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Coke Studio's second episode takes risks, but only some pay off

Coke Studio's second episode takes risks, but only some pay off

Barring the bungled Sayonee, CS didn't totally offend with Ali Zafar's tribute to Master Inayat Hussain, Jaan-e-Baharaan
19 Aug, 2017

Barring the bungled 'Sayonee', Coke Studio Episode 2 didn't offend with Ali Zafar's tribute to film composer Master Inayat Hussain, Jaan-e-Baharaan; Ali Hamza, Ali Sethi and Waqas Ehsin's super-fun 'Tinak Dhin'; and Jaffer Zaidi and Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch's lilting ballad 'Faasle'.

Here's what we thought of the tracks.

Jaan-e-Bahaaraan by Ali Zafar

Shuja Haider gives a Spanish twist to film composer Inayat Hussain's 'Jaan-e-Bahaaraan' for Azra (1962) (and Ehtesham Ansari obliged with a Zorro/flamenco-inspired look for Ali Zafar.) Ali Z had Salim Raza's big shoes to fill and managed adequately enough. What makes the song a pleasure on multiple listens is the creative liberties Shuja has taken with the track, like the violin flourishes, some classical guitar and the inclusion of the rubab. But of course, purists may not be completely satisfied.

Faasle by Jaffer Zaidi and Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch

With simple, unpretentious lyrics and composition, Jaffer Zaidi's and Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch's ballad will speak to the brokenhearted of love, loss and bitter goodbyes (we've all been there, right?).

But one can't help but say: don't we have enough of these tracks? Fans of Jaffer Zaidi wait to see him branch out from his sentimental signature and surprise us with something new.

Still, there are oodles of fans of his style, so should we really be complaining?

Sayonee by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ali Noor and Salman Ahmed

If it was a cover at a concert, RFAK and Ali Noor's version of 'Sayonee' could have been forgiven. But Ali Noor and Rahat — both vocal powerhouses in their own right — failed to undo memories of the original vocalist Ali Azmat, and at Coke Studio, we've come to expect iconic tracks to be reinvented such that both the original and the redo are cherished by different camps of listeners. We're not sure how many will have this 'Sayonee' on their playlist.

Tinak Dhin by Ali Sethi, Ali Hamza and Waqar Ehsin

The other Noori brother fared much better with this fun, uplifting folksy number. Ali Hamza pairs up with Ali Sethi and Waqar Ehsin for this track about life's ups and downs. For what it's worth, it's the episode's most danceable number and we won't be surprised if we see some version of it appear on a film soundtrack soon.


Comments

Rabbani Aug 19, 2017 10:04pm
It's not the time to talk about the coke studio, make mind with new strategies structure for you citizens and progression of coming generations, at least spend on one minute every day, your future, not for other
Recommend
Shahida Khan Aug 19, 2017 10:52pm
The biggest casualty of the Coke Studio this season so far has been 'poetry'. RIP, Urdu 'sha'iry'! You got brutally murdered by the corporate greed and its misplaced musical priorities.
Recommend
Maaz Aug 19, 2017 11:46pm
The whole problem with this Coke studio version of 'Sayonee' is Salman Ahmad. He should quit dragging this song along. He should also get rid of his 'sufi' image once and for all. His brand of music is extinct.
Recommend
JA-Australia Aug 20, 2017 04:43am
In the interest of fairness I forced myself to listen to the whole song. After a disastrous start (i.e. zero energy lullaby voice), the lead singer does capture the essence of the song at around 4:20 for about 20 seconds, but it doesn't last long. It's clear that the singers are not paying attention to the actual words. They have no clue that the words convey both a lover's passion and yearning. The passion in this rendition is so fake and sporadic, it makes a mockery of the words. The singer can't sustain the passion, so he takes refuge behind instrumental interludes. The element of yearning is absent altogether. As for the secondary musical accoutrements, e.g. the guitar, violin and Spanish flair, the less said the the better. People will still be listening to the Saleem Raza version in another 50 years. I doubt anyone will remember this rendition 50 days from now.
Recommend
quresh Aug 20, 2017 07:58am
Total failure.
Recommend
Hassan Aug 20, 2017 10:42am
Disappointing first two episodes. Songs have been average at best. Strings have let Coke Studio down. It almost seems like they've lost interest in producing the program. Calling Rohail H.
Recommend
Humayu Aug 21, 2017 09:13am
Totally disappointed with the entire Episode 2. Way below my expectations. Also, how can they justify reading from the piece of paper while performing. I thought they had all the time for the preparation. Not done professionally at all. Did not see any connection with the feelings of the songs................................
Recommend
Nasir Askar Aug 21, 2017 10:02am
You are saying that Jashn-e-Baharaan was a fitting tribute. This is my favorite song and is my caller tone for the last so many years. I am a bit disappointed with this year Coke Studio. First the Pakistani Anthem, which looked like the singers were forced to sing at gun point. Do we need a Spanish touch for this song. Perhaps both Inayat Hussain and Saleem Raza will be in pain at what CS did to their song.
Recommend
mad mamluk Aug 22, 2017 12:16am
@Shahida Khan the urdu 'shar'iry' of 'faasle' was beautiful.
Recommend
NKhan Aug 22, 2017 01:37am
Ali Zafar's Jaan-e-Bahaaraan lacked emotion, you could feel the emotion in the original. The CS version was very mechanical and lacked soul. Both episodes so far have been disappointing.
Recommend
Sarim Alvi Aug 22, 2017 09:54am
Shuja Haider is among the v few complete musician in Pakistan. he should becontributing more in COKE STUDIO , because i am sure his ideas and execution can create masterpieces. Also a great vocalist - should be doing a few numbers as well
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