Music Review: Kabul Express

By now we've all seen the trailer of Kabul Express (a million times at least) and right when I thought the movie was getting stale, its music hit the market and made me change my opinion. Debutant music director, Raghav Sachar, who also sings most of the songs in the movie, does a great job in creating a contemporary, off beat and yet melodious soundtrack. Raghav its said can play 24 different instruments. Anyways back to Kabul Express, it seems that most of the songs were created keeping in mind that they would play in the background. 

Below is a song by song review of the album.  

Kabul Fiza - Raghav Sachar
The first song in the album sets the pace for a really urban soundtrack fused with Indian sounds and a qawwali background. Voice of Raghav reminds you of Shaan and his albums. It's one of those songs you'll like on first hearing and like even more as you continue to hear.

Banjar - Shubha Mudgal
This song is sung by three different singers in the album. This one you'll probably see being played in the background in the movie. Song reminds you of Bombay shahar Haadson ka shahar hai. It is fast song with techno beats and sung beautifully by Shubha Mudgal.

Keh Raha Mera Dil - Raghav Sachar
The song starts with Eagles like guitar strumming and then it quicky follows up with some sweet tabla like sounds and turns into a real melodious tune. Nice lyrics adorn this song, which you would probably hum when you are all alone in your car.

Kabul Express Theme - Instrumental (Julius Packiam)
This one starts with using a flute sound as base and haunting voice singing in the background. I guess it will be used in the opening credits or maybe in some kind of sad scene.

Banjar (Lounge Mix) -  Sunidhi Chauhan
Sunidhi Chauhan sings in this slightly slower version of the song, but with strong vocals from the singer. I didn't think it was necessarily loungy as the title suggests, but overall it's still an OK song.

Yeh Main Aaya Kahaan Hoon - Raghav Sachar
This is the bluesy number in the album. Very melodious and very Strings/U2 like. Raghav Sachar has a great voice for songs like these.

Kabul Fiza Theme - Instrumental (Raghav Sachar)
This is the instrumental version of the Kabul Fiza song. Uses a violin type sound and a techno base throughout and is again probably used in the background. 

Kabul Fiza (Remix ) - Raghav Sachar
Unlike other remixes (read remixes in Himesh's albums), this one doesn't have very heavy jhankaar beats. However, it is definitely a bit more techno than the original version, but the difference is quite subtle.

Banjar Revisited - K.K.
This is the KK version of the Banjar song. Again the music is quite similar to the earlier two versions and constantly reminds you that this song will be great in some kind of chase or action sequence.

Overall it's a great compilation by Raghav using techno, urban, indian and qawwali sounds. I think if you don't like it on first hearing, give it sometime to grow on you. If you have liked the albums of Euphoria, Shaan, Strings you'll really like this one. I will give it a three and a half stars.