EXPECTATIONS Now this one does sound like a promising album. First and foremost names like Pritam and Irshad Kamil are good enough to result in a quality album. Case in point being Love Aaj Kal and Jab We Met where the composer-lyricist 'jodi' has already succeeded in creating magic. Secondly, the film is a romcom in the offering with heart-throbs like Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif being paired opposite each other for the first time. Thirdly, the film is a TIPS production and it would be difficult to imagine that Ramesh Taurani would settle down for anything substandard for his own music label. With expectations well in place, one plays on Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. MUSIC It's a rocking kick start for the album with some groovy beats followed by Hard Kaur's rendition leading to a superb rhythmic build up for 'Main Tera Dhadkan Teri'. K. K. comes on scene immediately and gets the pace rolling for this club track that has chartbuster written all over it. This is a kind of number that Pritam has specialized in over the years. No wonder, he makes use of his hit track record to create yet another number that straight away makes an impression in the very first listening. What impresses most in the song is the way he uses Sunidhi Chauhan in the song as each and every line from her brings in that spunk and edge to 'Main Tera Dhadkan Teri'. This one is meant for the big screen viewing. There are two more versions that follow for 'Main Tera Dhadkan Teri'. While one definitely looks forward to the 'remix version' which gets on a faster pace and makes one head for the dance floors, what surprises is the track 'Follow Me' which is a recreated version of the same song. This one is a solo version by Hard Kaur and gets into a similar seductive mood as 'Touch Me Touch Me' [Race]. Let's have a music video rolling. All in all, just the kind of treat that one was looking forward to from the album as one looks forward to what Pritam has to offer in songs to follow. At the very first instance, 'Tu Jaane Na' seems to be embarking on a sudden start. However, a minute into the song, Atif Aslam takes over the proceedings and comes up with a heartfelt rendition for this love track. With a 'sufi' element to it, what strikes most about 'Tu Jaane Na' is a certain purity that makes it yet another quality number that Imtiaz Ali would have loved to have in his next film. Moving at a smooth pace, 'Tu Jaane Na' boasts of good lyrics and one wonders why the promos of the song have not yet been released? Since the number takes its own time in settling down, the makers have made a smart choice in placing it as many as four times with different singers coming on board. After Atif Aslam, the song appears in a 'reprise version' with Soham, Rana Mazumdar and Ashish Pandit coming together. In fact this one turns out to be slightly more 'filmy' version in the way Soham goes about rendering the song. A 'remix version' may have sounded unnecessary on paper due to the theme and pace of the song. However, credit to DJ Suketu who gives a different dimension to 'Tu Jaane Na' and makes it sound as if this one could well have been an original version. A good remix creation. Finally arrives an 'unplugged version' and as Kailash Kher, Paresh and Naresh go about their act, one is convinced that 'Tu Jaane Na' is pretty much the other highlight number in the album after 'Main Tera Dhadkan Teri'. This is a kind of song that can be heard on a repeat mode without being bored. With first two tracks making such an impression, one goes on to have good expectations from the songs to follow. The quintessential 'shehnai' tune that is heard in marriages finds a remix going for it, courtesy Pritam who spins a track titled 'Oh By God'. It's this 'shehnai' which is an integral part for this song that is fun and youthful with Mika and Sunidhi Chauhan coming together. Yet another high energy dance in the album, it's the kind of track that could boast of an enhanced appeal if supported by some vibrant dance moves. Melody returns to the album soon after with Atif Aslam coming together with Alisha Chenoy for 'Tera Hone Laga Hoon'. Written by guest lyricist Ashish Pandit (who does spin a nice romantic tale), this one is a love song that takes one straight to the hills and the trees. A kind of love song that has time and again worked, 'Tera Hone Laha Hoon' has both the singers coming together with some heartfelt rendition that makes it a kind of hear that is quite comfortable on ears. Thankfully, the 'remix version' doesn't go overboard either and keeps the spirit of melody intact. 