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Assan Jana Mall-o-Mall - Abrar-ul-Haq
Rating: 10/10
Reason: Kudos to Abrar for putting out an album for the ages and a song for the ages. Punjabi Touch is the best Pakistani song since the likes of classics like Dil Dil Pakistan, Billo Day Ghar and Jazba Junoon…the rest of the album speaks for itself: humourous, thougful lyrics…crisp, crystal clear recording…catchy, touching music and superb soulful vocals make this one of the best Pakistani albums ever… -
Saagar - Fuzon
Rating: 9.5/10
Reason: Perhaps the best debut album in Pakistan history, right up there with Vitals Signs 1, Bol Tujhe Kya Chahiyay and Aatish. Aankhon Kay Saagar is a hit for the ages, the rest of the album is as sweet-sounding as anything. Explosive guitaring, scintillating vocals, energetic keyboards, fluid bass and drums along with crystal clear recordings make for one of the finest hours in Pakistani music history. -
Aatish - Faakhir
Rating: 9/10
Reason: The only place Faakhir looses marks is in the Phir Kya Howa song…the rest of the album is as good as anything. Joyful, energetic and touchy, a phenomenal album. A little short in length, but still remarkable. -
Lagan - Haroon
Rating: 8/10
Reason: Mahbooooba…thats the reason why this album is selling like hot cakes…at times very amature and childish (Beqarar and Aankhon Mai Aa anyone?), but at other times very catchy (Masti Bhara Dil, Goriay, Aaja Ray, Mehndi) and very soulful (Jao Tum, Piya and Dil Se). Overall, a great album, and a joy to listen to. -
Gardish - Karavan
Rating: 8/10
Reason: One of the best rock albums, very well rounded and very creative. Good vocals, fluid base, nice drumming and eclectic guitarring make this album a joy to listen to. They lose marks for remaking Yeh Zindagi Hai and not mentioning the original creators of the song (Barbarians), and for ripping off Gardish (I cant remember the song's name, but I heard it on radio). Dil Ki Pyas is the best track on the album, and deservingly so. -
Dil Ki Baat - Junaid
Rating: 7.5/10
Reason: One of the most soulful albums I've ever heard. Yes its monotonous, but if its this touching and this soulful, then let it be monotonous. JJ's vocals and Shoaib Mansoor's lyrics stand out. Best track on the album being Aashna. Excellent bass played by Sameer Ahmad on the album, and clean, crisp production by Kamijee. -
Rung - Hadiqa
Rating: 7/10
Reason: A bit of a carbon copy of Roshni, but still pretty good. Lots of contributions by many different artists on this album. Some excellent tracks (Aurat, Jogi Ban Kay, Mahi, Yaad Sajan, Achay Dost)…some fairly ordinary tracks (Kya Kya Honay Laga). But still a pretty good follow-up of Roshni. Needs to publisize the album better!!! -
Rab Janay - Shehzad Roy
Rating: 6.5/10
Reason: A good album. Thats all I can say, a good album. Not outstanding, neither rotten. Some excellent tracks (Jinna Kar Lo Gey Pyar, Rab Janay, Mukhra)…others pretty ordinary. A nice album to listen to for a change. -
Jaisay Chaho Jiyo - Najam Sheraz
Rating: 6/10
Reason: Included one of the best songs of the year (Aao Wahan Chalain). At parts, JCJ was brilliant (like Aao Wahan Chalain, Aankhain, Khamoshi, Badban, Veria)…but at other parts, it was really really ordinary (Jaisay Chaho Jiyo, Chori Chori, Aahista Aahista, Sajni, that stupid jingle at the end). Got killed in the market by Malomal and Aatish, but deserved better. One tip to Najam: don't overdo your brilliant vocals. -
Teri Yaad - Various Artists
Rating: 5/10
Reason: Got 5 just because of the sheer brilliance of the two new songs on the album Teri Yaad and Tu Jo Nahin. The rest were a collection of old songs, so thats the reason why I didn't rate this album higher. IF they were a collection of new songs, then this would've been the second best album this year…again after Abrar's Malomal
This was one of the best years for Pakistani music, hopefully music like this will be made in the coming years. With all the stupid critics bad-mouthing music because its too “commerical” makes me sick. Thats why I wrote this so we can appreciate the music being made in Pakistan.
