"Jab we met" - Music Review

Amidst highly anticipated albums like Saawariya and Om Shanti Om, I somehow missed out "Jab we met". There wasn't any hype surrounding this movie. I know Pritam comes up with good music now and then. But as it released on the same day with Saawariya, I had to let go of this one. At first when I saw the trailer I didn't care much about the album. But then after seen raving reviews in many sites, I thought I'll give it a try. And what a pleasant surprise !! Right from the first song I was instantly hooked on. Thanks to the variety in the soundtrack, I didn't even for once skip any song before it finished. A dark horse in the competition, this could might as well turn out to be the most enjoyable soundtracks of the year.

The album starts with a bang with the song "Mauja Mauja". Typical of what we expect from a Pritam soundtrack. Catchy tune and rhythmic beats, very energetic and perfect for dance floors. Mika gets his second hit number this year. I'm sure we'll be hearing this song over and over again in almost all channels in days to come.

There's also a remix version at the end, but I prefer the original over it.

The next song is what makes this album a special one. The serene "Tum Se hi" has a starting female loop a-a-a-a-a...very infectious and goes on like a loop before the actual song starts off. The song has got a nice rhythm to it. Mohit Chauhan's voice is very refreshing. He should sing more often. The flute interlude is very very soothing. A perfect song for a long drive away from traffic and on the mountains. Pritam excels in this song.

The beautiful melodious "Tum Se hi" transforms quite easily into a mellow, chill type techno number in its remix version which appears later.

Next comes another catchy song "Yeh Ishq" which sounds almost like an arabic song with hindi lyrics in it. Its a kind of song which was attempted by AR Rahman way back in early 90s. Shreya Ghosal seems like a misfit here. Alisha Chinoi would have done complete justice to it. The orchestration is very enjoyable. Pritam must have had a lot of fun composing it. However I believe its a rehash of Pritam’s “Mahiya” song from the film “Awaarapan”. I haven't heard that one and don't intend to either, so no comments.

The remix version is racy with thumping rave beats and feels like a different song altogether. Generally remixes seem to be more like fillers. But here its a different story. Another rocking number tailor-made for clubs.

Sonu Nigam takes over the mike this time with an upbeat "Nagada Nagada". For me Bhangra songs are like Hip-Hop/Rap songs. There's only so much variation you can do to make it sound different from others. Thats why we get the heard before feeling when listening to Nagada song. Nevertheless, it keeps the pace going. Not a song which I'll be listening often. Skippppp

Wow...Sarangi...what an instrument...absolute Bliss. And what a surprise... Pritam roping in Ustad Sultan Khan ? I can't believe the techno-ish, club-bish, arab-ish, pakistan-ish copy-ish songs composer uses a Classical instrument such as sarangi to one of his songs. I have to applaud Pritam here for this beautiful song "Aao Milo Chalo". Shaan is getting a lot of songs these days, and why not when he's doing a neat job. The fusion piece in the 2nd interlude and again in the end with Ustad Sultan Khan's vocals and guitar music in the background is what elevates this song to a different level. Its hard to choose between this song and Tum Se hi. I think both of them equally stand out.

Remember timeless melodies like "Ghar se nikalte hi, kuch door chalte hi" and "Hosh walon ko khabar kya". Songs which we can listen anytime, be it day or night, at home or driving. Songs which make you happy from within, and which make you concentrate more on the lyrics. Sandesh Shandaliya, the guest composer, comes up with a song belonging to the similar forte. "Aaoge Jab Tum" is a very melodious and soulful song, backed with subtle instruments. Once again vocals department excels with Ustad Rashid Khan rendering effortlessly.

The album ends with "Tum Se hi - Instrumental". This piece is like a breath of fresh air. One can't help but notice similarities to Titanic song and Braveheart theme, mainly due to the flute. Its like a grand finale to an exciting musical, where a symphony setting is created with Opera singers singing in chorus. For a second I thought I'm listening to a James Horner or Vangelis or Hans Zimmer composition for a Hollywood movie. A very haunting musical piece with a mystical feel to it which makes it a powerful listening experience.

Recently Pritam gave an interview where he mentioned that he's going to put a full stop to this plagiarism abuse, and start working on some serious original stuff. If this album "Jab We met" was composed anytime after that interview, then he kind of delivered what he promised. This album is diverse, has some soulful melodies, awesome dance numbers, beautiful lyrics, and great vocals. All in all a music both for masses as well as classes. And with Kareena shaking her 'you know what' with her 'you know who' on the screen, I'm sure crowd would go bonkers. A must have in your collection.