The name of this film hardly gives any indication of the film's content. Presented by Big Pictures, 13 B has been directed by Vikram K Kumar and is a supernatural thriller by genre. The film's music has been composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, and its lyrics have been penned by Neelesh Misra. The movie, which stars Madhavan and Neetu Chandra is a relatively smaller film than the ones Shankar Ehsaan Loy are used to composing for but it has not affected the quality of their composition. While the score may not actually match that of the trio's last effort in Zoya Akhtar's Luck By Chance, it has some melodious numbers. There are a total of five songs in the movie, each of which has a remix version as well. The album concludes with a theme instrumental.
The album begins with the number 'Sab Khairiyat Hai,' which is a relatively short number, but one which is supposedly very crucial to the movie. The number begins harmoniously enough and makes for very pleasant hearing as it is sung by Shankar. But it has a very slow pace which undergoes a change in the remixed version by DJ Gulraj Singh. It is one of those rare instances when a remix surpasses the original. The length of the song is increased in the remix and it acquires a more peppy feel in the musical arrangements and the vocals.
The next song in the album, 'Bade Se Shehar Mein'has been sung by Kartik. This is a beautiful number and hats off to Kartik for his clear and melodious rendering. He has a wonderful voice and he allows his vocals full play in the number. But the most memorable part of the song is probably the manner in which it winds up. DJ Shane remixes this number and he excels at his task as he manages to keep the vocals still sounding soulful despite the increase in tempo. There is a feel good quality to this song which is evident in the lyrics as well.
There is a profoundly Southern influence which is evident in the next number, 'Aasma Odh Kar' which has been sung by Shankar and Chitra. It is a very pleasant sounding romantic number, buffeted by Neelesh's poetic images. Shankar's dulcet tones are a delight to hear. He is in the good company of Chitra who too is at her melodious best. The remixed version by DJ Gulraj Singh is again better than the original as the background has been heightened with percussion and keyboards coming together to give the number a punch.
The item numberish 'O Sexy Mama' brings up the end of the album. This number has been sung by Anushka Manchanda and Baba Sehgal. With this number, we finally come to a chartbusting number in this album. The number has a distinctly different feel to it, much of which is also due to the manner in which Anushka renders the song. She puts in an effortless performance. While it is good to hear Baba, he somehow is no match for Anushka and his performance is not so nuanced. The remix by DJ Shane has been quite well done.
The album ends with the 13B theme piece which is purely instrumental and has been composed and produced by Tubby and Parik. It is a five minute long number which quite appropriately brings out the thrill and eerie feel of this supernatural thriller. There is also a brief instrumental version of 'Aasma Odh Kar', in all creating a prefect end to this album.
The music of 13B is melodious enough with all the numbers making for very pleasant hearing. One needs to make special mention of the remixed versions and the 'O Sexy Mama' number. The album ends just about perfectly with the instrumental theme. Shankar Ehsaan Loy do a creditable job with the music of 13B. The numbers may not all top the charts but they will definitely engage the listener pleasantly, which should do wonders for the movie.
