Wake Up Sid Music Review: Shankar Ehsaan Loy stay true to form

Another Mukherjee makes his debut in Bollywood, but this time as a director. Young Ayan Mukherjee takes his first steps into Hindi films with Dharma Productions' Wake Up Sid. A coming of age film, its music has been composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy while Javed Akhtar has penned the lyrics. There are five songs in this album, one of which sees guest composer Amit Trivedi coming in, followed by a club mix. The music has the trademark Shankar Ehsaan Loy touch and at places even sounds quite similar to what they have already composed. But that surprisingly, does not seem to take away anything from any of the compositions in the album. The good thing about this album is that each of the numbers has a definite place of its own and has the potential to become a chartbuster. But the number which stands out, is definitely the title track, followed by 'Iktara.' The album begins with the title track, 'Wake Up Sid' sung by Mahadevan. This has a club remix version as well which packs some real power. The album could not have had a better beginning even though one could be forgiven for thinking that it is Rock On! Part 2. The number is snappy and Mahadevan does not disappoint. But its club remix is truly electrifying and that should help catapult this track to the top of the charts. The fact that the song is picturised on Ranbir Kapoor, should also go in the song's favour. The second number 'Kay Karoon,' has been sung superbly by Clinton Cerejo with backup vocal support provided by Dominique Cerejo and Loy Mendonsa. This number sees the composers use the minimal of instruments, except for the guitar. This song has a certain sense of wonder which is brought out brilliantly by Cerejo. It helps that the lyrics have been impeccably penned by Akhtar, all the time keeping the youth factor in mind. The mood which began with 'Wake Up Sid', is carried forth into the third song of the album, 'Aaj Kal Zindagi,' another solo by Mahadevan. However, what bogs down this number is the sense of familiarity about it. But it is again, a number which is very easy on the ears and Mahdevan gives it his best shot. One finally hears a different sound in this album, courtesy guest composer, Amit Trivedi, who composes a number called 'Iktara', which has been sung by Kavita Seth and Amitabh Bhattacharya. Seth's unusual voice supported by Bhattacharya, is like a breath of fresh air. It is original and eminently likeable. But this is a track which could take time to catch on. Indus Creed's lead singer Uday Benegal makes his entry into the album with the number, 'Life Is Crazy'. Mahadevan joins him on this outing and the duo are supported by Loy and Alyssa Mendonsa. It's all about friendship and fun and keeps the youthful feel of the album going. Nothing pathbreaking happening here. Shankar Ehsaan Loy seem to have been stuck in some kind of time warp with this album. The music of Wake Up Sid seems to lag behind in the originality department. The typical sound that the composers have developed since the Dil Chahta Hai days, seems to soak every composition in this album. Of course, being class composers, all the tracks here flow smoothly and have a touch of class about them. And that is the precisely the point, one knows that Shankar Ehsaan Loy are capable of giving us something new, something better, hence there is a slight sense of being cheated. However the feeling does not last long as the tracks are extremely likeable. Overall, the music of 'Wake Up Sid' is young and easy on the ears, without going the hip-hop or rap way.