Music: Rajesh Roshan

Lyrics: Nasir Faraaz and Asif Ali Beg

Rating: 3.5

Needless to say, the buzz around this film is huge. First, because it's a high budget Hrithik Roshan film, and second, the music is scored by composer Rajesh Roshan - the team that previously gave box office hits like Kaho Na Pyaar Hai and Krissh.

The film's music is trademark Rajesh Roshan – high on melody (at times predictable, but largely with a mass appeal) and emphasis on simple but meaningful poetry. However, for Kites, Roshan has experimented with some modern sounds and beats – and that is something new to look forward to. For a change, the composer cuts down on his usual elaborated string sections and chorus lines 

Let's get to the music now...

Zindagi Do Pal Ki by KK could have been a typical Rajesh Roshan song, but what makes the song stand out is KK's voice (as we know is apt for both rock and ballads) and a nice mix of rock arrangements over a typical 90's Bollywood melody. The result turns out to be very radio friendly and appealing. Look out for the zany harmonica and sitar fills. The same song also has a remix version, but the original sounds much better. Zindagi Do Pal Ki is by far one of the best on the album 

Probably KK's voice suits Hrithik Roshan  best so he takes the mike again for a melancholic song Dil Kyun Yeah Mera. This breezy ballad may take a while to grow, but the upside of the song really lies in its simple lyrics, and arrangements that colour the song quite vividly – from mellow to passionate. However, the overtly done remix version of the same song is best avoided.

Going by Roshan's filmography, songs with simple -appealing melody have been his forte, and that is once again reinforced on the hummable Tum Bhi Ho Wahi. Though the song is good only in portions, what makes this track stand out (like most other tracks) is it's arrangements. Sung by powerhouse vocalists Suraj Jagan and Vishal Dadlani, the song opens as a laid-back hip-hop track, but moves ahead as a very passionate track. In addition, the song experiments a lot with percussions and time signatures. Though it won't grow instantly, the song does have its moments of charm. But unlike the previous tracks, the happier sounding remix version of this track sounds much better   

Now, the much hyped song Kites in the Sky sung by Hrithik. While this song sounds like a good attempt by Hrithik, his vocals sound too processed –  thanks to heaps of reverb and other software plug-ins that fill your ears while one listens to the track. Singer Suzanne D'mello too features on the track singing the Spanish parts – quite convincing  'Kites in the Sky' is a very dramatic track, and probably reserved for one of those dramatic moments     

The album closes with a thematic track Fire which has some high-end fast paced electronic music. The track features Rajesh Roshan, Vishal Dadlani, Anirudh Bhola and Anushka Manchanda on vocals (that come in much later into the song). Fire has some nice work with percussions and beats, and it makes a good company for that long drive. Since the film is also releasing for the English audience, this song has an English version – not too different from the Hindi  

With nine tracks (five originals and four remixes), the music of Kites is a fascinating blend of popular filmi melody and modern sound. And if you are expecting instant chartbusters, then there are none – the album belongs more to the variety that grows gradually.

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