EXPECTATIONS
Honestly, expectations aren't mammoth from the music of
Veer. Yes, the film stars Salman Khan but Veer
is a departure for him when it comes to his on-screen
image. Yes, the film has music by Sajid-Wajid but this
was clearly a setting that brought them out of their
comfort zone. In fact, presence of Gulzar as the
lyricist further makes one wonder how this unique
combination will actually click. Moreover, since the
film is a historical, there is always a 'what if' factor
involved.
MUSIC
However, there is a surprise in store from the very first
note of Veer with a grand feel with which 'Taali'
arrives. An uncharacteristic beginning to the album due to
the fact that it is not really a love song that kick starts
the proceedings, 'Taali' is a spirited track that
boasts of great energy. A truly Indian number which has
Sukhwinder Singh at his boisterous best (who later returns
to do a 'solo version' of the song), 'Taali' boasts
of some fine arrangements with a variety of instruments
coming into play. In fact if not for Sajid-Wajid on the
credits, one may have well imagined A.R. Rahman to be at the
helm of affairs here. With Sonu Nigam joining the show and
Wajid along with Neuman Pinto providing added support, 'Taali'
takes a couple of listenings to settle down but once that
happens, one looks forward to how director Anil Sharma has
got the kind of grandeur that the song deserves. A good
start.
From here on the album takes a turn
for something even better with 'Surili Akhiyon Wale'
coming next. A melodic romantic number that boasts of some
heartfelt and never heard before lyrics (has anyone ever
heard of 'ankhiyan' being 'surili'?), it is further elevated
due to silky vocals of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. He sings 'Surili
Akhiyon Wale' at a low pitch and in the process of doing
so comes up with a rendition that would certainly make a
mark for months to come. Sajid-Wajid take a complete
departure from the kind of score they have made for films
like Wanted and get into a classy scheme of things.
The song also includes an English portion (obviously created
for a Brit woman who is in love) and singer Suzanne D'mello
pretty much justifies her inclusion. In fact it's not just
the 'mukhda' but even the 'antara' that works so very well
that one finds it difficult to move on to the next track in
the offing. A brilliant track that also appears in a much
deserving duet which also features Sunidhi Chauhan. If the
film is successful at the box office, it would be hard to
ignore 'Surili Akhiyon Wale' which is as pure as it
gets.
It is the same purity that can be evidenced in 'Salaam
Aaya' and by the time the song is one minute
through, one is convinced that Sajid-Wajid had some of their
best compositions reserved for Veer. In fact the song
makes one wonder that why had they been choosing a different
route for most of their masala outings when they had so much
to offer. A soothing track that sees the coming together of
Roop Kumar Rathod and Shreya Goshal, 'Salaam Aaya' is
a moderately paced love song which is a complete shift from
the high-on-beats club tracks that are in vogue today. This
one has a truly Indian appeal to it and though one doesn't
quite hum around such songs on road, it does make a good
impact on audio.
For Salman Khan fans through there is 'Meherbaniyan'.
A Sonu Nigam solo, this one has an elaborate beginning to it
and while there is a definite old world feel to 'Meherbaniyan',
one can't deny the fact that Salman will have his fans
asking for more once the track plays on screen. The
beginning of the track doesn't quite indicate where it is
heading but the moment the word 'Meherbaniyan' is
heard for the first time (after about 60 seconds), it is
obvious that there won't be any looking back. A dance number
that could well have been placed in a movie belonging to
today's time, 'Meherbaniyan' may not carry the same
appeal as the opening three tracks but would go down
reasonably well with the masses.
However, for class lovers there is a 'thumri' - 'Kanha'
which establishes once again that Sajid-Wajid do come with a
good enough classical background. They may be making a
Paying Guest on and off but listening to 'Kanha'
brings an entirely different facet of their composing
skills. They also rope in the best in the business with
Rekha Bhardwaj leading the charge. Even though the track has
a strong classical base to it, the accompanying vocals of
Shabab Sabri, Toshi & Sharib ensure that it doesn't just
restrict itself to the class audiences. A very good piece
musically, it should add value to the film's narrative.
Last to come is a one minute instrumental piece 'Spirit
Of Veer' which has a 'Meherbaniyan' feel to
it while being laced with fun and humour.
OVERALL
Veer throws a pleasant surprise. There were
apprehensions galore (as explained eariler) but a couple of
listening pretty much facilitates their dilution.
Sajid-Wajid have indeed given their best three soundtracks
ever in Veer and though they may have had managed
chartbusters earlier, Veer is the kind of album that
would fetch them a much deserving respect. Along with Gulzar
they have created the kind of tunes that may not necessarily
turn out to be the hugest chartbusters of the year but would
certainly be remembered for time to come.
OUR PICK(S)
'Surili Akhiyon Wale', 'Salaam Aaya', 'Taali',
'Meherbaniyan'
 
Download Songs of
Veer:
IN 160Kbps :
Veer (2010) ~160Kbps [DM]
IN 320Kbps :
Veer [2009-MP3-VBR-320Kbps] - [DM]
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