Race to the finish!

"Race" is the title of the newest multi-star film that's set to hit theatres soon. Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Sameera Reddy play central roles in this caper. I'm not sure how the film will do at the box office but here's a rundown on the soundtrack created by Pritam, responsible for monster hits like Dhoom amongst others. He has the notorious reputation for making songs "inspired" by international songs. Anyway, moving swiftly along...

Dekho Nashe Mein is a fast-paced track, vaguely reminiscent of the Latino-inspired track in "Dhoom." There's another remixed Latin fiesta version, which didn't quite hit the spot. The track by itself is stuck in a middle ground - it's not extremely exciting that I'd want a replay but it's not terribly boring that I'd forget it altogether. All in all, average would describe it best.

Mujhe Pe To Jadoo features Apache Indian after a very long time. Accompanying him are Taz (from the erstwhile Stereo Nation) and Sunidhi Chauhan. The song is a easy, laidback reggae-bhangra song. I have always liked Taz's voice and think he is a highly under-rated singer. This song has a typical Stereo Nation feel to it. Sunidhi doesn't have much scope to belt out her thunderous vocals. Apache is dependable as he ever was.

Pehli Nazar Mein is possibly the highlight of the album, featuring the ever-so-talented Atif Aslam. His voice has this mersmerising quality, in the same league as his other blockbusters such as Tere bin, Woh Lamhe. The song is already on its way to being a chart-topper back in India and Pakistan. Definitely something I'll be adding onto my faves list.

Race is on my mind is another track that will be a popular pick. It has a rock-inspired feel. There's something about it that reminds me about Jackson's In the Closet (think it's the bassline that is vaguely familiar with In the Closet). Sung by the ever-reliable Sunidhi Chauhan, the video will probably see the ladies shaking their booty to this track. Why? Lyrics that say something about "shake your body like a snake!" ;) Neeraj from Bombay Vikings accompanies Sunidhi in singing this track in his inimitable style. That this is the title track is just as well because it has a rock-Bond influenced vibe to it, which I have a feeling will play at opportune times during the film! Race In Saanson ki is merely a hindi-version of the previous song. I couldn't tell much of a difference between the tracks! Even the hindi-version has a liberal smattering of English words! So I'm not entirely sure why this additional track made it to the final cut.

Zara Zara Touch Me is the track that's playing on promos at this time featuring Katrina Kaif. If it sounds familiar, it's because it is "inspired" by Stagga Lee's Rock your body, albeit a slowed down version of that club hit. There's a man singing on the track who is attempting a Shaggy-like vibe and it's an interesting attempt to say the very least. Monali does a pretty good job at sounding unique and holds her own well. Too bad, the song isn't the most original. However, I'm sure a million remixes will follow this song. There's another version called the Asian RnB version which I actually liked better than the original, simply because it has a more pronounced bass line. Apart from that, again, not sure why this track made it to the soundtrack.

All in all, the album is average with a couple of tracks that stand out. It's worth one listen, not sure how much repeat value it will have in the years to come. Somehow I don't think creating a classic was on the music director's mind ;)

Comments

[amreen]

thanks for the in-depty review, Savia! I really need some new music - i wonder if I can download a few of the songs from Itunes?

[Keenjal]

Hi Savia,
Thanks for such a detailed review. I really feel that the music in this movie far exceeds the actual plot line. While there was an attempt to create suspense, I just didn't think the movie was as good as it had the potential to be. Anyway, I enjoyed the music and, as you stated, Pehli Nazar Mein is a great song.

Look forward to your next review.

Keenjal