Best music 2016
By Aditya Pisharody
Some of the biggest films of the year were extremely content-heavy with music playing a limited role if any - think Pink and Kahaani 2. Even films like Dear Zindagi, Fan, Shivaay, Airlift, Rustom and Neerja had some music but they were either just for promotional purposes or mostly out of context with the film - despite boasting some of the biggest and most commercial stars in the business. Nevertheless, music continued to play an important rule in Bollywood and it remains on of the industry's most distinctive traits. At times this year, the music produced by Bollywood has been simply sensational - transforming the mood of the film and transporting the viewer to a different dimension. This typically occurs when Amit Trivedi is at the helm, and it is a pity his unconventional style does not preclude greater appreciation. Of course, Bollywood also delivers emphatically on it's more tried and tested concoction of romantic songs, party hits and everything else - with Sidharth Malhotra starrers Baar Baar Dekho and Kapoor & Sons both tearing up the charts. And what would any year be without the now veteran hit machines Pritam and Vishal-Shekhar, who invariably never disappoint? Here are our nominees for the Best Music soundtrack of 2016.
'Fitoor' by Amit Trivedi
While the movie was rejected outright by audiences, the soundtrack for Fitoor was rightly celebrated. Amit Trivedi is possibly one of the most underrated music directors in Hindi cinema, and one of the best. Fitoor’s soundtrack is a beautiful, eclectic mix of different musical styles – from slow romantic ballads to dubstep-infused anthems. Headlined by title track ‘Yeh Fitoor Mera’ and ‘Pashmina’ – with outstanding vocals from Arijit Singh and Amit Trivedi himself respectively, each track offers something fresh and vibrant. A personal favorite outside the two tracks mentioned are both the English and Hindi versions of Rangaa Re which manage to be somehow both melancholy and uplifting at the same time.
'Kapoor and Sons' by Amaal & Armaan Malik, Badshah and others
An increasingly rare example of when the music serves to elevate rather than distract from an already excellent film. The remastered party hits ‘Kar Gayi Chull’ and ‘Let’s Nacho’ have got the most attention, building off the success of their original versions (“Chull” by Fazilpuria & Badshah, and “Tamil Fever” by Nucleya & Benny Dayal). Unlike other recent remixes, both tracks manage to be significant improvements to their predecessors and are surefire hits at any house party. The real gem in this soundtrack however, is the refreshing “Buddhu Sa Mann”, which is picturized beautifully in the film as well as Rishi Kapoor’s birthday celebration. While not an out and out party song, it is impossible not to feel happy and want to dance while listening to it! These upbeat tracks are punctuated by the slower “Bolna” and “Saathi Re”, which are decent without being memorable – but that doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the album.
'udta punjab' by amit trivedi
Reminiscent of ‘Dev D’, Amit Trivedi’s grand entry into Bollywood, the Udta Punjab soundtrack is at times an all-out assault to the senses. ‘Chitta Ve’ is spellbinding, drawing you into the drug-infused rockstar lifestyle of protagonist Tommy Singh by managing to combine hip-hop, rock and electro into a single track. The same can be said of “Ud-daa Punjab”. On the other end of the spectrum, “Ik Kudi” is a heartbreaking ballad which is made even more spectacular when watching it in the context of Alia Bhatt’s character in the film. Again, the standout track in the film is potentially the most under-appreciated one – the haunting ‘Da Da Dasse’. Everything about this track is brilliant: from Kanika Kapoor’s striking vocals, arresting lyrics from Shellee and of course Amit Trivedi’s arrangement – which ebbs and flows perfectly. Another Amit Trivedi classic, where the man outdoes himself even by his high standards.
'Baar Baar Dekho' by Jasleen Royal, Amaal Malik and others
Another example of the music being more successful than the movie (although we quite liked it!), every song in Baar Baar Dekho is worth listening to. Opening with the beautifully simple ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan’ (a track which reaffirms Jasleen Royal’s arrival as a composer to watch out for), and building up to another Punjabi remix smash hit Kaala Chashma – there is something for everyone in this soundtrack. Sau Aasmaan (Amaal Malik) and Nachde Ne Saare (Jasleen Royal) are both peppy and energetic, with Armaan Malik’s vocals in the former standing out. In between, Bengali composer Arko steps in with romantic number ‘Dariya’, a one-man show in which he writes and sings the song in addition to composing. Another highlight is ‘Teri Khair Mangadi’ by Pakistani musician Bilal Saeed, a sadder melody in comparison to ‘Dariya’ but every bit as engaging, with the traditional Punjabi lyrics adding an extra layer of emotion. All in all, a fantastic album.
'ae dil hai mushkil' by pritam
From the minute the teaser was released, the entire country went gaga over Arijit Singh’s soulful rendition of the title track. The rest of the album does not disappoint either. ADHM is your quintessential Pritam album. Slow, sad love ballad? Check (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil). Upbeat rock and roll track with lots of guitars and headbanging? Check (Bulleya). Party, club song with zany lyrics and random rap song in between? Check (Break Up Song). Another upbeat shaadi song, with a combination of traditional chorus and contemporary lyrics? Check (Cutie Pie). The final coup de grace though is the unassuming “Channa Mereya”. At first listen, this song seems to be fairly run-of-the-mill – but it gradually grows on you. Once the film released and audiences saw it in the context of the story, the song just took on a life of its own. Will surely go down as a classic, even amongst Pritam’s already crowded collection of superhit film albums.
'befikre' by vishal-shekhar
Even the music was not enough to save this disaster of a film, but it is worth acknowledging Vishal-Shekhar’s fine work nevertheless. Nashe Se Chadh Gayi is understated yet catchy, with Arijit’s usual excellence ably supported by the French backing vocals. ‘Ude Dil Befikre’ is the stand-out track, with Benny Dayal’s infectious vocals leading the way. ‘Je T’aime’ is nicely crafted romantic track, which unfortunately drags on for so long in the film that it becomes tedious – as a standalone listen though it’s much more palatable. “You and Me” is a breezy, light-hearted where Vishal Dadlani draws on some of his jazz and rock-and-roll influences – which again grows on you as you listen to it. The remaining two tracks, ‘Labon ka Karobar’ and ‘Khulke Dhulke’ – both of which are credits songs, round off the album.