The Malik Strikes Back!

Karan: I know what you're looking for - me!
Sanaa: (sarcastically) Mh-hmm...

Karan: I'm smart. I'm DEFINITELY sexy!
Sanaa: (mockingly) Oh!

Karan: I can make you laugh; I'm strong. Bas woh pyaar-vyaar ka thoda problem hai. But I've come around.

Sanaa: Ha-ha! Stop it, Karan!

Karan: Come on... it's the truth...

Sanaa: Stop it!
Karan: It's the truth, you know it!

Thus begins Track 4 - Sach Kehnaa - of Anu Malik's glorious return to Bollywood, Love Story 2050. Each of the nine tracks in this futuristic love story begins with a small clip from the film which may or not actually be a part of the song as presented in the film. The opening scene in Sach Kehnaa seems to be one of the few which is. Director Harry Baweja (Deewane, Main Aisa Hi Hoon) is introducing his son Harman Baweja in this film also starring a rock star named Priyanka Chopra. I am delighted to say that the choreogrpaher will be no other than the revolutionary Vaibhavi Merchant. The lyrics are by none other than Javed Akhtar.

The album begins with the dance track Milo Na Milo. Sung by Shaan, this song is one of three dance vehicles for Harman whose dancing style is similar to Hrithik Roshan's but more unassuming and less self-satisfied. The music is typical club song, containing no futuristic sounds except for a robot-sounding voice that has a few lines it repeats throughout the song. This is appropriate because the background dancers are robots. Finally! The lyrics are catchy, especially the robot's. 7/10. Good opening!

Next, we have a sweeping love song. I consider them to be Anu Malik's forte: Mere Humsafar, Humein Jabse Mohabbat, Pyaar Bharaa Geet Koi, Baazigar O Baazigar, Behka Diyaa Humein, Churaake Dil Mera, just to name a few. His instrumentations in Meelon Ka are divine and simple, creating a good atmosphere for romance...for Sanaa and Karan. Alka Yagnik and Kay Kay sing this song perfectly. A.R. Rahman will always be Alka Yagnik's best composer but Anu Malik is no stranger to the anatomy of her voice. She overshadows Kay Kay with her gloriously flawless rendition. Javed Akhtar's lyrics are the most beautiful in this song, especially in the second verse. 10/10. Wonderful!

(Teri Meri Yeh) Love Story is given the unfortunate task of coming after Meelon Ka. This Shaan solo holds its own but just barely. The music is typical Anu Malik but since it's been so long, typical is almost welcome. The lyrics are again exceptional and the one thing that gives this song repeat value. (I'm beginning to think that Harry Baweja was really and truly smart to rope in a poet like Javed Akhtar.) Shaan's rendition is sweet but he brings nothing new to the table. 7/10. Could be better

Now we have the fourth song, known to the public as Sach Kehnaa and those of you who are paying attention will remember that this is the very same song I discussed (albeit very briefly) in the beginning . This song is a lot better than it wants you to think it is. Anu Malik provides really original music. I hear some Spanish guitar, Indian classical alaaps, clapping, electric guitar and of course Kunal Ganjawala's stellar, stellar rendition. Harman Baweja's dancing is also good. Check it out on YouTube. Lyrics are unboringly and cleverly familiar. Just a great number! I also love the ending of it. 10/10. One of the best!

Only Alisha Chinoy can sing a song called Lover Boy. Chinoy, whose motto is "forty is the new twenty," relishes in singing (and pulling off) songs that are at least fifteen years her junior (SHUT UP! ...And kiss me...). When I first heard this song, I hated it! I felt like it had no purpose to exist in the world. The lyrics were banal, the music was lacklustre and the singing atrocious. I heard it more, however, and it grew on me. Now it's like the best song ever. I absolutely love trashy songs (especially those with videos starring B-list or C-list actresses). I'm still debating whether this song is trashy or not because Priyanka has class. The song is progressive because... it, at the core, is about patriarchy not existing in 2050. Or am I taking this too far? Well, Anu Malik's bizarre and probably ripped-off music has to grow on you. The main line (Hey you lover boy! / Will you be my toy?) is sung 19 times during the song. 8/10. Gradually likable!

Mausam Achaanak is instantly lovable for its catchy melody, beautiful lyrics and stellar musical arrangments. It's one of those question-and-answer songs. "Mausam achaanak yeh badla hai kyun? / Rut ki yeh aadat hai--aur kya kahoon?" This song is breezy (and not in a neurotic way like Monica's crazy message on Richard's machine). Shaan and Alka Yagnik have a good vocal chemistry but yet again Ms. Yagnik takes the cake and overshadows everything in the number. I mean, whenever Alka Yagnik sings, my knees just turn to jello. 10/10. Glorious!

The last original track is also the last of the dance numbers. Aa Gaya is the most futuristic of all the songs, creating a techno blend with Indian sounds. Unfortunately, the radical novelty of the music does not continue with the lyrics. They do not sound like Javed Akhtar. They're not bad but they're not original. Kay Kay's rendition is also what he usually does. Don't get me wrong - this song is a good listen but considering what else this album has to offer, this just doesn't raise the bar. I do like the "you have fallen in love, oh stranger, oh stranger" line. 7/10. Enjoyable.

At this point, if you wanted to go back to Track 1 and listen to the first seven songs, I wouldn't blame you. Both Meelon Ka and Love Story are reprised but in a sadder and shorter version. Meelon Ka offers some interesting new arrangements and the song is listenable. 8/10. Love Story is just a sad song and it seems odd that they chose to end on such a low note. Like I said, if you don't want end the album depressed, end with Aa Gaya or even the Meelon Ka reprise. 5/10.

The dialogue bits mean little outside of the context of the film but they're enjoyable. Priyanka and Harman are cute together (I'm DEFINITELY sexy!).All things considered, this is a highly enjoyable album that is worth many repeats. Harman Baweja is having a dream debut of sorts: great soundtrack, talented co-star, terrific choreographer and a novel idea.

Love Story 2050 rates a 72/90.