Title: The Rough Guide to Bollywood: The Glitz, the Glamour, the Soundtrack
Artist: Compiled by DJ Ritu
Date: 2002
After listening to this CD, I realized that just as there is no such thing as one kind of “Hollywood music,” there is no such thing as one kind of Bollywood music. This CD is a survey of music in Bollywood over the years from the 1970s to 2000s.
Not all of the music appealed to me; I guess growing up with Western music kind of biased my ears against high pitched nasal singing, and some of the riffs just simply sounded tacky to me. However, after listening to the CDs a few times, the songs kind of grow on you.
Best tracks:
Track 7: Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin
This is the first ever male duet in Bollywood history for the movie Sholay, a “Curry Western.” It begins with some motifs that sounded almost “sci fi” movie to me, but then it moves into a decidedly western motif with a beautiful melody that evokes wide open spaces where cattle roam.
Track 8: Aap Jaise Koi
Begins a little tacky for me, but then Nazia Hassan’s voice comes in with a very beautiful melody. According to the liner notes, this is the “Indian equivalent of Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen.’” From the movie Qurbani.
Track 10: Tujhe Dekha To
Lata Mangeshkar sings an intriguing melody that’s hard to get out of your head. From the movie Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Track 11: Kehna Hi Kya
One of the more creative beginning I’ve heard … it’s a rhythmic, tabla-accompanied, harmony of female voices which falls into the background as Chitra’s voice soars in. The first big break for Chitra and for composer A.R. Rahman. From the movie Bombay.
Track 14: Ek Pal Ka Jeena
A good dance song that begins with a steady almost Persian-dance kind of beat, followed by pan flutes, and Lucky Ali’s voice. This song has elements of techno pop, electronica, and 70s brass. Just a fun song. From the movie Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai.
Track 15: Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani
Excellent dance song with a good tabla-based beat. Very catchy melody with the words, “Still my heart is Indian.” From the film Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.
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