Review: Rock On is director Farhan Akhtar's singing and acting debut. While he'd already passed the director's test with flying colors, with Rock On!, he's passed the singer's test as well. He does a good job, especially with the rock songs.
A couple of songs on the album will become instant favorites - 'Pichle Saat Dino', 'Rock On!'. The other songs which are well-arranged will also find their fair share of listeners.
This was touted as the first Bollywood rock album it’s not a rock album in the real sense. Maybe what they really mean is that it’s the first album where the songs sound like they are by a band. Only one can really be called a rock song – 'Zahreelay'. The others all have pop elements.
The lyrics by Javed Akhtar are very interesting. They are sometimes funny, often sweet and always youthful. Also, since they are supposed to be part of a band, most of the songs are sung solo. Actually, all but one song. Farhan and Raman Mahadevan have sung one song together – ‘Socha Hai’, an animated rock song.
‘Pichle Saat Dino’ is the opening track and contains the by-now-famous 'na-na-na-na' tune. The lyrics, with references to laundry, silver rings, books and ‘love at first sight’ are perky. There is an amazing electric guitar piece at the end. But most importantly, rockstar Farhan’s husky voice is superb.
‘Yeh Tumhari Meri Baatein’ is a love song sung by Dominique Cerejio, who shot to fame with Dhoom Again. It has a very relaxed, pleasing tune and very simple lyrics. It seems like the trio was going for a ‘Jaane Kyun Log Pyaar Karte Hain’ from Dil Chahta Hai. But they haven’t quite managed it.
Already quite a sensation, 'Rock on' is the highlight of the album. Ringtone-material, its lyrics are meaningful and tune, fantastic. Oh, and the video’s cool too.
‘Phir Dekhiya's’ opening is reminiscent of Kimya Dawson’s work. It is a beautiful love song which Caralisa Monteiro carries forward with her sweet, enchanting voice. I think it’s the first time she has sung a full Hindi song. It's almost like a lullaby. The lyrics are simple and inspirational. It doesn’t have much of a tune but it’s very soothing. Not too many instruments here - just guitar and piano.
‘Sinbad the Sailor’ opens with the guitar yet again, followed by synthesizers. The song describes the life and achievements of the titular character. Farhan is joined by Raman Mahadevan. It’s the fastest track on the album and the arrangements are spectacular.
While most albums have a remix version, this one has a live version of ‘Pichle Saat Dino’. It opens with Farhan asking his audience, ‘Are you having a good time?’ and the audience singing 'na-na-na-na'. It’s even better than the studio version.
‘Zehreelay’, which is about snakes, is almost scary. Well-rendered by Suraj Jaggan, it is the closest this album gets to hard rock.
‘Tum Ho Toh’ begins on a soothing note and is the first time Farhan isn't singing a high-on-adrenaline rock song. He sings this ballad well too, though his voice is more suited to the rock songs. The lyrics are simple and very personal.
With all the plus points, it’s safe to say that Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy has managed to make a rock album that can be listened to at home, in the car and even in a club.
Rock On is one of the most anticipated movies along with "Bachna aye hasino" in the month of august. However, how much does the Indian audience take musicals especially rock seriously remains to seen.
