Reviewed by Mandeep Bahra
mandeep@indolink.com

Bappi Lahiri hasn't had much luck of late. His last few ventures have been total wash outs (Rock Dancer, Dil Ke Jharoke Main, Military Raaj, to name just a few). Surprisingly though, this album starts off with some promise. The soulful strains of "Deewana Hoon Main Tera" will have you hooked in no time. Bappi Lahiri actually sings the song rather well and the lyrics by newcomer Sunil jha are adequate (at least they aren't offensive).

"Chachi O Chachi" is a typical Apache Indian song. It's a pity Bappi didn't try something new with the U.K. artiste. Apache's lyrics are a repeat of his "Arranged Marriage" number, once again comparing his "Soni kudi" to a "sweet jalebi". Die hard Apache fans will probably love it.

Bappi has looked back to his disco numbers from the early '80's for inspiration in "Meri Pahali Tamanna Tu Hai". The song is okay but doesn't warrant two versions. One is a solo by Kumar Sanu and the other a duet by Sanu and an unimpressive Mithu Ahmed(who?). The solo is the better of the two.

A dull romantic duet follows, "Chun Liya Hai". This song has competent singing from Alka Yagnik, but Bappi's hindi is strangely accented and the tune gets very tedious.

"Tanha Tanha Dil Mera" is an okay track that has been blatantly plaigarised! Alka Yagnik is fine but definitely not at her best and the chorus of "Love Story 98" is just annoying!

"Kali Kali Ankhonwali" manages to keep the album afloat! This peppy and catchy number is well rendered by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. Alka seems more at home with this song which suits her voice better. There is a touch of '80's nostalgia about this song too but it is a lot more welcome here. The only problem is the song is too short.

"Main Kapde Badal Ke Jaaoon Kahan" - EXCUSE ME???!! What is this song supposed to be about? I don't think I really want to know. The composition resembles the kind of work Anu Malik currently produces and Kumar Sanu meanders his way through the song quite mechanically. This is one to fast forward!

I never thought I'd hear Bappi do a Daler Mehndi, but that is exactly what he does with the enjoyable "Sakhiyan Sakhiyan". However, the song is ruined by the "Love Story 98" refrain again, this time warbled by Bappi's tone deaf daughter Rema Lahiri.

Bappi's son Bappa makes an appearance in the inanely titled "Guddi Guddi Memsaab" alongside Kavita Krishnamurthy, Bappi, Aroon Bakshi and a chorus of kids. Another one to fast forward, unless you like kids' songs which I, for the most part, don't!

The album finale is the kind of innovation worth listening to. Bappi's marriage of Indian and western beats is wonderful. His singing intro in hindi is the perfect 'opening act' for the main singer: none other than Boy George! I'm not really a Boy George fan but his collaboration with Bappi on "When Will You Learn" is definitely the highlight of the album, and is also worth a rewind.

LOVE STORY 98 is not the turkey I expected but it is a long way from brilliant.

Would you like to contribute? Please contact assteditor@indolink.com