MISSING IN BLUE......
Once again, everyone is thinking, I am a bit late on spot, But I am here! I do have a lot to say once again, but trust me I was just looking for the right time to say all of it. Talking about Aaroh, yes I am! Aaroh needs no introduction of course, it is a well known band at the Pakistani music scene.
Yet Aaroh remains a band, always surrounded by pre-hype yet a band that is thought to be not so delivering at the point of execution. Why? One may ask with a uncomforting squirm in the pit of one’s stomach and the answer would be simple. Aaroh doesn’t cater all kind of music lovers and genres. Yet I personally feel that Aaroh’s own standing in the Genre category is kind of shaded in many stances. They are not a pure rock band, They fail to satisfy peppy pop lovers, they are romantic with their ballads yet restricted to their particular instruments line which is only the manner of rock bands. Hence, in an industry where Pop and rock themselves are still in discovering. Aaroh to me seems more like alternative rock band which indeed is not a very strong genre to be standing in since rock and pop is still trying to identify all their proper faces in our industry. With a talented line up Aaroh still hasn’t got the cheese they were supposed to and expected to get. I feel sad when the second album is also in the market, and the band has still not done its face registering. Early scandals? I don’t think so! No matter how much media favours Aaroh, Aaroh still isn’t getting where it should. One might say that its more of politics, but with the whole media giving air space to Aaroh, why isn’t Aaroh the number 1 band of Pakistan? Lack of star charisma? Lack of musical ability? Lack of luster? Lack of aggression?Lets analyse Raag neela that came into market some 3 months back, and already has been forgotten by most of us. Where did the album go I wonder? Where is the new video I wonder? Why is there so much silence on Aaroh’s side I wonder? why hasn’t Aaroh performed yet all over country I wonder? Lets me investigate the Album and then analyse for you and me both, the reasons behind so many unanswered question? Lets see, who is behind killing “Raag neela”
Ok enough of me playing C.I.D lets get down to business and start the fine chopping I am so well known to do with ease!
1 - Pyaar Ka Jaal(PKJ)
The introductory track of the album Raag Neela has to be called the one of the most popular tracks produced by Aaroh yet. The track has a dark theme, which sets a tone for the introduction. The betrayal in love and the web of unmasked lies overshadows each and every aspect of the song. The song would have been a pure rock fantasy if the title line was not delivered so stickily. The line “pyaar ka jaal” removes all the positives of the song in a moment and brings it crashing down, and once again it takes the whole “asthai” to boil up the rock soup once again. Farooq at the vocals is strong and definitive. He only goes wrong when he goes soft. Guitars and bass both are noticeable and very up to the notch! Composition of the song has it all, and holds the real magic of the song but really fall down on its bottom on the thing I refer to “PKJ drop”. Lyrics of the song are average with a little incoherence which so are the statement of a normal rock song since the age of EP. As an introduction to Raag neela, PKJ is a good start, but it would’ve been better if the rest of the album was just as promising.
Rated – 7.5/10 – despite the PKJ drop.
2 – Janay Kyun :
Now here is the track that started too fast for my taste. If the pace was a bit slower, this would have been a great track. The melody is very nice and catchy only until the vocals jump in. Farooq’s nasal approach to the almost perfect setting makes the experience rough and unsatisfying. This is more like a Mix of PKJ and Yaara. The songs that were aired ages before Raag Neela was released. Lyrics at places in some places can be called substantial and in other places they are immature. “yeh shama jo zamanay se hi hai jalti jaye gi” is the line that really is confusing me here. The guitars and bass is very “strings” type. The track over all was good, if only the vocals have not lacked so much in sophistication.
Janay kyun’s impact on me and my impression of the album was indeed an opinion changing one from Positive to negative of course.
Rated – 6/10 – Coz vocals are the most important part of a song.
