Baby Baby by Mankirt Aulakh

Baby Baby works because it does not try to do too much — it finds one feeling and holds it perfectly. Behind the melody is the work of Manj Musik, whose composition choices give Baby Baby its distinctive texture.

Mankirt Aulakh brings a warmth to Baby Baby that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. Hearing Baby Baby without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Baby Baby.

2019 marked the release of Baby Baby, and Baby Baby was the track that ensured the album would be remembered. There is no right time to listen to Baby Baby. There is only the moment you press play and realise it was the right choice.

The concision of Baby Baby — just 3:07 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. Baby Baby has earned its place in the catalogue of Punjabi music that genuinely matters. The listeners who found it early already knew.