Jai Ho Music Review: Just about average!

Music: Sajid-Wajid, Amal Malik and Devi Sri Prasad
Singers: Wajid, Shaan, Shreya Ghoshal, Shabab Sabri, Himesh Reshammiya, Keerthi Sagathia, Palak Muchhal, Altamash Faridi, Armaan Malik, Bhaven Dhanak, Brijesh Shandilya, Ujjayinee and Amal Malik, with chorus
Lyrics: Sajid-Wajid, Devi Sri Prasad, Irfan Kamal, Danish Sabri, Sameer Anjaan, Kausar Munir, Shabbir Ahmed and Armaan Malik

Jai Ho, directed by Sohail Khan is touted as one of the biggest releases of 2014. Since Salman Khan is returning to the big screen after one and half years, it’s only natural that moviegoers are eagerly waiting for the remake of the Telugu flick Stalin. While the music of Salman’s recent blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, Dabangg 2 and Bodyguard was appreciated big time, Jai Ho has some really big shoes to fill. As always, Sallu miyaan has relied on his favourite composer duo Sajid-Wajid to do the job. But the actor has also roped in Amal Malik and well known Telugu composer-lyricist Sri Devi Prasad. The trio has come up with a decent album, but it’s nowhere close to what Dabangg and Dabangg 2 offered.

Baaki sab first class hai sung by Wajid is an upbeat number meant to take a dig at the current political scenario in our country. And it does so quite well, thanks to the satirical lyrics. Music wise, composer duo Sajid-Wajid could have done something different and fresh, rather than rely on dhol beats. They have done that for too long, wethinks. But we won’t be surprised if this song becomes a rage amongst the masses, coz everyone can relate to it easily. The makers have also added the remix version, which is surprisingly not too bad.

Tere naina instantly reminds you of Tere mast mast do nain and Dagabaaz re from Dabangg and Dabangg 2 respectively. Written by Sameer, this romantic track has been sung by Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan and Shabab Sabri. While Shaan and Shabab sing their parts beautifully, it is Shreya’s voice that is an absolute treat to the ears. Also, you hear tabla in the background and not dhol, which is a welcome change. Though Tere naina is a slow, lovey dovey song, Sajid-Wajid have given it a classical touch with tabla in the mainstay, which is interesting. Over all, this one has a nice tune and is easy on the ears.

Photocopy is a full-on dhamaal song that can be enjoyed only by dancing to it. Wacky lyrics, Himesh Reshammiya’s dumdaar voice and vibrant music makes this garba number entertaining. But again, Photocopy is similar to a former hit, this time Dholi taro dhol baje from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, especially the beginning. Otherwise this song is fun to hear and the video is funnier. Sallu miyaan’s garba moves are to watch out for. Also, there is a remix version, but wethinks the original is better.

Tumko toh aana hi tha is another slow pyaar-wala song sung by Altamash Faridi, Armaan Malik and chorus. But wethinks this one is way too slow to fit with the other tracks on the album. And that’s one reason you may not even hear the song till the end. So if you miss this one, it wouldn’t hurt.

Love you till the end-House mix is the odd one out in this album. Sung by Armaan Malik, the track sounds like an angrezi version of Tumko toh aana hi tha. It’s a good attempt to give the album an international touch, but the composers fail to deliver.

Naacho re is a really sad song. After hearing Baaki sab first class and Tere naina, this one is a big disappointment. There’s hardly anything in it to boast of. Ujjayinee, who has sung it, has a done a decent job, but you won’t feel compelled to groove to or hum this number.

Sung by Wajid and Armaan Malik, the title track Jai jai jai ho is a good listen only coz of the music. The melody is smooth and a bit different, something normally unexpected in a Salman Khan film. But Jai jai jai ho misses its chance to make an impression, at least on me, simply coz the English and Hindi lyrics don’t blend seamlessly.