The Peak of Mediocrity. Review on Shikhar Songs

Its been a while since I penned some sentences. Its been a while since an album that had some worthwhile things to comment on, got released. Shikhar is by no means a ''musical feat'', so to speak: It is just another album in the seemingly never-ending ocean of mediocrity. Viju Shah is a MD of a different caliber from the usual run-of-the mill MDs. There has been controversies to his tunes, esp.(Tu Cheez..), but overall I would say, he is much better. His compositions are characteristic & unique (good or bad, you decide!) in that he uses faster tempo note signs & motifs as background sounds to main tunes. Another characteristic of his is the use of very different percussive patterns. They are catchy & embellished with highly appropriate bass support (e.g. Gupt-Mushkil Bada) He also uses choruses nicely. I would also say that some of his songs have lasting qualities, in that there is a pinch of revolt & anger (use of sharp/flat notes) in the sadder tunes & intense catchiness in the faster, happier numbers. I should admit that though I did not like his recent offerings (Asambhav & this one) as much as his older ones (Gupt, Mohra), I do look forward to him composing a bit more, because of the sheer unpredictability & technology in his composing style.

Let's go right to the songs.

Aap Ko: Rakesh, Udit & Sadhana

The song is somewhat similar to his own composition ''Subah Se'' (Mohra), however seems to be tuned in the raag Bhimplas (Abheri). The rhythm is ordinary & instantly tells you who the MD is. There is a nice filler orchestra playing the notes of the raaga. The song becomes surprisingly dry & ordinary during the charanams.

Dheere Dheere: Versions by KK & Sunidhi

Sunidhi: This version is the one I liked much better than the one below. Sunidhi's vocals are simply stunning. Wait, I am not just talking about her ''item-number'' skills. Look for some subtle gamakams (note-slides). The best part of the song is the first line of the charanam. After the first line is initially sung, Sunidhi hums a beautifully smooth gamakam-ridden lead humming. Good job on handling such complicated, yet simple sounding vocals with maturity. The song does have a distinct ''Burmanian'' (reggae?) feel to it. The song ends with a nice jazz-sax piece.

KK-Version: A few distortion guitar pieces intro the song with the characteristic bass patterns of any VS-number (see above). KK performs in his characteristic style, forceful, flat & pop-like. I would say, this is a normal fast paced catchy number with nothing too innovative to write about it. The second charanam starts with quieter percussion before the normal version starts.

Fitna Dil

A number indisputably & exclusively aimed at the charts. Again, this number would make you guess with almost 95% certainty that the MD is indeed VS. Musically, I did not like this number at all. Seemed like the rhythm was driving the song & the notes were placed just to fill in for the beats. However, initial opinion suggests that this number is definitely on the way to the top of the charts.

Megha

A typical folk (Garba) number. The rhythm is characteristic & instantly catchy. However, VS intersperses with the folk drums with electric drums & bass. It does sound a bit awkward, especially when Udit sings ''Hari Bhari Dharthi Pe''. There are times when it is an absolute ''no-no'' to use electronic beats, that sounds synthetic. In other words, MDs use electronics in such cases to mimic the folkish drums.

Mere Man

Udit & Sadhana

Another melodious, but ordinary song. I felt a bit like the late eighties when I heard this song. The music however is rich with nice use of synths & strings to compliment (but not interfere) the lead vocals. The yaman-second interlude sounded very refreshing.

Tu Hai Shikhar

Jagjit Singh

A surprising number by JS. The director had used a wonderful number by this legend in his previous movie. I found that, again, the use of electronic beats somewhat played a spoil-sport in the number. It would have been nice to hear the use of lighter sounds as percussion. VS could also have used acoutic bass sounds as rhythm (without using actual percussion). This is especially clear when the female chorus sings ''Tu hi man ki shakthi''. However, the beats are ok when JS sings the charanams. It does invoke a feeling of devotion & importance.

Vaga

An (musically) excoriating start of the song with simply ''unwanted'' female & male english words. The typical VS bass pattern (almost sounding similar to Bechainiyaan) does exist. However, the lyrics just sounds plain irritating. Either VS should have insisted for better lyrics or would have just left the song instrumental. There are some wild uses of guitar & synths, along with some crazy sound effects. Tech savy individuals might be amused with this song, me, personally am not, to each his/her own.

Overall, this album is a mediocre effort from a highly talented VS. My humble opinion is the VS should keep pushing his own boundaries & not stop with Gupt. He should also get out of set patterns. Just like he broke his own ''Mohra'' mould with Gupt, it is time to smash open the cage, & let the wings take you along for a heavenly musical journey...