Although the music of Mission Istaanbul was nothing to boast about, Popcorn went ahead and asked the debutant music director Chirantan Bhatt to compose the songs of EMI as well. We cannot really say that EMI's music is disappointing because honestly the expectations were not too high to begin with and if anything , the music has lived up to those expectations by being mediocre at best. Even roping in Sanjay Dutt to sing a song is not enough to save this album which lacks soul, melody and originality.
The album starts with a Mission Istaanbul hangover since Chori Chori has a heavy Turkish music influence. Sunidhi and Suzan try their best to make this an enjoyable song and in fact this is the best number in the entire album, and yet it is nothing great. The picturization on Malaika Arora Khan and Arjun Rampal makes the song worth a watch and will help it gain popularity. Shakeel Azmi's lyrics are lacklustre and in fact it is only the tune and beats of the song that may find appeal while the lyrics will be forgotten. There is a remix version of this number which is about as good as the original
While Mohit Chauhan's "Tum Se Hi" was a beautifully sung and composed number in Jab We Met, Chirantan is unable to create the same magic, although Mohit once again impresses in Ankhon Hi Ankhon Mein. This is a soft romantic number which begins with only Mohit's vocals and the light strumming of the guitar. Sadly once again the lyrics, this time penned by Sarim Momin, are totally unoriginal.
EMI, the title track has Sanjay Dutt lending his voice along with Suzan, Earl and Mahalaxmi Iyer. The song essentially explains what the film is about in a fun way with some funny one liners. Somehow Dutt is not in the same form he was when he sang "Ae Shivani", but being the title track, the lyrics by Shabbir Ahmed and Hamza Faruqui are apt in serving the purpose of the song while Dutt seems fully in character. The remix version retains the same qualities while obviously sprucing up the pace and acoustics.
Never has Shaan been as uninspiring as he is in Aaja Aa Bhi Jaa where he is joined by Mahalaxmi Iyer and Rishi. But in fact it is of course not his singing which is flawed but the clichéd lyrics by Hamza Faruqui and the uninteresting composition. The only interesting element to this song is the disco feel and effect used at various points.
Paarthiv, most remembered for his "Yoon Shabnami" in Saawariya takes the mike for Roshan Har Dil along with Neisha and Joy. Again a very routine number but yet it is worth a listen as we hear Paarthiv in a number quite different from his debut. Even this is a romantic song, but it is a pacy and contemporary one. However, once again the composition is let down by the lyrics, this time penned by Junaid Wasi.
The last song, Vote for Sattaar Bhai, is an "Ae Ganpat" type of number which is full of mimicry and lyrics like "Chal panga mat le chhod chhod, teri gardan ko marood" and "vat lagi uski" and hence it is a fun listen and surely the picturization will make it even more interesting. This time the lyrics by Amar Valentine actually score over the composition.
EMI is not a film which will be known for its music even if the songs gain popularity if the film works. The biggest problem with this album is that it lacks originality in lyrics and compositions making all the songs sound like they have been heard before and hence they have nothing new to offer listeners.
