MUSIC REVIEW: Khuda Kay Liye
For many of our generation, Pakistani music has begun with Junoon and ended with Atif Aslam. The slightly older ones would probably reminisce about Ut Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. But then again that is pretty much what defines India's popular knowledge about Pakistani music.
The OST of Khuda Kay Liye however seeks to break this stereotypical image of its country's culture and music. And sure enough, it does one helluva job. After listening to it, you realise there is so much to the music across the border that it's criminal the way we write off Pakistani music. [READ REVIEW: Naseer's Khuda Kay Liye]
Take the instance of track four – Janie Janie, a fusion number that blends the Indian and the Western sensibilities so beautifully. You suddenly see how much Pakistani music has been influenced by the Indian ragas.
For most part, Khuda Kay Liye sticks to the Sufi tradition, using modern arrangements and remix techniques to make the album 'marketable'. The first two tracks – Bandya and Allah Hoo are in fact remixes, their original versions coming much later in the album. And this is where the album fails. The original songs are so good and powerful in themselves, you don't even need a remix or a 'rock version' of these numbers. Again, the track arrangement is the other thing that can sometimes be putting off.
The best track Janie Janie, which with its fusion pretty much defines the theme of the film and the album, is at number four! The title track with its brilliant word play – comes at number three. The lyrics go – Khuda ke naam se kehlo na… Khuda kay liye! (Don't play with the name of the lord… for god's sake!)
A special mention about the music arrangement in all the tracks – very rarely do you see such consistency. The downer, as mentioned before is the unnecessary add-on remix versions. But otherwise, this album is well worth a buy!
Verdict: Khuda Kay Liye may not please all the traditionalists. But it's a lesson in how well fusion can be handled.
Rating: 3/5
Khuda Kay Liye | Rohail Hyatt (who sings all the songs too) | Sony BMG | CD: Rs 160
