B R Chopra makes a return after giving us the surprise hit, Baghban back in 2003. Banking on the Baghban team, he rejoins with Ravi Chopra, Adesh Shrivastava and Sameer and a grand cast consisting of Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Rani Mukherji, Salman Khan and John Abraham. The movie ventures into the familiar territory of social and family drama centering on the relationship between a father-in-law and the widow of his son. After giving us some hummable tracks in Baghban, Aadesh and Sameer return with another impressive musical score.
Come On Come On is not your typical bangra track in the sense that this one is fused with some foot tapping rap and reggae beats. Amitabh Bachchan takes on the mike in this number accompanied by the highly capable Sonu Nigam. The remix version is of a much higher pace that will be a sure fire hit on the dance floor.
Keh Raha Hai is a simple, sweet, romantic duet sung by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal. With its simply melody and a bit of added tempo, the song does not go wrong.
Har Manzar brings the pace back as Kunal Ganjawala graces us for the first time in this album. It is a stage song however it does not go overboard with loud beats and rendition. Kunal’s voice gives the song a very soft and smooth touch and is very pleasing to listen to. The song also comes in a remixed version which is equally good.
Kehta Hain Baabul, the theme song of the enterprise, is a ghazal sung by the ghazal king himself, Jagjit Singh. With emotional lyrics and classical rhythms, this will surely be loved by all who favour ghazals.
Bebasi Dard Ka Alam consists of a rainbow of emotions. Kunal shines in this song as he reaches right into the heart of the listeners with his ever so soothing voice. Sameer is known to sometimes lack the ability to give soulful lyrics but this is truly one of his best.
Baawri Piya Ki is a subtle and sensual piece consisting of Indian classical rhythms and beats. Sonu Nigam is at his best as he gives a perfect rendition. Regardless of being an extremely slow song, the tabla, piano and orchestra adds that needed appeal. Sameer is truly shining in this album and wins yet again in the lyrics department.
Gaa Re Maan is a qawalli track sung by Sudesh Bhosle, Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Kailesh Kher. It is a fairly enjoyable track that is clearly dominated by Alka.
Baabul-Bidaai is a brilliant piece mainly due to Richa Sharma’s amazing rendition. She supports the song by her own voice as there is no instrumental aid in it. The power of her vocal helps to create that bidaai atmosphere that is experienced during weddings.
Vaada Raha is the sad version of Keh Raha Hai sung by Sonu Nigam. It sounds to be a situational song that may be heard in various parts of the movie.
In all, Baabul is an album that provides variety, not only in the songs but also in the singers who excel in their own genres. The hype that was surrounding this album is completely justified as Aadesh, Sameer and a very talented group of singers do not let the audience down even for a second. This one definitely goes in the Best of 2006 list!
