Happy Listening...:)

Even though I had so many preplanned on-my-list ideas to write about, but this one just occurred to me today, and was so indulging that I thought to pen it immediately. So, without any further delay, this post will be discussing my recent addition of songs. Probably two days ago, I devoted some leisure time to update my iPhone playlist along with downloading its latest software version. Although, I am not yet sure of how well this new iOS 9.1 version will be…but I really got delighted with my updated playlist. Actually, today during my to-and-from NYC Path ride I got some extra time to enjoy my all new favorites back-to-back in their totality. The experience was so amazing that it got to be shared! 

Since I am born and raised in Pakistan, my hearing-buds are more inclined towards our traditional/regional music. Although I do adore American Singles (sounds weird but you got my point), my selection is limited. This time, strangely the ratio was 12:2; 12 being from my traditional Indo-Pak origin. But since music has its own universal language, therefore this article should be informative for all…supposedly :) 

OK, now getting onto my list:

1. “Agar Tum Saath Ho” (from Tamasha); 5:41
It's a mellow-toned soulfully sung number by the great Alka Yagnik . It beautifully praises love cravings, yet advising to stay strong even during their absence! A must-have if you need something to be playing softly at the back, while you are straightening your thoughts or…hmmmm even hair :)   

2. “Chali Kahani” (from Tamasha); 5:19
A typical high-note Sukhwinder song with AR Rahman’s upbeat orchestral style music, which seems to be pounding the roof, yet at the same time piercing though one’s soul. For the rock-sufi lovers, it’s a  delight! About the lyrics, I am not too sure...they seem to highlighting some important religious and traditional incidents, but who needs to focus on the lyrics…just watch the calories burned during your run with this hardcore AR Rahman song. 

3. “Gallan Goodiyaan" (from Dil Dhadakne Do); 4:38
I know it falls under the category of comparatively ‘old’ songs, but I, for some reason, always hesitated in getting just another festive-wedding song. Looking at how this song maintained its unique little place in my mind, I admit that I was wrong in underestimating its gleeful nature. So, a lyrical delight by Javed Akhtar with the power to turn your mundane commute into a happy-go-lucky drive.

4. “Gulaabo" (from Shaandaar ); 3:01
A make-no-sense song that I kept overlooking to add to my playlist, but with a deep gulp, looking at its short timespan, I got it, and now I am loving it! Again, like "Gallan Goodiyan", it has something that distracts your mind, and makes stuck-at-queue-standing a little fun. 

5. “Halka Halka Suroor" (by Farhan Saeed); 4:20
A passionate remix of a Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s qawali by a Jal member! Don’t know when it got released and how was it received in Pakistan, but I…I am loving it! Having been a fan of the original version, I must admit that Farhan, being so naive in this field (compared to Khan Saab), did complete justice, to his max!  While diving into this soulful, yet spiritually revenging song, one can only longs for its extended version. A must-have to gather your shattered parts!

6. “Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai" (from Tamasha); 5:26 
A Punjabi-upbeat song, but unlike the feel, it’s not celebrating a wedding, instead it’s uniquely describing the downtimes of a girl. So, girls buck-up, steer out of your Gulzar-times and indulge into this new full-of-life heartbreak-song. If you are someone who could zone-out of its lyrics, then probably you’ll start dancing…I couldn't help my foot-taping. It’s a fun-sad song:)

7. “Sorry” (by Justin Bieber); 3:21
The title says it…Salena please come back now! Besides asking for a sincere apology, its music is so hmmmm...unexplainable, that I was continually tapping my head. So, guys gear up, make a silly-sad face and just lip-sink/play/forward this song to unwind your twisted ties. Best of luck!

8. “Nahin Nigah Mein Manzil" (Faiz by Abida Parveen); 8:47
I accidentally came across this ghazal while searching for Abida Parveen on YouTube. I liked the title, played it, and instantly decided to download it. It’s a nice, relaxing, spiritually uplifting, yet heartwarming take by Faiz Saab on an average person’s struggle, strive, and wishes, which undoubtedly is justified by Abida Parveen’s deep husky voice. To truly dive into this ghazal’s soul, I would recommend to close your eyes while freeing yourself from the worldly stuff…better, hear it during bedtime;...get inspired and start dreaming!

9. “Ishq Barse" (from Raajneeti); 3:06
One of my old-favorites, finally found it in good quality, and immediately downloaded it. This is one of my tested make-me-feel-good songs. I never really concentrated on its lyrics, I think they are in some traditional Indian language, but doesn't matter…for me, its all about music! It’s a nice upbeat, live-it-up, high-spirited song. It always reminds me of my good-times, but the catch is...play it in high volume!  

10. “Zaroori Tha" (by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan); 5:16

Another soulful, yet comparatively old song that I always enjoyed listening but never got chance to dedicate a spot for it on my playlist. Finally did it…and am happy! It’s a very heartening, mellow song dedicated to explain the realities to the parted-ones. Strangely, I always objectify this concept with rail-tracks…meant to stay parallel but never meet! Ok, might be I am wrong…but it’s really a must-have to satisfy your inner ghazal-lover while not intertwining into complex, old-school, hardcore Urdu/Persian poetry. Trust me, unlike other ghazals, just hearing ones would be enough to understand its essence!    

11. “Raitaa Phail Gaya” (from Shaandaar); 3:14
Another make-no-sense, Punjabi-feel, festive, must-have song! Seriously, after listening to Abida Parveen, NFAK, and RFAK, one needs a doze of such out-of-this world ‘spilled-yogurt’ song. No more convincing, just get it, mute the outside world, and play it at high volume. Yummmyyy :)

12. “Shakar Wandaan" (from Ho Mann Jahaan); 3:47    

Undisputedly it falls under the category of my recent-most-favorite song. It’s a sufi, hard rock, festive, feel-happy, upbeat, CokeStudio-genera number that got the power to light up even the darkest of our moments. Seriously, can’t be stressed more…a must-have!  

13. “Style” (by Taylor Swift)
Besides thinking of her Styles-times, one can’t help praising this uniquely crafted memoir. It perfectly syncs in with her already lofted standards set by "Blank Space" and "Bad Blood"! With all TS speciality high-low notes, it definitely is a hearing pleasure that can make you procrastinate on your next due assignment.   

14. “Woh Humsafar Tha Magar" (by Quratulain Balouch); 6:26   
Last but not the least, I know this one has already received probably infinite praises and love, but I just got to mention it, since I downloaded it now! So, any of you who have been humming/adoring it, while keeping it at layaway, get it! A truly justified refreshing take on split-ends:)  

So, that was the end of my recent addiction…ooopps, a typo, meant addition. Great things need to end :) I know this list has many songs which had been ‘out’ there but not ‘in’ there…it rhymed so well that didn't wanted to split it! I actually was referring to time-tested hit numbers which I just never downloaded on my devices. So, guys, stop procrastinating and always promptly update your playlists…I think that’s the most (financially) cheapest way to stay lively! 

Let me know what have you been hearing = enjoying recently?     

Until next time, 
Happy listening :)