Music Critic/Reviewer: Goher Iqbal Punn (Bollywood & Indian TV Analyst)
Singer: Hema Serdesai
Label: Tips Industries
After her swanky song, ‘Chori Chori’ in Priyadarshan superhit comedy, ‘Garam Masala’ in 2006, Hema Serdesai is back again on the music scene with her latest offering, ‘Jhoom’ which has been released by none other than the music head honchos Tips. Hema Serdesai dedicates this album to her beloved guru Sri Ravi Shankarji. The soundtrack is truly meant to rock the universe. This album is the most fashionable furrow to modern spirituality. Let’s hear it.
Track 01: Power of Life (Hema Serdesai)
The soundtrack begins with a soothing piece of music that injects sugary pleasures in your souls. You feel your blood rushing in veins and find your ears enjoying with the beats. The track is a rock song that has especially churned out for the International AOL Woman’s Conference, 07. The classy vocalist of sharp voice Hema Serdesai raises your spirits with her marvelous high-pitched rendition. She aptly seems to be a Hollywood rock star. The background crooning of ‘Jhoomo Jhoomo Nacho Nacho’ gels well with the mood of the track. The well-penned lyrics play a special role in the song. The drum beats amongst the instruments stick out the most. A winner all the way…listen to it to extract joys to the fullest.
Rating: 9/10
Track 02: Shiv Shambo (Hema Serdesai)
The fire-like voice of Hema attracts your ears the moment she starts trilling the lines. The blood-boiling arrangement of guitar is spellbinding. Drumbeats go well with the theme and the percussion adds spices to the song. Creatively dashed off lyrics further boost the values of the track, which is brilliantly composed. A spiritual ilk of a number that must be heard.
Rating: 9/10
Track 03: Maula Ali (Hema Serdesai)
An intense Sufi based track, ‘Maula Ali’ carries the deepest soothing emotions along to comfort your soul. Hema sings with the perfection which is required for this song. She deserves huge applause for this magnificent effort. The mind blowing lyrics personify the subject utterly. The mellifluous sounds of dholak appear sugary to the ears. The composition beautifies this Sufi number aptly.
Rating: 9.5/10
Track 04: Dum Dum (Hema Serdesai)
Based on Sufi Punjabi music, ‘Dum Dum’ talks about the modern Sufi Punjabi folk music. Dholak along with other musical instruments impresses the most. Background chorus is a treat to hear. Hema warbles the well penned lines very beautifully.
Rating: 9/10
Track 05: Gopaala (Hema Serdesai)
A heart-hitting soul-lifting song that carries a lounge based music arrangements to cheer your ears, ‘Gopaala’ is a winner all the way with the listeners the moment it starts playing on the CD player. Hema’s voice adds feathers to the track further. Well-penned lyrics together with superbly arranged composition make the song a treasure altogether.
Rating: 9.5/10
Track 06: Durga Maa (Hema Serdesai)
It’s a loving plea, which contains spongy fusion of guitar and tabla that sets the number in motion. When Hema appears behind the mike, the song begins to register impacts more on the listener since she sings with such finesse. The lyrics and music both attract as well.
Rating: 8.5/10
Track 07: River of Joy (Hema Serdesai)
This foxtrot really gets your heart dance with Hema’s sugar-coated rendition. The creatively scribbled down lyrics and aptly arranged music soar the song sky-high.
Rating: 9/10
Track 08: Jai Murari (Hema Serdesai)
Hema looks as usual classy in this number as she very skillfully maintains her dexterity throughout this album. Lyrics and music gel well with the mood of the track also.
Rating: 9/10
Track 09: Mast Kalandar (Hema Serdesai)
Dama Dum Mast Kalandar is not new for the listner, as he/she has been hearing different versions of this ilk of song for ages but wait it’s not the old one and carries the routine stuff rather it’s a modern folk track to party on. Hema with her sharp and high-pitched notes raises the blood level in veins. Her crooning of ‘Lal Meri and Dama Dum Mast Kalandar’ adds value to the track and makes it more gorgeous. The lyrics loot your heart and the music steals you all the way. A must-heard.
Rating: 9.5/10
Track 10: Jhoom (Hema Serdesai)
It’s a today’s qawwali style of number with foot-tapping music. Hema sings with much conviction. The lyrics help it look more appealing. A great effort to wind up the album.
Rating: 9/10
Final Analysis:
Whenever Hema Serdesai emerges on music scene, she comes up with some new idea to send chill through the listener’s body. With her latest magnum opus having the music biggies ‘Tips Industries’ behind for releasing this soundtrack, Hema has reasons to smile since this album is a victory in every sense of the word.
Overall Rating: 9.5/10