Rizwan-ul-Haq, guitarist of Vital Signs (coming again together) and ex-Awaz group, has taken singing very well. Islamabad based this singer cum guitarist is a very successful branch manager of leading financial firm but guitars and singing are in his roots. He came up with "Dil Ruba", his debut solo album, which has done well so far.

The album begins with popular song "Teri Gali" that has already made its way to television charts and FM radios. This song has some good guitar works. "Sholay" another popular track is duet by Rizwan and the popular folk singer Reshma. Rizwan personally likes this song very much as he feels that it was honor for him that such a great singer performed with him in this song. This song is simply a treat for both, pop and folk music lovers. It is mixture of pop and folk with appropriate use of western and folk instruments.

"Dil Ruba", the title track seems to be a song from ex-Vital Signs drummer and next up is "Bangla" that has some heavy guitar works and rap. The theme of this song is impressive. Next is "Suroor" again some good guitar works. "Har Dam" has Sufi theme as you can notice mostly in Junoon's songs. Like other singers, Rizwan also has included a patriotic number "Zinda Rehna Haay" that's is really popular.

"Deewana" is a nice track but it could me nicer if a younger vocalist like Shehzad Roy had sung it. But still it's a good try. It is also true for the next song i.e. "Dhadkan". Next song "Pardesi" has some slow guitar works, improved vocals and lyrics followed by "Kuryan" a typical desi bhangra number. "Janan" also did well in charts and its last track that makes end of this nice album.

These days, singers either remix popular old songs or get inspired by some popular songs and finally release the album. But the best thing I have found in this album is "originality of tracks" that's rear these days. This album needs our encouragement as it has flavor of old "Vital Signs" days. I will rate this album at 6 on the rating
scale of 10. The efforts of this talented singer must be appreciated and no doubt this album can be rated as good addition to our local pop scene.

Reviewed by: Najam Malik