Music Review: NH10

Album: NH10

Director: Navdeep Singh

Music Director: Sanjeev-Darshan, Bann Chakraborty, Ayush Shrestha & Savera Mehta, Samira Koppikar

Lyricist: Kumaar, Bann Chakraborty, Abhiruchi Chand, Manoj Tapadia, Neeraj Rajawat, Varun Grover

Rating - ****

NH10 is a story of a young Gurgaon couple whose road trip takes a wrong turn when they encounter a group of violent criminals engaged in honour killing. With NH10, Anushka Sharma is stepping in the shoes of a producer with Phantom's Vikram Motwane. The movie also starrs Neil Bhoopalam and Darshan Kumaar in lead roles.

Music of NH10 is absolutely oddball. It has edge which has lately been missing from the Bollywood music scenario. The album is again a collaboration of different music directors for different songs which has become a norm for Bollywood now. It might be for the better because it does give you a varied palette to pick from.

This album, though I brand it oddball, is very intriguing. Minimalist approach towards instruments is the trend every music director involved in the making of album has followed. Music for NH10 does not shy away. Many a times it's in your face and you want to embrace it.

Let's get into the details...

Chhil Gaye Naina - The song is sung by Kanika Kapoor. It's a departure from her usual peppy numbers like 'Baby Doll' or the most recent 'Chittiyan Kalayina' from Roy. It's a powerful ballad where Kapoor very easily stretches her voice to wring out emotions. Sanjeev-Darshan gave music to this one and lyrics are by Kumaar.

Le Chal Mujhe (Version 1,2, & 3) - Three different versions, three different singers and three different ways the song leaves an impact. The first version, by Mohit Chouhan, is a lounge piece. Music director Bann Chakraborty very smoothly mixes Indian instruments in the jazz set up for all three versions. Mohit Chouhan's voice falls short of effect when you hear the female version by Shilpa Rao. The lady has managed to outshine two most sought after singers, Chouhan and Arijit Singh. Close your eyes and feel free to imagine a jazz lounge, a glass of scotch and Shilpa Rao crooning on the microphone. Rao's version is just perfect

When it comes to third version, or reprise version, of 'Le Chal Mujhe', Arijit Singh shows you why he is 'the voice' these days. He still falls a little short when compared to the magic Rao' weaves, but is definitely better than the Mohit Chouhan rendition.

Main Jo - This one is a unique song. Nayantara Bhatkal's small voice is presented to you encased in guitar, saxophone and chimes. I am not sure whether it is the accordian or the mouth organ, but the tunes included in the song lift the song to another level.  Ayush Shrestha and Savera Mehta's music for this one is a bit whimsical yet endearing at the same time.

Khone De - Another lounge piece by Bann Chakraborty and this time Mohit Chouhan outshines everyone. The song has Neeti Mohan in duet with Chouhan. Mohan's voice grounds Mohit Chouhan's highs. End result? A perfectly balanced jazzy song. The subtle use of piano is just delectable.

Maati Ka Palang - Sung and composed by Samira Koppikar, 'Maati Ka Palang' hits the grim notes perfectly. Indian ears are now used to hear Rekha Bhardwaj when it comes to such songs. But Koppikar holds her ground. Composer in her smoothly blends Indian instruments with powerful guitar. Beautiful lyrics by Neeraj Rajawat are done justice to.

Kya Karein - This whispery song in the album balances the edginess from 'Chhil Gaye Naina' and 'Maati Ka Palang'. Sung in a soft voice, Rachel Verghese is fabulous in this minimalist song. Again composed by Ayush Shrestha and Savera Mehta, 'Kya Karein' sees use of piano. They, then, slowly introduce strings of violin and cello. Grover's lyrics are wonderful.

Verdict - Brilliant album and one of the best so far for the year 2015. Must listen.