EXPECTATIONS
When it comes to a film from the house of Karan Johar,
you know that the music here would be big. And big
doesn't necessarily mean opulent here, as has been the
case with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham or Kabhi
Alvidaa Naa Kehna. It also means big in terms of
class, setting, treatment and overall appeal, as was the
case in Karan's productions (which were helmed by other
directors) like Dostana, Kurbaan or Kaal.
These films may not have entered the 'shaava shaava'
zone but had their own place in the sun while fitting in
perfectly right as per the genre. Same is expected from
I Hate Luv Storys as well which is a romcom with
music by Vishal-Shekhar and lyrics by Kumaar, Anvita
Dutt and Vishal Dadlani.
MUSIC
With the name Vishal Dadlani flashing on the cards as the
lead singer of the opening 'Jab Mila Tu', one
gets the feeling that the composer is fast becoming a
prolific singer as well. Is that a reason to complain? Not
at all if the end result of 'Jab Mila Tu' is any
indication. A young and happening track which has the
potential to get popular amongst the campus crowds, this
Anvita Dutt track belongs to the kind of soundtrack that
goes along with many a Hollywood romcom. A sweet sounding
rhythmic track, it does touch upon the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
zone, especially the kind of music that was heard in Wake
Up Sid.
What follows next is a beautiful
number 'Bin Tere' which is certainly the
highlight of IHLS. This time around Vishal Dadlani pitches
in as a lyricist and along with Shekhar Ravjiani, he makes
sure that the song stays with you long after the album is
through. How do the composers do that? Well, they present as
many as three versions of the song right from start till the
end of the album. First to come is a duet by Shafqat Amanat
Ali and Sunidhi Chauhan. A pensive track that thankfully
doesn't turn into a 'sad outing' despite its mood, 'Bin
Tere' has a classy feel to it and should make a better
impact when seen with the film.
A song about a couple which is longing to be together again
after a period of separation, 'Bin Tere' later sees a
reprise version where Shekhar Ravjiani comes behind the mike
for a solo. With just a guitar playing in the background,
this well laid out musical piece sees some good lyrics by
Kumaar who ensures that this version stands out as well.
There is one complain point for Shekhar here - Why does he
sing so sparsely? Given the clarity in his voice and the
right notes that he hits, he deserves to record his own
voice more often. Finally comes the 'remix version' of this
song which is designed for a club outing. Yet again, Shafqat
Amanat Ali and Sunidhi Chauhan get together and one doesn't
mind hearing the song all over again.
After a mushy and a sad track, there is time for a peppy
outing with Vishal Dadlani letting himself loose (as a
singer) for the title song 'I Hate Luv Storys'.
Written by Kumaar, this youthful number (which deserved a
remix version for itself but surprisingly doesn't find any)
has a Vishal-Shekhar stamp to it. A first of its kinds track
if one goes by the theme and the lyrics, 'I Hate Luv
Storys' is an instant hit number which should see
audience coming to it in the first hearing itself.
Rajasthani folk flavour kick starts 'Bahara'
which is written by Kumaar. While Sona Mohapatra comes up
with her folksy rendition, it is Shreya Ghoshal who takes
the song through an out and out Bollywood route. While this
part of the song does work, the fusion doesn't with the folk
part seemingly more like an intrusion rather than an
integral part of the romantic outing. However, there is
respite just round the corner with the 'chill version'
turning out to be highly effective. This time around, it is
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who goes solo for the song and ensures
that he does such a fantastic job that one ignores the
female version that had just preceded it. One wonders why
this version wasn't placed earlier in the album?
Last to come is 'Sadka' which has a surprise
in store. Suraj Jagan, who has been known for his rock and
high adrenalin tracks (with an exception of 'Give Me Some
Sunshine' - 3 Idiots), is pleasantly restrained in 'Sadka'
where he has Mahalaxmi Iyer for company. Watch out for
Anvita Dutt's lyrics here which are indeed different from
the routine. A romantic track that has a grand feel to it, 'Sadka'
belongs to the kind of romantic outings that can be expected
in Karan Johar films.
OVERALL
The biggest positive about the music of IHLS is the
uniformity that it has from start till the finish. There are
no major ups or downs as well as no striking highlights or
lowlights. What works is the fact that the album has a
constant theme to it which remains within boundaries without
meandering into different directions. For those who love to
hear those youthful melodious tracks composed by
Vishal-Shekhar, I Hate Luv Storys is the one for
them.
OUR PICK(S)
'Bin Tere - Reprise', 'Jab Mila Tu', 'I Hate Luv Storys',
'Bahara - Chill Version'
  
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