My Name is Khan Music Review: Music for the soul ? meditative & soft

It's Karan Johar fare, alright, but 'My Name Is Khan' comes with a difference. And this departure from the typical Dharma Productions banner film is brought out sharply through its music. Even though they have given music previously as well for Karan, in films like 'Kal Ho Na Ho' and 'Kahbi Alvida Na Kehna', this time around, composer Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, have attempted something different. They have deliberately chosen not to sound filmi and have instead managed to score music for a mainstream film which is niche and contemporary. The album consists of six tracks, five vocal and one with the film's theme music, all of which have been penned by Niranjan Iyengar. The film's lyrics as well as its music have a predominant Sufi touch to them, which make it contemporary in places and a little obscure in others. Doesn't seem to be the sort of album, which is likely to sell like hotcakes. The album has an extremely promising beginning with the 'Sajda' number. Without doubt, it is the catchiest track in the film and has some of the most interesting voices in the industry singing along--Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shankar Mahadevan and Richa Sharma. The song has a mesmerising effect on one, especially when Rahat and Richa come on. While Shankar has a fantastic voice, this is not really his genre and the song seems to be tailor-made for the other two singers. In recent times, this probably the third chartbusting number that Rahat has sung, beginning with 'Sureli Aankhiyonwali' from 'Veer', 'Dil To Baccha Hai' from 'Ishqiya' and now 'Sajda.' He is in fine form and is given tremendous support by Richa, whose voice lingers on in one's consciousness till long after the music is over. That is the calibre of her voice and Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy have made no mistake in picking her to sing this Sufi number. 'Sajda' has an extremely attractive quality about it which is bound to have one singing along. This number appears with the film's promos and the entire package of Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol on screen and this number in the background, is quite an irresistible combo! 'Noor e Khuda', the second number is sung by Shankar and Adnan Sami, two voices and styles as different as they can get from each other. Their appearing together is in itself a surprise! They combine well for the very soft and soothing 'Noor e Khhuda'. Shreya Ghoshal joins towards the fag end of the song but is not able to create the kind of effect that she is generally known to do. The honours in this number really belong to Shankar and Adnan. They manage to make the number work only because both singers are master innovators, with full control over their vocals, making it a sheer delight to hear them together. The third number on the album is called 'Tere Naina' and sees a solo run by Shafqat Amanat Ali. This is a song which breathes love with every syllable and Shaqat gives an impeccable rendition. Incidentally, the numbers have all been superbly written by Iyenger and 'Tere Naina' is no exception. Ustad Rashid Khan, who is known to be a musical prodigy and has etched a place for himself in Hindustani classical music, takes a break from his raagdaari and renders the number, 'Allah Hi Rahem', which takes forward the Sufi influence of the previous numbers. Even though the number has been impeccably rendered, it lacks the easy appeal of 'Ao Ge Jab Tum Saajna' from 'Jab We Met'. The 'Khan Theme' track, which is not vocal, lasts for about two odd minutes and manages to capture one's attention. Being the film's theme music, it has a slightly poignant feel to it, which is quite touching. Shankar brings in the end of the score for 'My Name Is Khan' with 'Rang De' which he sings along with Suraj Jaggan. This song breaks the mood and tone of the album as 'Range De' is bereft of any Sufi influence. It veers towards rock which explains the presence of Suraj. There is an attempt at fusion but it is a stray influence on this number which is more in the nature of soft rock. There are some added attractions in the album in the form of tracks from previous Dharma Productions like the title track from 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Suraj Hua Maddham' from 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', 'Kal ho Na Ho' and 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' title tracks form the films by the same name. The song numbers from his previous films stand as witness to Karan's gradual move away from breezy, romantic numbers. In a sense, the growth of Karan is mirrored in the music of his films as he charts a course away from populist tunes towards music of a more substantial nature. The music of 'My Name Is Khan' reflects this more mature take on life and love, and hence music. Full credit to Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy for coming up with a score which is melodious and soulful. May not be chartbuster material... but won't lack attention either.