Yash Raj Films clearly takes no time in churning out a first-rate entertaining movie and it is no different this year as we get ready to experience the Yash Raj magic once again. Only a couple of weeks into the release of Ta Ra Rum Pum, one of India’s most influential production houses are ready once again to stir up a storm at the box office. Though their last release did not succeed in keeping up the stir, their forthcoming mega project, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, promises bigger and better things. The film is directed by Shaad Ali of Saathiya and Bunty aur Babli fame and it brings together a talented cast featuring Preity Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan, Lara Dutta and Bobby Deol. The successful trio of Shankhar, Ehsaan and Loy are at the helm of the soundtrack with lyrics by the prominent Gulzar saab. SEL already scored a hat-trick last year giving us three superhit soundtracks for Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Don, and Salaam-e-Ishq thus expectations are high to see if their successful pattern continues into the year 2007.
Shankar Madhavan gets the party started with a BANG! We have already heard and loved the teaser of the title track, Jhoom, in the theatrical trailer but after listening to the entire track, we can definitely show it some more love. Mixed with Indian classical beats, it is an extremely high spirited and catchy track and within 1 minute into the song, listeners are sure to sing along with the chorus.
Bombay Viking’s frontman, Neeraj Shridhar, takes over the mike in Ticket to Hollywood with the kajra re girl herself, Alisha Chinoi. The song mixes together hip hop and bhangra rhythms where both singers do their thing effortlessly. As the song title might suggest, this one is a fun and dance number with some wicked beats. At first listen the song probably will not appeal to many but with due time you will be hooked especially now that Yash Raj has released the song trailer where Abhishek Bachchan can be seen showing some of his ultra cool moves.
The second version of the title track comes to us in the form of JBJ and is sung by Shankar Madhavan, Zubeen Garg and Sunidhi Chauhan. This can hardly be called a second version because after listening to it you will get introduced to an entirely different track with an entirely different musical arrangement. If the party was started by Jhoom then JBJ is definitely keeping the party moving. The team of singers roped in for this song is perfect as all three vocals are strong and racy; two qualities that make the track enjoyable.
After three consecutive heavy voltage tracks, the soundtrack hits the brake and goes the subtle route with Bol Na Halke Halke. It is a love song, sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Mahalaxmi Iyer with lyrics by Gulzaar saab; what more can one ask for. Rahat’s voice adds a classical touch to the piece as Mahalaxmi’s rendition magically sways with the melodious music. The track stands as a superb example of what a romantic song should offer. The song speaks for itself thus the less said, the better.
Following the short break from the racy numbers, Kiss of Love gets you grooving once again. Vishal Dadlani and Vasundhara Das’ husky and saucy vocals spice up this track. However, regardless of great vocals the song fails to impress and even after couple of hearings the song is below average and does not match up to the rest, not to mention how irritating the chorus tends to get. Hopefully, with good picturization the song will be more appealing in the film.
The third version of the title track greets us towards the end when Jhoom Barabar Jhoom makes its entry. This Punjabi flavoured track brings together KK, Shankar Madhavan, Sukhvinder Singh and Mahalaxmi Iyer. It is very refreshing to hear all three versions of the title track to be completely different from each other. It would be wrong to label them as remixes because simply said, they are not. The musical arrangements, the lyrics and the complete feel of each song are a world apart and most importantly the music flows together beautifully; we do not hear any awkward beats or rhythms just for the sake of it. Props to the musical team!
Unfortunately, this colourful little soundtrack comes to an end, a sweet end if I may add, with the instrumental version of the title track, Jhoom Jam. It is a tuneful piece that brings together the instrumental version of all the tracks and weaves it all together very nicely.
Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy have succeeded once again with another entertaining soundtrack. The album is sure to rock the charts in no time while the rest of the world hums, sings and whistles to the tuneful tracks. The music of JBJ works because it does not try too hard. The musical team behind JBJ succeeds because even with keeping with the current trend of Western music in Bollywood soundtracks they do not overlook classical Indian melodies that all music lovers are craving for at present; the smooth interweaving of both genres is done beautifully. A highly recommended soundtrack!
