If there is any big banner movie in the recent times that had it's music launch with minimum fanfare and hype, it has to be ' Socha Na Tha '. One expected nothing less than a grand launch for a Dharmendra banner 'Vijayta Films' movie that is also a launch pad for Abhay Deol, cousin of Sunny and Bobby Deol. But the outcome is just the opposite with a low-key publicity like any other average release, no star interviews and a run-of-the-mill promotion. Starring Ayesha Takia opposite Abhay, SNT is directed by newcomer Imtiaz Ali, has music by Sandesh Shandilya who impressed all with his melodious score of ' Chameli ' and has lyrics by Irshad Kamil and Subrat Sinha.

Sonu Nigam and Sanjivni (who made an instant impact with ' Chori Chori Jab Nazrein Mili ' and ' Churayo Na Dil Mera ' from Kareeb years back) begin the album with ' Yaara Rab ' written by Irshad Kamil. The number has a 60s feel about it though the look is pretty much contemporary. Even after so many years, Sanjivini still has sweet sixteen vocals that suit well with the child-like personality of Ayesha Takia. A good number that has a different feel from most of the other regular Hindi film songs!

Following track ' Abhi Abh i' sounds ordinary for first couple of times but then gets on your lips soon. Written by Subrat Sinha, it is a groovy fun'n'froth song by Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawala and Sunidhi Chauhan. Agreed that there is a distinct ' Dil Chahta Hai ' brand of music hangover, but still it makes for an exciting beach side dance track. With a heavy dose of Calypso beats, this is a song for some enjoyment on a beautiful sunny day!!

KK comes into picture with a soft melody ' Seedhay Saade Dhang Se ' that is about a guy who proposes his girl in the simplest way possible. A sweet song with normal day to day conversation lyrics by Irshad Kamil, it is well supported by Sandesh Shandilya's sober orchestra that makes for a decent love solo. This could be a good hummable song for the teenagers if it is promoted rightly.

Sandesh Shandilya is impressive again but this time around being behind the mike. He sings ' Na Sahi ', another romantic solo with a strong dose of melody in the most professional way possible and gains full marks for the song. An apt continuation to ' Seedhay Saade ', it again has Irhsad Kamil's simple lyrics making an impact. That's four out of four for ' Socha Na Tha ' so far that raises the expectations from the remaining songs.

Expectations are met completely as soon as ' Mera Tumhara ' starts. Third soft song in the succession, one wonders why Sandesh Shandilya, who sings this song as well, hasn't been singing more often. This time around Subrat Sinha writes and the competition is tough between his and Irshad's lyrics. One who gains is the music lover who gets a great treat hearing these numbers. So far, the album turns out to be an ideal Valentines gift for your beloved!

After ' Abhi Abhi ' that repeats again, party mood continues with ' Zindagi ' that instantly gets your head and neck in the motion. Sung by Sonu Nigam, who is simply terrific, Sunidhi Chauhan and Lalit Bhushan, it is a fun song that should be a rage amongst kids. Irshad's lyrics are a bag of fun while overall the song is very catchy.

Title song ' Socha Na Tha ' comes in the end with Sandesh doing a solo with Sadhna Sargam. This is in the league of earlier melody filled songs by Sandesh and gives a good finale to the album.

The only drawback one can see with the music of SNT is its promotion. It is even more surprising as it has an aggressive marketing company like T-Series behind it. SNT deserves to reach out to more people as it has a potential to be a teenager's favorite. If the movie is a success, music of SNT is bound to be a sure shot winner. But in the meanwhile, the publicity of SNT should be done in a major way.

This album by Sandesh Shandilya is a good addition to your music collection.