3 – Raag Neela :
I must say, the number 3 track in this album is a winner! Raag neela is indeed and very squarely the title track of the album and “the” track of the album. Now before I go any further, I must say, the track is strictly for mature music listeners, who are definitive about what kind of music they like and want to listen. The theme is mature, I heard it at the TMAs last year and the track had been running in my head since then. Some one said to me “Raag neela is going to be on mouth of every child” well! He wasn’t quite accurate, Raag neela is not the kind of track that attracts children. It doesn’t have Beats that can get one moving, it doesn’t have music arrangement that gets one moving, for those who don’t understand mature music, the track might even sound annoying at some point. BUT, Raag Neela has the attitude that gets you moving and that’s for only those who understand. A most unique track in itself. The kind of track that would always keep floating on my playlist. The track is abstract in theme and goes deeper than one can imagine. The malicious game of love is defined in quite a different context here, a player’s song from top to bottom where no one is honest to the other. A rather Noir song. The lyrics are just too good, with the perfect guitaring by Haider and Bass line that just can push any one off the seat by Khalid. And to complete the perfect musical package is Farooq’s full of expressions vocals, and the dizzy and giddy drunk feeling to them. I must say I am impressed guys. I think anyone can guess that just look at the length of the review I did for this particular track!
Rated – 8.5/10 – Coz the raag is neela, raag is neela, raag is neela neela neela, and it was time I was starting to think of Neela against RED
4 – Ik Chah :
Composed by shafqat Amanat Ali, the track name is going to get you all worked up with excitement, THAT will be the case, if you are abnormal enough to read the album cover before listening to the album. BUT, if the case is opposite, You will not even bother to listen to the whole track and might just skip it, looking for some other interesting track. Seem harsh don’t I? well, I did that personally, and naturally coz after the power house raag neela is, Ik chah is just gonna make you bored, If it was placed better in the list the track might just have worked! The Vocals are soft, the theme is soft, yet there is some annoying similarity between the guitaring of the tracks. Which is YES…very Annoying! As stories have it, Similarity has always got a low ranking and rating in my reviews, so better not give that shrewd look. Lyrics are very ghazal like, and ok, I am running out of things to say. So, we’ll let Farooq’s dearly Beloved Konpal keep this track under her pillow and kindly wish them both a Happy and blissfull life ahead.
Rated – 6/10 – Konpal ji, I am doing it just because I see how lucky you are to have a song dedicated to your name!
5 – Meherbaan :
OH yes, get up from your seat for a total dancy experience. Meherbaan will definitely get you moving. Brother track of Raag neela, as it is thematically kind of same. I particularly like the music of the song very much. Lyrics of the song are good, and the flow of the song is just perfect. The best part of the song is the CHORUS “main pagal tha main toh deewana tha, duniya kya khud se hi begana tha!” Something of the sort, our beloved “Dj Jawad” would sing! The track is a mix of punk rock and blues. Like a mixture of maroon5 and 80’s Madonna. A fun song in Totality, with a theme that defines love as insanity. Farooq’s vocals are powerful. Guitaring by Haider and drumming by Jason is impressive.
Rated – 8/10 – Ho meray meherbaan! Haan hoon main kaafi meherbaan!
6 – Woh Jo kehday :
A softy from top to bottom. Theme of an introvert’s feelings never expressed. The song is Old style, seems highly inspired by Vital signs. Vocals are soft and less masculine in this song, which is a definite turn off. The melody of the track is very nice. Lyrics are sensuous and touching. It sounds even more effective to me because I can properly relate to the theme,Ok what am I saying? Over all the songs speaks for itself, you should properly listen to the song and bring out your own view of it. I’ll just give you my rating to ponder upon!
Rated – 7/10 – Don’t say until you hear, My heart is not going to stop if you give that look to my rating!
7 – Yaara :
Another energetic track but with a difficult to digest flow. There is more focus on music in this track than the vocals, or that maybe the problem with the recording quality. The echoistical ambience of the track is a mixture of Darkness of love lost, and hope of love to be regained. Guitaring in particular is amazingly and strongly done. Ok this song was played so much over the channels that it started to annoy me. It is the kind of track that you would only fancy if you listen to it in a limit. Vocal are not so clear but still they complete the track.
