Music Review: Karz

It requires gumption to take on Kishore Kumar and Laxmikant Pyarelal and it takes considerable guts to take on a once young, sensational Rishi Kapoor. But Himesh Reshammiya has done just that, with his characteristic nonchalance.

Karz is a classic that generations of cinefans still pay obeisance to. And we have been shocked, curious and worried (strictly in that order) ever since T-series announced its mega project, Karz revisited, with Himesh assuming the role of Monty (RK), Monty's voice (KK) and Monty's musical mastermind (Laxmikant Pyarelal).

It appears our apprehensions were not unfounded. Karzzzz, the movie soundtrack, is out. And it features 19 songs! Each song is more than five minutes long and the second CD features the club and lounge versions of the Disc One tracks.

Needless to say, the mammoth 2-CD album sees Himmesh at his prolific best. He composes, sings, howls and ensures that you do not, ever, forget how Himesh Bhai attained the demi-god status in the eyes of his fans - through his nose.

How To Kill a Classic

We will start with the last song of Disc One. Ek Haseena Thi is the iconic climax song in Karz, with the haunting guitar riff synonymous with the film. The new version, sung by Himesh and Shreya Ghoshal is like a Dummy's Guide to Kill a Classic.

We cannot help but compare the same to a recent 'revisitation' of another Kishore Kumar-RD Burman-Rishi classic, Bachna Ae Haseeno (Vishal-Shekhar) where the results were far more aesthetic and smacked of respect for the original. Himesh crashes his way through the arrangement, with the sensitivity of a bull in a china shop, his voice and the reproduction ruining it for us.

Back to the title track, Lut Jaaon Lut Jaaon. If you have been to the theatres recently, you would have seen the shiny red disco ball (a recurring motif in this film as it appears!) and the track playing the background. The rhythm is extremely catchy, the singing is not. But you may want to forgive Himesh here as the song does have potential, even if the alaap in between makes it sound very similar to Karunesh's Global Spirit tracks. But we will not say Himesh has 'copied' the song, he may have simply been 'inspired'.

Next comes a song Hari Om Hari Om. Himesh makes it sound more like Hurry Ooom, Hurry Ooom! The chanting is decidedly funny and you will be rolling with laughter at the seriousness with which Himesh attempts to make it sound cool.

Source : www.buzz18.com