The hot items at CD stores over the past month have been the soundtrack to the movie Monpura, Habib and Ferdous Wahid's album Obosheshe and Balam's album Balam 2, among others. The following is a playlist - that also features songs enjoying regular airtime - which we think you, our esteemed readers, might enjoy.
Cholte Cholte (Habib) This catchy number is liable to stick in your mind. With lyrics from Anurup Aich, the love song has a repetitive chorus, in which the singer sings of his lover's beauty. With its meandering, lovesick tune, it should leave a smile on your face, especially if you are romantically inclined.
Gaibona> (Fuad featuring Shumon and Anila) A Dialogue between two people realising their love for each other. The style oscillates between soothing verses accompanied by tabla to a techno bridge, which leads to a chorus with a soaring anthem and powerful guitars fit for a stadium. The chorus sticks in the mind, repeatedly stating “Won't sing another song without you, Won't write another poem that isn't about you.”
Dukkho Chhuye Dekho (Ferdous Wahid) This number rides on a 'tablaesque' beat done on the drums, which gives the song its 'fun quality'. The song, with lyrics from Jewel Mahmud, is the playful plea of an admirer promising to be the balm of all his beloved's problems, a sentiment expressed through charmingly hyperbolic metaphors typical of a fool in love.
Nithua Pathare (Monpura Soundtrack) In arranging and composing all of the music of this movie, Arnab has managed to surpass himself. Also, for those who know Fazlur Rahman Babu as the actor famous for portraying obnoxious characters, they are sure to be wowed by his evocative singing on this track. As the singer chants his loneliness and pleas for companionship, the song builds from enchanting ektara to a pulsating tabla beat that will carry you along on a soulful journey.
Aushomapto (Aurthohin) A dark, brooding song that talks about the singer feeling hopelessness and staring at a blank wall, which is possibly a metaphor for the disenchantment that people feel about things beyond their control. The imagery plays on light and darkness, with the singer at first calling for all the lights to be turned off so that he can sleep. After a brilliant instrumental climax typical of Aurthohin, the song ends on a hopeful note with the singer reminding us that all nights are followed by days.
Chaina Meye (Hridoy Khan) A young artist with a new song that is proving increasingly popular among youngsters. Singing a catchy pop tune that has a distinct Punjabi flavour, the singer pledges his passion for his beloved by declaring his all-consuming love, which demands that she will only be his. The song is loaded with digital effects and employs a fusion of diverse instruments, with even the harmonium making an appearance.
Premer Dhun (Balam) The song pulsates through a drum loop and has foot-tapping rhythm. The music is interspersed with grungy guitar work, and the lyrics by T. I. Ontor talk about how the singer in his loneliness looks for his love. The stars and the clouds, which the singer sees seem to him to exist for the soul purpose of seeking out his beloved.
Shadhu (Fuad featuring Mila) This one is a groovy number with Fuad bringing his musical prowess and combining it with Mila's stylish singing. The song is perfect to listen to with the volume turned up when you are on the go, be it on a car or on foot, with its catchy beat and up and down tempo.
Rimjhim (Balam) Through the lyrics provided by Papia Akhter, here too Balam is searching for his beloved, and this time in the rain. Opening with the sound of falling rain, the song has a beautiful melody, which makes it a must for romantics.
Shada (Minar) A regular on the airwaves, this song depicts the singer in a pensive mood because his dreams do not translate into reality. His dreams are beautiful because they show that he is ready to do anything to make his beloved happy. Unfortunately, the singer realises the dreams are not enough, and that makes him more desolate. This song is likely to tug at heartstrings. The singer is a newcomer on the scene and is believed by many, including Tahsan whohelped in album production, to have great potential.
Shurjosnane Chol (Shurjosnane Chol) This is an uplifting track from Bappa who calls for his shokhi to forget all her worries and break her bonds to join him on an expedition outdoors where they can be one with nature. The imagery, with its references to Krishnochura red and the Padma leaf dewdrops, expresses the joy and redeeming qualities of our natural surroundings.
Aage Jodi Jantam (Monpura soundtrack) Mumtaz might be known for her rambunctious songs, but she is a powerful vocalist, about which she reminds us with this haunting number. Her singing does not need much musical accompaniment, with her voice evoking an image of the sun setting on a riverbank with only one boat in sight. The lyrics, from Krishnokoli Islam, paint a picture of quiet despair and regret of one who has lost her love and now finds herself adrift and alone.