Music of Karzzz

If you thought those extra Zs indicated a deep slumber, leave it to Hirsute Himesh’s piercing nasality to shake you out of it. This is, without doubt, one of the most ‘ambitious’ and ‘in-your-face’ albums from the Reshammiya collection.

Nope, this time around, it’s Himesh singing his heart out, making his presence felt in every single song, with no opportunity for respite. And by trying his hand at all kinds of new genres, it’s evident that Himesh is not afraid to experiment. Clearly, I don’t think that it’s him who needs to be afraid.

For a remake of a classic film, which had some legendary songs, “Karzzz” instead seems more like a long-winding and narcissistic commercial for HR’s vocal range. Most of the songs are formulaic, in his typical format, with nothing individualistic or unique about them – “Tere Bin Chain Na Aave” (which starts with Himesh’s trademark “O” groan, I mean, alaap), “Sisak Sisak Ke” and “Hari Om”, predictably the “Om Shanti Om” of this remake.

The ones that stand out, to some extent, are “Lut Jaoon”, which takes subtle influences from Karunesh’s “Punjab”, and “Soniye Je Tere”, which is special because of the funky usage of instruments like the harmonium and the classical touch to its composition.

Honestly, one would love to hear “Soniye Je” sung by a singer who had the facilities to do justice to the composition.

Kicking it up a notch, the classic “Ek Haseena Thi” is resurrected, with a techno-trance texture – which is impressive on the instrumental front, but the vocal clout is no patch on the original.

By the end, when HR goes the mellow, quasi-ghazal route, with “Masha-Allah” and “Dhoom Tere Ishq Ki”, one has only two words – “Have Mercy!”.

All said and done, if you are amongst that startling bulk that is capable of loving, appreciating or even tolerating Himesh Reshammiya and you can’t get enough of him, “Karzzz” is your collector’s item.

Balance sheet? Himesh is an enigma to plenty. Purists could point out numerous singing flaws and note innumerable off-key moments in his renditions. To many, his spiky voice has as genial an appeal as nails on a chalkboard. And let’s face it, it’s becoming even more difficult to tell his mechanical compositions apart, nowadays. But despite all that, he continues to be ubiquitous and popular. Nett, the music of “Karzzz” will prevail, riding on that tidal wave of ‘Himesh’ hype, with or without his headgear. Wait, he’s going to be on screen too!