Except for a few, `Aashiqui 2` songs ordinary

Film: ‘Aashiqui 2’; Music Directors: Jeet Gangulli, Mithoon, Ankit Tiwari; Singers: Tulsi Kumar, KK, Arijit Singh, Mustafa Zahid, Shreya Ghoshal, Ankit Tiwari, and Palak Muchhal; Rating: ** 1/2

The music album of director Mohit Suri`s upcoming love saga ‘Aashiqui 2’ has 10 tracks along with a themed instrumental composition. The compositions have a touch of the 1990s style and some songs are likeable and some may not strike the right chord with listeners. It opens with "Tum hi ho". Sung by Arijit Singh, it starts slowly but gradually picks up the pace. Melodious and rhythmic, it has meaningful lyrics. A happy romantic number, it brings the story of a lover sharing his happiness with the world. Next is "Piya aaye na", which starts with a mouthorgan. Tulsi Kumar begins the song and later KK takes over. High on melody, the composition gels well with the mood and lyrics, which touche your emotions. You may not find Tulsi`s interlude interesting, but KK`s singing is a treat for his fans. Although the song oscillates from slow to fast, it is done with expertise. The song would definitely catch your attention. The third track is "Bhula dena", a sad and slow number. The slow guitar strumming compliments Mustafa Zahid`s voice in the song. It also has a bit of heavy metal music feel, which complements the mood. More than average number, it is high on emotions. Expressing the woes of lovers is the next one. Titled "Aasan nahi yaha", the average number is sung by Arijit. At one point it seems the singer is trying to fill up the empty space with too much of humming. The next song is strictly for Shreya Ghoshal loyalists. She has sung "Sun raha hai" effortlessly. However, except for the singer, there is nothing interesting to write about it. The lyrics are unimpressive, while the music is dull. Next is "Milne hai mujhse aayi". Not a likeable number, it is sung by Arijit. It is rhythmic but cannot be termed melodious. Then comes "Aashiqui Love theme", composed by Mithoon. A soothing track with the piano being the main focus, it sounds like a love track. It can be termed as one of the best songs in the album. Singer Ankit Tiwari has done a fine job with "Sun raha hai". He maintains the standard created by Shreya in the female version. Ankit`s voice suits the lyrics, but it is too lengthy to keep you hooked. It is followed by "Chahu main ya na" that opens with a long musical greeting. Romantic number again, the duet is sung by Arijit and Palak Muchchal. The use of electric guitar enhances the feel of the song. A typical 1990 song "Hum mar jayenge" is a happy number. Crooned by Tulsi and Arijit, the romantic track`s composition could have been better. The last is "Meri aashiqui", again a duet by Palak and Arijit. The song has everything in sync - from lyrics, singers to the music. Go for this one. ‘Aashiqui 2’ music album is long and lacks the spark. Few romantic songs will certainly appeal to the music lovers, but overall it is an average soundtrack. Yashika Mathur/IANS