Himesh Packs A Solid Punch!. Review on The Xpose Songs

Himesh Reshammiya returns to the music scene after almost a year with his brand new film'The Xpose'. As far as movies starring himself are concerned, Himesh has a hundred percent strike rate and his last home production Khiladi 786's music had become a rage all over. With as many as 18 tracks(originals+remixes) in the album, it is time for his fans to rejoice and the expectations are high as always with Himesh to deliver a smashing soundtrack to this musical thriller. Sameer Anjjan writes the lyrics for a majority of the tracks and one hopes to get an album, fulfilling both musically and lyrically.

The soundtrack begins with a weirdly titled song Ice Cream sung by Himesh Reshammiya, Yo Yo Honey Singh and Palak Muchhal with lyrics by Shabbir Ahmed. Right from the word go, there is a retro feel to the song and Honey Singh chips in with a short rap before Himesh takes centrestage. The tune is reminiscent of a few old songs of the 60's and 70's, including Himesh's own past works which is done intentionally to get an authentic retro feel. The music is very impressive and after a hearing it a few times, this song gets stuck in your head! Palak does a competent job behind the mike, but she sounds similar to Shreya Ghoshal while Himesh owns the song totally and ensures a good beginning to the album. Watch out for the nasal "Haa Haa"  which gives just the right amount of kick for the song!

Rating:3/5

Sameer writes the next track Dard Dilon Ke, a song which portrays longing and the desperation felt in love. Similarities to Tum hi ho of Aashiqui-2 can be put to rest once the whole song is heard as this one goes one step ahead in terms of the music and the https://lyrics. Mohammad Irfan renders the song in such a heartrending manner that it is difficult not to get swayed with the superb melody on offer here. The lyrics are simple, yet very profound and makes the listener search for the repeat button. Himesh keeps the orchestration very minimal almost like an unplugged version, but it aids in making the song very memorable. Kudos to Himesh, the composer for the sheer haunting melody in the song. This one is a sure shot super hit and is sure to make the career of the young Irfan. Sameer deserves plaudits for the terrific https://lyrics.This one will stay on for many more months.

Rating:4/5

Serene whistles begin Hai Apna Dil Toh Aawara, sung by Himesh Reshammiya and Yo Yo Honey Singh. The song makes an instant impression once Honey Singh completes his rap part and you can almost feel there is something good on offer. The first impression turns true as soon as Himesh begins his lines. There is a subtle feel good factor in the song, and it is lovely to hear Himesh's vocals here which is non nasal and very classy. The retro arrangements again work wonders here and this is the kind of peppy tune that Himesh excelled in before his Aashiq Banaaya Aapne days and it is a pleasure to hear this enlivening tune. Sameer again writes simple lyrics and Honey Singh's rap is a highlight too. Thumbs up for the song which is uncomplicated, yet extremely likeable with its old world charm.

Rating:4/5

Catch Me If You Can sees an ensemble cast of singers in the form of Himesh, Mika Singh, Mohit Chauhan, Neeti Mohan, Shalmali Kholgade and Shubhangi Tiwari. This one carries a strong intriguing feel so essential to a thriller. The beats are catchy and the tune itself is highly energetic, which makes one shake his leg.Mika Singh has a great time behind the mike while the rest of the cast go ballistic in the chorus. The female portions are sensuous and Himesh and Mohit maintain just the right amount of energy levels right through. All of them have had maximum fun rendering it and it shows! One more feather on Reshammiya's cap for this addictive song. Play it loud.

Rating:3.5/5

In 2006, Reshammiya sang Tera Surror and it catapulted him to a phenomenon. Surroor returns in 2014, albeit with a completely different tune and a whole new orchestration. Sameer again writes the lyrics and reminds one of their halcyon days as a super hit jodi. The song has the unique Reshammiya stamp with his trademark nasal high pitched rendition. Shalmali Kholgade gives him very able company here and her seductive singing is one of the highlights. Honey Singh delivers a very short line and one just wishes that the line was incorporated a lot more in the song, as it is genuinely good. It's vintage Himesh here and this is a track which will gladden most of his die hard fans. The claps and the flute playing in the background, coupled with the pleasant tune make it yet another strong track in the album.

