Kabul Express is partly a documentary film directed by Kabir Khan shot in war ravaged Afghanistan. The film had its share of controversies when the cast and crew were shooting in Kabul and received death threats. The film is also being produced by one of the top most banners, Yash Raj Films and stars John Abraham, Arshad Warsi, Salman Shahid, Hanif Humghum and Linda Arsenio. The music is completely different and is essentially a non-filmi album. The music is refreshing and light and makes for good listening. The music has been directed by first timer Raghav Sachar and Julius Packiam and the lyrics have been penned by Vijay Kumar and Aditya Dhar.
‘Kabul Fiza’- Kabul Fiza is sung by Raghav Sachar himself and is a light youthful song that manages to capture the feel of the land and its people very well. Musical arrangements and the entire composition sounds really good and the youthful voice of Raghav goes very well with John’s image. The beats sound simply amazing and range from average to fast pace. Several musical instruments like the tabla, santoor are used but the rhythm is quite westernized which makes it a good balanced blend of eastern and western influences. Lyrics too are refreshing and a change from the usual bollywood fare. The ‘Kabul Fiza Remix’ has faster and pacier beats. There is a good dose of mixing and techno fusion that gives it that lounge effect. Then there is the ‘Kabul Fiza Theme Instrumental’ which is dominated by musical instruments like tablas, flute, electric guitar etc. The beats are a bit slow and at various places one gets to hear these claps, an instrumental which is average. Overall a youthful song that is light and has good rhythm and composition.
Score: 8/10
‘Banjar’- The composition for this one too is vibrant and lively and the song is sung in the strong rustic voice of Shubha Mudgal. While the song has a slight eastern influence, it is also balanced with westernized techno kind of beats. The lyrics too are good and the beats are averagely paced. Sitar, tablas, flute, electric guitar are some of the varied musical instruments used in the song. It is also a song where semi classical meets western. A rare combination of soulful rhythm, good lyrics and techno beats which makes for great listening. There is the ‘Banjar Lounge Mix’ which is slower and has Sunidhi Chauhan singing the song. Raghav plays with the beats in the song and the clarinet instrument which sounds much like a tambourine is used. A laidback lounge song that makes you want to relax and the flute and guitar strings further soothe you. Finally there is the ‘Banjar Revisited’ version which is sung by K.K and almost has a soft rock kind of song feel to it. Beats are foot tapping and the flute sounds are distinct. An absolutely fresh song
Score: 8/10
‘Keh Raha Mera Dil’- The song begins with some soft guitar strings and the sounds of a flute too are heard. It starts off with slow beats then moves to average pace. The song is again sung by Raghav in a light manner with tabla and dhapli used for the rhythm. It is a young lighthearted song with soft lyrics which are pleasant. An introspective soul searching song where the young lad is looking for something in life. A calm and profound song that one can chill out to.
Score: 7/10
‘Kabul Express Theme’- This one is again an instrumental by Julius Packiam which has a haunting, melancholic feel to it. The beats are slow and again a variety of musical instruments and arrangements are used. It is more like a blend of eastern and Indian tunes. A fairly decent one.
Score: 7/10
‘Yeh Main Aaya Kahaan’- It begins with claps and other innovative sounds sung by Raghav Sachar once again. It has foot tapping beats and the lyrics are fairly good. Guitar strumming and the usual assortment of musical instruments are used. Again an introspective song.
Score: 7/10
Kabul Express has different and refreshing music and this is what sets it apart. Raghav Sachar’s first album definitely seems innovative for a bollywood album. However Raghav could have used a few more varied singers on the album instead of crooning most of the numbers. Nonetheless it is a youthful album that has songs which are a good blend of western and Indian tunes. The album definitely is worth listening to and is appealing in terms of different music.
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| Reviewed By: Rachel Fernandes |
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