EXPECTATIONS Once upon a time in Bollywood, there was a film called Kaminey. And now is the time for some Lafangey Parindey. Really, there is some good tolerance which is coming in, a result of which titles like these are now sounding rather cool instead of being considered as cuss. Of course the banner Yash Raj Films counts due to which there is a definite acceptance comes in. Add to that fact that the film features Neil Nitin Mukesh and Deepika Padukone and you know that there is something out and out commercial waiting to happen. Same are the expectations from the music as well where director Pradeep Sarkar moves away from his regular composer Shantanu Moitra to join hands with R. Anandh, the man who was a part of the band 'Agosh' that had given the music for Sunny Deol and Sushmita Sen starrer Zor. Lyricist Swanand Kirkire is pretty much retained though by the team here.

MUSIC It is a clear Tarantino influence in the way title song 'Lafangey Parindey' begins. As the song moves ahead, one realises that this influence continues for a good duration of the song. Well, till the 100th second before the song takes an Indian route. However, except for the brief chorus period where 'Lafangey Parindey' gets into 'masti' and 'dhamaal' mood, the song stays on to be Western in its treatment with a soft rock mood prevalent throughout. A song about high attitude, this Ronit Sarkar sung number has an edgy feel to it though made strictly for the situation in the film. Given an extra push, it could have been yet another 'Dum' [Dum] or 'O Mera Khuda' [Prince]. It's the sound of guitar with a country feel to it that kick starts yet another song that has 'Lafanga' in it's lyrics. Titled 'Man Lafanga', this one brings in a new high in the album, something which is expected from Mohit Chauhan in each of his outings. Really, just the way Rahat Fateh Ali Khan brings in a different dimension to a song, same is the case with Mohit Chauhan as well who more often than not has something exciting to offer every time. No wonder, 'Man Lafanga' (pretty much carrying the same theme feel as in case of title song of Kaminey), makes a quick impression as well. Hear it on a repeat mode and it's easy on ears appeal would ensure that you won't be bored. A 'club mix' version - the only remix in the album - arrives later in the album as well but one would prefer the original any time. The song which is all set to be chartbuster though is 'Dhatad Tatad'. If you have liked 'masala' songs from the 80s, you would be able to grab this one pretty quickly. On the same lines as the lesser heard track 'Aanan Faanan' (from Govinda's 'Hathkadi'), 'Dhatad Tatad' is a full-on-pace track that doesn't have a single dull moment. Lesser exposed singers like Shail Hada and Anushka Manchanda come together to get the mood right for this rooted number which is purely for the masses. If picturised well (which it promises to be), 'Dhatad Tatad' should be picked up by those who have loved Govinda songs from the past. This time around, it is the word 'Parindey' which is extracted from the film's title and woven into a new song - 'Nain Parindey'. Shilpa Rao is known for her unconventional yet so-very-impressive voice and that is used to it's fullest in 'Nain Parindey' which offers some truly different lyrics. Ironically, the song is written for a girl (Deepika Padukone) who is blind and hence the very theme of 'Nain Parindey' holds even more significance. Expect the song to make an impact in the narrative of the film. The name Suraj Jagan pretty much ensures that the outing to follow would be high on beats and tempo, what with his rock star image preceding him since the days of Rock On. Just like the title song 'Lafangey Parindey', this one too is basically a song about attitude and is pretty much about the gang of boys out there to rule the world. With a rock feel to the music here, 'Rang Daalein' sticks to the theme and aims for the target audience as youth. Last to come is an instrumental 'Born To Fly' which has a truly international feel to it for most of it's part. With the sound of violin continuing to dominate for the first 50 seconds, it is a pensive outing before happiness seems round the corner due to guitar coming in. There is some fun in store a few moments later with the sound of 'Dhatad Tatad' coming in. High voltage and ensuring some good thrilling moments throughout the narrative of 'Lafangey Parindey', 'Born To Fly' is one of those few instrumentals that truly sum up the mood of the entire film in a matter of few minutes.

OVERALL The positive factor about the album is that it stays on to young and urban throughout and brings to fore an entirely different sound that hasn't been heard in Pradeep Sarkar's Parineeta or Laaga Chunari Mein Daag. Add to the fact that 'Dhatad Tatad' truly rocks the show while 'Man Lafanga' and 'Nain Parindey' bring on a certain subtle mood to the proceedings and you know that it would be a good outing after all with Lafangey Parindey.

