Music Review: Jashnn

By: Mufsin Mahbub

I would say ‘Jashnn’ is easily one of the most eagerly awaited soundtracks of 2009. And it’s not just because it’s a Bhatt soundtrack but this time the main reason is due to the fact that it’s the debut soundtrack of relatively new composers, Sharib-Toshi. The talented duo of brothers Sharib and Toshi Sabri trying to make it big on the Bollywood music scene have already become an overnight sensation with their superhit number “Maahi” from the Bhatt’s last movie ‘Raaz - The Mystery Continues‘. Mukesh was so impressed with that composition that he immediately signed them in for their next movie composition which happens to be the musically founded ‘Jashnn’ starring Adhyayan Suman as a struggling rock-star singer.

While “Maahi” was a successful track, it’s a completely different challenge when you have to create numerous tracks on a consistently high level. Can the talented duo Sharib-Toshi pull off the impossible? Let’s find out…

“Nazrein Karam” is a simple dance track to open the album and it works well for the actor Adhyayan Suman. It succeeds with its intended impact and with it’s high energy levels, decibel levels and pace. This is all about getting your feet tapping in more ways than one. It’s still weak from an auditory perspective because the arrangements are nothing new or fresh from what we have all heard before. Nevertheless, K.K. deserves some kudos for singing alongside with Shreya Ghoshal. The Kilogram Mix in the soundtrack is quite enjoyable and will be a hit in dance clubs and parties…

The next track “Aaya Re” has a breezy soft rock feel and undoubtedly helped by K.K’s powerful vocals, but it leaves you unconvinced and disappointed due to its limited replay value. You may expect that Sharib-Toshi could’ve done better.

And they do exactly that with a stunning track called “Dard-E-Tanhai” which is easily the best song from "Jashnn." The somber tone gives a touch of class and embodies the hallmarks of a chart-buster in the making; melodically strong musical arrangements (particularly the piano, guitar and percussion), fantastic lyrics and vocals by Nouman Javaid. Sharib-Toshi have produced a notable track which has the potential of remaining on your playlist for some time to come. In fact it could only be better with a remix version. And thankfully, the equally mesmerizing Kilogram Mix is included.

Nouman Javaid was the highlight of “Dard-E-Tanhai” and his talents are only further enhanced in the next track called “Main Chala“. This track is equally rich in the singing and lyrics department. Musically, Sharib-Toshi provide a fairly pure platform with only a piano and an acoustic guitar used to soothe the soul. The occasional harmonica play is sheer blissful and a nice touch to a very enjoyable track. “Main Chala Unplugged” is just a short rendezvous. Great music!

I would say that “Tere Bin” is probably the weakest track from ‘Jashnn’ as it brings nothing fresh to the romance genre. In fact, you probably won’t even put it in your playlist after the first listen. Sung by Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal, their vocals works well but the lyrics are another huge letdown and overall the outcome is a forgettable listening experience. Sharib-Toshi clearly need to work on this genre for future soundtracks.

Thankfully the duo ends the album on a high note. The combination of a superb melody and some fine vocals by the Sabri brothers make “Aish Karle” an extremely addictive rock tune that should become a favorite after a few listens. The lyrics are pretty mindless but when the music is this attractive, who cares? Just turn up the music and enjoy!

This album is certainly good but the harsh truth is that it also fails to live up to its own expectations and could and should have been so much better, particularly for a “debut” soundtrack. I think this album deserves a four out of five with the great highlights of the album being “Dard-E-Tanhai” and “Nazrein Karam“. The other tracks sound like it was borrowed from past Bhatt movies and aren’t “fresh” or very creative.

That’s not taking anything from Sharib-Toshi who have done the Bhatts proud and further demonstrated their exciting potential. In doing so they also break the shackles from the current crop of extremely mediocre soundtracks this year bringing a much needed boost to the music scene in the process. Consequently ‘Jashnn’ comes highly recommended for starved music fans for those looking for the music within. One of the best tracks this year, so enjoy!