Paathshaala Music Review: Paathshaala: Catchy School Notes!

Produced by Ahmed and Shaira Khan and directed by Milind Ukey, 'Paathshaala' finally heads towards release after a long wait. The film, which stars Shahid Kapoor, Ayesha Takia, and Nana Patekar among others, has its music and lyrics composed by Hanif Shaikh, who has also sung a song in the movie.

One of the USPs of the musical album is that it has five tracks, all of which have been sung by composer singers, like Lucky Ali, Vishal Dadlani, Salim Merchant and Kailash Kher. The album has ten songs in all, with five originals, four remixes and the title track.

The album begins with 'aye khuda' which has been sung by Merchant. A soft, youthful number, this one has a strong Western influence to it. It is extremely catchy and helps in creating an instant sunny mood. This one has a remix to it which is not really on par with the original.

The second number in the album, 'paathshaala' (khushnuma) and has been sung by Vishal of the Vishal Shekhar duo. The song almost seems like an extension of Vishal as it is full of attitude. It is catchy and Vishal gives it his all. This is the kind of number one could get enthusiastic about and is bound to find a place on the chartbusters with its energy and youthful feel.

The third number on the album is called 'bekaraar' and has been sung by Lucky Ali. One of the winning factors about Sheikh's music in this album has been the manner in which he has been able to link the right song with the right singer. He does the same with this number as well. The number is a melodious ride and who better than Lucky Ali to sing 'bekaraar'?

It's been a while since the singer has got a song he can really relish and dig his teeth into. He gives a superb rendition and his vocals go a long way in making this an evergreen number. It just seems to get better with every listening. This one's remix version works well and is likely to be well received.

Hanif Sheikh comes in for the fourth number in this album where he is given company by Tulsi Kumar and Akansha Lama. The number is titled 'mujhe teri' and has been co composed by Vijay Lama. This is the romantic track of the album and both Tulsi and Sheikh do a good job with it. They are joined by Akansha, whose vocals fit into the scheme of things well.

The next track is called 'teri marzi aye khuda' which has been sing by Kailash Kher. This is a slightly serious number and Kher gives it his characteristic earthy touch. Though a well composed number, it does not match the magic of the others and in that sense, is the weakest in the album.

The final track in the album is called 'paathshaala' (theme) and is a short piece with the happy sounds of children's voices, expressing their delight at their school. It's a nice touch to the album as the film is about children and their 'paathshaala'. It kind of brings matters to a conclusion. This is an album which should do well.

Musically, it proves to be quite a rewarding journey as Sheikh composes some really lovely numbers, like 'aye khuda', 'bekarar' and the 'paathshaala khushnuma'. Kudos to Sheikh for doing such a creditable job with the film's lyrics and its music. The film's songs should surely pick up as they are pleasing on the ear, catchy and extremely well sung.