GANGSTER - MUSIC REVIEW

Gangster - from the houses of the Bhatts, directed by Anurag Basu has Emraan Hashmi, Shiney Ahuja, and debutante Kangna Ranaut (who is touted to be the next Madhuri Dixit by Mukesh Bhatt) in its lead roles. Lyrics are by Sayeed Quadri and Mayur, and music by Pritam of Dhoom fame.

Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai is a beautifully written number by Sayeed Quadri and sung equally good by K.K. It's a catchy, melodious number which is bound to be a hit in the coming days. It is surely going to be appealing to anyone who listens to it. Rating 8/10.

Bheegi Bheegi is another well-written number by Mayur, sung by debutant James, who hails from Bangladesh. Though not as appealing as the first track, I believe it is still a very haunting track. Once when I tuned into Zoom channel, I heard that James was actually made to drink by the composer before he came behind the mike. Rating 6/10.

Lamha Lamha written by Neelesh Misra and sung by Abhijeet and Sunidhi Chauhan is simply superb. Like majority of Abhijeet's songs, this one too has a certain innocence around it. This is one song which will catch you right at the first instance when you hear it. I would simply rate this as the best. Rating 9/10.

Ya Ali written by Sayeed Quadri and sung by another debutant Zubin from Assam is sort of a westernized qawalli number. This one is already on top of the charts in various countdown shows, although I believe Lamha Lamha and Tu Hi Mera Shab Hai will eventually overtake this one on popularity in the coming days. Rating 7/10.

Mujhe Mat Roko again, written by Sayeed Quadri and sung by Kavita Seth is sort of a 'thumri' number. Though a bit slow, it definitely is a touching and meaningful number. These sort of songs are best enjoyed lying down, switching off all the lights, and playing it in a very low volume at night. Rating 6/10.

Then there are two remixes of Tu Hi Mera Shab Hai by Bunty Rajput and Jatin Shama. This is a new trend in recent albums, although I don't quite feel it is really necessary. I think it is done mainly to fill up the remaining space and to compose an album of 10 songs by repeating remixes of some of the songs.

There is also a solo version of Lamha Lamha by Abhijeet.

Overall, the album is a good one. Nice compositions by Preetam to equally good lyrics by Sayeed. I reckon it to be in the top of the charts for the coming weeks. Overall rating: 8/10.