Rafta Rafta, Atif Aslam’s much-awaited song and its music video released yesterday. Starring Sajal Aly, the latter was a treat to watch. But the track itself was a sub-par attempt at a feel-good, romantic number, especially when compared to the impeccable ballads Atif has offered plenty a times before.
With its monotonous music and clichéd lyrics, the song disappoints to say the least. So much so, that even Atif’s vocal range and texture can’t save the day. Oddly enough, as pretentious as the part in Punjabi seems, it does however; add a little flavour to the track.
But the samples layered with the tabla make it reminiscent of so many Bollywood numbers that it can as well be mistaken for one. In retrospect, Rafta Rafta is just one of those songs that take away from what Atif is truly capable of. His singing, albeit, makes it passively listenable but nothing you would willingly, enthusiastically play in your car or sing along to. If anything, Rafta Rafta is just another Atif original that proves he is currently struggling with creating or nailing original tracks.
The music video, on the other hand, is a three and half minute fairytale shot against the picturesque backdrop of Skardu. And had it not been for this video the song would’ve fallen face-flat.
