'Aja Ho' is slightly better as far as sound goes. And perhaps a decent
video might even make it popular. But beyond that, there is nothing
noteworthy about this number either. It is better than 'Pyar Tera'
because it is not forceful but the music, in spite the beats and hooks,
sounds like a number done to fit the wedding season. There are some
studio effects but they are overcooked.
Lyrically it goes, "Aja Ho/Akhiyan Meray Hosh Te Chain Urakey/Naja/Aja
Ho..." - there is nothing interesting to make one want to listen
to it again.
This is the same fact that plagued Zoheb Hassan's Kismet. That record
too tried to thrive on the new age sound of dance/house/techno but
it wasn't done intelligently enough. Here we have the same problem.
Pop is often referred to as 'washed down hip-hop'. And that is because
unlike hip-hop, which is musically very experimental, pop often sounds
like a cheap imitation unless you're someone like Madonna, Michael
Jackson, Prince or even Moby who has fused various genres like ambient
rock, dance-pop and house into one genre that is now his signature.
To simply use a beat and few effects and hoping for it to work is
as moronic as underestimating your audience/listeners. And if that
audience is familiar with dance-pop from around the world, then trouble
will brew.
Another example of this 'one-beat' formula is the 'House Mix' of 'Teri
Yaad', written by Sachin Gupta, whom we last heard composing for Atif
Aslam's Doorie. And he is up to his old, done-before, re-hashing tricks.
There is just nothing original or even redeeming about this remix.
While not as schizophrenic an affair as he spinned on Doorie mixes,
here the arrangement is one recurring beat some noises in the background.
'Koi Chehra' club mix, on the other hand, is much better. While I
still prefer the original, this one has scintillating studio/electronic
effects that retain the essence of the song. Heartbreaking
love...
Moving on from dance numbers and one directly hits sad, morbid tunes.
Some of them, though, are decent efforts.
'Ek Ladki' is one example. It is a sweet, soft song. "Meray
Dil Ke Darwazey Per/Dastak Dey Kar/Chup Jaa Ti Hai/Mein Jab Us Ko/Dhondana
Chahoon/Meray Haath Nahie Aati Hai/ - it is a song that instantly
brings to mind teenage love. Not exactly brooding love that Ali
Haider displayed magnificently last year on Jaanay Do but comes
close enough.
Then there is the album's finest ballad, 'Koi Chehra'. Here the
melody is strong and that makes all the difference.
As the lyrics go, "Jagta Hoon Mein Raat Bhar/Neend Aati Nahin/Yaad
Uski Meray Dil Se Kyun Yeh Jaati Nahin/Ke Baat Itni Se Hai/Ke Woh
Mujhe Achi Lagi" - it makes its point. And more interesting
is the fact that Adeel plays with his emotions and one can hear
the reflection within this solid ballad.
Another fine song is 'Kisay Awaz Do'. Introspective in words, reflecting
on loneliness with excellent flute, 'Kisay Awaz Do' is another gem
on the album.
The cover version of 'Peera Ho' is a solid effort. While Adeel is
still no match for Khalid Anum, this is in fact one of the better
covers attempted. It is still soft, and just hits all the right
notes.
The same, however, cannot be said for 'Teri Yaad'. There have been
quite a few 'Teri Yaad' in the industry. Sajjad Ali, Jal, Ali Khan
and Faakhir have all done one. So those are some mighty steps to
follow into. Sajjad Ali's 'Teri Yaad' and Jal's 'Teri Yaad' are
extraordinary. This one pales in comparisons. If one doesn't compare,
even then it is just average. It doesn't stick.
This album could've been more interesting had Adeel attempted other
crazy moods of love. Noori did it lyrically and aggressively with
'Jaa Re' and 'Saari Raat Jaga' and it was fantastic, perhaps one
of those rare love songs that is in-your-face, revenge meets heartbreak.
It sounds a little dangerous but music is all about risks, experiments
and a tad bit danger too.
There is Ali Azmat's 'Piyaas' off his brilliant solo record, Social
Circus that is another cue on how a love song can be penned and
stretched in musical ways that are stunning. Perhaps that is too
much of an expectation from a young lad such as Adeel.
