melody that makes it a highly exciting piece of music.
Expect the number to be a hot favorite in the campus and bonfire parties as it
is certainly going to climb to the top bracket.
Neelesh Misra written 'Lamha Lamha' is yet another example of a beautifully
composed song that has a poetic feel to it. Abhijeet is marvelous in this soft
melodious track that has been given a sweet feel by Pritam with effective usage
of light musical arrangements. An easy on ears number that has been composed in
true Bhatt tradition, 'Lamha Lamha' is yet another good song in succession that
also appears in a duet version with Sunidhi Chauhan giving company to Abhijeet.
After an import from Bangladesh, it’s the turn of yet another new voice Zubeen,
this time from Assam, to make his Bollywood debut. And no, it’s not a sufi track
as one may expect from lyrics like 'Ya Ali'! In fact it is a love song for a man
who is passionately in love with his beloved and is willing to give away
everything for the sake of his love. A techno fusion number written by Sayeed
Quadri and set in contemporary style, it should manage to go an extra distance
if picturized on Emraan Hashmi as it fits on well with his on-screen image.
Still when compared to the songs prior to it, it is just a step or two behind
due to its situational feel.
Last song in the album is 'Mujhe Mat Roko', a semi classical track by Kavita
Seth, who excels in this extremely slow moving yet touching and meaningful
number. The first of its kinds ever that has been composed by Pritam, it makes a
remarkable shift from the peppy tunes that the composer has been known for. The
song belongs to the same genre as the tracks from 'Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi'
that establishes its classical base. A good situational number about a woman
longing to be with her lover, it should create a haunting feel to the narrative.
Expect 'Mujhe Mat Roko' to force you to be glued to your seats.
Don't expect an 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne' [Aashiq Banaya Aapne] or a 'Jhalak' [Aksar]
from this Emraan Hashmi movie as 'Gangster' has an altogether different theme
and mood. Instead watch out for some good variety in this score by Pritam that
has at least two chartbusters 'Bheegi Bheegi' and 'Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai' in the
offering. 'Lamha Lamha' too is another good reason to go for the album while the
remaining two situational numbers ['Ya Ali', 'Mujhe Mat Roko’] should look good
on screen. Overall, a good album for your collection!
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