Music Review: Student of the Year

One of the most awaited movies of 2012, directed by Karan Johar with all debutant leads under the banner of Dharma Productions and Red Chillies Entertainment, is Student of the Year (SOTY). The music is hotly anticipated with Vishal and Shekhar replacing Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy as Karan Johar's go-to music directors. Karan is launching three star kids Alia Bhatt (Soni Razdan and Mahesh Bhatt's daughter), Varun Dhawan (David Dhawan's son) and Siddharth Malhotra. The lyrics, which everyone is humming these days, are written by Anvita Dutt Guptan.

The album starts with a rocking number, "The Disco Song". A very exuberantly composed track, it includes Nazia Hassan's cult number "Disco Deewane", which is one catchy music piece. Benny Dayal and Sunidhi Chauhan are totally in sync and blend easily with Nazia Hassan. The triosound fabulous, and their master stroke arrives when the mood of the song switches from dance to romance. The transition to "Ishq Wala Love" is commendable and takes the song to a different level. This song is undoubtedly a blockbuster that's high on energy and makes everyone tap their feet now and then.

Next, comes "Ishq Wala Love" which is more melodious and subtle. The song is effortless and is a soft ballad by Neeti Mohan, Shekar Ravijiani, and Salim Merchant. The beats are light and it never gets too cheesy or mushy. The song mainly portrays the love triangle of the lead trio and is exactly what we expect from a KJo directed movie. When the orchestra chimes midway through the song, it gives a very grand feeling and the singers have done justice to this number. The melody is soothing and gives a feel of ease. The track is indeed a memorable one!

As always, there has to be a signature KJo Bhangra composition. "Kukkad" can be a big no for a few. When heard first, it gets you grooving, but it may not be labelled as an all time favorite. It sounds a bit too familiar after hearing bhangra songs from Band Baaja Baaraat and Bittoo Boss. Yet, Shahid Mallya sounds appealing, trying out more peppy tracks than his usual romantic ones. The modern beats, usage of English words and the KJo touch makes this song young and lively.

The opening strands heard in the trailer are of the song "Vele". It immediately gets you hooked. Vishal-Shekar, with their amazing chemistry, sizzle and jugalbandi show a lot of versatility in this song. "Vele" is from Punjabi slang like tota, gedi, and car-o-bar. The slang lyrics are great with a bhangra hip-hop fusion to it. With desi elements, Punjabi, slang, and the duo of Vishal and Shekar, this track should not be missed.

One of the best tracks which may surprise all is the semi classical "Radha" sung by the ever so charming, Shreya Ghoshal. The song is slow in the beginning but within a few seconds it puts on its dancing shoes. The fusion of desi sounds with a fast tempo makes it interesting and delightful. Once again, Vishal - Shekar work their magic out and make it a ched-chad number. But the way, Shreya Ghoshal's work with the traditional and Hinglish lyrics is commendable. This song is not done with its surprises. It goes to another level with Udit Narayan's voice towards the end. The singing and overall feel of the song is wonderful.

"Ratta Maar" is something different compared to the other songs of the album. It's all about exam stress and college pressure. It gives you a feel of a few songs from 3 Idiots. Despite that, the words are clunky and fun to sing. Vishal Dadlani and Shefali Alvaris' duo sounds very expressive and lovely together. This song can not be given a miss.

The album winds up with a mashup, which is the latest trend with songs these days. Remixed by Kiran Kamath, "Mashup of the Year" is an amazing mix of the best parts of each song. Be it Nazia's "Disco Deewane", Udit Narayan's line from "Radha" or the "Ishq wala Love" part, it's got it all! It's an impressive song and will rock the dance floor at many parties and clubs.

Student of the Year will indeed be one of the most loving and peppy albums of the year. Music directors, Vishal - Shekar have done a commendable job for this album. The three debutants are lucky to get such songs and Karan Johar has once again lived up to the KJo standards. This album is not mediocre or experimental, it is going to stay.

Rating: *** and a half stars. 

Well, slated to release on October 19th, Student of the Year is one big Bollywood party. Do give it multiple listens! 

Editors: Fariha L. & Gunia M.
Graphics: Gurprit K.