Saaya belongs to Shreya
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AFTER coming up tops in talent hunt competitions on TV, Shreya Ghoshal made her rightful entry into playback singing with stray songs here and there. Even at that time she attracted favourable comments. But through Saaya she gets her big break under the baton of Anu Malik. Here she is called upon to sing as many as four songs, all of which are solos. And she has not belied the confidence reposed in her.

Anu Malik is in an experimental mood all the way. The lyrics are by little-heard Sayeed Quadri and he too has done a good job. Two other songs have been penned by Praveen Bhardwaj.

One song, O Sathia `85, has been written by Anand Bakshi with music by M.M.Kareem. Quite magnanimous of Anu to open the album with it.

As is the trend these days, many of the numbers are in two versions. In fact, Aye meri zindagi `85 happens to have three. Udit Narayan sings it in a happy mood on side A and then in a sad version on the other side. Shreya also renders the same number.

Similarly, Aai jo teri yaad `85 is done once by Shreya and once by Sonu Nigam. Seena pada `85 is sung separately by Shreya and Udit Narayan.

KK too gets to sing two songs, one a solo (Kabhi khushboo `85) and the other a duet (Har taraf `85) with Shreya.

The name of the film may suggest boisterousness but the music is sweet and syrupy. It happens to be one of the better efforts from Nadeem-Shravan.

It begins promisingly and ends in a similar manner. There is some slackening in between, but overall it is a satisfactory effort.

Pari pari hai ik pari `85 (Babul Supriyo) is in the mould of Ek ladki ko dekha to aisa laga `85, Ishq`85 is hummable in both its versions (Richa Sharma and Kumar Sanu).

Tera dil mere paas rehne de `85 makes good use of the cheerful style of Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. Hum nahin `85 (Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam and Abhijeet) is not quite that effortless but is enjoyable nevertheless.

Shaan sings the title song and Chain `85 (with Sadhana Sargam) with `E9lan.

The lyrics are by Sameer.

Private albums are coming of age. Here Swapnil showcases his talent through eight songs of different moods and pace.

At times one gets the feeling that Swapnil has bitten off more than he can chew. But he just about manages to hold his own and seems to be conveying the message that with little more experience he will be able to give an even better account of himself.

Ajay/Atul’s music also tends to be halting at times but that perhaps is a case of beginner’s nerves. Hazar baar `85 has been composed by Swapnil himself.

Rakesh Chaurasia’s flute leaves a lasting impression.