Aks

        It's finally here and Lucky Ali fans can uncross their fingers! His latest offering, AKS, is good. In fact, it is great -- more upbeat, livelier and funkier, yet retaining the spirit its basic  identity of a wandering soul.  AKS is a continuation of Lucky Ali's soulful musical journey, this time on a happy and joyous note celebrating life. The title signifies reflection on part of the artist on where he has reached since Sunoh and Sifar and a look ahead into the future filled with prospects and hopes.  With the unique Lucky Ali blend of Oriental, Western, Arabian and Latin musical strains weaved into soulful reflective lyrics, the album creates a contagious ambience of joie de vivre. Helped by an excellent music arrangement by Mike McLeary who is also the producer for the album along with co-producer Kalyan Barooah, Lucky has produced yet another winner. But as with all other compositions, this one too takes time to grow over you and every listening enhances the Lucky Ali experience .
    

   The title track Aks is set to a rhythmic tempo and has you tapping your feet. Pyaar Ki Duniya has a folksy catchy-ness but suffers from Ek Pal Ka Jeena hangover from the recent smash hit Kaho Na Pyaar Hai. Then there is the enigmatic Tu Kaun Hai that featured in the movie Bhopal Express and had found an easy acceptance with the film's soundtrack. Ek Na Ek Din is a hope filled song with easy lyrics that one can relate to. Sandesh has a vintage Lucky Ali touch continuing with the classy Baadlon Ki Gehraaee from Sifar, on a happier note though.   Tere Mere Saath, the signature track adds a very happy and upbeat dimension to Lucky's persona who up till this release preferred the solitary image. It has a felling of him mixing with people and enjoying life. This track already climbing the charts thanks to the lively video set in the carnival atmosphere of Havana, Cuba being aired on the music channels. Kaisi Tanhai keeps up the cool reflective spirit maintaining the positive feel of the album despite the Tanhai based lyrics. Kitni Haseen Zindagi has wonderful lyrics and a catchy hummable tune. Behti Nadi is a bit reminiscent of the Sifar-Sunoh theme with its paced yet soulful rendering.  AKS has a marked positive attitude. The various musical styles interwoven in his compositions have always been Lucky's style but this once, the album carries a more global feel while being a lot less elitist than his previous release Sifar which was pretty much beyond the understanding of the masses. This once Lucky has managed to balance the global appeal without alienating the masses and it feels like he is really out there mixing andsinging with people on the streets.

                                                      LOOKING BACK - LOOKING AHEAD