There was a time not so long ago, say 4 years ago when Himesh was making junk.Very third class and loud tracks which hurt. My friend’s dog used to bark when Himesh crooned through the music system. This man was going nuts and made more junk because the taxi drivers loved his music. However, soon after Ashiq Banaya happened is when i took a serious relook at this man’s music. I really felt and continue to opine that the title track of Ashiq Banaya sung by him is a great track. Only that the remix was played more often at most joints.
Soon, Himesh became really popular with his nasal skills and tracks that were catchy in some ways. The instrumentation was rather simple and tunes catchy. I felt that this man deliberatly created ‘incomplete’ tracks so the DJs in Akbar Sami and Suketus could takeover and reload the Himesh’s original in higher BPMs (Beats per minute), throw in some loops,bass lines and serve it hot and faster. Himesh’s tracks were the best raw material for many Indian DJs. Those 4 bar, 8 bars loops did some magic on himesh’s stems.
I can’t remember one club that did not include Himesh’s remixed tracks in the playlist. Most DJs played his tracks back to back,paused for the crowds to sing along and crossfaded to a different track of his. We have seen many music directors like Himesh who have garned superb public acceptance for the bubble gum tracks which got dished out like dosas. Remember, Viju Shah? Today Himesh competes with Vishal -Shekar, Pritam and Salim-Sulaiman. Atleast that is what i felt, untill his remade sound track version of Karzzz… was released.
I now think Himesh as a really talented music composer. Very original and has a long way to. If he plays his cards well. Being an ardent AR Rahman fan, it took me quite an effort to recall all of Himesh’s compositions that became hits. Heres what i feel.
I think Himesh’s real talent lies in his simple arrangement. His tracks are well arranged. His instrumentation choice is very impressive and his choice of placing simple interludes makes the song quite (interestingly) simple. Also it leaves a lot of room for the remixers to play around with. That is why i called his tracks rather ‘ incomplete’. Unlike, other composers of today ( Not Rahman!), you notice the new guys depend a lot on technical wizardry. Panning, flange and deep beats. They do sound damn good, but remain plastic.
I think Himesh has it in him to cross that line and create some great tracks. Something that people will hum for years to come. Something that Rahman has done several times. I am sure Himesh can do it once, atleast. All of my opinions of Himesh are after giving it a good time for his renewed version of Karz. Try out his track – Tandoori Nights, you will notice the absolute simple arrangement. One beat loop, One guitar sample and few extra percussions thrown in for the interludes. It must have been a very simple track for him to master, still the track totally rocks. I think this is where he excells, not in singing! Except few tracks, including his track in Karz – Masha Allah which is very well sung.
Believe me, he is on the turning point of being taken seriously by real music fans who dig bollywood music. I know quite a bit about music – the technical side and i will watch this man untill he flunks, which i feel he won’t unless he takes into acting full time!
As things stand, here is my list of today’s Bollywood Music Composers
- Padmashri AR Rahman – He is the real why we get to listen to well programmed hindi tracks today! Altough his tracks take a while to grow
- Shankar Ehsaan Loy – Guess the most versatile trio, superb sense of melody. Can compose very catchy tunes,instantly likable
- Himesh Reshammiya – Guess the man to watch out for
- Vishal Shekar – Technically sound
- Pritam – Good, unless he stops riding the Anu Malik wave of being inspired. Anu Mallik got over it but i don’t think Pritam is as smart as Anu Malik!
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