In a time when formula-bound albums are highly popular, Dostana is one formula-bound album that manages to stand out of the crowd. Even though it has the basic ingredients of a typical album such as a romantic number, a Punjabi one and an item song, it stills manages to be fresh and engaging.
Dostana is released under the banner of Dharma Productions, is directed by Tarun Masukhani and stars Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra in pivotal roles. Music has been given by Vishal-Shekhar who recently did not score a lot of points with Bachna Ae Haseeno. They are once again joined by Anvita Dutt (Bachna Ae Haseeno). The album has six songs and boasts of the talents of Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan and Vishal Dadlani.
The album commences with the youthful Jaane Kyun, sung by Vishal Dadlani who, unlike his recent numbers, actually sings the song rather than screaming out the words. Think Dil Chahta Hai’s title song meets the theme song of Friends (TV Show). Well penned by Anvita, the track is about how the security and presence of a best friend makes everything alright. She manages to effectively use Hindi and English lyrics without the words seem like they are forced. The music is very jazzy and makes ample use of the piano, claps and has an enthusiastic chorus.
Next up is Desi Girl, which is easily the most rocking track of the album. The song is enthusiastically rendered by the talented Shankar Mahadevan who is well supported by Sunidhi Chauhan. The music is full of energy with a great combination of heart pounding dhols and lively shehanais. Vishal-Shekhar are to be commended for improving their use of dhols so as to it not seem like extensive noise. Probably the most desiest number of the year, it will surely rock the charts for weeks to come and prove to be a hit amongst the desi girls in particular. Kumaar’s well penned lyrics glorify today’s desi girl who is both beautiful and empowered.
The album takes a nose dive for the worst with Maa Ka Ladla which is sung by Saleem. It seems like Vishal-Shekhar made a very pathetic attempt to recreate the magic of ‘Maari Teetri’ (De Taali) and failed miserably. The vocals are a bit annoying, the chorus is repetitive and the music is ill-arranged. The Punjabi lyrics penned by Kumaar are monotonous as every single line is sung twice throughout the song to fill time. This one is definitely deserving of the skip button.
Fortunately, Sunidhi Chauhan’s Shut Up and Bounce manages to save the album. It is an urban number which stays true to its title as it is foot tapping and bouncy. However, the listener does have a brief d
