Music directors Sajid-Wajid used to be known for their melodious compositions; the duo were behind all of Sonu Nigam's initial albums including Deewana, Jaan and Yaad, but never really achieved the same success in their film compositions. Although Partner is not a great album, it is definitely better than some of Sajid-Wajid's recent work like The Killer, Jaane Hoga Kya, Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar etc. The problem with Partner is that none of the songs have originality but at the same time with a David Dhawan, Govinda and Salman combination, most listeners will not be expecting anything truly melodious or earth shattering compositions, but rather some fun numbers which will be further uplifted by the visuals.
The album begins with Do You Wanna Partner, sung mainly by Shaan and Udit Narayan. This song is the best of the album with some interesting combinations of musical styles and some fun lyrics like "lekin kintu parantu bandhu" by Sanjay Chhel. The song starts out with some swing music which immediately reminds you of Tumse Mili Nazar To Asar from Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chhati Hoon. Although the song is fun and peppy, there is nothing striking or original about it to the extent that even the sounds and instruments such as the brass and percussion combinations are very clichéd. The music in between the chorus and verse could have been a bit more interesting but all in all this track is fun from the onset and will want to make you get up and dance. As is the normal trend, these is a remix version of the song which is nothing to rave about but will achieve the purpose of giving something to DJs to blare at the discs.
The next track is You're My Love, sung by Shaan and Shweta Pandit. The song has very catchy flute (basuri) combined with a reggae / R&B style beats which makes for a very interesting listen. Again, nothing really original and it gives you a heard it before feel, but nonetheless worth a listen and the remix version will also find liking at discs.
Dupatta Tera Nau Rang Da reminds us that no Hindi film track is complete without a dupatta number. The number combines techno with a Punjabi flavour and gives the feeling that the song will be enhanced by the visuals. Sonu Nigam and Kunal Ghanjawala's voice blend very well together but Shreya Ghosal's voice seems a bit dull for this number and one can not help but wish that she had sung this number with a little bit more peppiness and masti like her male counterparts to suit the mood of the song.
Soni De Nakhre starts off with a very 70s disco sound and feel to it, and then quickly transcends into a hard core Punjabi, Jazzy B style number. This is definitely for the pucca North Indians and the NRI Punjabis living abroad, and the lyrics are Punjabi as well. The voice of Laabh Janjuwa is extremely distinct although it will not suit either Salman or Govinda and Sneha Pandit also does a decent job.
The last song is Maria Maria which immediately gives you a hangover of several numbers including the Latino beats and style used in Dhoom 2 for "Dil Lage Na Dil" and "Touch Me" as well as the song "Osaka Mariya" from One Two Ka Four and so although the song is average, it gives nothing to rave about because you feel as though you have heard similar sounds and combinations in the past. Even the violin portions have been heard before.
Overall, Partner can at best be considered an average album since the songs are worth a once listen but don't give you much to want to keep listening to them over and over. Other than Do You Wanna Partner, the lyrics are also very clichéd and hence while listening to the album you feel as though all the songs are extremely familiar. Nonetheless with the Salman and Govinda combination, the picturization of the songs will add to their appeal and Do You Wanna Partner is a track which will probably climb the charts in the coming weeks. Simply put, the songs are fun to listen to once, but aren't anything great to add to your music collection.
