In the lively world of Pakistani music, only a few artists have carved out a special place for themselves, leaving behind a celebrated legacy. Those with a unique sound and the ability to stir emotions through their music have stood the test of time. Now, Azaan Sami Khan, aiming to expand his already impressive repertoire, is joining the ranks of those who aspire to create a lasting musical legacy with his latest eponymously titled album release, ‘AZAAN.’
At the heart of ‘AZAAN’ lies a deeply personal journey, a testament to Azaan Sami Khan’s commitment to evolving his musical repertoire. The album is a fusion of curated ideas, both new and refined from his past works, reflecting his dedication to delivering something fresh and enjoyable for his audience. Rooted in a certain ‘filmy’ style, the album paints emotions and feelings on a larger-than-life canvas, making each track a vessel for laughter, love, and storytelling.
“This album has two different sides that I am exploring. One, is, of course, the different ideas of music that I haven’t done before, and the second, is to further develop what I have delved into previously,” Azaan Sami Khan revealed to Diva. “I always want my album to have an array of different music styles, which can stand out from the type of music I produce for television or films.”
The journey of ‘AZAAN’ began with a visually stunning trailer that showcased Khan in various roles, offering a sneak peek into the album’s diverse personas. With appearances from Sanam Saeed, Syra Yousuf, and Aena Khan, the trailer set the stage for a visually dynamic musical experience. Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza of FilmWala Pictures spearheaded the direction, production, and creative visualization of the album’s trailer, providing a glimpse into the cinematic world that awaits the listeners.
The album, which features eight tracks, tells a unique story and exploring different facets of human emotion.
One standout track remains Maa, a heartfelt pop ballad expressing Khan’s love and gratitude towards his mother, Zeba Bakhtiar. The track features raw, honest lyrics that reflect a deeply personal relationship. While another emotionally charged track Nadaan Dil, explores a heartbreak with lyrics by the late Shakeel Sohail Sahab. Originally composed for Superstar (2019), the song delves into personal feelings of rejection and doubt, capturing the essence of heartbreak and the struggles that come with it.
On a lighter note, Beby is a lively pop track that explores the complexities of feeling led on while continuing to embrace the experience. The accompanying music video, featuring Aena Khan, adds a thrilling heist-themed narrative to the song, paying homage to classic heist films with a contemporary California-like backdrop.
Similarly, Aap Hi Rehte Hain Dil Main beautifully pays homage to Khan’s father, portraying a heartfelt reunion between two individuals. Whereas Husn e Jaan draws inspiration from Qawali elements, establishing a harmonious link with Azaan’s previous tracks and resonating with authenticity. Ham Dam on the other hand,brings the monsoon season to life with its proposal anthem, capturing the essence of love in the rain.
Man Marzi, too encourages self-love with its rough-edged yet genuine musical experience, while Rang De serves as a deeply personal ode to the Chishti Silsila, exploring spirituality within the Qawwali pop genre. These songs collectively contribute to AZAAN’s rich narrative, promising listeners a journey through a myriad of emotions, musical styles, and meaningful storytelling.
Reflecting on the diverse styles within the album, Azaan Sami Khan explains that all of is connected via different interpretations of love.
“Although this isn’t a thematic album, I am exploring different forms of love through the songs. It goes from the love you have for your mother, your significant other, to all the way the highest form of love – which is towards God. If there’s anything that ties the album together, it is that,“ he added.
But in the realm of music, the visual narrative is an integral part of the overall experience too. On that part,Azaan Sami Khan recognizes this significance, drawing inspiration from iconic music videos that have left an indelible mark on him.
“I think music videos – since the time I started experiencing music – have showcased how integral they are to the experience of the song. Similarly, my videos are also an expression of how I visualize my songs,“ Azaan said.
Intricately weaving storytelling into his videos, Azaan aims to create a visual language that resonates with the essence of his music.
“I remember watching Michael Jackson’s music video for ‘They Don’t Really Care About Us’ and it still impacts me,” he said. “My father’s videos as well I still remember so fondly. The narrative, the storytelling, and the music all go hand in hand.”
While his first album Main Tera proved to be a mega hit with its brilliant exploration of pop music and the styles that have made Azaan a celebrated artist of the country, the second album, AZAAN promised to not just be an album but a sonic exploration of emotions, and it has delivered.
It is a collage of melodies that traverse the spectrum of human experience. Whether it’s the heartfelt ode to mothers, the pain of heartbreak, or the joy of youthful encounters, Azaan’s musical prowess shines through, creating an album that is as diverse as it is delightful – a mix which Pakistani audiences have always appreciated.
Check out the album on Spotify here and tell us what you think!