By Ruchika Kher
Album: “Ek Ladki Deewani Si”; Music Director: Adnan Sami; Lyricist: Irfan Siddiqui; Singers: Adnan Sami, Tulsi Kumar and Jermaine Jackson; Rating: **1/2

Adnan Sami returns to non-film music after a gap of five years with his latest album “Ek Ladki Deewani Si”, which comprises mostly love songs. It also boasts of a track by international pop star Jermaine Jackson, brother of late music legend Michael Jackson.

The album opens with “Ek Ladki”, the title track. It is foot-tapping but there is some resemblance to Sami’s previous tracks, which gives the song a heard-before feel. On the whole, an average song.

Up next is “Lets go to Mumbai city” that also features Jermaine Jackson. The song’s video is currently doing the rounds of TV channels. To make it an amalgamation of Indo-western influences, both Indian and western instruments are used. However, apart from the international connect, the song offers nothing great. Neither is it bad nor is it brilliant.

Then there is “Mehfooz”, which is a slow, melodious love ballad. It is intense and very well sung by Sami. The composition generates interest and proves to be a plus point for the album. The song has been arranged and programmed by composers Salim-Sulaiman.

Next in line is “Tu salamat rahe”, a song that brings forth the saxophone, an instrument not heard often these days. This mushy offering is an above average song and will be liked by many for its composition.

Then we have another romantic track in “Tujhe dekha”, though this one offers nothing extraordinary. The song, which has electronic beats in the background, is a duet with Tulsi Kumar.

“Sharmili” has a long musical prelude before the lyrics are heard. There is a certain punch in the song that makes it appealing. It is simple and very likable.

“Laila” is a totally avoidable song. It is fast-paced and has Arabic influences. But it fails in holding the interest of the listener.

Finally there is “Chalo”, a beautiful and mesmerising song that has jazz influences. It is pleasing to the ears and wonderfully sung by Sami. The love song is very appealing with its soft orchestration and makes one want to hear it again and again.

Sami’s new album is essentially an ode to people in love as it consists mainly of romantic tracks, which has been his forte.