Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy cast their spell in the music score of DON. And I am still recovering from the thrilling effect it has left on me. The first thing one must point out about this album is its spectacular production values. Impeccable. Matching the best of standard in the world. The shimmering magic of Aaj Ki Raat, Matrix Charisma of Main Hoon Don, the season's blessing in Mourya Re, funtabulous Don The Theme comprise the brilliant originals. The version of Khaike Paan Banaraswala sung by Udit Narayan (With a Rap section by SRK) lives up to the expectation but you just can't help missing Asha Bhonsle in `Ye Mere Dil'. Don Revisited by Midival Punditz is Special for Shahrukh mouthing a few famous dialogues. The funcinternational mix of Main Hoon Don is esoteric and a bit difficult to comprehend. Overall, Don is a fabulous album. A Must Buy!
Main Hoon Don steam rolls with this extremely catchy guitar hook line (Something on the lines of `Mission Impossible'). No points for guessing that this masterly hook line will remain with collective consciousness for a long time. The vocal hook line Main Hoon Don is the same (Words) as the trendsetting number from Big B hit. But rest is totally changed. Shaan sings passionately the Javed Akhtar verse while Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music arrangements are simply brilliant. The trendy rhythm designing, the fascinating strings charisma in the middle and that immaculate guitar melody hook line changes shapes in other instruments, creating a euphoric effect. This number ends with a poignant Signature. The remix of Main Hoon Don has been credited to funcinternational mix. In an attempt to make it too-international, this number failed to really attract me. It's too esoteric with strange kinds of sounds (Noise will be more appropriate) emanating from nowhere. I personally feel it's offbeat and the idea of a good- song-remixed-haywire may be apt for this remix.
It's impossible not to compare Suinidhi Chauhan's Ye Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Diwana with Asha Bhonsle's sensational rendition of the same number twenty five years ago. Must say Asha tai is miles ahead of anyone when it comes to singing the songs of passion. The music arrangements are trendy with lots of fresh techno sounds in this stylish reworking of a classic song, originally composed by Kalyanji-Anandji with lyrics by Indeevar. Rhythm programming is exceptional with fabulous curves-n-troughs giving it a variety of shades. Looking forward to watching Kareena sizzle the screen with her glamorous persona wrapped around deadly Don SRK.
Mourya Re is easily one of the best songs (Hindi) sung by Shankar Mahadevan in the last three years at least. Alright, it's a Ganpati number but the zest-and-energy exuded by Shankar is a treat in every sense of the word. The music arrangements are filled-up by loads of Dhol sounds, a guitar solo here-and-there, chorus singing (It's as if you are actually in the middle of Ganpati celebrations in a Mumbai Mohalla) and high spirited energy. With the Ganesh festival currently in full flow, I am sure it will find favours with the crowd frenzy. Ganpati Bappa Maurya..
Tumka Ka Batai Bhayya, Hamra Haal Ka Hai..Nikle The Hum Halwa Khane Munh Hi Jal Gaya. Udit Narayan starts off the mass-classic `Khaike Paan Banaraswala' on an exuberant note that reminds you of the typical evening in a UP Chaupal with men gathered together after a hard day's work and looking forward to a pleasant evening with lots of gaana-bajaana and some Bhang. This Kalyanji Anandji number has been brilliantly recreated by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The jhankaar beats oogle at the tabla and although a few fillers are retained from the original, fresh guitar solo sections are added with magical effect. Ek Naar Naweli Kare At