The story of Aalaap is based on four friends who form a rock band and then how they use their music to bring in societal changes. Naturally, there is ample scope of a musical extravaganza and with the band Agnee being the music composer there is certainly a good dose of rock awaiting every music lover.
The album kick starts things with Ek Nayi Roshni. Expectedly, it is a rocking track with bombarding lyrics. The genre of rock has always given vent to the unsaid, unheard and tabooed things in life and Ek Nayi Roshni hits the right chords and notes. A song that speaks of the frustration and hope of the youth of present generation simultaneously blends in very well. The video is that of a stage show and the ambience elevates the experience.
Dil Ye Awaaz De starts things off slowly and steadily picks up. The song is a typical Agnee number replete with the signature style of singing of Mohan. The distortions are superb and although low on bass and beats, Dil Ye Awaad De wins it because of the unconventional lyrics. Every band member of Agnee chips in with a fabulous effort including Koco on the guitars and Varun with his percussions. Meera Shenoy, Mohan and Varun join hands to sing this one.
Things go on a back foot with Pa Para Pa although it has Nikhil D’Souza doing what he does best. A song that pits the conventional student’s psychology against the traditional methods of teachers loses steam because of a very average composition and lyrics that have been done and dusted for over a hundred times at the least in Bollywood and in the music industry in India. Unlike Purani Jeans, All is Well and similar songs that are also takes on nostalgia and similar college premises, Pa Para Pa does not have any impact whatsoever.
Soniye holds a lot of promise with its soul stirring lyrics. Mohan does a great job to leave his comfort zone in singing this one. The guitars work well around the midway however the song lacks the punch in its initial stages. When it picks towards the later stages, Soniye is a treat for those who love the strings to come into action. Soniye does not break new grounds and considering that it is Agnee at the helm of affairs, one would expect better numbers.
Shuruwat Pyaar Ki does not impress you either. Yamini Lavanian and Nikhil team up to sing this one but it is very uninspiring. Not only does Agnee compose a very ordinary track but even the singing could have been miles better than what it is.
Chadhti Jawani, the last song of the album does not manage to salvage things for Agnee or Aalaap. It is another average number with nothing to root for lyrics and the composition is very ordinary.
Aalaap’s album started with a bang and Agnee seemed to be geared up for a chartbuster in their hands but unfortunately 2 good songs in a list of 6, is just not good enough.
