When Rahman and Aamir Khan have come together, there has always been musical magic, beginning in 1995 with Rangeela and continuing with films like 1947 Earth, Lagaan, Rang De Basanti and the Aamir Khan produced Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na this year. No wonder the expectations from the music of Ghajin are immense especially since Prasoon Joshi has penned the lyrics. There are a couple of really nice tracks in this album and moreover the different styles of music that Rahman has used from Jazz, western, romance and even a touch of Arabian, should truly be applauded. However Guzarish is really the only number which has immense repeat value and will surely be the song that is remembered the most even much post the release of the film.
As mentioned, Guzarish is clearly the best number of the album. Sonu Nigam as the guest vocalist starts of the number which is a sweet romantic number sung by Javed Ali. The mandolins add a romantic feel to the song and although the lyrics are very simple, it is this simplicity that will make it a favourite because the lyrics can be easily remembered.
The moment Aye Bachchu starts off, it reminds you of Latka from Hindustani but this is a more rock, electric guitar based song with a strong international feel to the composition. Sung by Suzanne who is perfect for songs like this, the song may not have immense recall but whenever you hear it, you find yourself enjoying it, even if you don't rush to hit the repeat button. There is a certain freshness which the song exudes and the fact that it is picturized on Asin who debuts in Ghajini will also add to the freshness on screen. The tongue twister lyrics amongst the electric guitar and drums is a nice touch.
Kaise Mujhe starts with electronic sounds but quickly transforms into a beautiful melody based romantic number which has a certain haunting feel to it. Benny and Shreya Ghoshal add a soul to this song which grows on you with subsequent listens and is a close second to Guzarish as the best song of the album. Orchestra and electronics have been used effectively without ever being overpowering and combined with the flawless singing, this song is overall a beautiful composition. The instrumental version is equally enjoyable as it brings to the forefront the strong melody of the song.
Although Bekha is a popular number in terms of the promos and the various looks of Aamir in the song, it is the only track which sounds like it actually belongs in a South India film in spite of the sprinkles of Jazz Rahman has added. Somewhere the song just lacks punch in spite of a nice musical intro. Karthik adds life to the song in the vocals but yet it is just about an average number.
Latoo comes as a surprise both because it is very unlike most Rahman songs and also because Shreya rarely sings such pacy numbers. This one has faster beats then Aye Bachchu and is picturized on Jiah Khan. Although the lyrics are nothing great to rave about, there is something extremely fun to this number which will help in climbing the music charts. It has a bit of an Arabian touch in the middle which adds to the fun and overall it has more repeat value then Aye Bachchu.
Overall Ghajini is an enjoyable album with a mix of romantic numbers and pacy ones as well. Guzarish and Kaise Mujhe are the best while Latoo and Aye Bachchu are fun numbers which will find mass appeal. Behka is the only really average number in this album.