'Prem Ki Naiyya' follows next but doesn't quite stand in the same league as most of its predecessors. In a lesser album one wouldn't have quite minded this rhythmic dance number that has a rooted Indian feel to it. Still, in spite of the presence of Neeraj Sridhar and Suzanne D'Mello, the number just stays on to be a decent hear and that's about it, even as a 'remix version' follows for this track too. The album sees a good ending for itself with 'Aa Jao Meri Tamanna' that makes an instant impression, just like was the case in 'Main Tera Dhadkan Teri'. However, the genre of both the tracks is totally different here. While 'Main Tera. .' is a dance track, 'Aa Jao.. ' is a love song which has melody as it's pace. This one again has a distinct Pritam feel to it, whether in terms of rendition, pace or arrangements. What also makes the song a certain high is the manner in which Javed Ali goes about his rendition. He does quite well and one can easily sense that he has his heart pretty much set for this song. Jojo gives him good company for this song that also appears in a well deserved 'remix version'. OVERALL This is Pritam's year. Period. Delivering chartbusters by dozens all through the year, he can now look forward to another bountiful of hit songs up his sleeves with Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. Also, Ranbir and Katrina can enjoy a hugely popular track for themselves in the form of 'Main Tera Dhadkan Teri'. Go, pick this one up from the shelves! OUR PICK(S) 'Main Tera Dhadkan Teri', 'Follow Me', 'Tu Jaane Na', 'Aa Jao Meri Tamanna', 'Tera Hone Laga Hoon'

EXPECTATIONS Film's title - Shaabash! You Can Do It. Music: Santokh Singh Dhaliwal. Producer: Unknown. Director: Unknown. Actors: Unknown. Promotion: Zilch. Hype: Zero. Expectations: Rock bottom. MUSIC Lyricist Kumaar writes the title track 'You Can Do It Shaabash' which is nothing better than an ad jingle. In fact from the very start till the finish, the track carries a jingle feel to it, whether in terms of theme, music or rendition by Soham Chakravorty. The pace too seems to have been designed for an advertisement world rather than a film and the result is that this title track hardly helps in gaining audience's attention. Remember a lesser known track 'Chand Se Parda Kijiye' from Saif Ali Khan and Shilpa Shetty starrer Aao Pyaar Karen (1994)? The opening of this Aadesh Shrivastav composed song is presented as it is for 'Ek Haqeeqat Tum Lagte Ho'. Surprisingly, Javed Ali is at his uninspired worst for this song and the normally reliable singer just doesn't get the romantic mood on for this clichéd track written by Dev Narayan. In fast his rendition just doesn't carry any spark whatsoever while presence of newcomer Lavanya doesn't help the case either. All in all, another dull number in the album. 'Me Myself' tries to get the required attitude belonging to the youth but doesn't reach anywhere close. Kunal Ganjawala tries to get into the boots of a rock star but nothing really works for this Kumaar written Hinglish track which one best skips mid-way itself. Lyricist Dev Narayan returns with 'Lagta Nahi Dil' which tries to merge conventional Bollywood melody (belonging to the 'Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka' mode) along with Sufi. Though it is slightly better than what one has heard in the album so far, the old fashioned composition coupled with some screechy rendition by Soham Chakravorty doesn't take it anywhere. In comparison, it makes for a better listening when Santokh Singh Dhaliwal himself comes behind the mike. One hopes it is his version that is retained in the final copy of the film. One ends up giving a big yawn while coming across a song that has a title like 'Kiss Me One More Time'. As expected, just like the title song, this one too is a jingle track with a 'Beat 1 Beat 2' approach. Rahul Seth's lyrics seem to have been written in a college canteen over a round of 'samosas' while the song appears to have been composed in a jiffy as well. One wonders for how long Sunidhi Chauhan would continue to believe in volumes when she is in such a comfortable position to pick and choose. Finally this listless album comes to an end with 'Main Hi Main Hoon'. Without worrying much about the final outcome of this yet another track around 'I Me Myself', one is actually relieved that there won't be any more songs to follow. This Kumaar written song has Rahul Seth, Krishna and Nakash Aziz coming together. The song sees a mix of urban dance steps coming together with devotional theme interspersed with a 'qawalli' portion. What surprises though is an 'extended version' of the same song appearing at the end of the album which has an additional 4 minutes of 'shloka' rendition. Core situational. OVERALL Shaabash! You Can Do It does see a spark or two at some points in the album but overall doesn't carry anything in it that could entice a music lover to pick it up from the stands. OUR PICK(S) None