OUR PICK(S) Dhatad Tatad, Man Lafanga, Born To Fly, Nain Parindey

EXPECTATIONS Peppy, frothy and quite chic - this is what one expects from the music of Aisha which is one of the few chic flicks that are coming out of Bollywood now. Since youth is the flavour of the season, one expects the music of Aisha to be carrying urban sensibilities that one expects from the film as well. Add to the fact that the film has an unusual combination of composer Amit Trivedi and lyricist Javed Akhtar and you know for sure that there is something really exciting round the corner.

MUSIC The moment you hear the title song of Aisha, you know that the album is going to have a really interesting and engaging journey from this point on. An upmarket number with urban groove written all over it, 'Aisha' is on the same lines as 'Kabhi Kabhi Aditi' [Jaane tu Ya Jaane Naa] as far as the setting is concerned. A beautiful number which has Amit Trivedi coming behind the mike as well along with Nakash Aziz and Ash King, 'Aisha' has chartbuster written all over it. More than the fact that it has an appeal to become popular in days to come, the very factor that goes in its favour is it's loveable appeal. This one can't be missed and is a win up the sleeves for Amit Trivedi. Well, if one would have thought that Aisha will settle down after a rocking opening number then that is not quite the case. That's because Amit Trivedi comes up with an instant chartbuster which is all set to be highly popular, especially in North India. 'Gal Mitthi Mitthi' is a new age Punjabi track and despite the folk flavour embedded into it, this Tochi Raina sung track is such a foot tapping track that it is tough not to fall in love with it in the very first listening. Rest assured, this one would have been an instant pick by the makers of Aisha once Trivedi would have played this one up. A 'dhol mix' version which follows next is just what the producer would have ordered her and it only adds more fun to the album. There is a strong innocence factor in Trivedi's music as evidenced in his earlier soundtracks and the same can be evidenced in 'Sham' as well. Just the kind of track you want to sing with a bunch of friends around a bonfire, 'Sham' is third straight terrific number in a row which has the potential to become hugely popular if the film does well at the box office. While Trivedi leads the show behind the mike once again, he has Neuman Pinto and Nikhil D'Souza for company who make sure that the youth factor stays on to be consistent right through the album. There is some fun soon after with a 50s style 'Behke Behke' that has Anushka Manchanda leading from the front with support from Raman Mahadevan and Samrat Kaushal. Anushka is one girl who has seldom disappointed in any of her outings so far and 'Behke Behke' proves that given the right setting and platform, her unique voice can do wonders. With a celebration feel to it with an air of seduction all around, 'Behke Behke' has a good tempo to it and should look good on screen. Anusha Mani, in her limited Bollywood engagements so far, has always made a mark. Whether it is 'Dil Mein Jaagi' [Dev D] or 'Lazy Lamhe' [Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic], her voice has been noticed for it's uniqueness. Same is the case with 'Lehrein' as well which is truly an Anusha show all the way. Even though the song (with supporting vocals from Neuman Pinto and Nikhil D'Souza) is pensive and slow moving, it's the melody which helps 'Lehren' stand out. A track about happiness keeping some distance away and things not quite gone the way they were expected, this new age love song with a sad theme to it is extremely easy on ears and deserves a repeat hearing for itself. Surprisingly there is also a 'remix version' of the song but thankfully, it neither deviates the song from it's theme nor does it see an overdose of added beats or other arrangements that would have otherwise killed an excellent impact that 'Lehrein' had created. Aisha ends on a peppy note though with Anushka Manchanda taking centre-stage all over again. Now this is what one terms as a killer track because there is so much fun, celebration and girlie factor that comes together in 'By The Way' that it is difficult not to jive to the beats here. High on pace, spirit, attitude and rendition, 'By The Way' (with support from Neuman Pinto) is the kind of number that one would love to listen to in a campus rock outing or a drive down the highway. Bring it on!

OVERALL Aisha springs a pleasant surprise. Of course one did expect a good score here but what one gets to hear is complete album that is new age, different and yet so appealing to youth. There is not a single song which doesn't work and each one tries to better the other. Ever since the release of music of Dev D, one wondered if composer Amit Trivedi would ever manage to come up with a wholesome album like that. He did compose for a few films in between and some of his work did impress. However, Aisha will clearly stand out as his best score since Dev D. Go for it and play it on with friends!

