D-Classified is a release from the little known AP Productions. As I don't know what to expect from them I don't really go into the review with any preconceived opinions about there music. It will be interesting to find out if a relative new company, based in Blackburn, can seriously make an impression on a market which has only a few established companies through which most of the music is available. This release is from 'The Secret Service' whom consists of JKD, Shabz, Nas-T and Amjad.

The album starts off with the, what the promotional material I received calls, the leading track of the album, 'Jadon Holi Jaye' and they are true to there word. It comprises of excellently composed musical accompaniment, including a smart bass line together with amazing vocals by Khadija. They even went all out and put in the unnecessary mc'ing, congrats on the attention to detail. Joking aside the track is very good; it's the type that you instantly like upon first hearing but grows on even more as you repeated listen to it. For those of you in the know, you will recognise this along with the other tracks as being taken directly or having influences from Pakistani music. It certainly doesn't seem out placed compared to any other music available so it bodes well for the company. This video for this track is getting shown on various channels such as Zee Music, B4U Music, ARY Digital and the Vectone Channel.

Next up is Multani Kangan (I warned you about the Pakistani connection). I again will mention (and not for the last time) and praise the vocals by Khadija, absolutely amazing. The lyrics are very simple and endearing. However I am not a fan of the parts sung in English, thank god they only a small part of the track and overshadowed and made to seem even poorer than they are (not that that's possible, trust me, listen for yourself and see) by the vocals.

Saudha Iko Jaya is the next track. I won't bore you again with saying how much I am a fan of Khadija; lets just assume for the rest of the album that her singing is exceptional. This same tune was remixed by Legacy on their album 'Teray Sadqay' so the lyrics should be fresh in your minds. Again the producers show there naïve and inexperience side, by ruining a perfectly nice track, which incidentally has very well structured music to it, by the mc'ing. It seems to be an expected part of a track these days, but it would be nice to see people willing to take the risk and have confidence in the track on its own.

Asan Jaan Ke is a very famous and instantly recognisable song, not only in the Pakistani community but also by everyone, as a few bhangra artists have done it as well. They have done a good job with it as the music it top drawer. I say this, as the beats and the flow are just perfect. This mix again includes some English but it has been well incorporated into the track with the lyrics actually showing some relevance to the track itself.

Next up is track number 5 is Oh Dilbar. I'm once more impressed by the music, very smooth and crisp. Well sung as ever, but doesn't really stand out. Seems a bit bollywood but some people might like that.

A song by the name of 'Tak Ve' follows this tune. The two fundamental flaws in this otherwise decent track is the clash of the comparatively 'rough' voice of Gorilla Chiller compared to the smooth, soft but crystal clear voice of Khadija. Also my absolute number one hate, that the mc'ing has absolutely no reference to the lyrics. Let me immediately say that that comment is not necessarily directly aimed at Gorilla Chiller because not only isn't his fault because it's the producers who made it like that, but it happens all the way through the album and in the market in generally. Don't get me wrong, out of all the mc'ing in the album, GC's is head and shoulders above the rest but doesn't seem to blend with the track.

Main Charri Chabare is another OK song, the Pakistani music influence is slightly more in this track compared to the others, but its nothing special, neither the music or the lyrics demand your attention.

Dholna is a slow song and seems to continue the streak of average, uninspiring tracks found in the latter part of album. It's not a bad track, just not as good as the ones at start of the album.

Bohay Dian Kundian tries to finish the album with a flourish, but fails to do so not only with the vocals and lyrics but also the music, which, although matched in terms of tempo, seems too upbeat for the overall feel of the lyrics.

Overall it is an interesting introduction into the industry. In terms of overall market appeal the album does lack in certain areas but in the context of the niche market to which this will appeal it is a very accomplished collection of music. My advice about the inclusion of mc'ing and English vocals which features in some way or another in most of the tracks is that I don't feel that it is completely necassary as if the music is modern, as it is, then it's not necessary to fuse english lingo to make the track sound good. Another thing, which was prominent in the album, was the Pakistani influence; more to the point the Noor Jehan tracks. I'd say out of the 9 tracks at least 6 of them were her classics resung brilliantly by Khadija and modernised very well by 'The Secret Service.' Therefore for someone that likes the legendary singers songs; they are most definitely going to like this album and should buy it! However, as the tracks were remixes in effect, I think the next step for 'The Secret Service' is to write original lyrics as no doubt their music is of a very high standard and they have shown a level of originality in their production. One complaint with the album is that is it all female sung so does show a bit of lack of variety. It will be interesting to see how 'The Secret Service' stars solo albums are, with Nas-T working on his so watch out for that. Overall I'd give the album 7/10, as it is better than most releases these days. It's the surprise package of 2003 and most definately worth buying!