MOST films have six songs these days. The exceptional ones have as many as eight. By this yardstick, Tere Naam should be counted as "exceptionally exceptional" because it happens to have as many as 12. But then you can depend on director Satish Kaushik to do something off-beat, especially when the film is supposed to be based on the Salman Khan-Aishwarya Rai real-life fracas ("unfortunately a true love story", proclaims the blurb).

But concentrating on the music itself, quantity does not ensure quality. Sameer’s lyrics are good but Himesh Reshamiya’s music does not really crackle with freshness.

Even otherwise, most songs are in multiple versions. Tune saath jo mera chhoda has two (Udit Narayan and Raghav in one and Udit Narayan solo in the other) while the title song has many as three (Alka Yagnik solo, Udit Narayan solo and a duet by the two).

The only songs which leave some impression are Odhni (Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan) and Lagan lagi (Sukhvinder Singh). Incidentally, Lagan lagi and Tune saath jo mera chhoda have been written by Jalees Sherwani and set to music by Sajid-Wajid).

Sangeet Sartaj
(Music Today)

The Sangeet Sartaj series has become a byword for quality recording. This double-pack album features tabla wizard Zakir Hussain, the illustrious son of illustrious father Alla Rakha Khan.

He is one of the few percussionists who can keep the audience spellbound even in a solo performance. Here he makes some extremely complex rhythms sound so simple.

The first album features a 30-minute performance in Ektala that is a masterpiece of versatility. Side B of the album has Rupak Tala and Dadra. Zakir blends various gats, kayadas and padants effortlessly.

The second cassette has Jhaptala and Teentala boasting of exactly the same mastery. The overall impact is of unalloyed magic.

Sagarika Ajay has an interesting voice which has been let down by lyrics. In an attempt to introduce some youthful liveliness lyricist Surendra Sharma has penned lines which are distinctly lowbrow. Dikhne mein handsome is hardly the kind of song which can take a newcomer far.

Mar gaya baazi, Jat re jat and Sun ve yaar ve also belong in the same bracket.

Deepak Preet is the music director.