[MUSIC REVIEW] TAARE ZAMEEN PAR (2007) [HINDI]

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have come a long way from their conventional compositions. From DILAGI to the popular DIL CHAHTA HAI to the recent JOHNNY GADAAR. This time, they teamup with renowned actor/producer and directional debut, Aamir Khan. His film TAARE ZAMEEN PAR is known to be a children film. Given the number of child films we had in the past, barring Mr. India and Hanuman, none of them have lived up to the audiences nor the box-office's expectations. But from viewing the promos of the soothing music from the team of S-E-L, One knows the film may be the key to reviving a genre among the Indian audiences. If English films can do it, why not us? Anyways, lyricist Prasoon Joshi [RANG DE BASANTI, FANAA, and the upcoming GHAJINI] gives us the meaningful and beautiful poetic verses in these 8 tracks.

TAARE ZAMEEN PAR (5/5)
Shankar Mahadevan is excellent. All credit must go the Prasoon, the background music and the chorus.

KHOLO KHOLO (4.9/5)
Think Pritam's "O Meri Jaan" but less hard rock. Nevertheless, it's got some great guitar and vocals.

BUM BUM BOLE (4.8/5)
A fun-filled song featuring Mr. Khan in some dialogue bits. Otherwise, Shaan goes with ease in this awesome song. Take a few times of hearings to get it sunk in.

JAME RAHO (4.6/5)
Again, it's in the phase as KHOLO KHOLO but it's got Mahadevan's vocals with some soothing music. A catchy song.

BHEJA KUM (4.7/5)
A satire on school punishments, the song is presented in a hard rock like fashion. A must hear for those who deal with such situations. *laughs*

MAA (5/5)
Shankar's back with another soft rock song. This time, it's maa. A real melody and great meaning, it sorta makes you cry. Another pick of the album. Gives me some nostalgia to the QSQT songs by Jatin-Lalit.

MERE JAHAN (5/5)
With an english prologue, the song carries off to an guitar piece accompained by chorus, Adnan Sami brings in the emotion to the music and the song. Badda-bing-badda-boom, you're sunk into the song. Great instrumental and chorus background should be noted.

ISHAAN'S THEME (4.9/5)
Composed by Amole Gupte, it brings in the international standards of piano music all together. Something that you would hear at a restaurant.

Overall, Aamir khan and the team of S-E-L must applaud themselves for bringing themselves one of the best and melodious album of the year. Forget SIVAJI, AZHAGIYA TAMIZH MAGAN and SAAWARYA, this is where the TRUE music is. Picks of the album include the title track, Kholo, Jamhe raho and Mere jahan.

Rating: *****/5