Swaha: An All-Round Soulful Album‏

This is the first movie song album I am reviewing. Hindi horror movie Swaha: Life Beyond Superstition (2010) has been released on March 12 2010 and the songs are already on TV channels and the Internet.

The movie about a Godman didn't seem promising but the songs are an earful. The name of the movie is not very easy to pick but the music is definitely creative and constructive. It was my good luck that I heard Barbadiyan and decided to hear/watch all songs on the Internet. I must say, I was not disappointed and have heard them several times more.

In a long long time, this is a complete album I have come across that fills you and leaves you asking for more. Rikkee is a lousy actor in an equally lousy movie, but he is an absolutely great new singer on the Bollywood scenario. Watch out for him. He may leave many stalwarts behind. If everything goes right for him, we may have another legend after Mohammed Rafi.

Music director and lyricist Praveen Bharadwaj has tuned in a fine album. Well, the album has six songs.

1. Yeh ishq kar dega swaha: (singers Sunidhi Chauhan, Rikkee) The song has nice peppy music that will lead you to dance floor. It will make you think of Touch Me (Dhoom 2, 2006) but you won't mind that. Sunidhi adds to the charm with her mellifluous voice. Rikkee gives her good company. A good mix of Hindi and English lyrics. Today's teeny boppers will go for it in a big way.

2. Habibi: (singers Shilpa Rao, Rikkee) If you are a fan of Arabian music (no belly dancers here) then this song should interest you in a big way. It was so hypnotic that I was in a trance (now, now that's a bit of an exaggeration but is fine here). Something to sing to sing to your loved one where there is space for ONLY two. Shilpa Rao's voice is mesmerising. Rikkee excels. He lends the song life. Second song in the album that has repeat value. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga87EeBRRBE )

3. Baby: (singers Shaan, Rikkee) Well, Shaan and Rikkee provide good musical company to each other. The lyrics are mixed with Arabic wordings. The song reminds one of many of Amitabh/Shashi Kapoor (Jaanu mero jaan from Shaan, 1980), Vinod Khanna (Chahiye thoda pyaar from Lahu Ke Do Rang, 1978) pally songs chasing girls. OK, girls wouldn't mind being manaoed with this song. Totally sadak-chhaap. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CljNj1DWao)

4. Kabhi kabhi: (singer Rikkee) Rikkee truly comes into his own. He is the solo singer here. It cannot be compared with Kabhie Kabhie, 1976 title song but is heavily inspired from Kabhi kabhi Aditi (Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, 2008). That can be bit of a put off as original is of course better. But lend it your ear. It's good. Love expressed in any way is manna from heaven. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SENmrwf41v4)

5. Barbadiyan: (singers KK, Rikkee) I don't need to say anything about this song. Listen to it for what it is. It will touch your soul and leave you wondering why you didn't come across it before. Don't expect much. All wounded hearts would crave for it. They will sing a la KK (superb singer). Rikkee of course is charming. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edVB5q-UiIM)

6. Swaha Mix: (singers Sunidhi Chauhan, Rikkee) Well, this is a mix for you to dance more. So, what are you waiting for?

Bollywood may not have gained a new actor but as a singer, Rikkee is sure to be appreciated. This is a complete album for you to listen to and enjoy. This Rikkee is no Martin but he ticks you where you should be (mind your mind). Listen to it in car, home (but not in office) and in restaurant. Enjoy the experience.

I give it 5/5 stars.

You may enjoy listening to the complete songs over Internet on www.dishant.com, www.smashits.com. You may also enjoy them on youtube.