Rated – 7.5/10 – I am just trying to push out the fact that how annoyed I have become of the track because of excessive playing over music channels.
8 – Jo Aankhon mein :
If moving from punk rock to ghazal is Aaroh’s idea of creating a variety and versatility, they should double-check. Positive approach towards Sadness and loss is very depressing on a slow song. Lyrics of the track are poetic and descriptive in nature. Guitgaring is sensitive, Vocals are soft and once again lack the masculine tinge, bass seems crammed up inside the track, the song wouldn’t have been so bad even without it. A rather average track with not so much depth to it analytically.
Rated – 6.5/10 – think again before doing this guys, Next time!
9 – Tu hi tu :
Now I know, how I admired Raag neela and meherbaan. tu hi tu, is making me confused, they couldn’t have read my reviews of the above while producing the track. I cant say that I don’t like the track, but the similarity is unmistakable. The chorus is familiar, and thematically the song maybe different than the above mentioned the music is too similar. Lyrics are sort of spread out un-intelligently and have that feel of falling in your face like loose bricks fall from the roof top. Even after all the criticism I cant deny the power of the song. Not a bad one guys, but just a similar one to the good tracks, which is not very Good!
Rated – 7/10 – for lack of versatility.
10 – Dyrah :
A very intelligent track, a much better and improvised Son-track of Sawaal from the previous album. Dark, Mysterious, wounding. The introducing music arrangement is very Catchy! Lyrics are the best part of the song and compliment the theme of the song very nicely. The song at the point of execution is very nice but sadly it might be not of taste of everyone. The song over all is a very fair attempt!
Rated – 7.5/10 – a JOB WELL DONE
11 – Khuda :
A good flowing track, and I am not just saying it because the song is about God Almighty and I fear that I will be punished for criticizing it. Or perhaps, maybe. Lyrics are accurate according to the theme, which is about faith in the supreme being and believing oneself. Vocals are fair and so is the music line. The short span of the song is very fulfilling and doesn’t let you get bored at any point. An eventful soft praise to the almighty. I am glad to see that artist these days still have the sense of propriety and do not forget to pay their respects to the one that makes it All happen.
Rated – 7/10 – A fair attempt once again.
12 – Jeet Lo :
Yes, just like anyone can guess from the title the national motivational track that works well on concerts happening on 14th august, 6th September. Yea I know how insensitive that sounds. But one wonder, what’s new? And the answer is “nothing” . Music line is trade mark of Aaroh’s and there is nothing new in that respect. The lyrics are a patchwork of different songs from the same themes and genres. Though the chorus is catchy. So the question still prevails, “whats new?” to which the answer still is “Nothing”
Rated – 6/10 – for the lack of speciality.
13 – Gharoli :
You did this, this time! Please do not do this next time, coz this is nothing but emotional blackmail. I must say, that “sufiana kalam” is definitely not everyone’s game. And it is not Aaroh’s either. Gharoli happens to be one of the most popular Sufiana Kalams, sung by the legendary Abida Parveen. If only Aaroh had the full control and experience to harness such a thing as gharoli, things would have been quite different, but Aaroh doesn’t have the power nor experience of handling it properly. I am sorry to say boys, when something like this is re-made or re-done, its either perfection or nothing, and since Aaroh couldn’t reach perfection, the scales bow towards nothing. The sound is Immature, the delivery seems immature. The music might have been the best thing about the song, But when it comes to the final execution, the song is just unable to dive in. its just too shallow. Pronunciation plays a major part in tracks like these, and that is where Farooq lacks, Ancient Punjabi not being his slave after all.
Rated – 5.5/10 – next time be extra careful with the Gharoli you are putting your hand into!
So, we have reached to the end of my analysis of the album “raag neela” And what are my final comments? Its about time that Aaroh realizes that Ghazalic approach to the musical ability they have is depressing their over all image as a band. They just float too shallow with them though they are meant to take the listener deep, but those were old times. So to target on the whole, and to target the audience so in trance of rock and strong magnetic pop, Aaroh has to make sure that they make their music in such a way that does appeal to all ages and all ears. I know how cliché it is that mature music is limited to niches, yet, the only thing that can be done is Not abandon the mature music and themes, but closely cater catchy sounds as well.
