The songs of J. P Dutta’s mutlistarrer magnum opus ‘LoC’ capture a variety of human emotions like patriotic fervor, separation from the beloved and the bereavement for those who sacrifice their lives on the battlefield. Music composer Anu Malik rises to match the depth and melodrama of Javed Akhtar’s lyrics.
The most outstanding number in the album is the 13-minute track Main Kahin Bhi Rahoon that features a number of singers including Roop Kumar Rathod, Sukhwinder Singh, Hariharan, Udit Narayan and Sonu Nigam. Although the song bears a melodic resemblance to ‘Refugee’ number Sandese Aate Hain, Javed Akhtar’s simple and emotive lyrics make the track quite appealing.
This song is picturized on a number of actors like Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt among others.
Another song Seemayen Bulaye Tujhe Chal Raahi paints the imagery of a woman seeing off her beloved to the battlefield. This deftly written track talks about a woman’s courage in motivating their soldier men to fight with bravery. But alongside it also conveys her vulnerability in the form of a prayer to the God to protect their beloved ones.
The song’s melody is later incorporated into a soulful instrumental track 'Before We Forget'.
Sonu Nigam shows his vocal skills in Pyaar Bhara Geet, a romantic number that conveys a loving and teasing argument between two lovers. Javed Akhtar’s lyrics are pregnant with subtle hidden meanings and Anu Malik’s lilting music blends well with the song’s theme.
Khush Rehna is sung from the point of view of a soldier wishing the good will of his family and friends at home. The words convey a deliberate attempt on the part of the character to hide his pain and anguish with the false assurances to his dear ones that he is doing fine. This contradiction adds an extra emotive appeal to the song.
Ek Saathi Aur Bhi Tha is like a tribute to a companion lost in the war. The song, sung by Sonu Nigam, makes one’s heart heavy with the words that talk about the sacrifices made by brave soldiers to win a war.
On the whole, the music of ‘LoC’ is replete with deep emotions that will touch a listener at heart.