Our favorite Coke Studio 10 songs so far
With each new episode Coke Studio 10 has been upping the ante of fresh sounds that wield a timeless quality and connect powerfully with music fans new and old — and there aren’t many musical acts who can make such a claim.
Naturally blending a plethora of folk, blues and rock styles and managing to remain relevant (though there are critics who have called a few songs ‘recycled’) this season continues the legacy of pushing musical boundaries.
Here’s our playlist and why we can’t wait till every Friday to see what gets added to it.
5. SLOW AND SENSUAL ‘JULIE’
Both Zafar brothers jam together for this darkly sweet blues number that makes you sway in your seat. In classic jazz style the song follows a story of a girl who was not what she seemed. The best thing about this number is that it is a real beak away from the what we have come to know as the Coke Studio genre, proving that the show is constantly able to innovate and create new sounds.
Where to listen to it: In the bubble bath with a bowl of chocolates
4. JOYOUS AND CATCHY ‘TINAK DHIN’
It’s almost impossible to be in a bad mood while listening to this love song to life itself. Sheer delight spills over in the combined voices of Ali Sethi, Ali Hamza and Waqar Ehsin. From its playful chorus to it’s achingly powerful reminder that this is journey where truth shall conquer all ‘Tinak Dhin’ is an upbeat and resounding reminder that the world is full of beauty.
Where to listen to it: This is our car trip jam.
3. VINTAGE ROMANCE IN DEKH TERA/LATHAY DI CHADDAR MASHUP
Yes, I believe in soulmates – and when I meet mine I want this traditional melody that captures the sweetness of surrender to be playing in the background. There’s The duet starts off with Farhan Saeed’s slow wooing and progresses into shadi-classic Lathay di Chaddar in deep baritones of Qurutulain Baloch. The melding of songs and styles is a testament to music director Shani Arshad’s skill.
Where to listen to it: At your engagement party
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2. CLASSIC COKE STUDIO WITH BAAZI
Everything we’ve loved about Coke Studio for a decade comes together in Baazi – folk styling with experimental progressions and soulful lyrics that represent a culture we too often neglect. Can I just say bravo. With a combo like Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig brilliance was to be expected and that is exactly what they delivered. Bagga’s rustic voice proves that language is no barrier to good music. Whether one understand the charming Saraiki lyrics or not this is one Coke Studio 10 song that will be on our play lists for years to come.
Where to listen to it: On loop in your head – where it will get stuck.
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HEARTWRENCHING RONAY WALAY
This season of Coke Studio revisits the ghazal. Humera Channa and Ali Sethi covered some of the greatest and most popular ghazals of our times but Sajjad Ali and his daughter Zaw performed Begum Akhtar’s lament and turned into a something completely their own – which is of course the definition of a good cover. Zaw Ali breaks out into song in English – it could be awful – but it isn’t. Everything about this heavy hearted song is original, yet stays true to the essence of the source material.
Where to listen to it: Deleting pictures of your ex on Insta.