EXPECTATIONS There are limited expectations from the music of Jail. Reasons being that a) the movie's genre doesn't quite warrant popular music in the offering and b) Barring Fashion, Madhur Bhandarkar's films (though belonging to a league of their own) haven't quite relied upon the music. Yes, one does come across an occasional song or two from movies like a Page 3 or a Corporate that manage to make a mark. However, it has never been the case of music helping the film succeed. This is the reason why one plays the four songs (two each by Sharib-Toshi and Shamir Tandon) without expecting chartbusters after chartbuster to follow! MUSIC In the recent times, Sharib-Toshi combine has come up with some good stuff in films like Jashn and Raaz - The Mystery Continues. Thankfully they carry on the momentum with 'Sainya Ve' that has Vishesh Films and Emraan Hashmi written all over it. A sufi rock track which is written by Sharib-Toshi themselves with Toshi coming behind the mike, the songs does impart a sense of deja vu in the beginning. However, after a couple of hearing, one actually starts enjoying this club track that features the lead pair of the film - Neil Nitin Mukesh and Mugdha Godse. Even though lyrics are quite ordinary, it's the rhythm of 'Sainya Ve' that keeps the momentum on. Designed for the dance floors, the song also finds an expected 'rock version' as well as a 'remix version' (both also featuring Neil Nitin Mukesh) for it. Expect DJs to put this one up in their 'favourites' list. It's bona fide rock with the sound of guitar that begins proceedings for 'Milke Yun Lagaa'. In fact for the first few seconds, the listener is transported to the world created by Pritam in 'Martaba' [All The Best]. Second composition by Sharib-Toshi in the album, 'Milke Yun Lagaa' is written by Sharib-Turaz and is sung by Sharib. The song carries forward the trend that Pritam started with Life In A Metro and has consolidated further with Tum Mile. A painful love song with deep passion involved, this one makes for a good hearing even though it is situational in appeal. The song is also quite uncharacteristic of what one expects in a Madhur Bhandarkar film; something which is a welcome change. The musical team of composer Shamir Tandon, lyricist Sandeep Nath and singer Sonu Kakkar get together for an item song made for the masses 'Bareily Ke Bazaar Mein'. Aimed at the gentry of the single screens and that too only for the smaller centres, 'Bareily Ke Bazaar Mein' would have been dismissed right away had it not been created for a Bhandarkar film. The tune, which has a rooted feel throughout and has no Western influences, doesn't have anything unique to offer and at most remains to be situational with a restricted shelf life. Lastly arrives Lata Mangeshkar's 'Daata Sun Le' which is set in the same mode as 'Itni Shakti Hamein Dena Daata' [Ankush]. Seemingly set in a jail with inmates coming together and praying, 'Daata Sun Le' moves at an extremely slow pace, something which suits the genre that it belongs. What amazes though is to hear the 80 year old singer getting the right pitch at various junctures even at this age. No wonder, composer Shamir Tandon doesn't allow many instruments in the background and let's the vocals hold centre-stage. OVERALL Jail won't quite go the whole distance like Fashion which actually had music as an integral part of the narrative and also boasted of more than a couple of chartbuster tracks. However, it does have some decent songs with 'Sainya Ve' boasting of popular appeal and 'Daata Sun Le' keeping those happy who are fans of Lata Mangeshkar and followers of devotional tracks. OUR PICK(S) Sainya Ve, Daata Sun Le [Play Songs]

EXPECTATIONS It all started six years back when the music of Jhankaar Beats was released. This was the soundtrack that brought together film maker Sujoy Ghosh with composers Vishal and Shekhar who have never looked back ever since then. In fact such has been the benchmark set by the composer duo in Jhankaar Beats that each and every album of theirs is expected to throw at least one 'Tu Aashiqui Hai' or a 'Suno Naa'. They did come up with some good music for Sujoy's next film Home Delivery too but sadly, the effort went completely unnoticed. And now the team comes back with Aladin which belongs to an altogether different scale and setting. With Vishal Dadlani writing lyrics for all songs in the album barring one (by Anvita Dutt Guptan), Aladin is expected to be a huge soundtrack considering it's larger than life theme and treatment. MUSIC 'Big' is actually the way 'Genie Rap' begins as the number is as foot tapping and infectious