Rating: **1/2

It is hardly news but what is known amongst all Bollywood followers is that 2008 has been Pritam's year all the way. Race, Jannat, Kismat Konnection, Singh Is Kinng - the list is only growing with every passing month.

This is why when the music of Kidnap hits the stands; one is almost tempted to believe that it would make it five in a row for the composer.

However, what is required to be kept in mind is that Kidnap is a plot driven film and not a "masala" entertainer or a romantic musical due to which the scope gets a little minimized. Still, since Sanjay Gadhvi and Pritam have delivered hit music in films like Dhoom and Dhoom 2, one looks forward to what the duo has to offer this time around. Mayur Puri writes the lyrics.

Even though Kidnap is a Pritam album all the way, the number to begin the proceedings it surprisingly a guest composition by Sandeep Vyas and Sanjeev Vyas (who also write the lyrics).

A number which is almost an anthem track of Kidnap, considering the fact that it has been on the air for around 3 weeks and still not showing any signs of slowing down, 'Mit Jaaye' is about what goes on in the mind of the protagonist (Imran Khan) and the trauma he is going through.

Set in a style similar to that of Feroz Khan films of the early 80s with all the Western influences intact, 'Mit Jaaye' is a theme track rendered by Sandeep Vyas which works mainly for the promotion of the film but that's about it.

A 'rock version' comes at the end of the album and completes the loop when it comes to the theme of Kidnap.

From this point on, Pritam and Mayur Puri take over the album. Remember 'Touch Me Touch Me' (Race)?

Composed in a similar style, 'Hey Ya' is the next number to follow and if the initial listening of the song is any indication, this one is going to be another hit up the sleeves of Pritam.

Sung by Suzy Q who lends the kind of voice that a 17 year old is required to carry (in this case Minissha Lamba), 'Hey Ya' is young, hip, immensely catchy and sees an additional impact due to the way it has been choreographed and picturised in an exciting manner.

The 'house mix version' only manages to pace up things further which one doesn't mind at all due to the racy and vibrant setting.

The beginning of 'Mausam' instantly reminds one of the signature theme of 'Halka Halka' (Chocolate) which was again composed by Pritam himself.

A song of seduction, 'Mausam' sees Shreya Ghoshal, the girl who has practically bagged every song which could have been sung by Alka Yagnik, 5 years back.

A sweet sounding number which keeps a decent pace from start to finish and goes easy on arrangements, 'Mausam' is a trademark Pritam melody, something which he should be trying more often. Yet another number that one doesn't mind at all.

A space filler number comes next in the form of 'Haan Ji'. Seemingly picturised on Sanjay Dutt, the song has Adnan Sami lending his vocals for a setting similar to that of 'Maaf Karo' (Mission Kashmir). The main difference here is that while 'Maaf Karo' was more private in nature, 'Haan Ji' sees friends and family around.

Another number which comes quite close in feel and theme is 'Phatte' (U Me Aur Hum). Overall, 'Haan Ji' is quite average in nature and one sincerely believes that it would see a chopped off version in Kidnap which is said to be a tout dramatic thriller.

What just doesn't seem like a Pritam composition at all is the concluding number 'Meri Ek Ada Shola' which could have been created by just another struggling composer.

A conventional number which seemingly has a climax setting with a girl dancing in a club, 'Meri Ek Ada' is what one has seen in the 70s, 80s, 90s and now in the current decade as well.

Sunidhi Chauhan, Sukhwinder Singh and Akriti Kakkar come together for this number with a Middle-East touch to it and don't quite help it reach a status from where it could go an extra mile.

The situation does change towards the later half of the song with the setting moving from a club number to a tale of revenge and vengeance but that again is mainly for a situation.

Kidnap is an okay album which does start off well with 'Hey Ya' being the pick of the lot and 'Mit Jaaye' along with 'Mausam' being good hear as well. However, 'Haan Ji' and 'Meri Ek Ada Shola' are extremely average which make Kidnap loose it's sheen.

As expected, the music of Kidnap doesn't boast of the kind of wholesome score that one expects from Pritam. Also, for those looking at yet another 'Aditi' from Imran Khan, they would have to contend with a dark 'Mit Jaaye' and Minissha's perky 'Hey Ya'.