Top 10 Desilicious Tracks of 2009

It was a lackluster year for Bollywood (stay tuned for our top 10 films or 5 if we can even find that many). On the other hand, some of the most unwatchable films (Kambakht Ishq) managed to at least produce some quality tunes for playing at Desilicious. Below is Sholay’s top 10 list for tracks that packed the dance floor in 2009:

Keeping with the ’09 theme of unwatchable films with great music, Blue is definitely a top contender. And, “Chiggy Wiggy” featuring vocals by Australian superstar Kylie Minogue begins our countdown at #10.

We immediately took a liking to the second favorite track from the worst movie of the year, “Bebo”. The campy accompanying video with Kareena Kapoor probably helped, along with the retro vibe that makes it a fun dance number.

Across the board, the unanimous opinion is that Kambakht Ishq was probably the worst film of the year (though it could be outdone by Blue, another Akshay Kumar flick). However, the catchy beat of “Om Mangalam” attracted us from the beginning, featuring RDB. 2009 continued to be a good year for the trio with the success of “Paisa” (also another winner) from De Dhana Dan.

One would not think to see Panjabi MC release a remix of an 80s Bollywood track, but the combo really works. The result is a very danceable version of the Bappi Lahiri classic. In fact, the rest of “Indian Timing” – Panjabi MC’s 2009 release – is a standout this year, with “Snakecharmer” (which also appears on DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra), “Kee Lagh Da” and “Makhana”.

What can we say that hasn’t been celebrated yet? The 1st South Asian singer to break the Billboard glass ceiling with a #1 song!

Any desi/disco track that is at least 125 beats per minute (see #7) will definitely make the top 10. And, “Disco Khisko” does the trick, though it probably won’t have the long-lasting effect of other similarly named songs from the past.

Anything with a classical/qawwali modern twist that can be played at every Desilicious party and guaranteed to keep the dance floor packed is a sure winner. And, not to mention the hot video featuring Hrithik Roshan – similar to watching a Bollywood circus performance on hallucinogenics.

Ok, maybe we’re cheating a bit since the song was released in 2008 and made its Desilicious debut on December 31st, 2008. And, it may not even qualify as A.R. Rahman’s best song, despite the Oscar recognition. And, yes, we even grew tired of it after the numerous Pussycat Dolls remixes and the Congress Party’s weak attempt at creating a slogan. Yet, one cannot deny the impact of “Jai Ho” on the dance floor in 2009 and in the years to come.

While “Twist” is a fun number that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, Pritam’s “Aahun Aahun” is aesthetically a much stronger track that successfully integrates a traditional Punjabi verse (that has been remixed many times over) with a strong dance beat, making it one of the more requested songs at the parties.

Kareena Kapoor again in 2009! Unlike “Maarjani” or “You Get Me Rocking and Reeling”, this track took a few listens. But, as both the soundtrack and film began to pick up traction, by March the song began to pack the floor at Highline Ballroom and BB King’s (and now Rebel). “Love Mera HIt” was probably one of the most remixed tunes of 2009 (of which 99% of them are unplayable), but the house version that appears on the soundtrack will continue to please, even into 2010.

Honorable Mentions:”Emosonal Attyachar” – Dev D, “Kuke Kuke” – Life Partner, “Romantic Jatt (Tigerstyle Mix)” – Miss Pooja, “Maarjani (Balkan Mix)” – Billu Barber, “Masakali (Metro Club Mix)” – Delhi 6, “O Jaana – Dance With Me Mix” – Raaz – The Mystery Continues, “Hai Junoon” – New York, “Amplifier” – Imran Khan, “Ali Maula” (Remix) – Kurbaan, “Dhun Lagi (Progressive Dance Mix)” – Jai Veeru, “Dhan Te Nan” – Khaminey, “Paisa (Club Mix)” – De Dhana Dhan, “Gazab (Club Mix)” – :Aa Dekhen Zara

And, I should also point out a two additional standout releases in 2009. Atif Aslam manages to release a stunner year after year (“Woh Lamhe”, “Aadat”, Pehli Nazar”, etc.). And, 2009 was no exception with “Tu Jaane Na” from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. Also, every track on Kailash Kher and Kailasa’s “Yatra (Nomadic Souls)” is worthy of a listen, which includes previously released songs and new ones.

Check out Ashu’s favorite non-desi tracks of the year!

Posted: December 23rd, 2009
Tags: 2009, Bollywood, Desilicious, Kareena Kapoor, music, songs, Top 10