RATING: 2 After giving last year's most croonable, funky number 'Dhoom Machale', music composer Pritam returns with his new compositions in Vivek Agnihotri's directorial debut 'Chocolate'.
The movie, starring Anil Kapoor, Irfaan Khan, Emraan Hashmi, Sunil Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Sushma Reddy and Tanushree Dutta (Miss India Universe 2004), is the story of seven Indians who come under the scrutiny of London police for all the wrong reasons.
The Pritam-composed music of 'Chocolate' - being described as a dark thriller - is foot-savvy, funky, zingy and zany. With the exception of one lilting song in the album, the tracks of 'Chocolate' are fast paced, high on tempo and with Pritam's customary style of using western instruments.
An attempt to create a signature tune a la Dhoom is apparent in the opening song of the album Halka Halka Sa Yeh Sama. The song, written by Mayur Puri, is about different characters giving an account of themselves. The use and combination of musical instruments is commendable, and the signature riff on flute - though not as contagious as dhoom's - gets on to a listener soon. Sonu Nigam does full justice to this fine composition by bringing about the right and required modulations in his singing. The album also features a remixed version of this song.
The upbeat mood set by the opening track is carried forward with a number of fast paced songs, Zehreeli Raatein being one of them. Not an exceptional composition, this track sung by K K is more like an ordinary pop number spiced up with a heady musical arrangement by Pritam.
Singer Kunal Ganjawala of Bheege Honth Tere fame sings two songs in this album. The first one, Panaahon Mein Mohabbat Ki is heavy on music and beats that seem to muffle the singer's voice. The second one - Khalish Si Hai - is a much better composition. Singer Suzan accompanies Kunal for the second song.
Jhuki Jhuki is a funky composition with some spirited singing by Kailash Kher and Sunidhi Chauhan. The song, written by Dev Kohli, is a racy track with good use of beats in the background.
'Mummy' is a girlie song with Sunidhi Chauhan putting on a cute and delectable girlie accent. The song, written by Mayur Puri, has a punch of pop and bhangra mixed together.
Bheega Bheega Sa Yeh December has a lilting melody and a musical arrangement that is soothing to the ear. The song, sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, is a welcome break from the high voltage numbers of this album.
The theme music of 'Chocolate' brings to the fore Pritam's penchant for the western music. The track has different moods - dark, intense and feverish. However, what it lacks is a good melody that can become a signature to the movie's music.
All in all, 'Chocolate' is a party album with some brilliant and some average compositions by Pritam.
Movie Review : Worth a Watch (1/10) Vivek Agnihotri's directorial debut 'Chocolate' is a slick product with many a twist in the tale and a surprise at the end.
Music Review : Sweet and Sour (2/10) After giving last year's most croonable, funky number 'Dhoom Machale', music composer Pritam returns with his new compositions in ...
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