 Anu Malik is back. And he is back in style. Zindaggi Rocks may not have matched the highest of standards, but in Shirish Kunder’s Jaaneman, Malik delivers the punches in style. At the outset I would say he must thank his team of music arrangers for doing a brilliant job of weaving his deliciously outstanding melodies. Humko Maloom Hai, Jaane Ke Jaane Na, Ajnabi Sheher, Sau Dard and Udh Jaana…Bro! are fantastic numbers. Kubool Kar Le disappoints and the other let downs are the average remixes by DJ Shane. On the whole Jaaneman is not only an album worth a buy, it’s also a collector’s item. And one thing that makes me say that is the delightfully consistent-n-progressive lyrics by Gulzar. His usage of English words with simple Hindi is mind-boggling to say the least. Another reason to go for Jaaneman album is the super talent of Sonu Nigam who unleashes his myriad range in a vociferous manner.
 Hamko Maloom Hai…Ishq Masoom Hai…Dil Se Ho Jaati Hai Ghaltiyan…Sabr Se Ishq Mahroom Hai…Only Gulzar could have penned such beautiful thoughts in such a simple manner. It goes without saying that it’s a fantastic composition reeking of carnival-celebratory-notes with a touch of poignant melancholy. To add to it, you also get to hear Salman Khan reciting a verse in his expressive voice. Flood lit Orchestration, stoking the heart beat rhythm designing and the thousand-lamps-lit-on-a-calm-night vocals of Sonu Nigam treading the high-n-lows with passionate zeal makes Hamko Maloom Hai a pleasure all the way. It’s great to hear a talented singer in Sadhna Sargam make a come back with this fine number. Gulzar experiments with the lyrics by incorporating day-to-day English words in a song that is composed in a stream-of-consciousness mould with thoughts flowing unobtrusively. There’s one more version of the same number. No, it’s not a remix. It is more or less the same with a few add-on lyrics for a different situation.
 Jaane Ke Jaane Na is undoubtedly the best track of the album. A song that’s going to enthrall millions (It’s already looking great in the promos on TV with Anupam Kher in an unusual dwarf act). Sonu tries to ape Anu Malik’s singing style. Must say the results are really cute. He is having fun while the tabla, guitar arpeggio, live whistle, and rambunctious rhythm progression make you have a rocking time. Lots of situational sounds, Krishna’s classical alaap and Sukhwinder Singh’s rustic feel are a treat in its own way. The club mix by DJ Shane is not really enterprising. Adding a fast beat to such a number doesn’t really makes much sense. I think a good song has been wasted by remixing in such a tasteless manner.
Ajnabi Sheher Hai…Ajnabi Shaam Hai….Zindagi Ajnabi…Kya Tera Naam Hai…It’s Sonu Nigam all the way once again. This guy is in great nick. His sheer range is incomparable. After listening to this song, I can easily say that undoubtedly he is the best singer in Bollywood with no comparisons. Great Orchestration (Anu Malik must thanks his team of music arrangers) is the USP of this number. The laidback guitar strumming has a distinct nubile flavour as it flows like a river of romance. The chimes strike past as if a pebble that accentuates its placid beauty. A whiff of flute whispers in your ears the sweet nothings. The rhythm progression doesn’t follow a set pattern. Instead, it has its own troughs-n-curves. Gulzar’s lyrics are the icing on the cake. A truly gem of a Composition. Well Done Mr Malik.
A flute-n-piano melody of the first song Humko Maloom Hai makes an auspicious beginning. Sau Dard Hain….Sau Rahaten…Sab Mila Dilnashin…Ek Tu Hi Nahin…Once again Gulzar pens a hook line that is very simple, yet makes you think instantly. And yet again Sonu Nigam completely surprises with his sheer range-n-intensity.
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