Aisha Music Review: Aisha: Fresh Trivedi Treat?

Music composer Amit Trivedi made his debut with 'Aamir' but the film and song which catapulted him to fame was definitely Anurag Kashyap's 'Dev D' and its 'emotional atyachaar' number. He now proceeds to consolidate his status as a composer to watch out for, with a frothy, young score for 'Aisha', produced by Anil Kapoor and directed by Rajshree Ojha.

'Aisha', which is supposed to be a take on 19th century novelist, Jane Austen's 'Emma', is probably one of the few chick flicks coming out of an industry which has seen too many male buddy pictures. It sure will be a change to see a movie on female bonding. But to come back to the music of this movie, Trivedi teams up with veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar for the six songs and two remixes on this album.

The first number on the album is 'suno Aisha', which has been sung by Trivedi himself along with Nakash Aziz and Ash King. The opening music of this track is extremely interesting. It builds up to something really catchy with a lovely rhythm to it. You already start liking the number even before the vocals come on. Trivedi does a great job with his vocals, doing full justice to his own composition.

The second number on the album is 'gal mitthi mitthi' which has been sung by Tochi Raina. This one has a 'dhol' remix as well by DJ Lloyd and Discreet. Trivedi scores yet again with this Punjabi track. The USP of this number is the composer's ability to make the mandatory Punjabi track sound so fresh. This number has melody and a lovely rhythm to it. It's a very appealing number and should find a lot of takers.

The third number on the album is 'sham' which has been sung by Trivedi, Nikhil D'Souza and Neuman Pinto. This number, which has Trivedi leading the vocals, is yet another wonderfully crafted, original number. There is a sense of intimacy about this very natural sounding number, which is brought out wonderfully by the vocalists.

The effect is enhanced by the very subtle use of instruments. This is by far, one of the most appealing numbers in the album. It reminds one so much of old Hollywood musicals, ever so slightly. But that does not take away from its youthful feel and appeal though.

The fourth number on the album is 'behke behke' sung by Anushka Manchanda, Samrat Kaushal, Raman Mahadevan, with the rap rendered by Robert Omulo and backup vocals by Suman Sridhar. This is yet another number which has a retro feel to it. Anushka gets into the spirit of things and gives an excellent rendition.

The fifth number on this album is 'lehrein' sung by Anusha Mani, with backup vocals provided by Pinto and D'Souza. This has a remix version as well, a Bombay Bounce Lounge Mix by DJ Lloyd and Discreet. Anusha manages to steal the show with this song.

She manages to make it her own with her pensive and soulful rendition. A very catchy melody, 'lehrein' calls for repeated hearing. The remix thankfully does not tinker with the feel and ambience of the original.

The final song on this album is 'by the way' and has been sung by Anushka and Pinto. The two singers seem to be having a blast with this number. Basically, this is Anushka's number and she deserves full honours for her spirited rendition. It is a fitting finale and should definitely be figuring high on the charts.

Trivedi has come out with flying colours in this, his first, totally mainstream filmi album. His compositions are like a breath of fresh air. They are truly contemporary, urbane, and seem to capture the times better than any other album one has heard in recent times.

Each of the six compositions has something different to offer and all of them call for repeated hearing. If the film is half as good as the music, it should be smooth sailing for Sonam Kapoor and gang.