THE creativity of Nadeem-Shravan can burst forth in the unlikeliest of films. One hardly expected such sweet music in a rough and tough film like Footpath. But here we have six exceptionally sweet songs by them. And guest composer Himesh Reshamiya matches them in melodiousness in the seventh.

The cassette is dominated by Alka Yagnik. Asha Bhosle sings just one duet, Chain aapko mila, mujhe to bebasi mili, with S.P. Balasubramaniam, but leaves an indelible mark.

Alka Yagnik is at her best in the solo Dil to milte hain bichhadne ke liye, which has been sung with slightly different lyrics — Dost milte hain bichhadne ke liye — by Kumar Sanu. He has also done a brilliant job of it.

But as far as the popularity charts go, it is the duets which are going to rule. Kitna pyaara pyaara hai sama (Alka Yagnik, Abhijeet), Saari raat teri yaad (Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan) and Zara dekh mera deewanapan (Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan) are all above average.

Soorat pe teri pyaar aave (Hema Sardesai, KK and Jayesh Gandhi) from the stable of Himesh Reshamiya provides a different flavour to the album.

The lyrics are by Sameer.

This album reaches us rather late, but it is so powerful that it just cannot be ignored on that count. Abida Parveen shines like the pole-star in the sky of Sufi music. Her voice is ideally suited for the genre. Kabir’s writings do not fit into the standard mould, but then Abida has also brought in variations to do justice to his tapestry. The singing is low-key; so is the music.

Kabir’s philosophy is a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim concepts. He weaves divine poetry out of extremely simple words from everyday life. That is why his mysticism electrifies listeners even after six centuries. The album includes such immortal bhajans as Man lago yaar fakiri mein, Souun to sapne milun, Sahib mera ek hai.

Gulzar introduces and explains each piece of poetry and the following rendition in a style that is entirely his own.

Harbhajan Mann has already carved his place with mega hits like Gallhan goriyan to vich toye. His brother Gursewak has not had such luck but has displayed considerable potential. Here, the two come together to present an unusual bouquet.

They sing typical Punjabi rural songs, which are a world away from the Punjabi pop ruling the roost these days. Even the instruments are the kind which are rarely heard now: dhadh sarangi and nagoje. The songs transport one to a bygone era when no rural fair was complete without such songs.

Babu Singh Mann and Karnal Singh Paras’ lyrics look at profound mysteries through the eyes of an ordinary person. Particularly evocative is Rabb kedhiyaan rangan wich raazi. Music is by Jaidev Kumar.