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 Ali Zafar: Masty (CD)
Not Available
Product Details:
Artist(s)/Band: Ali Zafar | Produced by: Fire Records | Weight: 0.23 lbs
List of tracks:
1-Masty, 2-Dekha, 3-Sajania, 4-Jaanay na koi, 5-Aasman, 6-Merey Haathon, 7-Kharayaan day, 8-Aag, 9-Merey Haathon (Flute Version)
DESCRIPTION
Ali admits to being a big Kishore Kumar and RD Burman fan and that is exactly where the inspiration for Masty comes from. The interesting thing is that though there are times one is reminded very strongly of the great Yodeller, one can also easily spot the distinct Ali Zafar. Maybe because the sound is coming from the same head that came up with the lyrics in the first place. Masty oddly stands out yet neatly falls into place.
One of the best things about the album is that there are four absolutely refreshing songs about optimism, winning against all odds and youth – a wonderful respite from one whining song after another about love lost. The title track 'Masty' is an absolute youth anthem, with its arena-rock sound, simple sing-a-long hooks and lyrics celebrating youth. Even though 'Jaanay na Koi' sounds uncomfortably familiar yet you can't help love this song. A soft and melodic song where Ali sounds like himself and nothing else. Both these songs I heard for the first time at the World Performing Arts Festival's Pop Night along with everyone else there. After the first chorus the crowd was singing along to both the numbers, even though it was the first time they were listening to the song! The energy that Ali evoked through a CD rendition of these songs was also interesting; a live version would probably rock the house down. 'Aag' and 'Masty' also make for a very strong combination, with their hard upbeat sound – especially 'Aag's techno sound.
Along with composing winning tunes, Ali Zafar also knows how to pen down some decent lyrics. This shows through out the album. When he writes about transcending difficulties, winning and touching the sky (in 'Aasman'), instead of sounding cliched and oddly competitive it sounds humbling if anything.
With songs like these one wonders if Ali isn't willing to do anymore 'Channo' or follow in the same direction as 'Rangeen' or 'Huqa Pani'. But he does. Unlike songs from Huqa Pani, 'Dekha' and 'Sajania' are still quirky enough to meet the high expectations he set with hits from his last album. 'Sajania' is especially fun with its unusual sound, lyrics and chorus. The '70s touch that creeps in the song at points makes this song very old school meet new school.
The softer side of the album however, is limited to two songs, 'Kharayan De' and 'Marey Haathon'. 'Marey Haathon' is completely unlike the yodelling love songs of yore; very soft and sweet, it's 'the' love song in the album. 'Kharayan De' on the other hand is the Sufi number, that Ali performed at this year's Lux Style Awards. It definitely stands out from the rest of the album with its distinct sound and of course lyrics, showing the diversity Ali has as a musician.
A lot of people will feel that Masty is heavily inspired and hardly original but scratch the surface a little and you will have to agree that the treatment Ali has given these songs makes this sound his own. He is taking that particular '70s swinging filmi feel, mixing it with exotic world music and adapting it to Pakistani sensibilities all the while. Sales will definitely pick up as he releases more videos – as most songs on the album are very "video friendly" if there is such a term.
If Masty loses marks on originality, it gains tremendously on lyrical quality and lasting popularity. - The News, December, 2006.
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