Bachna Ae Haseeno (August 15, 2008)

Singers: Shilpa Rao, KK, Shekhar Ravjiani, Hard Kaur, Sunidhi Chauhan, Raja Hassan, Shreya Ghoshal, Lucky Ali, Himani Kapoor, Sukhwinder Singh, Sumit Kumar, Shankar Mahadevan
Lyricist: Anvita Dutt Guptan
Music Composer: Vishal-Shekhar
Rating: ***

For 'Bachna Ae Haseeno', composer duo Vishal-Shekhar offers songs that are engaging from the word go. The album has everything - peppiness, calming songs, Punjabi music and jazz. So wait no longer and put on the play button.

An unlikely combination of Lucky Ali and Shreya Ghoshal render 'Ahista ahista'. What stands out in this contemporary track is the orchestra. And the singers' voices complement the orchestra amazingly well. Lyrics by Anvita Dutt Guptan are not bad, but it's the music that has a unique touch.

The title track will surely take the cake. Vishal-Shekhar have put in an entirely new flavour into 'Bachna ae haseeno', sung originally by late Kishore Kumar in 1977 for 'Hum Kissi Se Kum Nahin'.

The song is an ideal mix of the glorious music of yesteryears and contemporary rhythms - a fusion that will be remembered for long. The composers have given the piece a completely enjoyable feel.

'Jog mahi' is one of those typical folk pieces merged with Bollywood tunes. Shekhar Ravjiani renders the song along with Sukhwinder Singh and Himani Kapoor. The number isn't that great but would make for a good dance track.

A fantastic track comes in the form of 'Khuda jaane'. Everybody seems to have done well in this slow and melodious track. Lyricist Anvita has written some original words while both the singers, Shilpa Rao and KK, have sung it brilliantly.

If nothing else, the lyrics of 'Lucky boy' will surely surprise listeners. An average piece, the number has a club feel to it. But the vocals by Sunidhi Chauhan, Raja Hassan and Hard Kaur are nothing exceptional. No harm in skipping this number.

Shankar Mahadevan renders the oddly titled 'Small town girl'. The music has a Punjabi base with lots of drumbeats thrown in.

Unlike other albums, 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' has a couple of enjoyable pieces. The title track itself could make the album a big hit.