MUSIC REVIEW: Billu

This has got to be Pritam's biggest career high. After delivering chartbusters for everyone from Akshay Kumar to Akshaye Khanna, the composer has finally got a Shah Rukh Khan project.

Considering it's produced by Khan himself, Pritam's encroaching into Vishal-Shekhar's territory is no ordinary achievement. Especially for someone who might be a hit machine, but at the same time conveniently plagiarises international club sounds.

So, in an attempt to make the most of his big chance, Pritam decides to go all out in an album that's loaded with 15 tracks (eight of them are remixes – as is the case with most Pritam albums).

First let's tackle the original versions

Billu kicks off with Mar Jaani. Sung by Sukhwinder Singh (who is now arguably SRK's new voice after Chak De, Dard E Disco and Haule Haule), this energetic number is catchy from the word go. Picturised lavishly on Kareena and Shah Rukh, who share a sizzling on-screen chemistry; Mar Jaani has all the makings of a chartbuster. Also full credit to Gulzar for blending his Punjabi lyrics with Pritam's tempo. Sunidhi Chauhan ably complements Singh and the album begins with a bang.

Pritam makes sure his favourite singer Neeraj Shridhar gets a place in the SRK project. Love Mera Hit Hit might not be as catchy as Mar Jaani, but it's a foot tapping number nonetheless. Unfortunately most Neeraj-Pritam numbers have begun sounding like extensions of Bhool Bhulaiyaa's super successful title track. But going by the hot visuals of the OSO pair, Shah Rukh and Deepika's moves will ensure this song zooms up the charts in no time.

Neeraj returns with the slower You Get Me Rocking. After the two dance numbers, this one comes as a breather. But few minutes into the song and you go for the FFWD button. Despite a melodious tune it somehow fails to hold you. Later in the album, a different version of the song springs up a surprise.

Ae Aa O has a dramatic opening with grandiose arrangements. Listening to the lyrics one gets a feeling this KK number would be SRK's entry. But there is a problem. All through the song, be it the guitar, the helicopter sound or the singing, Ae Aa O sounds a lot like Bang Bang from Hello. Ironically that was Salman's entry song in the BPO flick.