OUR PICK(S) Suno Aisha, Gal Mitthi Mitthi, By The Way, Lehrein

EXPECTATIONS You don't quite know what to expect from the music of Peepli [Live]. Actually, to be honest, you don't really have much hope either. After all, the factors are not quite conducive to a popular soundtrack being in the offing from Peepli [Live] . Rural base, largely unknown actors, offbeat theme, first time director, an unusual set of composers (Ram Sampat, Indian Ocean, Nageen Tanvir) - you name it! But then (and this is a big 'but' by the way) there is a name called Aamir Khan involved with the film. Frankly, if not for him, the film as well as music would have largely gone unnoticed. He is the sole reason why one still feels that there may well be a surprise round the corner. Let's check out to see if there indeed is one!

MUSIC There is a rustic sound associated with the music coming from Indian Ocean. It could be Western or Indian based but one can't take out the rustic element from the music that this band creates. This is the reason why ' Des Mera' does carry an individuality around it as the band comes together to make a song which talks about the uniqueness of India for all the mishaps or goodness that it boasts of. Written by Sanjeev Sharma and Swanand Kirkire, ' Des Mera' is a theme track that has a feel good factor about it, keeps its tempo high and goes well with the rural background of the film. However, given the theme, ' Des Mera' (which arrives in an added version) has it's shelf life restricted to the play of the film. Once the sound of harmonium fills up the first couple of seconds of ' Mehngai Dayain' and Raghubir Yadav begins his rustic rendition, you know that there is one song which is going to stay totally true to the background that the film carries. A track which gives the feeling of a 'live on location' recording, courtesy the way Raghubir along with a bunch of other singers go ahead with their rendition, ' Mehngai Dayain' is as topical as it gets due to the statement it makes against price rise. However, all of this is said in a lighter vein which ensures that the message is conveyed without it being thrust down the throat. A track that comes with traditional lyrics, it has Ram Sampat keeping it totally folksy in nature without any touch up. What is a killer track though is the 'remix version' of ' Mehngai Dayain' which is a sure shot chartbuster that has been placed in the album. With a Western base to it, some English lyrics, added beats and the thump which the song carries, this version turns out to be a track which will make its presence felt all the way. Whether clubs, campus, hostels or even other family celebrations - the remix version of ' Mehngai Dayain' is such that it won't be ignored at all. A fun track, this one will go a long way. Go for it! There is immediate 'thehrav' with the arrival of ' Zindagi Se Darte Ho' which is yet another track by Indian Ocean. Written by Noon Meem Rashed, this is a dark and haunting song about being courageous, standing up and life and fighting for oneself. With a seven minutes running length, expect the track to play in the film's background during a few dramatic points in the narrative. A soft rock track that has a Western base to it, ' Zindagi Se Darte Ho' comes with a philosophical bent and is strictly situational. Another folk track in Peepli [Live] is ' Chola Maati Ke Ram' which is sung and composed by Nageen Tanvir. If hearing something which is totally non-Bollywood excites you most, ' Chola Maati Ke Ram' is the one for you. Coming together of devotion and philosophy along with a definite folk flavour means that the song would do well in the context of the film. However, there is a very niche market for this Gangaram Sakhet written track and comes with the possibility of having a run beyond the movie's run only if Peepli [Live] turns out to be a success at the box office.

OVERALL As mentioned earlier, if not for the name Aamir Khan attached to the film, the music here would have gone totally unnoticed. However, with the kind of marketing and promotion that one can expect from the man here, rest assured Peepli [Live] will find it's fair share of attention. While the entire album will find a larger audience only after the release of the film, what should set the ball rolling is ' Mehngai Dayain' which is a chartbuster waiting to happen. Don't miss that one.

OUR PICK(S) 'Mehngai Dayain - Remix', 'Des Mera'

EXPECTATIONS You definitely don't expect anything conventional from the music of Udaan. First and foremost, the genre by itself signifies that there won't be place for any quintessential Bollywood naachgaana here. Secondly, the film doesn't have the concept of hero-heroine. Thirdly, the film comes from the house of Anurag Kashyap. If music of his films like Dev D (which still had a love story at the core of it and yet was different), Black Friday and Gulaal are any indication, Udaan too should have something unique to offer. Now have composer Amit Trivedi and lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya managed to come up with something which is not just different but also carries the potential to be popular? Well, let's explore.

