Don Music Review Part 1. Review on Don Songs

This review is the first part of what I have started writing on my blog. I will continue to update my blog and this page as I get time. Please give your valuable feedback.

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The music of Don was eagerly expected. Shankar Ehsaan Loy (SEL) became famous through their work in a Farhan Akhthar film. Don is Farhan's third. Automatically, everyone expects SEL to break rules and put all of their heart into it. In an interview Shankar said that while working with Farhan, they have to work in a different level altogether. I guess being a huge Farhan-fan, I can see why they say that! What about the music? As an ameteur critic, I am completely blown over by their music. Overall, they have used a very unique ambience, at the same time, managing to sound like themselves.

The movie is set up (I think) to mimic the sounds and style of those wonderful Bachhan movies of the past. It is in fact a remake of the old movie, Don starring Amitabh Bachhan. How do you bring that 70s-80s feel? Well, SEL uses analogue-keyboard sounds and very carefully crafted electric guitars and drums sounding very acoustic (rather than electronic). However, they are also mindful of the youth of today. Hence, they also bring in techno-sounds.In short, they have innovated quite a bit, and retained their style. Let's look at the songs one by one....

Aaj Ki Raat

Singers: Alisha, Mahalakshmi & Sonu Nigam

In my view, this number is one of the finest I have heard in recent years. The song starts with a drums sounding both electronic (house-techno) as well as acoustic. When the rhythm starts, right at the second measure, look for the purposeful amplification of the high-hat-cymbal (the brass disc like thing used in percussion). Techno sounds are added in the next measure, and then in the next, analogish key board sounds are added as a pattern. Look for the Don-theme music played in the background. Alisha's silken sound comes in with some very unique note slides. Listen carefully as she sings the following two lines:

"------Chhaayee hai-----ra~~nge~eniyaan"

"------Phir Bhi Hai -------be~~taa~biyaan"

These noteslides have been so delicately sung that it sounds smooth, rather than like a classical sangathi. The rest of the song is also well composed. There is also a feeling of freshness and peace. This is just because of the intricate musical arrangements used by them.

Don Theme

Instrumental-SEL

The track starts with a few knocks on the door, with Shahrukh's voice proclaiming (I am) "Don". The same analogish keyboard sounds (listen to the scores of Vangelis around the 80s) comes in. The brass section follows, and takes us right to the 80s Bachhan movies. I also liked the delicate co-rdination between what seems to be acoustic bass and e-bass. The nicest part is towards the middle part of the track where a mixture of female chorus sounds and strings are used to create a unique effect.

Main Hoon Don

Singer: Shaan

The vocal version is somewhat similar to the previous instrumental version. The guitar pattern is repeatedly used here also. The rhythm is really foot-tapping and the melody is cool. However, a huge drawback is the selection of Shaan as the singer. Don't get me wrong, Shaan has sung the song with his utmost effort and sounds ok too. However, I couldn't get that feeling of "might". For example, you can listen to the song "Andheri raaton mein-Shehenshah". There is a feeling of someone so mighty that he defies imagination. Shaan's voice goes a little bit flatter, especially when he suddenly takes the higher pitch in "Mai.... hoon don", in fact you wont even hear the letter "M". But, overall a nice effort (but for the singer-selection) by SEL.

To be continued........

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