Rating – 9
Music Director – Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Lyrics – Gulzar
Film Director – Shaad Ali
Film Release – 15 June 2007
The Jhoom Barabar Jhoom soundtrack, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, is a vibrant fusion of musical elements that helped it become a commercial success despite the film’s poor box-office performance. The album is anchored by strong, dhol-driven Punjabi bhangra rhythms, which are prominently featured in the energetic, high-tech title track. The musical variety is a key feature, moving from the upbeat, hip-hop-influenced pop of “Ticket to Hollywood” to the jazzy, Western-influenced sound of “Kiss of Love”. In contrast, the album also includes more traditional instrumentation, such as the santoor, sarangi, and flute, to create the more soulful and melodically rich romantic ballad “Bol Na Halke Halke”. This eclectic mix of moods and styles, tied together with Gulzar’s poetic lyrics, makes for a diverse and memorable listening experience.
Jhoom (Shankar Mahadevan) – 10
Ticket to Hollywood (Neeraj Shridhar, Alisha Chinai) – 9
JBJ (Zubeen Garg, Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan) – 9
Bol Na Halke Halke (Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Mahalakshmi Iyer) – 10
Kiss of Love (Vishal Dadlani, Vasundhara Das) – 9
Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (K.K., Sukhwinder Singh, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Shankar Mahadevan) – 8
Jhoom Jam – 8
The album’s opening track, “Jhoom”, sung by Shankar Mahadevan, sets an energetic and infectious tone with its vibrant fusion of techno-infused beats and traditional Punjabi bhangra rhythms. The song, featuring lyrics by Gulzar, carries a heavy Punjabi accent and immediately captivates listeners with its catchy, dance-focused vibe. Described as a surefire hit for clubs and parties, the track invites everyone to give in to the rhythm and “jhoom” (dance). This standalone version is a high-spirited anthem that successfully captures the playful and exuberant spirit of the film.
“Ticket to Hollywood” is a funky, contemporary pop track performed by Neeraj Shridhar and Alisha Chinai. The song features a vibrant, hip-hop-influenced sound, complete with a bouncy rhythm and playful, catchy instrumentation. Neeraj Shridhar delivers the primary male vocals, capturing the protagonist’s exuberant and slightly boastful personality. His pop-friendly voice is contrasted by Alisha Chinai’s energetic and fittingly sassy contribution, which adds to the song’s flirtatious dynamic. The lyrics are a fun, back-and-forth exchange between the two singers. However, the track does not feature a traditional rap verse, instead incorporating hip-hop elements into its overall composition and rhythm.
The song “JBJ,” an abbreviation of the film’s title Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, is a festive and lively dance track featuring the spirited vocals of Zubeen Garg, Shankar Mahadevan, and Sunidhi Chauhan. The song has a celebratory energy that encourages listeners to let loose and dance. Zubeen Garg’s distinct voice provides a fresh, robust quality, which is complemented by the dynamic and powerful vocals of Shankar Mahadevan. Sunidhi Chauhan brings her signature energy and versatility, creating a vibrant, multi-layered vocal performance that fits perfectly with the upbeat, fun-loving mood of the song. Together, the singers deliver a high-energy performance that makes “JBJ” a standout track on the album.
“Bol Na Halke Halke” is a soulful, melodically rich ballad that stands out on the energetic Jhoom Barabar Jhoom soundtrack. The duet features the serene and powerful vocals of Pakistani playback singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and the versatile Mahalakshmi Iyer. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan brings his signature touch of Sufi-inspired vocals, which are filled with emotion and a sense of yearning. His voice adds a classic, timeless quality to the romantic track. Mahalakshmi Iyer complements Khan beautifully with her softer, lower-register singing, creating a perfect balance and emotional depth to the duet. The song’s dreamy quality is enhanced by the use of traditional instruments like the santoor, sarangi, and flute, creating an atmosphere of poetic romance. It serves as a lyrical moment of contemplation in the film, exploring the delicate nature of a budding romance with Gulzar’s poetic lyrics.
“Kiss of Love,” sung by Vishal Dadlani and Vasundhara Das, is a rambunctious, upbeat track with a distinctly Western feel, contrasting with the more traditional Indian and Punjabi elements found elsewhere on the Jhoom Barabar Jhoom soundtrack. The song is musically vibrant and features a jazzy, contemporary sound, with Vishal Dadlani bringing a high-energy performance while Vasundhara Das adds a sensuous and melodic vocal line. The lyrics, penned by Gulzar, explore the concept of forbidden or tricky romance, with a cautionary refrain to “stay away from the kiss of love”. In the film, the song is a creatively choreographed sequence set in a courtroom, where Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta’s characters dance in a legal setting. Its playful, slightly theatrical arrangement makes it a memorable and quirky part of the album.
