Getting Trippy With It | Udta Punjab Music Review

Every time I attend a trailer launch, I am bound to judge the music of that film, before I can judge its prospects at the box office. At most events, the signature background score or the main track is continuously played, to ensure that it stays with you several hours after the event. Something similar happened to me during the Udta Punjab trailer launch last month, as I just couldn't take the signature tune out of my head. I kept humming, tapping my feet and later, discussing my pre-release excitement for the film's music on Snapchat. Needless to say, composer Amit Trivedi's work has matched up to all my expectations from the album, that gives you some serious musical 'high'.

The seven track album starts off with Chitta Ve, which is brilliantly sung by Babu Habbi, Shahid Mallya and Bhanu Prtap. This high octane song is enough to make you get up and shake a leg.   Hear the lyrics closely, and you are sure to realise that it goes much beyond simply being just another song. Chitta Ve is a harsh reality - that of a drug user's state of mind and how the substance has swamped the state of Punjab, especially the youth. Kudos to lyricist Shellee for a well penned track. Chitta Ve is edgy and highly addictive, making it one of our favourite songs from the album.

The upbeat and easygoing Da da dasse comes next. Again, one can't enough of the signature tune here. Kanika Kapoor's vocals, coupled with Babu Habbi's rapping and Trivedi's perfect composition make this one a well arranged song. The kind of a track that you would love to hear while sitting all alone and pondering over something (maybe?)

The soft and melodious Ikk Kudi comes next, with Shahid Mallya taking over as the solo vocalist. Although the song is well sung, for us, it is the reprise version by Diljit Dosanjh (who also makes his debut in Bollywood with this film) that wins. Dosanjh' version is an excellent rendition; a breezy composition which sounds more soulful and emotional than the original one. 

Ikk Kudi is followed by another energetic number. This time, we've got Amit Trivedi crooning Ud-daa Punjab with Vishal Dadlani. This one's got the dhol and tumbi (a traditional North-Indian instrument) dominating the composition, with Dadlani's rap verses that pack a punch. The lyrics by Varun Grover mirror a drug user's state of a mind in a more mordant manner. We love the crazy vibes of Ud-daa Punjab, and so will you.

Mallya is back as a solo vocalist in the melodious and well composed Hass nach le. Fans of Shahid Kapoor might get transported to a song titled "Ik tu hi" (remember the Hans Raj Hans version in Mausam?) with this one, especially in the first 1:30 mins of the track. At least, we did! Mallya effortlessly sings this one, especially the high notes. The dholki and harmonium artists do an excellent job. Perhaps the only number with a touch of romance, this one might just make it to your next Sangeet choreography list.

Finally, we come to the highlight of this album. If Chitta Ve gives you a high, Trivedi's Vadiyaan is all set to take you higher. Sounds straight off an EDM concert, this one. Everything about Vadiyaan is trippy and absolutely incredible, right from Trivedi's fine vocals to the composition and of course, Shellee's fabulous lyrics that explain a drug user's point of view perfectly. Vadiyaan is crazily trippy and we bet you can't stop hearing this one on repeat. Definitely my favourite from the Udta Punjab album!

Verdict: Insanely trippy and highly addictive! I gotta give it - ✮✮✮✮1/2

Have you heard the album? Let us know your thoughts about the Udta Punjab album.

Love,
The Dancebee