The collaboration of Karan Johar and musicians Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy has given Hindi cinema some remarkable songs, especially the title tracks of Kal Ho Naa Ho and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. So when this team returns in what is probably the first official remake of a Hollywood film, expectations are huge. Big names like Sony Pictures, UTV and a star cast comprising two of our finest actors, Kajol and Kareena, only adds to the hype.

The album comprising five tracks and one musical theme piece kicks off with Aankhon mein neendein. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shreya Ghosal are quite flawless in their rendition of this sweet romantic melody but the composition is very reminiscent of SEL’s previous songs for Dharma. Good while it lasts but not memorable.

Dil khol ke let’s rock apparently is director Siddharth Malhotra’s tribute to Elvis’s Jailhouse rock. After Pretty Woman, this is the second time SEL are creating a tribute. Though not as spunky as the original, Let’s rock is still enjoyable, largely due to the singers – Anuskha Manchanda, Suraj Jagan and Akriti Kakkar, who clearly are having a blast.

Hamesha forever is a tranquil romantic melody that in some portions reminds you of Gospel songs sung in churches, especially the chorus. While it’s always good to hear Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghosal, the tune doesn’t stick – it would probably work best as a background piece.

Given the high emotional content of the film, expect Sun le dua (credited to Bela Shinde, who sounds a lot like Shreya Ghosal) to pop up at strategic points to give you a good cry. A gentle, soulful track that should again work best in the context of the film.

Reham O karam (Vishal Dadlani, Shankar Mahadevan) lifts your spirits with its poignant lyrics and powerful vocals. The track, which starts gently, segues into a soft-rock number. The We are family theme is an instrumental piece based on Sun le dua. The soundtrack seems like it may blend in beautifully with the screenplay of the film but as an independent album, the music of We are Family struggles to entertain.

Verdict: Disappoints. Especially coming from SEL and Dharma