No Smoking - Audio Review ( Hindi )

Adnan Sami’s effortless rendition of the jazz-toned Jab bhi ciggaret (!) is mesmerizing. The trance version pumps up the pace to manic speeds, sacrificing the nuances, but Sunidhi steps in to add a terrific new dimension. Rekha Bhardwaj gets a Telugu-styled chartbuster in Phoonk de’s club mix, complete with an addictive, non-stop rhythm and techno-styled interlude intrusions. This one’s predictably catchy with Rekha’s always trusted vocals. In comparison, Sukhwinder’s original version is shorn of the desi-mass style and plays it in serious, underground mode, taking it to an almost ominous level. Deva Sen Gupta’s Ash tray starts off rather strange, with that English word not able to fit itself into a otherwise chaste Hindi number, but Vishal’s tune flow and fab backgrounds makes it a compelling listen. After Paanch’s Tamas, what’s with Deva and poignant, philosophical numbers…though he has far superior material here to work on. Kash laga is the sure-shot pick of the album - an joyous, earthy folk tune expertly weaved between Sukhwinder, Daler and a mildly effeminate voice, most probably the composer himself, as credited! With Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar, the results can only be daringly different and supremely entertaining. As usual!