Mixed Bag!

Sukanya Verma

After being in the making for more than four years Tips films Albela's music finally hits the market.

In the past, Tips, has churned many successful albums like Raja Hindustani, Jab Pyaar Kissise Hota Hai, Soldier, and Kareeb. From the looks of it, Albela is set to join these ranks.

Albela starring Govinda and Aishwarya Rai, paired together for the first time has total eight songs, including one instrumental version. The musical brothers Jatin-Lalit, high after the recent success of Mohabbatein have composed the music with lyrics by Sameer.

The album kicks off with an instantly hummable Pyaar ka jadoo. Singers Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan infuse life and energy in this peppy, masti-packed number, making it a clear winner. For all those who'd like to indulge in karaoke, the album includes the instrumental version of this particular ditty.

Another 'Chunri' number doing the rounds after Oodh li chunri (Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya) and Chunri Chunri (Biwi No.1) is Sarse sarak gayee teri chunri. A fairly engaging song in the voices of the soulful Yagnik and ebullient Babul Supriyo.

Next we have Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik singing a beautiful, breezy, love duet Kaho toh zara. Although some strains maybe reminiscent of Jatin-Lalit's earlier work from Khoobsurat and Jab Pyaar Kissise Hota Hai, the song still manages to catch your fancy.

Dil hamara hua hai sounds like a rehashed version of Ek din aap yun (Yes Boss) with a rather screechy Alka Yagnik doing the honors. Though, songwriter Rani Malik (Aashiqui, Baazigar) comes up with decent lyrics.

A little bit of funky lyrics, spruced up with Jamaican beats (Vengaboys's Ibiza in other words), replete with the youthful voice of Sonu Nigam and the next track Hato tum baju is ready to hear. Neat!

Alka Yagnik and Babul Supriyo are back with Hai mera dil tu, a fast paced average number that appears to be a mixed bag of the music director's past compositions.

Haiya hoo kya masti rendered in the voices of Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan and Alka again possesses a déjà vu quality. However the crystal clear voices of its lead singers lends it adequate credibility.

All in all, Albela is an assorted album, featuring a few great and a few average and songs. But for a mere fifty bucks, Albela is worth its price.