By Faridoon Shahryar, Bollywood Trade News Network

Woh Lamhe from Zeher was the first remix track that made more waves than the original in spite of being featured in the same music album. Fanaah from Humko Deewana Kar Gaye adds to that list. For the D J Akbar version of singer KK powered number is far more alluring and enticing than the real thing. The tempo of the original Anu Malik composed Fanaah is a little bit slower and that's what stops it from being a groovy dance number. The remixed version makes no pretence. The rhythm track is kick-ass, the catchy hook line is repeated interminably, chorus adds an extra zing and most importantly, the tempo has been raised by a few notches to make it a breathless youth anthem that is bound to take your breath away on the dance floor.

Now, let's focus on the title track Humko Deewana Kar Gaye that was under controversial scrutiny as Composer Aadesh Shrivastava alleged that the actual tune was composed by him and not Anu Malik. Well, whosoever might have composed this track; it hardly makes a difference as this song fails to make an impact. In fact, the tabla, dholak rhythm arrangements, syrupy melody and pedestrian lyrics shall remind you of Nadeem Shravan numbers of late eighties. Times have changed since then, and in today's context, it baffles me as to why on earth the director had to have four versions of the same song. Sonu Nigam is stale and Tulsi Kumar is no Shreya Ghoshal.

Malik needn't feel disheartened as there are quite a few things going right in this album. Bhula Denge Tumko Sanam is a bright spot as Sonu Nigam recreates his Achcha Sila Diya Mere Pyaar Ka days with this pathos filled song. The music arrangements are simple and well-defined ensuring that the sad lover's plight pierces your heart effortlessly. I fail to understand the requirement of a remixed version of such a sad song as this. The dhikchik dhikchik of Jatin Sharma is needless cacophony and shall earn the wrath of an inebriated-with-lovelessness-struck-lover.

For Your Eyes Only proves yet again that Anu Malik is devoid of a Classic Complex. He is very clear in his mind that he wishes to make music for the aam junta and not the critics. For Your Eyes Only in that sense is a typical Malik chartbuster wedding of the Club Bhangra attitude with techno. As always a repetitive hook line registers well. Sonu is in his element and he is ably supported by Krishna and Nandini. Jatin Sharma's remix track is a winner too although there's nothing outstandingly different about it. The tempo is slightly higher and except for a tempting English chorus line, it's more or less the same.

Before moving further, let's talk about the gradual growing power of Pop-Qawwaali Mere Saath Chalte Chalte. Sunidhi Chauhan simply rocks while Shaan does his bit expertly. The confluence of tabla, dholak, western drums and shimmering guitar riffs and English chorus lines interspersed with desi Harmonium impressions makes this track a total delight. Sameer's lyrics could have been a lot better to do justice to such a composition as this.

Let me wrap up this review by talking about two tracks sung by the illusive Abhijeet. I think he has a beautiful voice with loads of unprecedented romantic feel that is unparalleled. But he must sing more often. He justifies his voice-with-love-dude image in the soft-n-sensuous Dekhte Dekhte. Continuing with the Nadeem Shravan hangover, this tabla-tod number thrives on a heard-before flute strain with strings playing in a distance. Alka Yagnik sings her part well. There's nothing dazzling in this song, except for Abhijeet's mint-fresh vocals.

Rockstar is a bhangra-beat-rap-techno sing-along number that is simple enough for any bathroom singer to hum comfortably. Abhijeet goes with the flow while Sunidhi Chauhan enjoys herself. The music arrangements are typically Anu Malik. Lots of fillers, a catchy hook line, twists-n-turns in rhythm pattern to avoid monotony or in other words worth-absolute-dhamaal.
 
Humko Deewana kar Gaye: Paisa-Vasool-Stuff!