Shortcomings abound, 'Tezz' soundtrack still leaves a mark (IANS Music Review)

Film: 'Tezz'; Music Director: Sajid-Wajid; Lyricist: Shabbir Ahmed and Jalees Sherwani; Singers: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Mohit Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan; Rating: ***

Making a music album for an action-packed Bollywood thriller is a tough task but composers Sajid-Wajid have managed to hold it together even with very few songs in the soundtrack of 'Tezz'.

The album boasts of two melodious songs, one item number, a catchy title track along with remixes and different versions of the same tracks to keep you hooked to it.

To begin with when you think that you have heard the best from Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, you are served with something so fresh and mesmerizing that one is bound to stop and take notice. 'Tere Bina' is one such track that leaves an impact with its beautiful composition.

The soulful voice of Rahat breaks boundaries of emotional constraints and revs up every love string in your body. This romantic song is very soothing to ears. It has a Sufi touch and a calculated composition makes it a winner in the album.

Sajid-Wajid have often been successful in producing such love ballads. The lyrics of the song are simple and meaningful.

This track also has a female version. Sung by Shreya Ghoshal, it has beautiful renditions. There is also a sad version of the song, again sung in the soulful voice of Rahat.

Next on the playlist is 'Main Hoon Shab' sung by Mohit Chauhan, which is a melodious track with a subtle qawwali flavour. The music directors have given depth to this song by blending Chauhan's captivating voice with a good composition in a perfect way.

However, compared to the recent hits by Chauhan and those who love his tracks, it is a very plain stuff. Nonetheless, as part of the ensemble, it is wonderful track to listen. The music is light and enjoyable, while the qawwali element gives variation to the song.

'Main Hoon Shab' is followed by the item number 'Laila', which is hardly close to 'Munni Badnaam Hui' or 'Sheila Ki Jawaani'. It is a very average track and fails to make you groove. There are moments of energy here and there, but it fails to strike a chord.

Words too are very regular and 'Laila' simply falls short of expectations. It also has a remix version.

Next up is the title track of the movie that has two versions, one sung by Shaan and the other by Sunidhi Chauhan. There is no denying of the fact that both singers have fantastic voice and they manage to bring out the energy required in this fast-paced track. This is a background score so the songs seem to tell a story.

The album falls short of expectations, but there are a few tracks that manage to bring about a smile on your face.