Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan's antics have already given Yash Raj 's Tashan a major publicity boost. With the promos and the music out as well, the build-up to the film's release is well on its way. The film's music has been composed by Vishal-Shekhar, who have the recent success of Om Shanti Om on their hands. The music does not fully live up to the hype surrounding the movie, but nonetheless cannot be dismissed as being merely average. All the numbers have been composed well and sung with feeling and spirit. The lyrics too have been penned well, keeping in mind the film's demands. Though the album lists nine numbers, a closer look will reveal that there are only five numbers, with four monologues by the protagonists of the film, Kareena (Pooja), Saif (Jimmy), Bachchan Pande (Akshay Kumar) and Bhaiyaji (Anil Kapoor). Alternating with the film's songs, these monologues have the characters concerned coming and seeking to define themselves and their attitude in a couple of lines.
The first song of the album is a number called 'Dil Haara' sung by Sukhwinder Singh. The lyrics are by Mishra and it is a number which allows the singer to explore possibilities with his voice. Sukhwinder always gives his best to each song and this is no exception. It is an other one of his high-voltage renditions.
The next number called 'Chhaliya' (lyrics Anvita Dutta Guptan) is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan along with Mishra, lending his voice in the background. There is nothing special about this number. It is fairly ordinary and does not make much of an impression. But the next number will surely go a long way in cheering sagging spirits. 'Dil Dance Maare' (written by Vishal), sees Sukhwinder in the happy company of Udit Narayan and Sunidhi. This is probably the number in the film which is bound to top the charts. It is a robust, fun number, which has got rhythm, music and sees the singer out in a spirited performance. It is quite a typical Vishal-Shekhar number in that sense. Sunidhi for once, sounds different as she modulates her voice superbly to give it a slight earthy touch. All three singers, specially Udit Narayan, seem to be in very good nick. The lyrics too are very easy on the ears, a mix of English, Hindi and Bhojpuri, and one feels that the song will be lapped up very easily.
However, the best is yet to come. Vishal and Shekhar reserve that for the romantic 'Falak Tak', which has been sung by Udit Narayan and Mahalaxmi Iyer. The song has been penned beautifully by Kausar Munir. This is indeed a very well composed number. It has melody, a slight old-world charm about it, which is brought out exquisitely in Udit Narayan's rendition. Mahalaxmi seems to be there more for support than anything else, though she sounds excellent as well. But it is Udit's soft, cajoling voice which remains with one. It is the proverbial jewel in the crown that is Tashan. The album winds up with 'Tashan Mein' (penned by Mishra and Vishal), sung by Vishal and Saleem. This number has verve, energy and sums up the theme of the film.
From whatever one has seen and heard about Tashan, the emphasis seems to be more on style and attitude than anything else. Vishal-Shekhar have tried to do something different with each number and thereby create that all important effect. They have succeeded to certain extend. The inmpression that one gets is that somehow the music falls short of being flamboyant enough for the film.
