Salman Ahmad – Rock & Roll Jihad (KM Album Review)

June 7, 2010

By Hasan Faridi

Salman Ahmad - Rock and Roll JihadBehind the violence and daily struggles that undergo throughout Pakistan, one of the most popular Pakistani rock musician, Salman Ahmad, is now in the spotlight with a brand new album, Rock & Roll Jihad.

Each day of Salman Ahmad’ life has been a chapter in a new book. Being raised in a British school in Lahore and graduating, he later joined the musical group Vital Signs of patriotic “Dil Dil Pakistan” fame. After leaving due to musical differences, Salman formed Junoon, also known at the time as the “Beatles of South Asia”. Junoon were the biggest and most long-lasting band in South Asia.

Salman is an activist, a UN Goodwill Ambassador for HIV/AIDS and has helped relations between Pakistan and India. He is also on the board of directors of Breakthrough, an International human rights organization that uses education and popular culture to promote values of dignity, equality, and justice. He has featured on 2 BBC documentaries, The Rock Star and the Mullahs and Muslims in America: It’s My Country Too. Jihad isn’t just religious warfare and Salman represents the real thing. He has fought struggles and has been passionate for peace and justice.

Rock & Roll Jihad, which had been released on the 1st June 2010, features 5 brand new studio recordings and 5 electrifying tracks from “The Concert for Pakistan”. Packed with religious, political and personal references alike, the album suits every musical need.

The album starts off with an energetic rendition of “Bulleya”. The funky grooves and soulful vocals capture the true spirit of classical Sufi music. This song gets your adrenaline pumping before the track is even finished. Too bad it’s the shortest track.

Love Can You Take Me Back” and “I Am Because U R” prove Salman can cross the world and fit right in. The title words are sang all the way through which may be a downside, but at least you know what the song is called for later listening.

The funky guitars start off “Why” as Salman voice draws in. The song holds a deeper concept. This is partly forgotten as the 60s to 70s Texas-style bridge comes in later followed by a smooth solo.

Time” is definitely one of the best songs in the album. Not only is it full of a meaningful concept but also crosses the boundaries into Western music influences, making this a delight to all lovers of music.

The famous spiritual song “Saeein” is much mellower than Junoon’s rendition. This one doesn’t have the up-tempo guitaring or the catchy solo that Ali Azmat sang along alongside the guitar. It may lack what we expect, but Salman makes the song powerful at the least and “Sayonee” also featured on the album includes the famed guitar solo and added violins to make up for it, why even a Dhol drum solo!

Dum Mustt Qalandar” contains various singers in this entertaining rendition. It captures the Pakistani essence and even a Urdu rap from Outlandish’s song “Kom Igen”.

As the album draws to a close, “Allah Hu” is up next, bringing with it some spiritual heaven, especially with the sound of violins. Salman’s vocals prove he is an exceptional singer. This song is perfect to soothe your mind and let others remember that God is One. As Salman says in the song, “It’s all about Oneness”.

The album finishes off with “Anthem”, a live version of the Pakistani Anthem filled with wah-wahs and distortion. The album finishes off with Pakistani spirit.

The album is a powerful and soulful mix of songs from the past and the present. The album could’ve contained 10 new songs, instead of 5. But it’s a great mix and creates a musical impact nevertheless, showing us Salman isn’t afraid of going back to the roots. The album name has been under fire by music lovers. But it’s perfect for the concept of musical, political and religious struggles. This album and its capturing name definitely stays in mind.

Those wanting proof of a man’s potential to embrace our common humanity instead of our differences will find comfort in Salman Ahmad’s Rock & Roll Jihad. This album is surely Jihad, and represents mankind’s struggles in everyday life. East or West, Muslim or Non-Muslim. We are still One.