Off the record

After a remarkably quiet 1998, Anu Malik returns with Soldier. And although its a reasonably decent concoction, it8217;s nothing like his outstanding Border and Virasat scores last year. Popular yes, classic no. Though it is laced with some exquisite guitar pieces, Sameer8217;s lyrics aren8217;t terribly inspiring either.

The entire album rests firmly on the title track, Soldier, soldier8217; undoubtedly the most powerful melody of the lot, rendered quite efficiently by Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik. In fact, this tune is used as an interlude in practically every song in the album. Funnily, though, it sounds a lot like the title song of Feroz Khan8217;s Prem Aggan, also composed by Malik. Mere dil jigar se guzree hai8217; is a trademark Malik composition from the Ruk ruk ruk8217; school. Mehfil mein bar bar8217; is a bouncy romantic number, while Alka8217;s Mere khwabon me jo aaye8217; has the same mood as Lata8217;s Mere khwabon8230;8217; from Dilwale Dulhania8230;. But it is Sonu Nigam8217;s version of the same number that really catches yourattention.Theme of Soldier8217; is an interesting instrumental medley, once again using the same title tune, with some impressive arrangements.

Hema Sardesai-Sanu8217;s Hum to dil chahen8217; turns out to be a lacklustre fast-paced composition.Tera rang balle balle8217; is obviously aimed at a Daler Mehndi-crazed generation of listeners. Jaspinder Narula and Sonu Nigam do ample justice to this ear-catcher. This song is surely on its way to the discotheques.

Tips Music; Price: Rs 38.