Ryan Singh - Dholicious Review

Opening to the album is a nice instrumental a rather funky introduction, (currently my ringtone lol) which leads us into the first track named Kuriye, which features in the video medley. This is one of the nicest songs on the album, and it really gives the album a good 'kick-start' in the right direction. Another song that features in the video medley is Nasha Jawani Da, nice use of instruments and I like the 'karaoke' style lyrics. It's nice to be able to sing along and not find the lyrics too confusing and less 'hardcore Punjabi'

Margaye Kuriye features the newest VIP signing MC Special, who has left Genie Records and this is his debut appearance with his new label. The song on the whole is lively and lyrics are pretty standard but I'm unsure whether the album needed the presence of a mc. If your not too keen on the mc and bhangra partnership, then there is a version of this song minus MC Special which is the last track on the album. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that this track is one for the dance floors in clubs and at gigs!

Halfway through the album and the Boliyan track named Baar Baarsi brings us back to a desi level. Female vocals and solid dhol beats along with a wonderful set of Boliyan, make it so catchy. Bottlan De Dutt known as the 'Wedding Song' is more of a sparkler in this huge box of fireworks. Maybe a bit of a let down but it may get some DJ play at weddings this summer.

As the album closes to its end, Ishq Dha Kedha seems to have a rather vague sound compared to other tracks, it is an average tune in comparison to the first five tracks which are fantastic. Sajan Hasde Ne is a track for all the fans of slow, meaningful and heartbreaking love songs. It brings a nice variation from the upbeat sounds we've been hearing, and shows that Ryan's percussion talents are endless.

Dil Koke Vich is a personal favourite of mine, everything about this song seems so right. If it sounds familiar to you, that is because it was on the VIP compilation album 'Pure Desi Vol 1' and was part of the video medley for this album also. This is a song you can listen to over and over, and it still continues to remain distinctive.

Although VIP records is a very hot record label at present, it is a shame that some of the material is all beginning to sound a little too similar. What could be labelled the 'VIP sound' the same can be said for the 2point9 label. This is debateable I'm sure..

On the other hand, Dholicious is a brilliant start for Ryan, a terrific debut release for him as a solo artist. Also a great first release of the year for VIP Records, however they need to make sure that the rest of their material for 2006 doesn't sound the same.

8/10