I am wishing Aaroh luck with their “raag neela” which I had to resurrect from the ashes, at the right time.
Album rated – 6.5 / 10 – Neela Vs RED?? Nahhhhh!
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written by TM.IM.AAG, June 16, 2007
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written by a guest, June 16, 2007
review particularly relates to the rock party style not to those who love slow songs
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written by rockers, June 16, 2007
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written by Aamir, June 17, 2007
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written by Haider, June 18, 2007
Should she be a music critic?? I seriously think not.
Its pretty easy to write ones opinion but should that opinion be published and portrayed as a substantial verdict.... I don't think so. Shame on Pak Music. This article not only tells us the biased nature of the author but also tells us about the poor content control Pak Music has. Very irresponsible of PM.
In any case, Hira and writers like her should not be taken seriously at all. They are no authority on music.
BTW if you notice she started out in a biased manner and ended the same way. For one we know she likes fast tracks and fast tracks only. Raag Neela, Meherban, Dyrah, Tu hi Tu, Yaara etc seem to do the trick for her. Sorry honey I figured you out. All these tracks have distorted guitar riffs which our author seems to love. Please note that she didnt like the lyrics to Tu hi Tu but still gave it 7 points.
She ended it in a biased manner..... well hehehehehe.... she either has weak math or just down right hates Aaroh for some other reasons...... the cumulative total of all points given to Aaroh's tracks is 90 and divide that by 13 tracks you get 6.92..... Hira did not round it off to 7.0 but rather gave it 6.5....... HIRA HONEY..... 7 was much closer to 6.92 than 6.5.....
Why did she do this??? Kya yeh tumnay kissi kay kehnay pay kiya?? bohut buri baat hai
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written by Mai bhi CRITIC hoon Bhai, June 18, 2007
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written by Allah Hoo Akbar..., June 18, 2007
abay bhai kitnay phadday hotay rahay hai Aaroh pay... kaheen pathrao na shru hojaye Hira Tum pay...bachaoo bachaooo bachaooo....cut the crap guys...its just a review....Aaroh kitna acha hai Kitna Bura kisi kay likhnay say kay woh acha hai ya bura hai koi acha ya bura nahi bun jata....if u wanna know the fact if thats a hit band or not...go to the market and inquire for the album sales of Raag Neela....i can bet a million dollar on that...kay Raag Neela ki 200 Cds bhi puray karachi mai nahi sale hui hongi...cuz the album is not targeted towards masses....even look at Atif Aslam..he was into rock music more..but wht happened whn he produced an album or singles in India..pure Masses music...like Pop,and some old school pop Doori... and masses luv it...so it depends wht u are doin for masses.... BMW 7 series chala nay walay bauhat thoray hain yahan... get my point...
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written by BILAL AHMED NAZIR., August 14, 2007
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written by HURYA, September 13, 2007
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written by hehehehhehe, October 15, 2007
:grin :p 
:roll :sigh :cry 
:x :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :?
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written by Mayday, November 12, 2007
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written by Rebellion, August 12, 2009
seems like hira ko koi problem tha Aaroh se .. hira u must write that sort of Reviews for Atif aslam type banda ... Aaroh ya kisi rock band k bare mein likhne se pehle uski music Genre ko samajhna zaroori hota hai is type ki batein atif aslam jase commercial singer pe to achi lagti hain likin kisi rock band ya top k bands k bare mein likhne se pehle yeh sochlo k woh kasa music karta hai aur uski target market kia hai ... aur uski target market us k music ko pasand kar rahi hai ya nahi :s .... I love the album n i must say they will do more sufiana kalam ... dont mind n no hard feelings .. but the Album RAG NEELA wase ROCKING !! Keep Rocking Aaroh .. (Y)
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written by ptenjoy, December 23, 2009
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written by ptenjoy, December 23, 2009
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Not anybody can understand the music of aaroh......
wo sab ki bas ki baat nahi hai.....
review sucks