MUSIC REVIEW: 'MILENGE MILENGE' SOUNDTRACK

By: Parimal M. Rohit

July 6, 2010

Boney Kapoor and Satish Kaushik have brought back one of Bollywood’s favorite on-screen couples of recent times in Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor, as S.K. Films’ Milenge Milenge (“We’ll Meet Again, We’ll Meet Again”) hits screens worldwide on July 9th. A romantic comedy inspired from the 2001 Hollywood film Serendipity, the two Kapoors are paired together on the big screen for the fifth time.

Fittingly, the film’s self-titled soundtrack features the perfect balance of peppy and romantic tunes to match the romance-comedy theme of the film’s plot. With Himesh Reshammiya serving as music director and Sameer crafting the lyrics, the solid soundtrack features some of Hindi cinema’s best and brightest playback singers in Jayesh Gandhi, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Vineet Singh, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Suzanne D’Mello. Even Reshammiya makes an appearance, as does DJ Lloyd.

The Milenge Milenge soundtrack features a unique mix of peppy tracks and romantic ballads that will make you want to sing and dance at one moment, then swoon with the person you call your true love the very next. Even more, each track will grow on you the more you listen.

As a whole, the Milenge Milenge soundtrack is a must-listen, and Buzzine Bollywood recommends this soundtrack enthusiastically.

Among the standout tracks are “Ishq Ki Galli” and “Tum Chain Ho – Unplugged.” The soundtrack features nine total tracks, including five originals and four alternate versions.

Overall Score: 3.44 out of 4.00 (B+/A-)

“Milenge Milenge”
Time: 4:12
Artist(s): Alka Yagnik and Jayesh Gandhi
Grade: B+

As a title track, there is the obvious pressure for this tune to set the mode for both the film and the entire soundtrack. Unfortunately, “Milenge Milenge” falls short of being the soundtrack’s top tune. Even more, it takes a while for the track to pick up momentum, as it starts off a little too slow for its own good. However, it is still soulful and powerful enough to be worthy of multiple listens. The Arabic-influenced beats are both rhythmic and mesmerizing, while both Alka Yagnik and Jayesh Gandhi deliver soulful vocals. Over time, the track will grow on the listener, but that is not necessarily a good thing.

“Kuch To Baaki Hai”
Time: 3:59
Artist(s): Himesh Reshammiya
Grade: B

One has to wonder why this track has three distinct versions when the two remixes do not really stray away from the original. To be sure, Himesh Reshammiya stands out and delivers a soulful performance. Even more, “Kuch to Baaki Hai” is peppy and perfectly tuned for nightclubs and dance-halls. The problem is, unless the listener is paying attention, there are ultimately few differences between the original and the two remixes.

“Kuch to Baaki Hai” (Bright Mix)
Time: 3:59
Artist(s): Himesh Reshammiya
Grade: B+

The first of two remixes of this track, this version of “Kuch to Baaki Hai” is a slight upgrade from the original mix, as it makes every effort to live up to its “Bright” moniker, what with the track maintaining a peppy personality from beginning to end. Being a “Bright” version, it is indeed difficult not to lose oneself among the track’s overall positive vibe. The only weakness is that it appears almost every Bollywood soundtrack has a remastered tune that sounds just like this one. While the track does have a formulaic feel to it, “Kuch to Bakki Hai – Bright Mix” is still pleasant and entertaining.

“Kuch to Baaki Hai” (Dark Mix)
Time: 3:59
Artist(s): Himesh Reshammiya and DJ Lloyd
Grade: B

The second remix of “Kuch to Baaki Hai” maybe labeled as the “Dark Mix,” but there really is nothing “dark” about this track. Sure, it is slightly tweaked and toned down from the “Bright” Mix, but the differences are subtle. End of the day, this track will probably get as many spins as the “Bright” Mix at dance-halls and nightclubs throughout India’s urban centers, but few will notice the difference. DJ Lloyd is mostly unnoticed in the track.

“Ishq Ki Gali”
Time: 6:02
Artist(s): Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Jayesh Gandhi
Grade: A-

Every track Rahat Fateh Ali Khan touches appears to turn to gold, including “Ishq Ki Gali.” What makes this track stand out is its combination of classical harmonics with soulful vocals, romantic beats, and spirited vibe. A beautiful tune, it is very hard not to fall in love with“Ishq Ki Gali.”

“Ishq Ki Gali” (Dance Mix)
Time: 3:39
Artist(s): Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Jayesh Gandhi
Grade: A-

If Bhangra is becoming as prevalent in Bollywood films and many say it is, then Milenge Milenge would not be complete without this energetic Punjabi-influenced tune. Complete with soulful lyrics fusing with solid dhol beats, a heartfelt chorus, and a dash of urban rap, this version of “Ishq Ki Gali” will probably be found on play-lists at dance clubs, house parties, and Bollywood-themed venues all across India.

“Tum Chain Ho”
Time: 4:25
Artist(s): Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik and Suzanne D’Mello
Grade: A-

Perhaps the softest tune on the album, the original mix of “Tum Chain Ho” is a typical Sonu Nigam ballad — not only are the vocals beautifully performed and perfectly tuned, but the lyrics do a good job of setting the tone for love and romance. Alka Yagnik and Suzzane D’Mello perfectly complement Sonu Nigam in this well-sung romantic medley.

“Tum Chain Ho – Unplugged”
Time: 4:13
Artist(s): Vineet Singh
Grade: A

In typical “Unplugged” fashion, this revisited version of “Tum Chain Ho” is soft, mellow, and romantic. This track is so laid-back and relaxing, the listener almost feels as if they are listening to the song in a private concert in the most serene and reclusive of locations. In many respects, the Unplugged version of “Tum Chain Ho” is probably best served playing alongside a romantic dinner instead of in a Bollywood film, as it is the best tune to swoon to.

“Hare Kanch Ki Chuddiyan”
Time: 7:00
Artist(s): Alka Yagnik
Grade: B+

A remake of sorts of a Hindi classic, Alka Yagnik delivers a heartfelt melody with a folksy vibe. At the get-go, this track feels as if it would be perfect for Raas-Garba in the heat of Navarati. Quite the festive tune, the folk music vibe makes this track as fun to listen to as it is memorable. Perhaps its only weakness is that it lacks a romantic feel.