MUSIC One has to be attentive right from the beginning of 'Kahaani-Aankhon Ke Pardon Pe' due to an extended guitar piece that plays on for full 80 seconds before Joi Barua and Neuman Pinto come together behind the mike. A slow track that does make you listen to Amitabh Bhattacharya's words carefully, 'Kahaani-Aankhon Ke Pardon Pe' gets into a soft rock a minute later, hence bringing on the theme and mood, as evidenced in campus scores. A track that brings to fore the conflict in the mind of protagonists who are unsure about their tomorrow, 'Kahaani-Aankhon Ke Pardon Pe' is a good theme number that marks the kick start of the album. The moment 'Geet Mein Dhalte Lafzon Mein' begins, you know that it is an Amit Trivedi creation. Remember the constant rhythm of 'Ek Hulchul Si' [Dev D]? It's the same sound all over again which forms the base of this track where both Amit Trivedi and Amitabh Bhattacharya take over the role of singers as well. This time around the mood is that of hope and a better life ahead, hence bringing in a positive sense to the proceedings. Easy on airs, 'Geet Mein Dhalte Lafzon Mein' could have been one heavy number if not tuned so simply. There is a 50s sound in the way 'Udaan-Nadi Mein Talab Hai' begins. By this time around, you know that Udaan is truly turning out to be a theme album in itself since there is a certain all around consistency in the sound that flows from one song to another. There is a gradual build up that the tune undertakes as the song turns out to be yet another instance where one can reference back to the mood that was set in Dev D. Amit Trivedi, Joi Barua and Neuman Pinto come together for this 'we are free' track which should go well during the film's narrative. You get the sense of 'maajhi re' kind of number in the way 'Naav-Chadhti Lehrein Laang Na Paye' begins. Lyrics only add on to the overall impact. Compared to earlier songs, this one doesn't quite make one hear in admiration mainly due to the jingle feel that it carries. Singer Mohan gets into the space which could have been created for Kailash Kher and though he does fine as required by the genre, he is not aided by the kind of tune which could have made 'Naav-Chadhti Lehrein Laang Na Paye' stand out when compared to the rest. 'Motumaster-Iski Maa Agar Isse' which comes soon after doesn't make you jump with joy actually, mainly because of the loud manner in which it begins. Ok, so intent here was to come up with something funny, quirky and truly unconventional. In fact Anurag Kashyap's lyrics do help the cause as well but the way it is sung (in a rustic manner) and the tune which is not quite exciting results in 'Motumaster-Iski Maa Agar Isse' not quite becoming another 'Ranaji' [Gulaal]. With a huge bunch of singers coming together in the form of Raman Mahadevan, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Bonnie Chakravarthy, Kshitij Wagh, Shriram Iyer, Tochi Raina, Amit Trivedi and Anurag Kashyap, this song doesn't click.Thankfully, Udaan returns to normalcy with 'Aazaadiyan-Pairon Ki Bediyan' which goes back into the same mode as the earlier tracks in the album. Amit Trivedi, Neuman Pinto, Nikhil D'Souza and Amitabh Bhattacharya come together for this soft track that again reminds of many a song that find an acceptance amongst the hostel crowds. Yet another track about breaking the rules, 'Aazaadiyan-Pairon Ki Bediyan' is practically composed in the same mode as 'Kahaani-Aankhon Ke Pardon Pe'. A near 3 minutes piano piece by Felix Hug forms the 'theme' of Udaan. Soft and subtle, haunting and beautiful, this track (with additional voices by Joi Barua and Neuman Pinto) marks a good ending to the album which has the kind of tracks that actually go on to break quite a few rules when compared to core Bollywood outings.

OVERALL Udaan is a good experimental album which means that it would require a very strong word of mouth to actually reach out to the audience. Absence of any star cast means that there is an additional effort required for the music to find a wider visibility. Moreover, the album is releasing only a fortnight before the film's arrival which means lesser time for promotion. Udaan is one of those albums that don't necessarily take a huge start at the music stands. However, the theme flavour of the album means that it should make an impact in the long run, especially if the film goes on to find patronage from audience.

OUR PICK(S) Kahaani-Aankhon Ke Pardon Pe, Geet Mein Dhalte Lafzon Mein, Udaan-Nadi Mein Talab Hai