as it gets. An extremely well paced rap song that keeps the funk on throughout it's relatively shorter 3 minutes duration, one wishes that the fun stayed on for much longer. Anushka Manchanda, who is time and again roped in by Vishal-Shekhar for certain special songs, makes an impression in this fun song which is bound to be a HIT with the kids. A Hinglish number which is sung with aplomb by Amitabh Bachchan, 'Genie Rap' [which comes with the key words 'Make A Wish'] is lavishly choreographed too that adds on to the grand look and feel. What turns out to be an icing on the cake though is DJ Suketu created 'remix version' which takes the song to an altogether different level. This time around one won't complain about the length since 'Genie Rap' lasts for close to five and a half minutes. This version is made just for the dance floors, what with 'bhangra beats' bringing with it its own set of audiences. A winner and a positive start for the album. The sound of saxophone immediately brings to fore the sound of late 70s/early 80s and sets the mood for a nostalgia driven ride led by Amitabh Bachchan. Shankar Mahadevan is roped in to croon for Big B though how one wishes that the legendary actor had himself come behind the mike for this one. To Shankar's credit, he does well in coming up with a full throated rendition that does justify his presence behind the mike. If one has to draw parallels, 'Tak Dhina Dhin' is set in the same mode as 'Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai' [Kaalia]. However, other than the mood from the past, the situation is entirely different here and hence even the lyrics. A fun situational number which has Shaan crooning for Riteish Deshmukh, it yet again has children as its target audience, especially if one closely observes the interludes. One is further forced to go down the memory lane when Amitabh Bachchan is seen in his trademark outfit from 'Pag Ghunghroo Baandh' [Namak Halal]. Close to three decades later, it is time for 'O Re Saawariya' which has some rooted lyrics by Vishal Dadlani. Sung by both Amitabh Bachchan and Sudesh Bhonsle, the song continues the fun and lively mood of the album with Shreya Ghoshal and Shaan joining in. Vishal and Shekhar move away from the Western rhythm with this song and instead place 'O Re Saawariya' in an out and out 'hindustani' zone. It's a different matter though that this number too is presented in a 'remix version'. By the time the song is through, one realizes that majority of songs in Aladin are anything but what one associates with Vishal and Shekhar as the album turns out to be more of homage to Amitabh Bachchan than anything else. The thought is dispelled soon after though as the composer duo gets one of the most romantic numbers of the year in the form of 'You May Be'. A lovely melodious track which makes one just stop all work and just concentrate on the beauty of lyrics, music as well as rendition, 'You May Be' is a mix of English and Hindi. This is one contemporary urban love song that remains consistent from the 'mukhda' through the 'antaras' and makes one place it in the repeat mode. For the first time ever, both Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani come behind the mike for the same song and the impact created by their joint outing is just magical. Pick this one up and play it on for the one you love! A quintessential climax song comes next with the arrival of 'Bachke O Bachke'. Written by Anvita Dutt Guptan, this one is high on orchestra and faintly reminds one of 'Deewangee Deewangee' [Om Shanti Om]. However, the final impact is nowhere close to it though. Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan and Vishal Dadlani come together for 'Bachke O Bachke' which stays on to be situational at most and makes one look forward to how it has been presented on screen. Lastly arrives a dark number with Sanjay Dutt coming behind the mike for 'Giri Giri'. Now this is one track which takes a few hearing before one is able to grasp not just the tune but even its style and setting. A song where Sanjay Dutt describes his evil character of 'Ringmaster', it doesn't quite belong to the kind that one would die for. However, the base rhythms that accompany the key words 'Giri Giri' go perfectly well with Sanjay Dutt's on-screen image and manage to keep the interest alive. OVERALL Aladin would have been a difficult album to compose since it doesn't quite fall under the bracket of a regular love story or a rom-com or a period film. Due to this reason, don't expect another Jhankaar Beats or an Om Shanti Om or a Dostana. For a film that has an element of fantasy and myth interspersed in the contemporary times, Sujoy along with Vishal-Shekhar bring together certain situational songs (Tak Dhina Dhin, O Re Saawariya, Bachke O Bachke) along with a couple of theme songs (Genie Rap, Giri Giri) and an out and out romantic number (You May Be). OUR PICK(S) 'You May Be', 'Genie Rap' [Play Songs]

