By Ruchika Kher
Film: “Kambakkht Ishq”; Music Director: Annu Malek; Lyricists: RDB, Anvita Dutt Guptan and Sabbir Khan; Singers: RDB, Neeraj Shridhar, Alisha Chinai, KK, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan and Shreya Ghosal; Rating: **1/2

After a long time, music buffs will be able to savour the compositions of Annu Malek through the much-awaited film “Kambakkht Ishq”. The music of the film, which stars Akhshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor and Hollywood stars Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards, is good only in parts.

The soundtrack has five originals and four remixes.

“Bebo”, a song crooned by Alisha Chinai is average. One expected much more from the singer who has beautifully sung songs like “Kajra re” from “Bunty Aur Babli”. However, the vocals are extremely mediocre and the uninteresting lyrics make matters worse. “Bebo” is a usual, fast-paced, high on beats song.

The number also has a remixed version which only adds more beats to the original and nothing else. A complete disappointment.

There were certain expectations from the title track of the film, but “Kambakkht Ishq” does not fulfil anything. The song sung by KK and Sunidhi Chauhan is backed by strong musical arrangements but the lyrics are a put off.

The original was already high on beats, so the song did not need a remixed version. This version of the song is quite similar to the original, making it difficult to recognise which is original and which is the remixed one.

Up next is a slow-paced, poignant rendition “Kyun” which is beautifully sung by Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal, both great singers in this genre. “Kyun” is easily the best song of the album.

The track also has an all-female version which is equally engrossing and strikes a chord with the listener.

The next is a Punjabi song with western influences. A sure shot hit at the DJ consoles, the song will be a favourite at the dance floor. Neeraj Shridhar has done a good job with the vocals.

The song’s electro-dhol house mix is quite similar to the original in terms of beats and tempo.

“Om Mangalam” is the next song of the album which is composed and sung by RDB. A number with traces of hip-hop, “Om Mangalam” has the potential to be a chartbuster. The track will sure make music buffs sit up and take notice.

The song also has a remixed version called “Om Mangalam (reprised)”.

On the whole, the album is happening and interesting but only in parts. The expectations from one of the most awaited films and a composer of Annu Malek’s stature were much higher.