Amit Trivedi is the man of the moment it seems with his demand increasing more and more by the day. His recently released album Udaan lived up to expectations and now it’s time to see if his much awaited album Aisha has a similar outcome. Expectations from this album would have been without a doubt sky high as it’s a film that has been making the news for quite some time. It marks the debut of Rajshree Ojha as director, Rhea Kapoor as producer and has a very young and chic cast consisting of Abhay Deol and Sonam Kapoor. More importantly it is said to be an adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic ‘Emma’ which is the reason why there exists an additional buzz around the film. Trivedi was entrusted with the task of bringing in the musical backing for the film with the company of the legendry Javed Akhtar as lyricist. So does the album live up to all the hype, let see!
The album kicks off with a track that has already proven to be a hit from what audiences have heard of it in promos, Suno Aisha. Trivedi takes to the mic himself with additional vocals from Adit, Ash King and Nakash Aziz. It’s a catchy pop styled number with great input from jazz instruments, all enveloped in Trivedi’s soothing vocals. The contrast that emerges when the upbeat music and the soft vocals of Trivedi mix together is the main reason why this one works so well! No surprises that lyrics are Aisha centric and beautifully woven together by Javed Akhtar. A definite highlight of the album.
Tochi Raina takes to the mic next with Gal Mitthi Mitthi a song with such a bizarre introduction that you’re bound to want to listen to more of it in order to uncover the rest of the song. This one is another hip hop piece with fusion created through the use shehaniyees (traditionally used in weddings), Punjabi dhols, Punjabi chorus and Punjabi lyrics courtesy of Javed Akhtar. The composition is indeed commendable, the background beats especially create a great flow however what fails to impress and demand appreciation is Tochi’s voice. He seems to be yelling out the words at a pitch that doesn’t alter throughout the song. A bombay bounce mix version of the song is also included in the album and bouncy this version indeed is. Apart from the additional techno instruments used and additional beats this one has nothing to offer. Trivedi disappoints with this track especially since the album started off on such a positive note.
Things brighten up with the third track of the album Sham. Amit Trivedi and Neuman Pinto join hands for a track that is very much Trivedi at its core. It’s a soft number predominantly boasting of beautiful acoustics. Trivedi’s vocal is the reason this one shines because the track has been mixed as such that instruments do not overpower the vocals but rather the track is carried forward solely by the vocals. This is the most impressive trait of the song because in the modern age composers all too often get carried away with all the gadgets they can now use with their instruments. Lyrics are another highlight of the track because whilst it remains to be a romantic number it’s not overly dramatic about the emotions but rather talks about the small things like the essence of silence when two people are together. No reaching for stars and bringing down the moon, Akhtar keeps its practical with this one and it’s indeed a refreshing trait of the track that makes it a winner all the way.
Anushka Manchanda waltzes in next with her ever so sexy vocals full of attitude and breathes a new life into the album with Behke Behke. It’s a track with European influences from all over. The hip hop back beat pounding in your ears throughout the track is a definite highlight as it adds the extra attitude to the song. Anushka is at her best and honestly leaves you in more awe of her, not that we already weren’t stunned by her amazing vocals. Samrat and Raman add flavor to track. Everything is flawless about this one except for the occasional English rap that really could have been done without.
Bekhe Behkhe – Bombay Bounce Mix gives a new spin to the original track with obvious digital enhancement to the otherwise very ‘raw’ track. However no tempo alterations are made thankfully, thus the essential feel of the track remains the same. Check it out if you want a slightly different take of the same track.
After the very upbeat ‘Behke Behke’ the album comes to the soft rock number titled Leherein which inherently is your ideal reflective and somewhat heartbreaking number. Anusha Mani takes to the mic and is a complete revelation considering the last prominent track we heard her in was ‘Lazy Lamhe’ from Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic which showcased an absolute opposite side of hers compared to what we witness in this number. Indeed a versatile vocal that ought to be used more and more. The soft chorus given by Neuman and Nikhil adds a great layer to the track.
Attitude comes back into the album with Anushka Manchanda stepping up once again with By The Way. Considering that Aisha is based on ‘Emma’, one really can see why Trivedi chose Anushka to feature in the album, the woman’s attitude is more than perfect for the character. This one is a classic chick-rock number with quirky lyrics that grab your attention. Although without a doubt Anushka is the one thing that holds this track together and gives it life.
The answer to the question as to whether Aisha‘s music lives up to the enormous expectation would be yes and no. It is not completely flawless as ‘Gal Mitthi Mitthi’ stands out like a sore thumb and the additional Bombay Bounce Mixes really seem to be album fillers. However, at the same time the album entails tracks in which Trivedi’s work truly shines. If there was one word to describe the composer it would be ‘fresh’. He’s like no other we’ve witnesses and dares to be different which is to be commended. With five out of seven tracks proving to be extensively impressive, Aisha‘s soundtrack ends up being a worthwhile investment that you won’t regret.
