
Every summer there is always one movie that makes going to the cinema worth the effort. This year that movie seems to be Cocktail, which is fast becoming the most awaited film of the year. Youthful, energetic and fresh, that's precisely what Cocktail seems to be. Directed by Homi Adjania, starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty in the lead roles, Cocktail promises to be worth a watch from its interesting promos. The audience is interested in seeing the chemistry between the main leads, which seems to be the basic ingredient of the film. It's a hip and young film and keeping the same in mind, the music has been done by Pritam and that itself is enough to raise the expectations for the soundtrack of the film.

The album kicks off with 'Tumhi Ho Bandhu', an extremely addictive track that gets you hooked immediately. The track is slightly electronic sounding and an extremely energetic number, which has become really popular this summer! Kavita's beautiful vocals complement the pulsating electronic melody while Neeraj's part adds a whole lot of heartiness, which can't be ignored. The song has become an anthem for youngsters this summer and is one that must be on everyone's playlist! 'Tumhi Ho Bandhu' is definitely the highlight of Cocktail.
'Daaru Desi', the next track on the album is again a really fun track that focuses on friendship. Shalmali Kholgade of 'Pareshaan' fame takes the mic along with Benny Dayal to deliver the perfect duet that would mesmerize just about anyone. 'Daaru Desi' is a typical Pritam song that uses guitars beautifully with the vocals blending in perfectly. This is a kind of track that one can just put on, sit back and enjoy to the fullest. The lyrics are pretty catchy too, which adds in making this song a pleasure to hear.
The unique selling point of the following track 'Yaarian' is that it starts with drums and the tune that follows instantly reminds you of Coldplay's 'In My Place'. The lyrics are calm and articulate, revealing great pain and heartbreak which will play to the scene's situation. While Mohan sounds just amazing here, Shilpa Rao also makes her presence felt and plays a role in making the song a beautiful one.
'Yaarian' also has reprise version in the album by Sunidhi Chauhan and Arijit Singh. The remix is basically an acoustic track with some piano that only adds to its beauty. Arijit Singh instantly elevates the song by entering it and the blend of both singers is flawless. It's hard to pick one between the original and this version.
Two years ago, it was 'Chor Bazari' that made a great mark on the Bollywood music scene. This year, I think 'Second Hand Jawani' is that track. Though it might sound too good when heard the first time, 'Second Hand Jawani' is a hip-hop track. The track opens with the vocals of Kakkar and Pooja and it is kind of eerie how similar their vocals seem in the song. Both of them have high-pitched voices, which compliment the lyrics of this track. Pooja, however, dominates the track and it totally belongs to her. All in all, a fun track that will get you in the dancing mood quickly.
'Tera Naam Japdi Phiran' the next track in the album is yet another clubby number. Though it starts with hilarious but dull English lyrics sung by Shefali Alvares, it instantly gains its momentum as soon as it switches to Hindi. Upbeat, electric and addictive; that's exactly what this track is and the powerful vocals by Javed, Nikhil and Shefali make it even better to listen to. There is another version of the same song with exactly the same team in the album too. Though most people don't agree I personally like the remix since it makes for a better song than the original track.

Up next in the album is 'Luttna (Saif Al Malook)', a song that really stands out from majority of the tracks. And the most interesting aspect about the song is that it features Masuma Anwar, a local Pakistani musician from Islamabad. Sung by Masuma Anwar, Sahir Ali, and Anupam Amod, 'Luttna' is a very moody sufi track. The track features a blend of dubstep and tabla beats along with riffs and while it all might seem like a mess on paper, it totally works. A true transcendental song, 'Luttna' also has another version with just a little variation and less of the beats making it sound more serene.
Another surprise on the album is 'Jugni'. Yes, our very own 'Jugni' of Coke Studio fame. Pritam hasn't really touched the track except for making a very few rearrangements in the melody. 'Jugni' has a rock style, which makes it quite a versatile track, with a lot to offer. We've all heard it over and over again and know how massively popular it is. Definitely worth putting on repeat.
Two tracks that aren't officially included in the album but are in the film are 'Main Sharaabi' and 'Angreji Beat' by Honey Singh. ‘Main Sharrabi’ is an absolute winner because it can totally get you high with all the chanting it contains. Honey Singh's rapping is one of the highlights of the track while Imran Aziz Mian adds the ideal amount of vitality and stance to please the masses. 'Angreji Beat' is the track that made its mark in the first promo of Cocktail. I really wonder why they haven't included this one in the album because it is absolutely addictive and has everything from the tune, attitude and edge. 'Angreji Beat' is a great club and bhangra track that shouldn't be missed this summer.
Though Pritam explored a safe genre he totally aced it! Cocktail's music is top class and every song is worth a listen. Some have the potential to top charts all summer. Cocktail is without any doubt the best Bollywood music album of the year so far. Hats off to Pritam!
– Hafsah Sarfraz |