There are some albums that arrive in the market for the sole reason that a movie should be accompanied by an album comprising of song and dance routine. '7 1/2 Phere' is one of them.
With an interesting set of promos lined up for this multiplex movie [that has one of the most original scripts to arrive in Bollywood], '7 1/2 Phere' produced by Nimit Modawal, Harshvardhan and Sonal Modawal and directed by debutante Ishaan Trivedi is about a news channel doing a candid coverage on a marriage celebration in progress.
With a plot like this, starcast of Juhi Chawla and Irrfan Khan and music by Shantanu Moitra [Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi, Parineeta, Yahaan], one expected a unique soundtrack. On looking at the album cover, one realizes that there are only two original numbers by Moitra while rest of the album is an assortment of some non-film numbers or remixes.
Though on face value, this does disappoint a little as one expected an original soundtrack, one still plays on the album with some hopes. Sadly, the hopes are shattered because most of the remixes are badly done hence reducing the album to a status of 'also-ran'.
1) Aao Nee Kudiyon [Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan, lyrics: Subrat Sinha, Honey Trehan]
To give credit where it is due, the ladies sangeet track 'Aao Nee Kudiyon' is decent enough with a groovy mix of traditional and western elements, probably the first of its kinds. Foot tapping and entertaining, it fits the mood of the movie well [that revolves around a marriage] and though it won't turn out to be a big success a la a Chopra or a Johar 'shaad-byaah' soundtrack, it should do well during the movie's narrative.
2) Kyun Aaj Kal [Singer: Antara Chaudhary, lyrics: Subrat Sinha]
The entire team of composer Moitra, lyricist Subrat Sinha and newcomer Antara Chaudhary deserve a pat on their back for coming up with a sensitive love song 'Kyun Aaj Kal' that is based on melody and is extremely ear pleasing. Yes, the number does sound to be more of a non-film composition but that doesn't deter a music-lover from appreciating this sober track. The musical arrangements are minimal in the background with emphasis being more on the tune and rendition rather than anything else.
3) Ghar Aaja Soneya [Singer/lyricist: Shazia Manzor, music: Bally Jagpat]
One's expectations from the album reach an all-time high with the popular non-film track by Shazia Manzor - 'Ghar Aaja Soniya' - that doesn't fail to impress even today. A brilliant fusion of classical and contemporary music by Bally Jagpat, it has a unique mix of rhythm and melody that does wonders due to Shazia's vocals. One doesn't mind hearing this track all over again.
4) Jiya Jale and Dil Se Re (Remix) [Singers, Lata Mangeshkar, A.R.Rehman, lyrics: Gulzar, music: A.R.Rehman]
Look what they have done to you Rehman! Two of the best tracks from the movie 'Dil Se' have been crucified in the world of remixes to come up with disastrous results. 'Jiya Jale' and 'Dil Se Re' are surely not one of those tracks that should be even touched by a long pole but to make the album cover look interesting they have been included in the album. The numbers have been cruelly remixed which results in absolute disappointment. Give us originals anytime!!
5) Tera Saath Hai Kitna Pyaara and Yeh Mera Dil [Lyrics: Indivar, music: Kalyanji Anandji]
When we can do it to A.R.Rehman, we can also do this to Kalyanji Anandji and Indivar. This is the message conveyed through the poorly done re-arrangements for the ever popular tracks 'Tera Saath Hai Kitna Pyaara' and 'Yeh Mera Dil'. The presence of Babul Supriyo, Anupama Deshpande and Hema Sardesai too cannot prevent these remixes to be given a cold s