It’s becoming nearly impossible to find a contemporary song that doesn’t fall within the electronic dance music (EDM), electro-pop, retro-pop and/or rap genre. It seems like everyone and their grandmother has gotten on to the electro-pop bandwagon. This also includes the likes of Umair Jaswal (former lead singer of Qayaas) and Atif Aslam (former lead singer of Jal the band), both of whom started their careers and forged their identities in rock music.

Both of them have also recently released two electro-pop tracks in the new season of Velo Sound Station (VSS) — Nakhray by Umair Jaswal and Mangan Aiyaan by Atif Aslam. And while their efforts have resulted in actually quite likeable tracks that I completely vibe with otherwise, I do miss listening to good old alternative and rock music. Just for a break and some much-needed change in music scenery.

In comes Pakistani artist Hashir’s soft, soulful acoustic number called Fortune. While this isn’t purely a rock anthem and there are some electro-pop sections in the track, the acoustic stringed instrumentation element of the music is its more defining feature.

Fortune starts off with Hashir strumming the guitar while singing the opening lyrics of his song in a soft, lilting voice. He goes a notch higher in pitch when softly singing the pre-chorus and chorus of the track. It’s an easy song to listen to and is overall a very sweet number.

Rising star Hashir’s latest number Fortune is a celebration of young love

The romantic chorus goes: Couldn’t stop myself from smiling/ And I hope that I can hide it/ But I wish that I had one more night/ And I hope that I can find you/ At least something like you/ I wish that I…/ I wish that I…

At the core of it, Fortune is a lovestruck alternative pop ditty fully enveloped in young love. Super charged with fresh, youthful hormones and full to the brim with the naive optimism that comes before your very first heartbreak (when expressions in music suddenly turn dark and broody) Fortune is a song that’s trying to woo that special someone, or anyone, as the protagonist keeps repeating (if not her then) “something” like her.

The instrumentation and overall treatment does remind one of the alternative pop rock scene from the naughties (the 2000-2010 era). The vibe is very Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton-esque.

Overall love ditty Fortune is sweet. But not in a way that seems forced or contrived. There’s an innocent, authentic earnestness in the song that ends up making it quite endearing to the casual listener.

Published in Dawn, ICON, June 4th, 2023