Sajjad Ali Shines on Coke Studio After Six-Year Hiatus with ‘Chal Chaliye’

Coke Studio Pakistan’s latest release, “Chal Chaliye,” delivers a nostalgia-filled punch for 90s teens, thanks to Sajjad Ali. Featuring Farheen Raza Jaffry as the other half of the ballad, the track embodies Coke Studio’s signature fusion of traditional sounds with contemporary elements.

Opening with ambient noises like train whistles, chirping birds, and crashing ocean waves, listeners are immediately transported to a calming and soothing soundscape. Then, the synths kick in, joined by traditional instruments, but the heart of the song is Sajjad’s vocal performance.

A regular fixture at the music franchise, Sajjad has delivered memorable performances with songs like “Tum Naraz Ho” and “Ronay Na Diya.” His delivery in “Chal Chaliye” harkens back to his golden era of the 90s, enveloping listeners in a warm, hopeful, and nostalgic embrace that’s rare in today’s pop music. His voice carries a timeless quality, both comforting and evocative, marking an energetic comeback to Coke Studio after six years.

The Making of New Song of Sajid Ali

The song’s chorus marks a shift, infusing modern elements into the track with its indie pop-inspired synths, kicks, and claps. This juxtaposition of Sajjad’s emotive vibrato against the backdrop of long, drawn-out synth notes and an almost ethereal flute creates a compelling contrast. His voice dances around the instrumentation, adding dynamic texture and depth to the melody

Farheen’s contribution, although brief, is noteworthy. She appears sparingly, first interjecting with two lines before Sajjad returns and then joins in the final chorus. While her performance is commendable, she doesn’t get the opportunity to fully showcase her talent. There is no denying that Chal Chaliye is decidedly Sajjad Ali-centric and while Farheen’s presence adds a beautiful layer, it feels underutilised.

The song’s outro follows a familiar pattern often seen in Coke Studio’s arrangements. The artists harmonize over a busy instrumental backdrop, with vocal ad-libs sprinkled throughout, leading to a fade-out. While this ending is consistent with the show’s formula, it feels somewhat predictable and safe, not quite matching the innovative spirit of the rest of the track.

Also Read: Coke Studio Season 15 Set to Return on April 14