Drona Music Review: Refreshingly New Music

Drona is anything but a typical film album, and we say that as a huge compliment to music director Dhruv Ghanekar. Possibly being a relatively newer composer having done only a handful of films in the past, Dhruv's music has a very refreshing feel, in terms of compositions, use of sounds and instruments and even in the manner in which the songs have been rendered. Whether the average film music listener will lap up Drona, is debateable because it is not the convention chart topping music album and yet for those who like good music which is unique and yet very enjoyable, Drona is an album to cherish.

The first track is the title song sung by Dhruv whose unique voice sets the tone for this number. An unusual tempo, the song may not be an instant hit (actual that is the only drawback of each of the songs in this album) but it grows on you with every listen. The backing vocals are used very effectively and the beats give the song a racy pace. There is a female version sung by Sunidhi Chauhan which is equally as impressive, although slightly more pacy. Both versions balance the vocals and music extremely well ensuring that one doesn't over power the either, diluting the impact of the song.

Oop Cha, a number picturized on Priyanka Chopra, is full of attitude and a fresh style not just in the way it has been shot visually but also in the composition, use for garage sounds and even the lyrics. The song starts with unusual metal sounds coming together to create a tune. The song is tailor made for Sunidhi and you find yourself hitting repeat as soon as the song ends. The remix version is good, but the original is better.

You are hit with a complete change of pace with Bandagi, a romantic number sung by Sunidhi and Roop Kumar Rathod. It scores for several reasons; the soft use of the tabla, the beautiful melody and of course the singing. Sunidhi Chauhan is undoubtedly the most versatile female singer of this generation which is so evident when you hear Oop Cha followed by Bandagi two diametrically opposite styles, tonal qualities and paces and yet she sounds perfect for both. The song sends you into an almost trance like state and will surely find itself amongst the year's most romantic numbers.

Nanhe Nanhe will be a situational song and hence although it is a pleasant tune, it isn't as impactful as just an audio as the earlier songs. A song sung by a mother to her child, Sadhna Sargam's voice has the required softness and sweetness but somehow the song is just average as unlike the earlier numbers, there isn't anything unique or special about the melody or instruments in this one.

Khushi surprises you totally as it is a completely jazz based number; everything from Shaan's style of singing, to the melody and of course the selection of instruments is pure jazz. A nice number, which will find more appeal amongst listeners who like different styles of music, rather than the regular Bollywood affair.

Overall the album has 3 great numbers is Drona, Oop Cha and Bandagi with Khushi being a very likeable track and Nanhe Nanhe being just average. This is one of those albums which may not find itself on the music charts right now, but over time the songs will be remembered and we will probably find ourselves humming these numbers even a few years from now.