Reviewed by: Mandeep Bahra
mandeep@indolink.com

There doesn't seem to be any limit to the number of sounds Viju Shah can create on his synthesizer! Once again, the music whizzkid has come up with striking arrangements that leave your ears hungry for more.

The energy level is high for the first track, "Hungama Ho Jaaye", which has a foot-tapping dance rhythm blended with Arabic sounds. The fast pace is matched by enthusiastic singing from Sonu Nigam, Jaspinder Narula and Rakesh Pandit.

The Arabic theme continues with the next track, "Teri Akhiyon Mein", this time blended with a bhangra beat. Kavita Krishnamurthy is the star of this song: she flexes her vocal cords and handles the opening tongue-twisting lyrics with ease. I was so awe-struck by Kavita's singing that I barely noticed Udit Narayan's competent accompaniment. Definitely a song to rewind.

"Teri Meri Ik Zind" is a 'pot pourri' of familiar Punjabi bhangra tunes, arranged by Sukhwinder Shinda. New lyrics to fit the old tunes are provided by Kumar, a member of the U.K. bhangra band "Heera". Kumar also sings the number very well along with someone called Kenny providing an English rap. There is also a Pornima sound-alike, but the only other credit on the album for this song is to one Jazzy B (am I nuts, or does this name sound more like a guy than a gal?).

"Mujhe Hichki Lagi" takes a bit of getting used to. The hurried rhythm seems to be contradicted by the rather sedate singing from Anuradha Paudwal and Kumar Sanu. But this contradiction ultimately becomes the song's novel selling point. I'm glad I stuck with the tune because by the end I was hooked.

Energy levels rise again in Jaspinder and Udit's "Ae Bujho Ri Bujho", a rhythmic rural sounding number. It's not as impressive or memorable as the first four tracks, but it's not a total loss either, mainly due to the expressive singing.

"Jab Gori Ne Giraya Ghoongata" is another rural number. Abhijeet plays the part perfectly by putting on an accent and rolling his "R's". Alka Yagnik just about manages to keep up with him. However, the tune and lyrics are just average.

Anuradha and Kumar Sanu's second duet is a romantic treat. "Hum Ne Tumko" has good singing, good lyrics, and good musical arrangements. The tune may have been inspired by a certain '70's Motown hit (I won't bother naming it), but the adaptation is enjoyable.

Unfortunately, there is one dud on the album and it comes in the form of "Saari Duniya Mein". Udit Narayan and Kavita Krishnamurthy boast about how there is no village in the world quite like theirs - YAWN!!!!!!

BULANDI is definitely one for the collection. Especially since a Viju Shah soundtrack is a relative rarity compared with the plethora of Anu Malik, Jatin-Lalit, and Anand-Milind soundtracks that flood the market every month.