Coke Studio’s spectacular season came to a close last night. Xulfi and Abdullah Siddiqui, music producers, have been churning out hit after hit for the past three months. Each week was better than the last, and the songs are still being played on repeat by the majority of listeners. The songs covered a wide range of genres and themes, and the audience was diverse. Here are our favorite Coke Studio 14 songs among the season’s 13 tracks.
Naseebo Lal x Abida Parveen – Tu Jhoom
Tu Jhoom kicked off Coke Studio 14 and quickly set the tone for what the new season had in store for us. When Xulfi and Abdullah Siddiqui partnered Sufi singer Abida Parveen with folk singer Naseebo Lal, they showed they weren’t afraid to take chances. The lyrics, the composition, and the two powerful vocalists all made a lasting impression on us.
Tu Jhoom’ also alluded to upcoming changes in the new season. While the vocals were crucial, Season 14 concentrated on visuals as well, giving the songs a greater impact.
Kaifi Khalil x Eva B x Abdul Wahab Bugti – Kana Yaari’
Many people assumed that because Coke Studio 14 began on such a high note, it would be difficult to equal the level of ‘Tu Jhoom.’ The second song of the season, ‘Kana Yaari,’ however, quiet the critics.
The new season’s theme of inclusion in terms of language and genre was exemplified by ‘Kana Yaari.’ The energetic Balochi song, which featured Balochi rap from Kaifi Khalil and Eva B and a folk song touch from Abdul Wahab Bugti, quickly had everyone singing along and trying to comprehend the lyrics and purpose of the song.
The music, in and of itself, has a deeper meaning. It’s about love and betrayal, as well as failed relationships, which a lot of people can relate to.
Ali Sethi x Shae Gill’s ‘Pasoori’
It would be unjust to leave ‘Pasoori’ off the list. The song has over a million views and is still causing a stir.
The Punjabi song contains all of the necessary features to entice listeners. While telling the story of heartbreak and frustration, the soft rhythm and melody will transport you to a happy place. The odd pace dips, the heartbreak and darkness in the lyrics, the enchantment in Sethi and Gill’s voices, and everything else going on in the background make the song difficult to forget, which is what makes it so amazing!
Justin Bibis x Talal Qureshi x Hasan Raheem’s ‘Peechay Hutt’
Coke Studio 14 is all about bringing the younger generation into the Pakistani music business, and what better way to do so than by bringing on heartthrob Hasan Raheem?
‘Peechay Hutt’ has a lot of things to like. The song is reminiscent of a dance revolution, with Talal Qureshi’s techno music pounding juxtaposed against Hasan Raheem’s characteristic mumble. The chorus by Justin Bibis, who has a lot of personality and a wide vocal range, was a pleasant surprise for the video. The music video will undoubtedly get you moving to the beat, with its arcade game opening, Raheem’s dance routines, and a colorful set!
Abdullah Siddiqui x Atif Aslam’s ‘Go’
We couldn’t help but hope that, as associate producer for the season, musical talent Abdullah Siddiqui would bless us with the sound of his silky voice in the new season. And he went one step farther by partnering with Atif Aslam!
‘Go’ is a wonderful blend of English and Urdu that depicts the story of self-discovery and strengths. The ballad is powerful, and Siddiqui and Aslam’s voices are set against a lovely countryside backdrop, adding to the song’s delicate touch.
Needless to say, we will all miss Coke Studio 14 and are looking forward to seeing what the next season has in store!