Review: Shibani Kashyap’s ‘My Free Spirit’ is bright and bubbly

Aman Kanth

One look at pop singer Shibani Kashyap and the songstress can easily pass off as the desi version of Janis Joplin. A gorgeous crooner, Shibani came into the limelight with her debut release ‘Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat.’ Since then, the graceful singer went from strength to strength and established herself not only as a class singer, but a composer and a livewire performer. Apart from cutting private music albums like ‘Thodi Thodi Sanj’, ‘Nagamagee’, ‘Nazakat’, the singer has been actively associated with Bollywood projects, as she lent her mellifluous vocals to ‘Waisa Bhi Hota Hai II’, ‘Mr Ya Miss’, ‘Zinda’, ‘1971’, ‘Sunday’, ‘Maharathi’, ‘Sirf’ and ‘Woodstock Villa.’ Shibani Kashyap recently released her new album ‘My Free Spirit’, which consists of nine beautiful tracks inspired by different genres of music. The album opens with a sprightly number ‘Ba Khuda.’ A true-blue pop number, the song is entwined with Arabic-Turkish tunes and catchy base lines that make it quite hummable. A wonderful track to open the album, ‘Ba Khuda’ sets your mood for a musical journey. The second track ‘Buena Vida’ is a party number. The song moves with a brisk pace and comes alive with Shibani’s vocals. A playful song, ‘Buena Vida’ is a breezy number to which you won’t mind letting your hair down. The third song ‘Dance Along’ starts off with a groovy base, which mushily grows over you. The song boasts of playful lyrics, dash of Hip Hop and a catchy tune which makes it a perfect occasion for getting naughty! The fourth number ‘Keh Do’ opens with acoustic guitar with powerful vocals, electrifying guitar riffs and synthesizer work. A classic Rock number, the song is full of raw energy and one which will urge you to let go off the past. A dynamic track, ‘Keh Do’ is truly inspiring. The fifth track ‘Alvida’ will touch you at many levels. A Sufi –Rock song that offers provoking lyrics, ‘Alvida’ is a tribute to 26/11 victims. With this song, Shibani has shown her versatility as she can sing both soft romantic numbers and power ballads with equal ease. ‘Alvida’ has the all the elements which makes it an intense song. The sixth number ‘Disco’ is obviously a Disco number, which will surely remind you of the 80s (especially Nazia Hassan) when this sort of music ruled roost. What more, the song also has Bappi Lahiri, the King of Disco lending his vocals to a hip Disco song. Groove on! The seventh track comprises ‘Jane Kya Anjaam Hoga’, which is a soft and mushy number that has a peppy rhythm and inflection. The eighth track ‘Khali Bali’ is a highly electrifying number. The song is a harmonious blend of Indian and western instruments. The dash of Rap makes ‘Khali Bali’ all the more cool and funky, where one can jive the dance. The last song of ‘My Free Spirit’ is a remix version of ‘Disco.’ Though remixes are a bit of passé these days, however, the remixed ‘Disco’ maintains its original tempo and ensures that it does not kill the song with gratuitous fusion of sounds. Altogether, ‘My Free Spirit’ is a bright and bubbly album that has spark of brilliance all over it. The album is great and infuses fresh vigor in the fast disappearing Indi-Pop industry. A must buy for Shibani Kashyap fans!