Predictable items from a musical year. Review on Ten Best Hindi Songs of 2006

Not being much of a “new songs” listener, I generally avoid penning reviews on such topics. And hence, I wouldn’t really be able to do justice to a piece on “10 best songs of 2006”. However theres a small catch – my car FM radio is able to keep me updated on some of the new numbers, which I wouldn’t have gone out of the way to listen to.

Therefore, my listing here would be restricted to the songs that I have heard – rather than the truly best.

The reason for writing this review at all is that after a really long time, I have enjoyed some of the new songs – some of which I feel are worth storing for a long time on my hard disk.

1. Namak – Omkara

Rekha Bharadwaj’s salty voice peppers this intoxicating number even as Bipasha sizzles on screen. Vishal Bharadwaj is a magician with notes as is Gulzar with words.

1. Beedi – Omkara

The raunchy note and the sheer energy of this song gets to you quickly. Of course, if you watch it on screen, the fun gets even better. But Sunidhi Chauhan and Sukhwinder Singh use their vocals perfectly to let you enjoy even without the visuals. Gulzar’s lyrics are quite a revelation of the man!

1. Roobaru – RDB

Rahman’s voice blasts with energy as always. Prasoon Joshi’s lyrics are powerful and captivating. The song captures the mood of the film

1. Tu hi meri shab hai - Gangster

One of my favorite singers of the current generation – KayKay – doesn’t disappoint with this beautiful romantic fast paced number. Ya Ali, the other popular number from this movie could have been in this list – however, its morose lyrics were a bit of a put-off.

1. Rang de basanti – RDB

Daler Mehendi brings his Punjabi touch intact to this energetic number. The lyrics are brilliant too

1. Aaj ki raat – Don

Alisha Chinoy and S-E-L combine forces once again after Bunty aur Babli to come up with this retro style disco music. Alisha is ably supported by Mahalaxmi Iyer and Sonu Nigam. The visuals with Priyanka and Isha are also a treat to watch.

1. Masti ki paathshala – RDB

I didn’t like this song when I heard it first. But it grows on you gradually and then you cant do without it. The visuals are even better – hence watch it rather than merely listen to it.

1. Mera haath mein tera haath hai – Fanaa

Shaan combines with a delightfully sober sounding Sunidhi Chauhan in this soft ballad. Jatin Lalit in their swansong remind us of their musical prowess which was in full bloom during the 90s. The Kailash Kher- Shaan combo in Chand Sifarish is also awesome.

1. Tere Bin – Bas Ek Pal

Some Atif Aslam(another Paki?) sings this haunting melody created by some Mithoon, which again grows on you slowly and remains for a long time in your system.

1. Dekha jo tujhe yaar – Apna Sapna Money Money

I could not have ended this review without listing this wacky Kishore Kumarish number. Amit Kumar comes out of hibernation to give this delightful rendition in typical Kishoreda style. With lyrics like "dil mein baji guitar", this bouncy song in this flop movie will vanish from memory soon – so enjoy it while it lasts!

As I said, I must have left out scores of other beautifully composed songs of the year. But nevertheless, the above 10 songs definitely are a treat to the ears!