Music Director: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Label: Big Music
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Our Rating: 2.5 / 5
With ‘Rock On’, director Farhan Akhtar debuts as a singer, and though his voice gives the listener that ‘Rock- Band -Vocalist’ feel in songs like ‘Pichle Saat Dinon Mein and Socha Hai, SEL fans will be shocked after listening to Zehreeley, which is by far one of the most disappointing tracks of the album.
Till now, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have consistently churned out quality music. However, it’s unlikely that all songs will do commercially well. Especially with an audience that only survives on Bollywood’s tried and tested peppy-beat music. The lyrics, though eccentric, will grab listeners’ attention, especially in tracks like Pichle Saat Dinon Mein, Socha Hai, Tum Ho Toh and Phir Dekhiye. Javed Akhtar can get away (for Zehreeley) probably because he was writing keeping in mind Farhan’s unconventional ‘poet’ character in the movie.
Socha Hai starts with an emblematic distorted Guitar solo which tries hard to give the song that rock feel. However, it’s not the kind which Ehsaan is known for. What makes Socha Hai stand out are its simple yet powerful lyrics which incite the listener to question life, spiritually. However, in spite of the powerful lyrics, the melody does not seem to click. Farhan does a fair job as a vocalist. Nevertheless, a regular listener of rock music will identify when Farhan ends this song in a trademark Axl Rose (Guns and Roses) style.
‘Pichle Saat Dino Mein’ is perhaps one of the few SEL tracks where they are successful in the experiment of Indian Rock music. The song is soulful and grows on the listeners. The intro guitar riff of the song sets a groove which is hard to escape. The chorus ‘Na Na Na Na Na’ distinctively lifts the tempo of the track in a likely way. This is one track that SEL fans should definitely give an ear. The unusual lyrics hint at the irony of life- A melody that’s simply hard to ignore.
The title track of the movie ‘Rock On’ opens with a guitar riff which can be mistaken for Metallica’s I Disappear, until the vocals start. Interestingly, the same intro was also the background theme of the film Lakshya which has now been made into a full song. Despite being the title track, the song is just about average.
With Ye Tumhari Meri Baatein, SEL drift to the soft-rock genre and once again churn out a melodious track. The song has a laidback feel to it and starts with Ehsaan’s distinctive clean guitars. However, after a few bars it feels as if the intro is looped! The five and half minute track introduces the voice of Dominique Carejo who renders the song with a lot of soul. Her unique voice and Javed Akhtar’s engaging lyrics probably do wonders for SEL’s composition. All in all, it’s a good radio-friendly track which listeners would definitely like to repeat on their i-Pods.
In the next track, ‘Zehreeley’, SEL sound like a desi -version of the heavy metal band Pantera. Singer Suraj Jagan growls his lungs out over obscure lyrics. The song starts with an archetypal chromatic heavy metal riff. This is by far one of the most disappointing tracks from the album. However, followers of rock music should give this track an ear.
As far as the vocals go, the next track ‘Tum Toh Ho’ has Farhan at his best. It’s quite surprising how Farhan’s vocals open up to this touching and emotional song. The simple yet captivating lyrics add an essential element to SEL’s soulful melody.
Sindabad the Sailor is a peppy inspirational track in which Javed Akhtar has skillfully woven a story in the lyrics, though the song is good for one time listening. There’s a surprise element, as the song swiftly moves to a fast version of ‘Tum Toh Ho’.
‘Phir Dekhiye’ has new singer Caralisa Monteiro going solo. This song scores for its melody and minimal arrangements. With just an acoustic guitar and piano in the background, this is a song about having an optimistic outlook towards life. All in all, a good radio-friendly track.
The music of Rock On is one of its kind, as music directors in the past have always shied away from experimenting with a genre which has a niche following. It’s unlikely that rock music lovers who have been following international artistes will like this Indian version. Nevertheless, it will introduce the non listeners of Rock music to this genre.
