Haal-e-Dil Music Review: The Return of Melody

Haal E Dil comes across as a refreshing change to all the rhythm based albums which have been racing up the music charts recently. It's a reminder that although fast, pacy numbers make for great listens, it will always be the strong melodious numbers that survive over time. Haal E Dil is contemporary and yet filled with beautiful melodies. The choice of going with four different composers has definitely worked for this album wherein each song is enjoyable.

The album begins with the title track, Haal E Dil, composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, which is a romantic number that succeeds in giving you goose bumps. Sung by Raahat Fateh Ali Khan, there is a certain off beat singing that really makes the song even more interesting. In spite of the fact that the song is not a traditional soft romantic number, there is yet something tremendously soothing and romantic about it. Shreya's voice is very soulful in this track, perfectly complimenting Raahat saab's voice. The song is over seven minutes in length, yet the sufi folk contemporary blend, coupled with flawless singing, makes you wish the song doesn't end. There is also a second version of this number, sung by Rekha Bhardwaj which is equally effective and creates the same impact.

Jeeta Hoon, is instantly reminiscent of some of Sonu Nigam's earlier pop albums. Composed by Anand Raj Anand, Sonu just carries the song throughout and his rendition style and voice almost overpower the composition although there are certain musical portions which are truly lovely and the slight use of the guitar and piano are quite effective. Pamela Jain's softness is the perfect contrast to Sonu's power and this works extremely well for the song, creating two distinct feels.

The album would be incomplete without at least one number that is meant to get you on to the dance floor. Agg Lage Aaj Kal De Fashion Nu is a sure fire chartbuster; a hip hop, club, bhangra mix which shows that Pritam is in full form again post last year's Mauja Hi Mauja. Labh Janjua and Hard Kaur are perfect together for this track and lyrics like, 'Mr. Hero. Do you like the way I flow? Cause I like the way you look from head to toe'; are unique and take the song to a different level. This could be the year's biggest number for all the discs.

High on melody with very little distractions in terms of elements used in the composition is the best way to describe Rang. Raghav keeps it simple in order to allow Sonu to takeover and give a perfect rendition. The remix number is also nice, but that is sung by Raghav and you can't help but miss Sonu's voice in the remix version.

Oye Hoye is the much talked about song which features Ajay Devgan and Kajol in a guest appearance alongside the film's lead pair Amita and Nakuul. Most would have been expecting a dance number, but this is something else. The flute has been nicely used, along with traditional instruments, to give it a completely Indian feel, with a small portion of Punjabi folk as well. Udit Narayan is heard after a long time in a very likeable, almost solo song,

Rani has a slightly more 90's feel to the song, yet it still somehow manages to sound fresh, mostly because of Sonu's voice. Again the overall composition is kept simple for Sonu's voice to be able to dominate. The song is pleasant on the ears but will surely gain more popularity once the film releases and the picturization is seen.

After a long time we hear a very contemporary almost Indi pop number in a film. Khwahish is soft and pleasant with lines from each of the characters being rendered in between. Shaan sounds fresh and Sunidhi in the lower octave sounds lovely. Together as singers, Shaan, Sunidhi and Raghav are a great combination.

Haal E Dil is an album where every song is a winner. For those who love romantic numbers, this album is a must for your collections.