Perhaps the best call by the trio was to start the album off with a track featuring two of the most talented and loved singers of the country in current times, namely, the man with a magical voice, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and the woman who needs no introduction what so ever, Shreya Ghosal. Aiding them also in the track is Shankar Mahadevan. Aakhon Mein Neendein is a beautifully constructed feel-good number that stands out purely because of the lead singers. Irshad Kamil renders the lyrics that are nothing 'out of this world' but merely add to the feel of the number. It's essentially a very 'Bollywood' number with a balance created between Desi instruments like subtle dholaks and western instruments, a common combination in Bollywood music. The rendering of the standard octave in Indian Classical music throughout the track proves to be a highlight.
The classic rock and roll number 'Jailhouse Rock' is recreated with Dil Khol Ke Let's Rock. Lovers of the original may find it hard to get used to the Desified version of this track. However, what is commendable is the selection of singers for the number namely, Anushka Manchanda and Suraj Jagan who were essentially born to sing this number! The one that sticks out like a sore thumb is Akriti Kakkar who just doesn't fit into the genre of the song. While the composition is impressive throughout, SEL bring in a desified touch to it at one portion that reminds you much of their track from Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, 'Rock n Roll Soniye'. The song is already a remake so the fact that parts of the track cause a déjà vu of previous SEL numbers doesn't really say much for the composers. Tip for the trio; please make recreations of portions from previous tracks not as obvious!Thankfully the trio pick up the slack with the next one, Reham O Karam, sung by two singers who're poles apart when it comes to their vocal styles, Vishal Dadlani and Shankar Mahadevan. This one is heart touching rock number with beautiful lyrics courtesy of Irshad Kamil. It's essentially a heartbreak track where one is begging for a bit of mercy, a bit of luck for things to change. The two singers shine beautifully in this number and a great feel is created when both voices are combined. Filled with emotions this one is for those who like their songs to be somewhat 'deep'. Lets hope the emotions by Vishal and Shankar are done justice to onscreen.
Sonu Nigam comes in next to remind us just how amazing he is! And boy did he remind us or what! Hamesha and Forever is a melodious track boasting of a uplifting chorus, flute (courtesy of Naveen), acoustics and feel-creating strings. The sweetness and softness of the track goes up a notch with Shreya Ghosal's entrance. This one is a track you simply can't explain in words but one which you'll need to simply listen to for yourself and understand its beauty. Last but not the least, kudos to Irshad Kamil for the beautiful lyrics.Bela Shande ('Kangana Re' - Paheli) enters next with a slow, melodious and classical number Sun Ie Dua Yeh Aasmaan. Yet another emotionally packed number on the album courtesy of the beautiful lyrics by Irshad Kamil. The flute by Naveen proves to truly create the feel of the entire number. One looks forward to being teary when this one comes onscreen.
The album ends with an impressive instrumental We Are Family Theme. Naveen takes to the flute again whilst Dominique Cerajo, Clinton Cerejao, Neuman Pinto and Vivienne Pocha take to the mic to give a soft and melodious chorus to the track. Without any lyrics this one truly speaks to you. The piano and flute give it a sweet and soft feel and then the strings enter to bring in the intensity, in particular the bass strings which seems to always have its own language.
Shankar Ehsaan and Loy churn out an album that hasn't got all the classic commercial elements, but rather is emotionally packed with every note in the songs. Baring 'Dil Khol Ke Let's Rock', every other track impresses immensely. Since it's an emotionally packed album the true potential of it will be realised onscreen and one hopes the performers onscreen don't let down the brilliant music given to them. Take a bow SEL for another job well done!
