The First. The Best. Review on Kabhi To Nazar Milao - Asha Bhosle & Adnan Sami

This was Adnan Sami's debut album — and till date, I would rate it as his best. Two tracks in particular, Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Main and Kabhi Tho Nazar Milaao are unmatched for their brilliant compositions, arrangements and instrumentation (yes, I know a lot of that consisted of programmed keyboards, but nevertheless, the final effect was memorable.)

In this album, Adnan Sami was truly able to differentiate himself... in a cluttered Indipop market, he stood out by virtue of the power of his melodies and the distinctive quality of his voice — okay, I admit that a lot of people did not like his style of singing, but let's face it - he was different. He didn't come across as just another Kishore or Rafi clone.

Moreover, unlike most Indipop albums that stand on the crutch of just one song (maximum, two songs), this album made for some easy, relaxed listening with songs as varied as Mehndi Ki Raat, Yehi Tho Pyaar Hai and the ever-popular Lift Kara Dey.

Measured using the first album as a yardstick, Adnan's subsequent albums are definitely disappointing primarily because he repeats himself. Meri Yaad Rakhna, for instance, is closely based on the Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Main template, as it were. Likewise, Tera Chehra is very similar to Kabhi Tho Nazar Milao. And while Kabhi Nahin is undoubtedly a highly enjoyable song (especially because of the video featuring the inimitable Big B), the resemblance to Lift Kara Dey cannot be overlooked.

Having said all this, let me emphasise the fact that Adnan Sami is and extraordinary composer and musician... I certainly am one of those who hopes that he will come up with another unique gem like Kabhi Tho Nazar Milaao in the not-so-distant future. Let us all hope for the best.