In a time when formula-bound albums are highly popular, Dostana is one formula-bound album that manages to stand out of the crowd. Even though it has the basic ingredients of a typical album such as a romantic number, a Punjabi one and an item song, it stills manages to be fresh and engaging.

Dostana is released under the banner of Dharma Productions, is directed by Tarun Masukhani and stars Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra in pivotal roles. Music has been given by Vishal-Shekhar who recently did not score a lot of points with Bachna Ae Haseeno. They are once again joined by Anvita Dutt (Bachna Ae Haseeno). The album has six songs and boasts of the talents of Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan and Vishal Dadlani.

The album commences with the youthful Jaane Kyun, sung by Vishal Dadlani who, unlike his recent numbers, actually sings the song rather than screaming out the words. Think Dil Chahta Hai’s title song meets the theme song of Friends (TV Show). Well penned by Anvita, the track is about how the security and presence of a best friend makes everything alright. She manages to effectively use Hindi and English lyrics without the words seem like they are forced. The music is very jazzy and makes ample use of the piano, claps and has an enthusiastic chorus.

Next up is Desi Girl, which is easily the most rocking track of the album. The song is enthusiastically rendered by the talented Shankar Mahadevan who is well supported by Sunidhi Chauhan. The music is full of energy with a great combination of heart pounding dhols and lively shehanais. Vishal-Shekhar are to be commended for improving their use of dhols so as to it not seem like extensive noise. Probably the most desiest number of the year, it will surely rock the charts for weeks to come and prove to be a hit amongst the desi girls in particular. Kumaar’s well penned lyrics glorify today’s desi girl who is both beautiful and empowered.

The album takes a nose dive for the worst with Maa Ka Ladla which is sung by Saleem. It seems like Vishal-Shekhar made a very pathetic attempt to recreate the magic of 'Maari Teetri' (De Taali) and failed miserably. The vocals are a bit annoying, the chorus is repetitive and the music is ill-arranged. The Punjabi lyrics penned by Kumaar are monotonous as every single line is sung twice throughout the song to fill time. This one is definitely deserving of the skip button.

Fortunately, Sunidhi Chauhan’s Shut Up and Bounce manages to save the album. It is an urban number which stays true to its title as it is foot tapping and bouncy. However, the listener does have a brief déjà vu of Vishal-Shekhar’s recent offering 'Lucky Boy' (Bachna Ae Haseeno) as the music arrangements are relatively similar and Sunidhi’s vocals, who incidentally sung 'Lucky Boy', are tuned to similar notes. Furthermore, Anvita’s lyrics fall short this time around as the Hindi and English lyrics are not in sync like they were with 'Jaane Kyun'.

The album gets better with Khabar Nahi, a contemporary love song sung by Vishal Dadlani, Shreya Goshal and Amanat Ali. All three singers perform well and complement each other. Lyrics by Anvita are up to standards with simple yet effective phrases. However, it must be mentioned that the English lyrics are not quite as impressive as one would hope they would be. Music is easy on the ears and is predominantly endorsed by soothing guitars. For a romantic number 'Khabar Nahi' is quite foot tapping as well.

Shaan brings the album to a close with Kuch Kum, another romantic number. This one is slower and it is harder to get your heart into it. Shaan’s rendition, while effective is nothing unique. The song basically sounds like something out of his personal album Áksar. Vishal Dadlani surprises with poetically rich lyrics. The song is vocally potent, therefore the peaceful and soothing music is relegated to the background.

In summary, Dostana is a well made album, which despite its formula-bound nature, offers the audience a great array of songs. 'Desi Girl' will no doubt be a chartbuster while 'Jaane Kyun' will steadily accumulate fans. Fans of 'Lucky Boy' will relish 'Shut Up and Bounce' while melody enthusiasts will take a shining to 'Khabar Nahin' and 'Kuch Kum'. It looks as though 'Maa Ka Ladla' has a grim future, but may prove to be liked if it is picturised well in the movie. Although, it is nothing like their work in Jhankaar Beats, Dostana manages to keep Vishal-Shekar in the music game.

All in all, Dostana is definitely worth a shot and does not disappoint.

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