Even though the latest paranormal love story from Mukesh Bhatt, Saaya, delivers no musical surprises, the album has a soothing, pleasing quality to it. Anu Malik and MM Kreem join hands directing the scores and the lyricists are Sayeed Quadri, Parveen Bhardwaj and (late) Anand Bakhshi. Directed by Anuraag Basu the film stars eye candy John Abraham, Mahima Chadhary and Tara Sharma.

The album has ten tracks, most of them pleasant and hummable. Udit and Alka Yagnik sound their age crooning ‘O Saathiya’ The lyrics by Ananad Bakshi are pedestrian , Saathiya of course rhymes with Beliya just like Sainyya with bainyya! The tune by Mm Kreem will remain with you, though and this reviewer is still humming the tune, driving everyone around crazy!

Sonu’s ‘aayee jo to teri yaad’ is vintage Sonu, quavering voice and all. Anu’s touch is visible in every beat. A pleasing number, nevertheless and the poetry by Parveen Bhardwaj is simple yet elegant. Shreya sings the song later in the album, in her inimitable style, flawless!

Ae Meri Zindagi by Udit Narayan is earnest , singing Sayeed Quadri’s lyrics, the song has nothing much to offer by way of originality, thankfully , it is a short number! Shreya Goshal and KK show their mettle in Har Taraf, Anu has done well with this song. Reminiscent of Malayalam film songs (instrumentation-wise) of yore, it has a Ghazal like quality to it.

Shreya’s rendering of Seena Pada is near perfect and begs repeated hearing. KK’s Kabhie Khushi reflects his talents much better than his duet with Shreya. A welcome change from the tired, familiar old voices, there is a rare clarity in his rendering. Udit wraps up it up with another version of Ae Meri Zindagi, a faster paced version of the earlier version.

Final Verdict – Thumbs up! Give this album a chance!

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