Himesh Reshammiya’s debut film soundtrack in 2007 was a global phenomenon. Sequel to his chartbuster album ‘Aap Ka Suroor’, a brand in the making since the release of Aashiq Banaya Aapne, the composer-producer-singer was back with a bang, with tunes targeted for the masses.
Composed by him, “Assalaam Vaalekum” is a song from the film ‘Aap Kaa Surroor’ (2007) also stars Himesh Reshammiya. The song is a mix of rap, industrial-techno and soft rock, with Reshammiya singing in a loud and aggressive voice. The song’s lyrics are in Urdu and Hindi and they speak of a man who is feeling vengeful. The rap portions of the song provide a break from the aggressive singing, but they also add to the overall sense of agitation and unrest.
The song has been praised for its catchy melody and Reshammiya’s energetic performance. However, it has also been criticised for its lack of simplicity and the heavy pressure on the vocals.
“Tera Mera Milna” is a powerfully intense romantic duet by Himesh Reshammiya and Shreya Ghoshal. Reshammiya sings in the middle octave, while Ghoshal displays her sweet, innocent and clear vocals in the stanzas. The song features acoustic guitars and sarangi accompaniments, which create a touching and atmospheric soundscape. “Tera Mera Milna” is one of the best romantic numbers ever composed by Reshammiya.
Himesh Reshammiya’s “Jhooth Nahi Bolna” is a highly melodious song with rich orchestration and a solid classical foundation. The song features a high pitched female chorus and continuously playing tabla till the end. The violin is sadly missing in the orchestration, but the long raaga-based ‘mukhda’ and Reshammiya’s alaap at the start set the tone for the rhythmic track. Shreya Ghoshal’s rendition in the stanzas is also impressive.
“Tanhaiyan” is a package of hit songs by Himesh Reshammiya and Sunidhi Chauhan. The singer pours his heart and soul into the song, creating a powerfully emotional performance. Reshammiya sings in a high pitched voice, expressing himself freely and conveying all the emotions of the song. Chauhan supports him well with her rendition. The song has a melancholy feel and Reshammiya uses his typical sound with his favourite instruments, such as the sarangi, synthesisers and soft rock elements.
“Ya Ali” is a smashingly addictive song with techno beats and a disco bass. It is a mix of Reshammiya’s popular music style and repeated techno beats. The acoustic fusion in the prelude is worth listening to, and Reshammiya renders confidently, stretching his vocals at certain places. Sunidhi Chauhan does a mind-blowing job, even if she is heard mostly in the background. Overall, “Ya Ali” would have been better if it was longer and if more importance was dedicated to the composition and orchestration.
“Tere Bina” is a romantic song that relies more on acoustic sounds and the signature tune of ‘Aap Ka Surroor’. The singing by Reshammiya is a bit monotonous and the overall orchestration is repetitive and lacking in freshness. The Gregorian chants in the prelude are quite scary, and the rest of the orchestration is mechanical. Uncredited female whispers are heard in the background. However, credit should go to Reshammiya for the melodious composition, which might not get the merited accolade due to the similar singing and typical sounds.
“Kya Jeena” is a semi-classical song with a complex melody and rich Indian instrumentation. It is a rare example of a Bollywood song that uses traditional Indian music rather than music software. Himesh Reshammiya sings in a variety of vocal ranges, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
“Mehbooba Mehbooba” is a light pop song that is a cover of the classic Hindi song from the film Sholay. It is a fun and carefree duet by Himesh Reshammiya and Asha Bhosle Ji.
Himesh Reshammiya’s ‘Aap Ka Surroor’ is a testament to his solid foundation in orchestration and his ability to create complex and catchy melodies. The album features a mix of traditional Indian music and pop-techno beats, with Reshammiya himself singing most of the songs. The album’s success is due in part to Reshammiya’s understanding of his own music and his ability to adapt it to current trends.