On the plus side, even with soft, bluesy numbers, there is no dark
musical direction given to the songs, which is good because Adeel
can match the feel-good quality.
In the end, Koi Chehra is flawed. There are some extremely weak
moments and in between some equally entertaining and thrilling dance-pop
and moody moments.
Chances are that this record will work. It has all the right commercial
elements.
That said, for a debut, it should've had a little more character.
Debut albums are not only about putting yourself out there but also
about wearing one's personality as a musical character. In this
album, most of the music, lyrics and quite a few compositions are
done by others such as Shani, Ali Mustafa, Sachin Gupta, Shuja Haider
as well as others. So it's not surprise why Koi Chehra is average.
Adeel is not aspiring to be a pop star. His dream is to enter Bollywood
as a playback singer. His idols are Mohammed Rafi and Sonu Nigam
and this record will definitely help him achieve that dream. In
a nutshell, for people in, out and in between love, or those interested
in some desi vocals to eastern dance-pop, this is the record to
get. But if you're looking for something edgy, tripped-out, risky
hypnotic musical charm, buy Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's Charkha instead.
*YUCK
**WHATEVER
***GOOD
****SUPER
*****AWESOME
q&a
10 questions with Adeel
Instep: Were you always interested in music?
Adeel: I got my first keyboard when I was in class 2. Later on I
was studying to be a doctor. But I could never concentrate so I
decided to pursue it full-time.
Instep: 'Meray Haniya' released a while back...
Adeel: I have been trying to get the album out. I was desperate
to make a video but all the major directors never had time. They
always told me to wait. Hammad then made the video for 'Haniya'.
I was then releasing the album with Sadaf but it was shut down and
all the stock came back. Now finally I have struck a deal with Fire
Records.
Instep: Your record is also out in India. How did that happen so
soon in your career?
Adeel: Fire Records introduced me to people at Tips. They heard
the album and signed me.
Instep: You're also singing for an Indian film?
Adeel: Yes, it's called Juggar and features Manoj Bajpai and Urmila
Matondkar. Tips is also involved with the movie.
Instep: Is there a deal in your contract with Tips to sing for movies.
Atif Aslam also released Meri Kahani via Tips and we all heard him
sing for Race, which is also Tips. A pure coincidence?
Adeel: I can't speak for Atif but as far as I'm concerned there
is no clause that binds one to sing for an Indian film. That said,
Tips promotes its artists and film music in India is huge.
Instep: Are you looking to sing as a playback singer in Bollywood
or follow in the footsteps of Atif and Strings who've sung for Indian
films but also have proper videos to their credit?
Adeel: I've always wanted to be a playback singer. I don't mind
not having videos as long as I can sing decent songs.
Instep: There are lots of musicians/producers involved in Koi Chehra…
Adeel: Yes. Ali Mustafa is one. Ali Zafar recommended Shuja Haider.
Faakhir recommended working with Shani so Koi Chehra has quite a
few people.
Instep: What would you say is your inspiration in music?
Adeel: I'll be honest. I am not into gora-type music like Led Zeppelin.
I used to watch Amitabh Bachchan films as a kid. And here was this
man who would like beat up 10 guys and jump from a mountain and
he didn't have a scratch. I've always been fascinated by Indian
cinema so my inspiration is more of Mohammed Rafi and Sonu Nigam.
Instep: You've also been performing in India.
Adeel: Oh yea! It's incredible actually. Indian pop barely exists
so Pakistani music is loved in India. The venues are bigger, lighting
and sound is excellent. I've also played for some private gatherings.
One was for an NGO by Kapil Dev and another one Sangeet party by
the Gandhi family. It was so much fun. It was like a total party.
Instep: What's next on your agenda?
Adeel: I'm planning on releasing the video of 'Ki Jaana Main Kaun'
aka 'Disco Bullah'. In mid-April, I have a tour of America coming
up. If things settle down here further, I would love to perform
all over Pakistan. I love performing here, especially girls' colleges
(smiles). They are always very supportive.
-- Adeel was talking to Maheen Sabeeh
|
