Devika Chawla "Saari Raat" Album Review

Published on www.koolmuzone.com, Under Album Reviews Category, 19th Nov, 2009

by

Sadaf Fayyaz

After the hit “Kehnde de Naina” in 2007, Devika Chawla is back with her second album, “Saari Raat” by Saregama India Ltd. The album is officially released on 17^th November, and brings together renowned artists and musicians from India and Pakistan. The contemporary Sufi album comprises eight tracks reflecting truly delightful and soulful music. Shahi Hasan, (Ex member of Vital signs), has again come up with his flamboyant production skills and ostentatious work. Devika has been working with Bohemia, a Pakistani born Punjabi rapper and producer from California, and a pioneer of Punjabi rap. The album title song “Barkha Bahar” is the most soothing and fanatical track, with a romantic and melancholic music in the background. It is the most beautiful track with a nice mellow start, making it sublime. Devika is a very talented singer with superior classical training, and has delivered awe-inspiring vocals in this song. Shahi Hasan, apart from composing and producing the album, has written lyrics for the album too. No doubt, “Barkha Bahar” is a tremendously captivating track with super vocals and a beguiling bass. “Saari Raat” is another soft and romantic song from the album, which captures core typical disposition. “Unka Khayal” is again a very light, pliable and dreamy song from the album. “Andheri Lagan” depicts a complaining tone, and encompasses a different music tinge.

“Rehna tere Bina” is a very yielding and breezy piece of music. The album also includes a Punjabi song “Kothay Uttay”, which is a very refreshing one, but doesn’t reflect the typical Punjabi diction. The implausible bass riffs make it an awesome fusion of Punjabi rock. “Kiun Nahi Aaye” is worth listening, with slow, measured and less speedy vocals.

Even the video of “Barkha Bahar” is highly breathtaking, featuring Devika, Nabeela Khan and Kamil Khan., with editing and direction by Sam Burbank. Devika’s pleasant and heart-touching vocals do right justice with the lyrics and music, by creating an enticing music atmosphere. The album not only shows the exceptional production skills of Shahi, but lyrics writing this time too. Nabeela, apart from being featured in the video, has been a part of production too. One must say that the entire album is an alluring effort of the artists from two countries.