Music is universal; it knows no boundaries and is readily enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Abrar ul Haq, a Punjabi pop singer of Pakistan, has proved himself to the Indian audiences in his previous album “Punjabi Touch.” In his long awaited album Naraa Sada Ishq Aye, Abrar ul Haq is back with ten freestyle Punjabi numbers ideal for social dancing and listening.

    Abrar ul Haq has maintained a fine balance between fast paced Bhangra and soulful Punjabi songs in Naraa Sada Ishq Aye. For the most part, his album follows a slow-fast-slow fast kind of trend. Hence, the album can be enjoyed by youngsters and their parents alike. It alternates nicely between bhangra and slow songs.  

     Haq begins the album with an ode to self-actualization with the somewhat spiritual “Alif Allah.” The song carries an important message to people of different faiths. He begins with a commentary of the message being conveyed through this five minute song.  “We think we’re so much greater than others, and that’s when we really need to realize that something like nothingness exists,” are the English-translated lyrics of this song, originally sung in Hindi mixed with some Punjabi. For the first song, Haq makes a winning impression with his deep voice. He sings the song with fineness, as he holds the notes for a long enough time without making them drag or seem heavy.  

     After giving the viewers their dose of self-actualization and paying tribute to profoundness and age-old wisdom, Haq bursts into an upbeat Bhangra number “Jatt.” The song has a catchy dhol beat. Youngsters may crack up at the song’s lyrics, which seem funny as Haq incorporates English lyrics in the song. However, this is a trend in most of his Punjabi songs. In the song “Jatt”, Haq speaks of “Internet te chat vi karda” (the craze of AIM messaging among high school and college students alike) and “Sher di corruption and tax” in a heavy accent. While most of the words are in Punjabi and may be difficult to understand if not familiar with the language, the number is meant for dancing. Language is no barrier, just tap the feet and get in the groove with your dhol and bhangra moves.

   When the fast-paced Bhangra number “Jaat” ends, he follows up with a slow yet touching song dedicated to his mother. “My wealth my fame is all for you, Mother,” are part of this songs lyrics. The song, titled “Maa”, explicitly conveys a son’s respect for his mother, who is his companion in his joys and sorrows. The song evokes the feeling of how lucky are kids (young and not-so-young) to have mothers. It’s an ideal song for Mother’s Day next month.

     No pop album seems complete without a love song, or some mention of a “jaaniya.” Abrar ul Haq’s song “Mela” is one of these songs. The song expresses a boys desire to take his girlfriend to the mela, enjoy with her and treat her like a queen. The song “Saanson Mein” follows this same trend. Both songs are rather slow, and leave much to be desired. However, the next song “Naraa Sada Ishq Aye” makes up for “Mela” with heavy dhol and lyrics sung to a catchy beat. The song is inviting “Aaja Sohniye gidde wich.” Need I say more?

     While the title song “Naraa Sada Ishq Aye” is by far the best song, the numbers “Patlo” and “Run Babay Di” follow close behind. Both songs are catchy and great of dancing. ”Patlo” is the cuter song, as Haq mocks super thin models and their dieting obsession. To top it off, Haq also includes a remix song titled “Rano Khiza Mix” featuring Cheshire Cat. Although this soundtrack cannot be compared to the success of Haq’s previous album “Punjabi Touch”, “Naraa Sada Ishq Aye” is worth listening to and Haq has the audience in for a treat with some of the above mentioned numbers.  

Priya Kumar,22, is a graduate student in journalism at Harvard University. She is also a writer/editor for Swadharma Hindu magazine. Her hobbies include Indian dancing, singing and performing in fashion shows. She moved to Boston from California in September.

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