Rating:3.5/5

Five songs in to the album, it is clear that the law of averages has hardly caught up with the composer who is coming up with one super track after another. The hit fest continues with Sheeshe Ka Samundar, a beautiful ghazal with poignant lyrics of Sameer. Ankit Tiwari is at the helm of affairs here and makes it the best song of his career so far. Reshammiya keeps the background minimal as is the norm with him most of the times and lets the voice of the singer do all the talking and it pays off handsomely here. The composition bears the Himesh trademark and has a very contemporary touch to it which would enable it to cut through the hearts of all age groups. Ankit is at ease behind the mike making it a thoroughly enjoyable fare.Melody at its best and a splendid song overall. Play it on repeat.

Rating:4.5/5

Dard Dilon Ke makes one more appearance, this time as a reprise version with added beats. Neeti Mohan accompanies Mohd Irfan here and this version gives a different dimension to the original. The feel is very much intact and the extra effects do not take away much from the sheen of the brilliant original thus making it yet another good outing in the album.

Rating:3.5/5

It is a delight to see another version of Sheeshe Ka Samundar and this reprise has the vocals of the redoubtable Rekha Bhardwaj. Himesh keeps a sedate background throughout with a fair sprinkling of Tabla beats and the percussion, singing and the ambience of the song takes one back to yet another fabulous song of this duo Piya Jaise Ladoo of the classic'Radio.' Rekha's flawless singing takes the song to another level and leaves one wanting for more. Hats off to Reshammiya for this gem of a song, which separates the men from the boys.

Rating:4.5/5

Theme of Xpose is basically the same as Dard Dilon Ke reprise version minus Mohammad Irfan's vocals. Irfaan Khan adds weight to the track with his deep throated dialogues. With such brilliant songs at his disposal, the theme song could have been much better.

Himesh's songs are synonymous with some terrific remixes and so one looks forward to what they have to offer in the album here. Ice Cream-Remix continues that tradition with an impressive sound, though the innovation is very less.Dard Dilon Ke-Remix seems quite unnecessary as the original itself is so good, but it is surprisingly fine and does not dilute the original thus justifying its presence in the album.Hai Apna Dil-Blues Mix is yet another enjoyable fare, though the original should not have been tinkered with, but it will find its takers.

Surroor finds an Arabic mix for itself which is quite good, but very predictable.Catch Me If You Can-Remix is a wasted effort with routine extra beats and the potential is squandered here. Hai Apna Dil-Desi Mix has some desi tadka added with lots of dhol, and is an unneeded addition.Sheeshe Ka Samundar-Remix was absolutely unnecessary and only adds to the length of the album.There is one more remix of Surroor and there is nothing worth mentioning. So many remixes could have been avoided and generally two to three would suffice for a soundtrack.

As is the customary practice these days, there is also a mashup of all the songs of the soundtrack.With so many chartbusters, it did warrant a mashup and it doesn't disappoint. There is a perfect mix of all the songs and it is great fun to revisit all the songs at one go.In one word, IT ROCKS.

It is a marathon soundtrack and the feeling at the end of it is one of genuine satisfaction. Each song is unique in its own way as there are varied genres on play here. There is not even one dampener and this makes sure that it is an album with no dull moment whatsoever. Each song has the potential to go a long distance and cement its status as a big chartbuster and the credit should be given to the whole team here for bringing out such a complete bollywood soundtrack. There is a consummate balance of massy and classy tracks and the soundtrack should get popular as the days go by. It is a fully loaded album and Himesh Reshammiya fires with all guns blazing, thus answering his critics with solid work here.It is an'expose' of the range and caliber of the composer and he comes out with flying colours. Give this one a try. It is a big WINNER.

Overall Rating:4/5