London Dreams is all about the boys

First up, a few observations about Shankar Ehsaan Loy's London Dreams.

There is not a single track by a female vocalist (apart from the backing vocals in the remixes), making it a significant album in Bollywood history. Secondly, after Shreya Ghoshal's [ Images ] superb turn in Blue, here's another rediscovery of Roop Kumar Rathod who literally sings his heart out. And finally lyricist Prasoon Joshi [ Images ] is back with his 'happiness in your pocket' kind of imagery.

Let's begin with one of the most high-octane tracks in the album.

When a hard-core rocker and a seasoned ghazal singer come together, you can expect some smoke on the water and fire in the skies. And that is what happens in Barson Yaaron. Vishal Dadlani [ Images ] and Roop Kumar Rathod go full throttle in their unique ways in this rock-to-raga song that will drench you with its energy.

Listen to Rathod soar in the chorus and you'll know he has not sounded as good in a while. Blending dhol- driven Indian sounds with heavy duty guitar licks and drums, this fusion track ends with an inspiring Hanuman [ Images ] Chalisa (Rathod again) at the end. The exuberance is absolutely infectious.

Up next is a fun song with old-school Hindi lyrics Man ko ati bhavey (Shankar Mahadevan [ Images ]). It is kitsch, energetic and has a certain street-smart feel to it, making it the kind of number the average Indian male would spontaneously shake a leg to. The mischievous Hai Re Hai Re chorus adding that extra spark to this track.

Tapkey Masti sees Bhangra going metal, almost, with a string and horn section in between making it a rather unusual number. Sung by Bhangra singer Feroz Khan [ Images ], and very Praoon-ish lyrics that go 'Zeb mein tu bharle mastiyaan', Tapkey Masti makes for a very danceable track. And reappears as a remix version later.

Another zesty track pops up next. Khanabadosh (Mohan) is a sexy, hip composition with a catchy pace and very 80s' guitar parts. This kind of draws the listener and engages him in an interesting conversation.