Music Review: Shakalaka Boom Boom

Shakalaka Boom Boom, directed by Suneel Darshan is a (probable) musical or at least a plot woven around music industry.  Though the star cast looks uber hot, I will hold my horses until I see the performances, given that it is Bobby Deol, who has not blessed us with a recent hit, Upen Patel, who had girls drooling over him in 36 China Town, until he spoke, Felina Jaitley (Couldnt resist that, she reminds me of a cat) good for only the oomph sector and Kangna however, is brilliant, so I will reserve some investment for her.

Disclaimer: I am not a fan of Himesh Reshammiya, some of his songs were rockers earlier but, the man has to realize the thin line between being ridiculously busy minting money and producing run-over-the-mill music. I was threatened at knife point by my pal Vijay@Moviewalah so, picked up my keyboard. If you find my review not appealing, my humble apologies, but cannot lie. Please do not send hate my way, this account is not monitored.

Here is the musical trail.

01 - Himesh Reshammiyya, Akriti Kakkar, Rap Artist Earl - Shaka Laka Boom Boom
You may have seen this song in the promos, rattling around several channels. This song is probably the only winnner of this album. It has Himesh Reshammiya's standard nasal punch and Rap artist Earl adds the Jamaican flavor and then, there is the dismissable Akriti Kakkar. The rapping is in english mostly, as opposed to patois used by similar rappers like Apache Indian, Sean Paul etc. The song may not sweep the dance floors as the tune is slower, though the instrument mix is upbeat. The bits (probably, from a scottish pipe) that start the song are great. Video is hot and it gets my full score!

For the dance lovers like you and me, the remix version is all in to rock, with the vocals sped up. Oh! and don't forget to stretch your ear for that flute mixed in, very snazzy!

02 - Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan - Thaare Vaaste
This song tries well with urban mix, congo beats backed up with gauhati lyrics. Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan sing this song. A good foot tapping song although, I would have preferred urban lyrics instead of thaare vaaste kind. A remix version is also available. This might just be forgotten after you listen to it a few times.

03 - Himesh Reshammiya - Namumkin
When Himesh starts to howl with this song, a scare ran over me. Later he mellows down a little bit, thanks man!. This is a mediocre sad song. Heard a gazillion others like this from him. A remix version is also available in the album which changes the tempo quite a bit.
 
04 - Himesh Reshammiya, Akriti Kakkar - Dil Lagaayenge
This song is a mild disco presentation with more punch in the beats than the lyrics. This track is pretty good and will create a deja-vu of the 80's music. You have to listen to it to believe that Himesh can also sing in medium non-sufi-ish notes. As the credits suggest, this is sung by Himesh himself and Akriti Kakkar although, I have a strong suspicion if, it is Himesh singing in SECONDS where it goes "Dil Lagayenge". Akriti Kakkar is probably the weakest link in this entire album. The girl has a sweet voice but, completely lacks lustre. A remix version is available in the album which is equally good.

05 - Shaan - Issi Umeed Pe
There are several short songs in the album, this is one among them. This runs for a little more than 2 minutes. I cannot think of any reason other than them being part of a music show in the movie. Remember the competition from 'Yaadon ki Baaraat'? Sadly, none of these songs come anywhere close to that. To compare is to sin.

06 - Kunal Ganjawala, Sunidhi Chauhan - Saathiya
Another short song in the album. How can I live without you Sathiya would impress no one.

07 - Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan - Aaj Nahi Toh Kal
One more short song running for a minute and a half. Wins my consolation prize in the short songs group.

08 - Kunal Ganjawala, Sunidhi Chauhan - Tera Sona Sona Roop
One more short song running for over a couple of minutes. Sounds like all the other short songs above.

09 - Shaan - Rukhsat
Yet another...

10 - Various Artists - Medly Remix
This medley brings all of them together. It is hard to speculate but, perhaps for the album, the composers broke the songs down into different ones but, may be in the movie this is how it is shown. A track running for a little over 8 minutes, it is very very mundane. Every piece sounds the same, the bhangra beats are completely wasted in Tera sona sona roop.

It is hard to predict how the music will climb up the charts after the visual is seen. The title song is the only one that is confident of its place and with the sexy stars in the video, it is more than what you may ask for. Hopefully, the rest can scale up with the visuals and the plot's appeal. And then, there you are!, all of Himesh Reshammiya's fans, you may do something to make it a hit.

My **** for the Shakalaka boom boom remix version and ** for the album over all.