EXPECTATIONS
There are decent expectations from the music of
Prince. Since this is a film from the house of TIPS,
certainly quality is expected from the soundtrack.
Moreover, the man at the helm of affairs is debutant
director Kookie Gulati who has many a music video to his
credit. It can well be expected that for his first full
length feature film, he would have at least a couple of
chartbuster songs up his sleeve. However, since the film
has taken a little time in reaching towards the
finishing line, there is a slight apprehensive factor
that sets in. Nevertheless, one goes on to play the
soundtrack of Prince which is made of an
astonishing 16 tracks, half of them being remixes.
Sachin Gupta composes while Sameer writes.
MUSIC
It's a techno start for the album with 'O Mere Khuda'
giving a high energy start to Prince, something which
was pretty much required for the film belonging to action
genre. Atif Aslam, who has been known for singing romantic
melodious songs, finds a new space for himself as composer
Sachin Gupta puts him in a situation where he has to
replicate an effect similar to that of the title song of 'Dum'.
The common factor here? Vivek Oberoi. While the opening
lines of 'O Mere Khuda' are a cracker, especially
with the accompanying sound of 'Aa Bhi Ja Sanam',
the 'antara' is a little loose. Still, one doesn't mind the
overall effort primarily because of the out and out Western
setting of the song which appears again in the 'Dance Mix'
version.
Later the song is heard again as 'Aa
Bhi Ja Sanam' which basically has the same tune as 'O
Mere Khuda' but is paced on a slightly slower note. This
time around the song has a love setting to it and one can
sense that Atif feels a little more in the 'zone' here! With
a lounge feel to it, 'Aa Bhi Ja Sanam' makes for a
good hear as well and so does the 'Dance Mix' version which
is obviously more upbeat.
Remember the chartbuster track 'Ho Jaata Hai Kaise Pyaar'
from Sanjay Dutt and Manisha Koirala starrer Yalgaar?
A couple of lines from the middle of the song are used as a
basis to kick start 'Tere Liye' which comes on
its own within a matter of seconds and turns out to be a
smashing love song that gets the hook on in the very first
listening. Atif Aslam and Shreya Ghoshal make for a good
pair here as they keep the techno mood of the album on.
Despite the Western setting that 'Tere Liye' carries,
there is an touch of melody to the proceedings that ensures
that if coupled with good visuals (which should be the
case), 'Tere Liye' will succeed in keeping the
audience's attention on.
Such is the confidence of the makers in 'Tere Liye'
that the song appears in as many as four versions. After the
original, the next to come is the 'Dance Mix' version which
has a club feel to it. The 'Hip Hop mix' which comes later
is softer in appeal, has a sensual feel to it and is a much
better bargain. The best is reserved though for the
'unplugged version' which impresses primarily due to its
unadulterated presentation. With just a guitar in the
background, composer Sachin Gupta also brings himself behind
the mike and comes up with a good solo version. Now this one
can be given a repeat hearing.
A theme song centred on the protagonist who is struggling to
find his own identity, 'Kaun Hoon Main' has a
rock setting to it and takes some time before it leaves an
impression for the listener. Of course the sad setting of
the track as well as an inherent situational appeal means
that 'Kaun Hoon Main' is not the next chartbuster in
the making. Still, the Western arrangements to the song
helps it from turning into a complete pushover as 'Kaun
Hoon Main' (which later appears in a 'Dance Mix' and
'Lounge Mix' version) holds on reasonably well and ensures
that it goes well with the narrative.
Prince gets an item number for itself in the shape of
'Jiyara Jiyara' which has the kind of lyrics
that Sameer has been living with for decades now. Though
there is nothing novel about the words that are handed over
to Alisha Chinoy, credit to her and composer Sachin Gupta
who save the number from turning into a complete
disappointment. Together, they give a Western treatment to
the song (and later do a good fusion in the 'Bhangra Mix'
version), hence making it sound contemporary at the least.
Expect soaring temperatures when the song is played on
screen, especially due to the way Alisha Chinoy goes about
singing this number with Hard Kaur coming up with her rap
inputs.
Monali Thakur gets a solo for herself in the form of 'Ishq
Mein' which keeps the upbeat mood of the album
intact. There is a sense of seduction prevalent right
through this song which doesn't boast of any path breaking
lyrics but yet again finds a place for itself courtesy the
composer and the singer. A love song where the female
protagonist is craving for attention, 'Ishq Mein'
gels well with the overall mood of the album and turns out
to be a decent inclusion.
Later arrives the 'Prince - Mega Mix' which is
indeed a mega version considering its running length of 7
minutes. A dance floor track that has to be put on blazing
volume to be enjoyed, it is an amalgamation of number of
songs from the album and hence sees Atif Aslam, Shreya
Ghoshal, Alisha Chinoy and Hard Kaur coming together all
over again. It would be interesting to see if a music video
is built around 'Prince - Mega Mix'. Prince concludes
with a 1 minute theme track titled 'Prince - Theme' which
plays its role of 'rounding up the album' quite well. A high
energy close to an overall high energy album.
OVERALL
 As
stated earlier, the USP of Prince is its high energy.
Regardless of the lyrics or the heard before feel of a
couple of songs, Prince works because young composer
Sachin Gupta ensures that there is an upbeat mood to each
and every song, whether it is the theme track, sad track,
love song or an item number. He never lets the tempo slow
down for Prince which goes well with the thriller
mood of the film. No, Prince is not an album which
would be heard six months down the line. However, when heard
with the narrative of the film, Prince should do well
for the moment.
OUR PICK(S)
Tere Liye, Aa Bhi Ja Sanam, O Mere Khuda, Koun
Hoon Main
  
Download Songs of
Prince:
IN 160Kbps :
Prince (2010) ~160Kbps [DM]
IN 320Kbps :
Prince [2010-MP3-VBR-320Kbps] - [DM]
|
