Music Review: Ta Ra Rum Pum

One of the first of the many Yash Raj movies lined up for this year, Ta Ra Rum Pum promises to be a fun ride - at least going by its rushes. Its music got released just a couple of days back and whatever limited I have heard so far, I found some of the songs quite melodious. Music by Vishal Shekhar, lyrics by Javed Akhtar, produced by Aditya Chopra, directed by Siddharth 'Salaam Namaste' Anand and starring Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherjee, there was hardly any doubt that music could go wrong. Ta Ra Rum Pum might not have the most original of music and songs but still they more or less meet high expectations.

Ta Ra Rum Pum: Shaan, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Sneha Suresh, Shravan Suresh, Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan gives a short intro of the 4 main characters Ta, Ra, Ma and Pa in this fun-filled title track. Shaan excels along with Mahalakshmi Iyer and later they are joined in by Sneha Suresh and Shravan Suresh for the kids' voice. A peppy number to the core, it has good music. I, in particular, liked the whistling sound throughout the song. The best part is it leaves you happy at the end. And yes, it has repeat value. Kids are going to love this one and that's a very good sign for the movie's prospect at the box office. Ask Hrithik Roshan!!!

Hey Shona: Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan
Hey Shona has in it what it takes to go right to the top. For Saif Ali Khan, Shaan's voice fits to a T. If Saif could sing, he would sound just like that. Sunidhi Chauhan is at her sexy best. I can't wait to watch this song on screen. Reminds me of Hum Tum's title rain song and also Salaam Namaste's "My Dil Goes Mmmm". With beautiful lyrics, Vishal Shekhar have composed a high quality love song. Well done!

Nachle Ve: Sonu Nigam, Sowmya Raoh
Sonu Nigam and Sowmya Raoh try hard to raise this routine bhangra style number to higher standards. But they'll have to wait to see how this is picturised on screen to see the end result. For now, "Nachle ve" is plain mediocre.

Ta Ra Rum Pum: Shreya Ghoshal
The second version (read sad version) of the title track has quite a melodious music, which starts with piano sound. Javed Akhtar comes up with an inspirational lyrics without getting too preachy and Shreya Ghoshal sings beautifully. She adds that extra zing which lifts this number to a higher level.

Ab To Forever: K.K., Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani
This song opens up with the same husky voice of Vishal, which we have heard quite a few times in the recent past. But don't we still want more? You get exactly that here. "Cheeka cheeka" reminds me of "Mama told me" from Ek Ajnabee. I don't know what the heck "Cheeka cheeka" means, but who cares! Maybe I need a couple more hearings. K.K. sings this one with great enthusiasm. That is one thing I like about K.K. He is always so full of energy. Shreya Ghoshal sings her part well. I am expecting "Dus Bahane" kinda presentation for "Ab to forever". If that happens, there is no stopping for this "cool" song.

Saaiyaan: Vishal Dadlani
I could not believe this song is sung by Vishal Dadlani. I had to check the credits twice. And yes, he has done complete justice to Javed Akhtar's meaningful lyrics on life. Nonetheless, I wonder what would be the outcome had Kailash Kher sung this one. Anyway, with a touch of the title track's music in the background, Vishal's Sufi style rendering is simply superb. Part of this song reminds you of "Mera Yaar Mila De" from Saathiya especially when saaiyan ve is crooned.

For a change you do not have remix versions of the songs in this album. Actually they were not required at all. Whatever you have, they are good enough to force you to rewind the album. There is only song - "Nachle ve", which you might want to fast forward. Otherwise, Ta Ra Rum Pum is a sure-shot winner from Vishal Shekhar. "Hey Shona", "Ta Ra Rum Pum" and "Ab To Forever" are the pick of the lot. I happily give 3.5 stars while I get back to listen "Hey Shona" one more time :)