JUST PRESS PLAY: Music Review by Bryan Durham | Noor – Loving it but not as much as one would like to
Sonakshi Sinha
Noor; T-Series
Music: Amaal Mallik
Price: Rs 175
1. Uff Yeh Noor: This is Armaan Mallik singing the title song quite unlike he usually does. It’s a breath of fresh air, lyrically (good on you, again, Manoj Muntashir). Really loving the guitar work on this one, Amaal! The wind (that trumpet!) and percussion instruments towards the end make this an interesting wholesome affair
2. Gulabi 2.0: Amaal croons on this one with Tulsi Kumar and Yash Narwekar. I have to admit it takes getting used to. And you never will, if you are a purist. But the good thing is, Amaal retains a club feel without resorting to anything even remotely Punjabi on this re-created track. Kumaar’s in winning form yet again.
3. Jise Kehte Hain Pyaar: Sukriti Kakar breezes through this one, with words by Kumaar. It beautifully captures a love that sets you free enough to proclaim it to the world.
4. Hai Zaroori: Prakriti Kakar pops into this sentimental number, never letting you slip into melancholy. And that chorus is really something. You start out feeling a bit of deja vu at the start, but that goes away in the first ten seconds. Of course, that being said, it’s a track while being inherently beautiful (loving Manoj Muntashir’s work here), it goes on a little longer than it should. A little too indulgent. Not complaining… just an observation.
5. Gulabi Redux: Amaal leaves the other two singers to go at it for Round 2. Wondering if this was needed at all. Is this for an after-party? Kuch toh badal dete!
VERDICT: Amaal Mallik takes charge of the entire album. Things can only get better from here. And while he’s given it his best shot, we think a more nuanced film might have given him better scope to play it better. Loving it, but not as much as one would like to.
