Jeanne (Michael), who captivated audiences with her album ‘Yeh Wadiyan’ way back in 2002, has been making some great music all these years away from all the hype that musicians usually create. The celebrated vocal coach and wife of composer Salim (of Salim–Sulaiman duo) Jeanne, has released songs like Round and Round, Hello and Goodbye, Fake Love, Magic, Imperfections, and Christmas Time, and recently Lucky Tonight.

Jeanne’s debut pop/ballad Hindi album, released around 22 years ago, was loved by everyone who listened to it not forgetting her first video which made waves, well literally. On the lines of Silk Route’s Dooba Dooba but with a twist to it, there is more romance in the chilly waters of Wai in Panchgani. Back in 2002, when she released the album Jeanne was one of the already cluttered indi-pop wannabes. But one listen to this album and you’ll have no doubts that Jeanne has loads of talent.

While surfing the TV channels then, I’m sure at that time you have noticed the glam-desi mermaid, complete with a dazzling silver nose ring, grabbing your attention. Jazz singer turned Hindi pop - singer Jeanne certainly is created waves in her video and on her album, which is simply great.

The soulful tunes are composed by Jeanne herself and arranged by Salim – Sulaiman, with lyrics by Nafies Aslam. The eight tracks on the album are mostly love songs and pop ballads that have a groovy, hummable beat and some good lyrics. My personal favorites besides the seducing title track are, Mere Khayalon Mein, Dil Mera and Yaadein Arati Hai, and the uptempo Tanha Tanha, which may grab your attention to pick this album.

The video of Yeh Wadiyaan was directed by Rachel Reuben and Beena Thakur of Sprocket (remember the “Baahon mein chale aao’ video) and has their characteristic unusual stamp on it.

Since 1999 Jeanne began having her own concerts, wherein she would sing famous Hindi film tracks which were well received by all those who saw her. The songs had their own arrangements all done expertly by Jeanne herself. She also had a bevy of girl dancers who would accompany her in her stage performance. This continued for a couple of years until her fans and other close friends started asking her to cut her own album instead of singing Hindi film songs, which were made famous in movies. Hearing the feedback Jeanne took it seriously and started working towards recording her first ever album which is ‘Yeh Wadiyaan’.

She took time out from her concerts and laid down a few tracks to what she wanted to do and approached Musicurry Records CEO, Adinath Mangeshkar with her idea and the music she had in her heart. Adinath liked what he heard and jumped at the idea to cut an album for Jeanne. She then met up with lyricist Nafies Alam who wrote some soulful lyrics, keeping in mind Jeanne’s thoughts and what she wanted in her album. From then on there was no looking back.

A commendable album, worth a dekko. Lyrics included (in Hindi).

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira