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Himesh Reshammiya continues to make hay while the sun shines. Make way for another predictable album from the current sensation of Hindi film music, enjoying nothing less than rockstar status. I'm surprised no one has asked the composer and singer to act yet.
The film is 36 China Town. Produced by Subhash Ghai and directed by Abbas-Mustan, the hit combo behind Aitraaz, this new mystery thriller features Akshaye Khanna, Kareena and Shahid Kapoor, with special appearances from Isha Koppikar and Tanushree Dutta. 36 China Town also marks the debut of model Upen Patel.
The album begins like an Engima track followed by a nasal overture that makes all the difference. It is Reshammiya cashing in his popularity crooning Aashiqui meri with trademark predictability and catchiness. Its high pitched tune isn't in-sync with the groovy percussions, but Reshammiya's stuttering A-a-a-ashiqui is bound to score with his following. Far more superior than its original is DJ Akbar Sami's thrilling remix with an oriental touch.
Since the invasion of Hinglish in melodies, lyric writing is just not what it used to be. So it's pointless raising an eyebrow when you discover the next song is called 24x7 I think of you. A knobby version of Seene mein dil hai (Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman), this one's an energetic but feeble piece of music, which tends to have a grating effect on the eardrums. Again, the remix by Sami is much more palatable.
Reshammiya achieves a decent blend of hip-shaking beats and a zippy tune in Dil tumhare bina. This swinging track has enough punch to be an instant hit on all the countdowns. This one's already rocking so much, Sami doesn't feel the need for further garnishing. He simply accelerates the pace.
Hip and seductive, Badi dilchaspi hai, the arrangement of this one is reminiscent of Tarkan's Simarik. KK and Arya do a swell job at rendering this one with loads of chutzpah and attitude. Sami's remix is indifferently put together.
Kareena dazzles while Shahid is forgotten
Kunal Ganjawala and Alka Yagnik collaborate for the soundtrack's most standard romantic ditty. Jab kabhi is the kind of number that will make you imagine a hero spreading his arms wide open and a heroine rushing into his intense embrace against disinterested mountains/beaches/skyscrapers.
It has two remixes. The one by Sami goes for an overdose of hammering beats. DJ Suketu, on the other hand, gives Jab kabhi a nutty makeover with an excessive use of rap and hip-hop.
Overall, the soundtrack of 36 China Town falls in the you-know-what-to-expect but will-be-a-hit-anyway category.