The one and only Adnan Sami Khan is by far one of the world's greatest musicians. He is arguably the worlds fastest keyboard player, and was declared the "keyboard discovery of the 90's" by the famous American magazine 'keyboard'. A graduate from the university of London, Adnan Sami Khan has evolved a new sound in which he has pioneered and ultimately introduced to the world a musical style and technique on the piano and has become the first person to play Indian classical music on the electric piano in the world. His latest album, Tera Chehra, out in 2002 sold over 5 million copies world wide, making him one of the greatest musicians of all time. As for DJ Sanj, what can I say? He is as far as the bhangra scene goes a household name. His album, featuring the likes of Sound Ministry, Lil' Sach, Binder Bajwa and Hollywood Harv has already made a huge impact. The album, entitled America's Most Wanted became one of the biggest selling albums in 2002.
The cover is quite simple. On one half it shows Adnan Sami Khan (a rather sweaty Adnan!), and on the other Sanj, it's the same picture from Sanj's North America's Best album.
The album starts with 'Bheegi Bheegi Raton Mein'. Its one of my favourite tracks on the album, it's a real get up and dance number, not surprising since it's a dance mix. Sanj has increased the pace; making this the kind of track you could play at a party and see everyone dancing to.
'Koi Rehta Hae Mere Dil Mein' is the second track on the album. It features vocals from Asha Bhosle. It's titled the bass mix, but in all honesty, I don't find any difference in the song, it sounds too much like a bollywood tune. However, the lyrics are catchy and the combination of Asha Bhosle and Adnan is explosive. I guarantee you singing along to the chorus after playing this a few times.
Track three is 'Lift Kara De' featuring Cheshire Cat. This is another of my favourite tracks on the album. Entitled the Ragga Mix, it's another one of those mixes, which you'll get up and dance to. Ragga has really come back, especially with the western influence by the likes of Sean Paul doing so well in the mainstream.
The next track on the album is 'Dholki Bajao'. You can definitely feel Sanj all over this track, especially with the whole 'chakde pateh' and the 'phoawrrr' noises in the background. If you're a fan of 'Dasja' then you'll love this tune.
This next track is the best track on this album. When I originally heard this on the Adil Ray Show, I remember thinking WOW. Sanj has taken the background music to police's 'Every breath you take' and mixed it with 'Kabhi To Nazar Milao'. The resulting track is phenomenal. It features vocals by Asha Bhosle and Sona Family. Sanj stripped the original 'every breath you take' and re-did it with a hoard of violins, resulting in one incredible track. Trust me on this one, if you love either tracks you'll love this 100%. I seriously couldn't get enough of this track; it's currently on replay on my Hi-Fi system
Track six is 'Dekho Jaan E Man'. It's the Latin Salsa Mix and although it is exactly what it says it is, I'm not to keen on the track. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Ricky martin Fan, and his 'Livin' la vida Loca' was a great dance number, but after listening to this track all I could think of was what a mess! Sanj, mate, what on earth were you thinking??
Track seven is another mix to 'Dholki Bajao'. It features Designer in Bradford and was mixed live. It has a very desi feel to it, and although it's not all that, it does sound pretty good seeing as it was mixed live.
The last track on the album is another mix of 'Lift Kara De'. The first was the Ragga Mix; this one is reasonably the same but without Cheshire cat, and basically it's an album filler.
Overall, I think the album deserves a six out of ten. When I first heard that Sanj was doing a re-mix album for Adnan Sami Khan I was 'Oh no!!', and although three of the tracks on the album, 'Bheegi Bheegi Raton Mein', 'Dholki Bajao' and 'Kabhi To Nazar Milao' were excellent, the others were a bit of a let down. I paid £10 for the album, and I do think it was too expensive for a total of five good tracks. However, saying that, I do think that Sanj's effort on this album should be recognised. If you're an Adnan Sami Khan fan then this should definitely be in your collection. If not, then give it a try, you never know, it might get you on to the dance floor. |