MUSIC REVIEW: 'I HATE LUV STORYS' SOUNDTRAK

By: Parimal M. Rohit

June 29, 2010

Nearly three months after acclaimed Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar dominated box offices around the world with My Name is Khan, the director is back again under his own Dharma Productions banner to present I Hate Luv Storys in conjunction with Ronnie Screwvala and UTV Motion Pictures. Featuring a debutant director in Punit Malhotra, the film stars Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Sameer Dattani, Samir Soni, and Aamir Ali. While hype and anticipation for the film has been at a fever pitch, a piece of the July 2nd release — the soundtrack — is already available for fans of Hindi cinema.

Composed by the award-winning duo of Vishal-Shekhar, the soundtrack for I Hate Luv Storys features five original tracks written by some of the biggest names in Hindi music, such as Vishal Dadlani, Kumaar, Anvita Dutt Guptan, and DJ Kiran. The featured playback singers are not too shabby either, what with Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, Ali Khan, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, among others.

As for the songs themselves, the soundtrack is phenomenally and breathtakingly romantic. The smooth beats and hypnotic vocals are second to none, and very few soundtracks are as complete as this one. Fittingly, the film’s title track, “I Hate Luv Storys,” does an amazing job of setting the tone for both the film and the album, yet “Bahara” and “Bin Tere” are just as impressive.

Ultimately, the I Hate Luv Storys soundtrack is the perfectly tuned romance album that both gets listeners in the mood and defines the very personality of the film that these tunes are attached to.

Accordingly, Buzzine Bollywood strongly recommends the I Hate Luv Storys soundtrack, which is now available in wide release at major music retail stores or for download on the web.

Tracks

“Jab Mila Tu”
Artist: Vishal Dadlani
Time: 4:11

A charming and light-hearted track, “Jab Mila Tu” tries to make you feel good from the very beginning with some soft pop tunes infused with a dash of rock-and-roll and a solid dose of soulful singing. Indeed, the overall vibe of the track is very mellow and chill, which makes “Jab Mila Tu” a decent track to play as relaxing background music.

“Bin Tere”
Artists: Sunidhi Chauhan, Shafqat Amanat, Ali Khan
Time: 5:30

Another soft, laid-back melody, “Bin Tere” is every bit as charming as “Jab Mila Tu” and therefore does a good job of exceeding that feel-good momentum established by the other tracks on this film-themed album. Even more, the lyrics are perfectly tuned and belted, as the listener cannot help but feel the emotion and passion in each lyric uttered by the track’s three artists. The song as a whole gains steam with each passing second, and by the final minute, it is rather difficult not to find yourself mesmerized by the tune’s passionate rhythms.

“I Hate Luv Storys”
Artist: Vishal Dadlani
Time: 4:45

As the title track, there is clearly a lot of pressure on “I Hate Luv Storys” to define both the album and the soundtrack all at the same time. Thankfully, neither the musical director nor Vishal Dadlani disappoints in this peppy, pop-influenced theme. From the outset, one cannot help but simultaneously nod their heads, shrug their shoulders, snap their fingers, and tap their feet. All in all, by the time the track is over, you will be so pumped up that you will want to immediately replay the track. “I Hate Luv Storys” definitely sets the table for both the film and album.

“Bahara”
Artist: Shreya Ghosal
Time: 5:26

The beats of “Bahara” definitely indicate a strong old-school influence. Even more, the romantic medley features amazing instruments intricately and seamlessly blending with each other, all while Shreya Ghosal’s vocals are beautifully soft and hypnotic. In many ways, the listener will feel like they should run barefoot through some lusciously green field nestled in the middle of sun-drenched rolling hills on a perfectly gorgeous day.

“Sadka Hua”
Artists: Suraj Jagan & Mahalakshmi Iyer
Time: 5:44

Perhaps the most mellow of all the original tracks, “Sadka Hua” definitely has a nice feel to it. The music is a pleasant balance of soft rhythmic beats and edgy guitar intervals. Vocally, both Jagan and Iyer are solid. The only thing holding “Sadka Hua” back is it tends to drag a little toward the end. That being said, “Sadka Hua” is still quite a romantic melody that is definitely worth listening to on more than one occasion.

“Bin Tere Reprise”
Artist: Shekhar Rajviani
Time: 3:41

Oddly enough, the reprisal of “Bin Tere” actually exceeds the quality of the original, even if the differences are ever-so-slight. This reprisal is so soft and romantic, one cannot help but want to listen to this track in solitude with closed eyes and a glass of good red wine nearby. It almost seems as if the track was written specifically to reach out and connect to one’s spirit. Perhaps the most soulful track on the album, one would be hard-pressed to find a song with more beauty.

“Bahara – Chill Version”
Artists: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Time: 4:05

If it is now considered hip to play Indian-themed music at an urban-based lounge, then no such venue would feature a play-list without this track. Not only is it as romantic as the original version, but it is rather soft to the ears and relaxing to the soul. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is his top-notch self in this track, and the addition of the Blues-inspired guitar instrumentals in the final seconds is a golden touch. It is nearly impossible to not be in a laid-back and easy-going state of mind as the chill version of “Bahara” is playing on any given sound system.

“Bin Tere” Remix
Artists: Sunidhi Chauhan & Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan (DJ Kiran remixes)
Time: 5:29

In an odd departure, the remixed version of “Bin Tere” somehow just does not mix well, what with the soft lyrics from the original awkwardly blending with a musical score that seems more apt for a night club than a lounge or romantically themed restaurant. To be sure, the score tries to inspire a level of ecstasy and bliss, which is fine. However, the urban and hip-inspired music just does not fuse well with the strongly romantic feel of the original.