Adnan Sami has been in the news not only for his music, but also for a lot of personal problems that came his way. But its his music that many will remember him more for.

Adnan’s first release in 1999 Kabhi to Nazar Milao and Bheegi bheegi raaton mein was surely on the list of Radio Jockeys. Now RJs can add Adnan’s latest track Roya from his new album Press Play, hisfirst in five years which was released sometime early last year. Sami's last private album was Ek Ladki Deewani Si in 2009 while his other private albums includeTera Chehra, Teri Kasam and Kisi Din.

The eagerly awaited 11 track album includes 8 brand new songs ranging from Sami’s signature ballads to his up-tempo lyrically stylized humor along with two remixes. All the songs on this album retain Adnan’s unmistakable proficiency in achieving the perfect blend of lyrics and melody.

Speaking on the album Adnan says, “It’s been sometime since my fans have heard something new from me and I sincerely hope they will like the new album.” He reveals the reason behind the title Press Play saying, “Many artistes name the album after a song on their album. On my album there are different genres, and this time I want the audience to enter my world and let them decide what song style it is. I want people to put the CD in their player, press play and let the music speak.” Adnan has put in moods that will appeal to anyone who listens to it. According to him, the album is personal and they bring out the pain and suffering he encountered a few years ago. “Music gave me a bit of solace in my difficult times. It gave me the ability to withstand the problems and also helped me deal with it.” Says the singer.

Most of the songs are Adnan’s personal testimony. You have the Sufi styled mid-tempo opener Ali Ali, the infectious Roya the album lead single and video which is Adnan’s ode to his wife. There’s also the tongue in cheek Mere Baap Ka Kya Jaata Hai to the mesmerizing ballad Karun Na Yad and the punchy Punjabi flavored Kudi Tight! Adnan has also penned Baba in memory of his father. This variety of genres is surely the highlight on the album.

Adnan states that his music label plans on bringing out a vinyl version of the album very soon. ”I am really very excited to have this album release on the LP format. This will surely be a collector’s edition. I am a big fan of vinyls and also have a record player. I have a lot of rare LPs adorning my house.” says the 38 year old. So if you want to get Adnan’s album on vinyl, keep a lookout for it in the stores.

The singer - songwriter and composer,who also gave us the immensely popular Lift Karadey, seems to have taken the title quite literally. Known for his penchant for ballads, his song Roya is similar in tune to the massive 1991 hit Hazard by balladeer Richard Marx. When we asked Adnan if he had heard about singer Richard Marx, he stated that he had heard Marx’s Endless Summer Nights. When questioned on the similarity of the songs Roya and Hazard, in an SMS to this correspondent Adnan answered, “Just heard it (Hazard).. My reaction…”For God Sake!!” Its chalk in cheese! Lol. (Chalk in cheese, means poles apart for those who may not have understood the phrase) This correspondent reverted back saying “…..I stand by what I said”.

All said and done, India’s most successful non film and Indi pop artiste who was credited as the Keyboard Discovery of The 90s and also referred to as the fastest Keyboard player in the world,is still a household name even today. He is back with his usual dose of ballads and up-tempo songs. Look out for Adnan’s first video, the very ‘catchy’ Roya, among many of the other videos he plans to release.

- Interview and Photos by Verus Ferreira