Another package addressed to me, must be the usual, CD and a press release. I almost automatically head for the computer in my room turn down the bass settings as not to wake everyone else, expecting the standard CD content…Love Is…. A.P Productions. Okay so the rose petals and clouds on the cover was a bit of a shock as is the nauseatingly soppy love messages printed across the front. Lets not be hasty I think, I must curb my natural (and some say vicious) unforgiving nature in which I pick apart the hard work and effort of yet another producer with almost surgical precision. Lets get in the right frame of mind to give this a fair chance. So we are led to believe this is the sort of music you would have on in the background whilst entertaining your significant other, possibly to a candle lit meal with some champagne glasses and the customary bucket of ice, majestically chilling your cans of Rubicon mango. Barry White takes a back seat tonight, so lets see how seduction works… Asian style!

We kick off with a track, which couldn't be more contradictory to the cover if it tried, lets just say not a slow dance song. As it is AP productions, you wont be surprised to know it's the Flagship track of the company - Jado Holi [Wrath of Shabz Mix]. To give it credit, the singing is amazing, as is the mix itself, the only issue I have is in terms of context it doesn't really give out that lovey-dovey vibe, especially Mr Nas-T who sounds about as romantic as a pneumatic drill, but on its own merit a good track.

This is a bit of a weird experience for me; I'm being overloaded with Pakistani pop! Fuzon sings Tere Bina, who from the sounds of this is a proper band, we are given the chance to savor the joys of guitar riffs and drumming, not a sniff of synthesized bass in earshot. As for the track, there's something about the music that doesn't allow your concentration to focus upon the lyrics and so the track just passes you by.

I'm instantly drawn to the next track, Sapno Mein Aana. I would like to believe it's the wonderfully upbeat music that draws me to this, but I must admit it's the vocal talents of Ms Khadija, strong, clear and backed up with some customary 'bubblegum pop' type lyrics that seal the deal here. I'm not undermining the music in anyway, but the truth is that it is deemed pale in comparison to the vocals.

'Dreams' is the next track, sung by Sima. She has a certain 'Breathless' quality to her voice which is very appealing, if she redid the track without the word dreams it would be so much better, the switch between Urdu and English, albeit only for that one word takes away the flow of the track and for me, ruins a perfectly good composition of not only vocals but music and lyrics as well.

You know its getting romantic when you hear some piano solos. I don't really know how to describe this one. I want to like it because production-wise it's done to a very competent level. The only thing that's putting me off is that fact that its in Punjabi and so it lacks the softness and elegance that Urdu would give it.

We unleash the power of the saxophone on the next track. Sasha, 'Chori Chori'. Not really impressed with this one. Doesn't really do anything for me either in terms of music, which is a mish-mash of styles, and lyrics that are weak to say the least.

The first of 2 efforts by Shaaz khan on this album is 'Chaand'. The very Bollywood feel to this track is appreciable in all aspects of this track, the lyrics could have been just that bit more powerful, those that would induce a more vivid picture in the subconscious, but lets not detract away from the positives of this track. The whole film soundtrack feel is done well.

Out with the big hitters now as this track is by Sajjad Ali. The track is called 'Pyar Hai'. Not living up to expectation is a phrase that I am forced to use on an all too frequent basis and unfortunately it strikes again here. It tries its best to be romantic song, but having the word 'Pyar' in the chorus and a few background singers ooooh-ing and aaaah-ing just doesn't do the business I'm afraid, the lyrics need to be better than that.

Rahim Shah with the oldie 'Mujhe Dil se' really tugs at the heartstrings. The immaculate voice gives an extra dimension to the lyrics and music compliments it perfectly, apart from the odd scratch sounds, which are completely unnecessary. The feel has an uplifting, almost spiritual energy, aided by some subtle echo.

Track 10 is 'Raatan Kaaliyan' by Sasha. Immediately I'm conjuring up visions of girl from a village back home waiting by a tree in a field of wheat and possibly near a well. Not that it has any bearing on the track, just my idea for the video! But in all honesty it does have that feeling to it. It's ok without ever getting close to having a big impact, in a Mona Singh sort of way.

After Shaaz Khan's very good track earlier in the album, it was almost inevitable that the standard wouldn't be maintained. Once again, what should be the defining feature of the track i.e. the lyrics; are not pulling their weight.

Love is…. Volume One is a good 'dipping of the toe' into the turbulent sea of the compilation album market. Its difficult enough to break into a market as a new company, already aiming at a certain market and then to try and isolate a sub-group within that niche, well that's gonna be a mountain to climb. Therefore credit must be due to the boys (and girls) at A.P. Lets not kid ourselves, this isn't what we class as the finished article in terms of album making, but a they say even the longest journey starts with a single step. There are more than just glimpses of talent on show here, so the future bodes well, but it's still just a learning curve.

The album gets 6.5 out of 10; it's got the potential but the fact that at least half the tracks are taken from other albums, a ploy used to promote past or future solo albums and artists alike, it automatically reduces the overall score. As for those of you whose date for the candle-lit dinner has left prematurely, fear not. Save your special undergarments for volume two, it's sure to do the job.