Haider Music Review

Music Director: Vishal Bhardwaj

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Haider may be a film adapted on William Shakespeare’s play ‘Hamlet’ but when it comes to its music album, composer Vishal Bhardwaj has skillfully adapted the Kashmiri Urdu folk culture. The album is a sheer genius and strikes a nerve with the listener. This is the kind of music that will linger and get better with time, just like an old wine.

Bismil – Haider Music Review

Sukhwinder Singh is one singer who has blazing voice and yet the versatility he shows with every song is quite commendable. Bismil is a track that is best heard for two people, one would be the legendary lyricist Gulzar for penning that folklore story telling song and second singer Sukhwinder Singh. This composition is unique and must be savored by those who enjoy unconventional music. There is also another version to this song, ‘Ek Aur Bismil‘ which is more upbeat than the original.

Aao Na – Haider Music Review

If anything defines this song it would be sheer energy. ‘Aao Na‘ is the number that could get your adrenaline rushing. The powerful vocals of Vishal Dadlani have a great impact. There is a certain unsaid angst in this song and that is pulsating. The track has heavy bass guitaring that could drive a metal head crazy. This song is a blasting number that would best be recommended on high volumes.

Khul Kabhi Toh – Haider Music Review

This composition is a winner for all. The song is a heart wrenching romantic track that has musical arrangements that only a Vishal Bhardwaj could have put up. Arijit Singh keeps up his panache with this song and proves his mettle for singing the best of romantic tracks of recent times. Khul Kabhi Toh gets its highest point thanks to the musical instruments used in it and almost makes you feel that you are listening to a A R Rahman composition. The soulful track has variations of Guitar, Sarangi and soft drums that hit the right notes. I strongly recommend this unusual track, it is high on the ‘feel’.

Gulon Mein Rang Bhare – Haider Music Review

Gulon Mein Rang Bhare needs no introduction to Ghazal lovers who have surely heard it umpteen times in the voice of legendary singer Mehdi Hasan. Reprising it with his voice is Arijit Singh. Magnificent is the word for this track. The famed Ghazal is presented with soft drums and guitar instead of the original version of harmonium. This is one of the best tracks from this album, its flavor, freshness and excellence blend brilliantly.

Jhelum – Haider Music Review

‘Jhelum Dhoonde Kinaara‘ is a true melody. Vishal Bhardwaj brings out his best music sense to the fore. He has also sung this song. There is a different lull in this song and it conveys sadness through its interludes efficiently. Lyrically rich and musically elevating, this song gives you complete pleasure and is definitely what we call enriching music.

So Jao – Haider Music Review

So Jao is a slower version of ‘Aao Na‘. The song has a eerie feel to it considering the different sounds that it starts with. This track has a background music that sounds like a shovel being dug into the snow. Quite creepy, but the song has a rustic feel to it.

Do Jahaan – Haider Music Review

Another gem from the album, ‘Do Jahaan‘ has a different kind of calmness to it. This song speaks to you and has Kashmiri folk song parts sung by Shraddha Kapoor. The male vocals of Suresh Wadkar are brilliant too. The real soul of this song lies in its lyrics and that department being led by veteran lyricist Gulzar, there is no way that anything can go wrong with the composition.

Aaj Ke Naam – Haider Music Review

Rekha Bhardwaj has a rare voice and she knows how to create spell-bounding melodies with it. Aaj Ke Naam starts without any music and the sheer vocals are enough to give you goosebumps. This song is a Urdu poetry and once again is a winner thanks to its lyrics. A number that you can hold onto in all your sad times, this song has the quality to connect to your soul.

The Last Word – Haider Music Review

The soundtrack of Haider is bold and expresses sorrow at its best without making the listener morose. This is a brilliant album that brings out the best works by composer Vishal Bharadwaj, lyricist Gulzar and the extraordinary singers as well. It is hard to say which is the best song in this album as almost every song has its own special charm. If only all composers knew how to convey angst, sorrow and love in such a beautiful manner. I am going with a 4/5 for this album.

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