EXPECTATIONS A wonderful track record over the years has proven that Sanjay Gupta films have traditionally boasted of good music. Whether it is his productions or directorial outings, he has time and again impressed with his music. Soundtrack of most of his films is techno-heavy and one expects nothing different from the music of this Suparn Verma directed film that again sees multiple composers and lyricists coming together to do the job. MUSIC Opening notes of 'Yeh Jism' pave the way for a dark outing to follow. Since Acid Factory has a dark and mysterious storyline to it, this Virag Mishra written song too follows the same route. On listening to it carefully, one gets closer to the film's plot. While first 100 seconds have singer Raaj going ahead with his rendition with minimal instruments in the background, it's the club mood which develops soon after that takes the song to a different level altogether. Composer Shamir Tandon does well in keeping the sanctity of the song intact while not straying away from the theme. Anchal Datta Bhatia, who had earlier impressed in Dus Kahaniyaan, makes a rather belated appearance in 'Yeh Jism' and adds on to the pop flavour of the song which also appears in a bona fide 'Club Mix' version. Expect this one to make it to the DJ's countdown. A number which is set as a cabaret from the 50s/60s with modern day arrangements, 'Khatti Meethi' is the next to come. With high overtones of sensuality dripping throughout this song which is composed, sung as well as written (along with Amitabh Bhattacharya) by Manasi Scott, 'Khatti Meethi' is a number that takes time to grow. Though the basic rhythm belongs to the era gone by, its modern day treatment enhanced by the generous use of English lyrics which makes it fit into in contemporary times as well. One waits to see how it turns out after picturisation since its prospects will largely depend upon that. Remember the chartbuster number 'Jab Andhera Hota Hai' from Rajesh Khanna starrer Raja Rani? The same number is reproduced by Gourov Das Gupta and is presented in a modern day avtar with some slight changes being incorporated, especially during the initial portions. Anchal Datta Bhatia, Saptak Bhattacharya and Shweta Vijay get together for this Shellee written track that moves fast and has been given a sonic touch. However, the final effect isn't as terrific as one would have expected, especially with modern day gadgetry and equipments available. In the quest of keeping the original feel intact with a shade of modern day feel to it, there is something that one does feel is amiss. Thankfully, there is a 'remix version' which does make a better impact. The song that impresses most after 'Yeh Jism' is Vasundhara Das sung 'Kone Kone Mein'. Yet again, this is one track that sticks to the dark-n-intriguing theme of the film. Bappa Lahiri gets it just right to keep the pacing perfect for this Virag Mishra written number. Moreover, there is a distinct 80s pop feel to 'Kone Kone Mein' which is enabled due to some good mix of old and new sound that gives it further edge. The element of mystery is woven throughout the song's duration, courtesy Virag's lyrics and one looks forward to see how the song, which later also appears in an good 'Lounge Kilogram Mix' version, is incorporated in the film. A techno heavy song comes next in the form of 'Raftaar' which appears to be made for the chase sequences in the film. It's the 'Yeh Jism' team of composer Shamir Tandon, lyricist Virag Mishra and singers Anchal Datta Bhatia and Raaj who are entrusted with the responsibility of making 'Raftaar'. Lyrically this song isn't as solid as its predecessor but from sheer pace perspective, it should add zing to the narrative. The album ends with 'Nothing Else Will Do' which is composed and sung by Ranjit Barot. An English track which comes with a thump and goes well with the image of macho characters that one gets to see in Sanjay Gupta films, 'Nothing Else Will Do' should aid the narrative if played in the background with the six leading men in their dare devilry act. OVERALL Acid Factory is primarily made of theme tracks rather than conventional songs that one gets to hear in core Bollywood films. Don't expect a number to pop up which you would start humming on your way to office or in the college canteen. These are the kind of songs, especially 'Yeh Jism' and 'Kone Kone Mein', which start becoming much more meaningful when seen with the film's storyline. OUR PICK(S) 'Yeh Jism', 'Kone Kone Mein' [Play Songs]