MUSIC REVIEW: Thoda Pyaar...

It seems the best-laid plans are going wrong at the Yash Raj Films. Which is why a genuinely rocking soundtrack like Tashan didn't get the response it deserved.

For nearly a year we have been using the phrase 'all eyes are on this one' to introduce any new Yash Raj project. This time again, industry watchers are hoping Kunal Kohli gives the banner their much-needed hit with Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. Kohli moves from his regulars Jatin and Lalit to the in demand trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. And Prasoon Joshi takes care of the lyrics department.

The album opens with the theme song Pyar Ke Liye. It's a soulful solo Shankar Mahadevan track with a pleasant sound to it. Mahadevan seems to be enjoying rendering another meaningful soulful song as in Taare Zameen Par. The tune is also easy on the ears.

Next is the most promoted song Nihaal Ho Gayee. It's Shankar again but this time in a livelier avatar. It has a bhangra rock feel to it as Mahadevan touches his highest pitch through the song. It's a catchy number that's good while it lasts. But not a chartbuster that it is being touted as.

Guess what? It's Shankar again for the third track. One wonders how well his voice will suit Saif persona. Now, we all know Rani plays an angel in the film, so Bulbula is all about spreading happiness and fulfilling everyone's desires. But the track just doesn't work at any level and is one big bore.

After bringing Kareena down to size zero Aditya Chopra makes Ameesha Patel slip into a bikini. Sung by newcomer Anusha Mani the song bears too much of a resemblance to Tasahn's Chaliya. But Mani does have a seductive voice that goes well with the mood of the song. You may not want to listen to it on your Ipod, but a slimmer n sexier Ameesha could be enough reason to keep you involved when it plays in the film.

Beetey Kal Se is a kiddie song that sounds like a wannabe Jadoo from Koi Mil Gaya. But S-E-L's tune sounds like a stock composition that is FFwd material.

Nihaal Ho Gayee gets a groovy makeover with the electronic mix. And just like Fanaa's Chand Sifarish Remix had its own identity this one also succeeds in breaking away from the original. Trust the Nihaal Ho Gayee Remix to make it to a promotional music video very soon. This is by far the most foot-tapping song of the album.

DJ Aqueel dopes a neat job on the Lazy Lamhe Remix. The additional loops and effects are just what this sensuous track needed. We hope this is the version retained in the film.

Kunal Kohli's films so far - Mujhse Dosti Kaorge, Hum Tum and Fanaa have had super hit soundtracks. Compared to that, this one comes across as a rather uninspired effort. Ditto for Shankar-Ehsaan and Loy. Coming from any other team, this would have qualified as an above average effort but from these big daddies, a lot more is expected for sure.

Verdict: 2/5

Label: Yash Raj Music

Price: Rs 75.00/-