Lamhaa Music Review

Album Name: Lamhaa
Music Director: Mithoon
Lyrics: Sayeed Qadri and Amitabh Verma
Singers: Kshitij Tarey, Chinmayi, Dr. Palash Sen, Mithoon, Mohammad Irfan, Mika Singh, Arun Daga, Saim Bhat

Everyone knows the wonderful music director Mithoon. After all, he, what with his distinct style of using modern techniques to spurn out rustic tunes, can give us lasting chartbusters like Maula Mere Maula, Ke Bin Tere, Kuch Iss Tarah, and so many more. The man, previously on a 2 year long hiatus is now back, and boy with a bang! . This bang by the way goes by the name Lamhaa. It makes up for all the time that Mithoon remained MIA and kept his ardent fans waiting! How?! Follow us as we take you on track-by-track!

The first offering from this album goes by the name Madhno, which is sung by Kshitij Tarey and Chinmayi, with lyrics by Sayeed Quadri. There are few words one is left with once this track is played. And all those few words can only be in praise! If love hasn't happened to you yet, we suggest you hear this song - and soon! The lyrics are intricate, yet sound so fragile to the ears. The singing so natural in its flow that one may think that Chinmayi and Kshitij Tarey may as well have cleared the recording in a single go. A slow-paced, very peaceful number it is, with traditional instruments and notations employed, and a lilting strings background. Definitely the cream of the album.

The second track is called Main Kaun Hoon, by Dr. Palash Sen, of band Euphoria fame. The track starts with sounds of buzzing choppers, to be followed by a very somber instrumental section, complete with a sarod portion. Then a man's voice can be heard welcoming people to Kashmir, and describing its weather. The song's long and mysterious intro indeed delivers a sense of unrest and urgency, which the movie primarily is slated to describe. Then starts Palash Sen's solo, as he sings about the loss and corruption of identity, which many people have no choice but to experience when living under political unrest. The song's lyrics, written by Amitabh Verma, drill through your mind, and are as clear as water. An amazing song, the magic of which lies foremost in its lyrics, and Palash Sen's voice. We say it calls for listeners' attentions.

The next track from Lamhaa is called Rehmat Zara. Sung by Mithoon and Mohammed Irfan, of Behene De fame, the song starts off with the voices of the two singers, and the softness of their voices comes out surprising, though rhythmic. Once the chorus hits though, Mithoon and Mohammed Irfan completely command the song, and one can't help but feel the power surge that it brings about. The song has lyrics that match in candour and spirit, written by Sayeed Qadri. Truly, the absorbing chorus in this song is definitely its USP, along with the following Western arrangement of the background music. One of the best songs from the album, this song will bowl you over.

Next comes Sajnaa, which is quite like Madhno, but with a change of the male singer, as Mithoon is replaced by Mika Singh. This song projects Mika's voice like never before, we must say, because the soft tone he has used in this song completely jumps on you by surprise, and what a splendid one it is. Mika continues to have a great year in playback, with with Ibn-E-Batuta and Dhanno already in his belt. We say Mika, you never fail your audience - with reality drama, or talent! Cause yes, the song is actually as lovely as Madhno is.

The fifth track is Salaam Zindagi, sung by Arun Daga, Mohammad Irfan, and back-up vocals by Saim Bhat, with lilting lyrics written by Sayeed Qadri. This song is serene, and is injected with innocence and youth, thanks to the chorus of children who recite short poetry pieces, as well as the lyrics that open up the song. Sweetly sung by all singers, this song is, as the title imposes, a tribute to life, which one doesn't realize the value for oft enough, unlike those for whom the privilege comes scarcely. Like people who form the subject of Lamhaa, people who live under war-torn conditions. The song is fantastic, and the best bit lies in those two lines: "Jis cheez ko paane ki thi umeed kho chuki... uss cheez ko paakar bahut dil ko khushi hui".

The last offering of this album is called Zameen-O-Aasmaan. This song is Mithoon's solo, and excruciatingly pleasant at that. It strikes a rather melancholic chord with the listener, as the lyrics, written by Sayeed Qadri, talk of all the injustices done against the innocent. The song offers a plea to the Almighty, the owner of the skies and the ground. A very insightful song, which will turn the listener insightful as well. This song is for the lyrics, and for the truth in the lyrics. Gravely recommended.

There it is, Lamhaa in a few paragraphs. One must note, however, that the music is appropriately suited to meet the thematic requirements of the movie. Based upon the political unrest in the valley paradise of Kashmir, the concept as such is not new - the portrayal however promises to create unprecedented waves and the music album sure strives to pool in its contribution to the same. The lyrics are the important feature of every song, as many people would want to word out the same sentiments. This album is an amazing tribute to Kashmir. Period. Mithoon, Sayeed Qadri, and Amitabh Verma have shared some phenomenal music.

BC's rating: 4/5

BC's picks: Madhno, Rahmat Zara, Zameen-O-Aasmaan, Salaam Zindagi