Label: T-Series
Lyrics: Javed Aktar
Composer: Shankar Ehsaan Loy
Artistes: Vishal Dadlani, Usha Uthup, Shankar Mahadevan, Sunitha Sarathay, KK,
Don 2 has already gripped the nation with its thrilling trailers but now it has to be seen that whether the album of the much-awaited Farhan Aktar directorial sequel live upto the expectations. When it comes to prequels the biggest hurdle is of getting compared to the original and sequel, and in this case Don 2 is no exception.
Don 2: The Chase Continues album is kept to minimal of seven original tracks and two remixes complimenting the theme of the movie. The album features the musical and lyrical talent of Farhan Aktar’s and Excel Entertainment most trusted brandnames Shankar Ehsaan Loy and Javed Aktar. SEL has strive to excel themselves from their earlier composed sequel Don: The Chase Begins Again, bringing out the elements of RD Burman songs mixed with the heavily infused electronica beats.
Shahrukh get into the character and set the tone for the album through the rendition of Javed Aktar opening notes Aa Raha Hoon Palat Ke, thus confirming that the King is really back.
The second track ‘Zara Dil ko Thaam Lo’triggers off with the exhilarating and scorching retro beats. Even though the track brings out the unmistakable comparison of Aaj ki Raat, the vibrant vocals of Anushka Mani and Vishal Dadlani succeeds in embedding the sinister feel. The duet clearly belongs to Vishal’s suave tones sound which brings out the perfect evil charm of Don. The carnival bonanza will be a listening pleasure for those who have thoroughly relished ‘Aaj Ki Raat’.
Classics are never forgotten is accurately proved by Usha Uthup, disco-singing sensation of 80’s, who sets the mood on fire with her belligerently coarse vocals in ‘Hai Ye Maya.’ It’s the finest song of the album; the music brings out the action thrill. The blaring trumpet with pulsating Pancham Da styled musical background accolades Uthup’s vocals.
â€?Dushman Mera’ though kickoff as immediate deal breaker, fails to keep the pace in the rest of the track and unfortunately falls on the lines of mediocrity. The appalling vocals of Shankar and Sunitha Sarathay also fail to revive the magic.
With â€?The King is Back (Theme)’ SEL introduces another thematic yet groovy piece in the album. The number once again follows the techno/rock theme music of Don with violins and piano interludes. The track further gets the winning streak by Shahrukh’s echoes of â€?Don.’ The theme is quiet likeable and will win if combine with the situation of the movie.
The renewed version of 2006 Don’s title track Mujhko Pehchaan Lo, rendered by KK can be well received if the listeners stage out the effective tongue in cheek singing of Shaan’s cult song. The number when compared, falls short as KK fails to embody the bad-romance feel of Shaan. The music doesn’t stand out either as there is no novelty factor, compared to original which was full of sleek and purposeful elegance.
The Mujhko Pehchaan Lo remix is equally messy as the added heavy beats drowns the vocals of KK.
The album ends with the situational waltz with melodic, smooth and soothing flow that is similar to an old western classical track.
Overall, the album falls short in the expectation as the music was expected to be an ideal opportunity to go wild and inventive but instead SEL banks on to submit a safe, self-conscious and serviceable album. Numbers like ‘Hai Ye Maya’ and ‘Zara Dil ko Thaam Lo’ are the only stands out of the album. Its quiet unexpected that Farhan Aktar who is a music enthusiast himself hasn’t added his inputs in music and even the lyrics penned by Javed Aktar fail to spread its magic.
