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!