Aashke by Yo Yo Honey Singh

When Yo Yo Honey Singh recorded Aashke, something special happened in the studio — and listeners have felt it ever since. Yo Yo Honey Singh sets the tone from the very first bar — it is clear from the opening notes that this song means business.

The voice of Yo Yo Honey Singh carries Aashke effortlessly, which is the highest compliment a song can give its singer. Hearing Aashke without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen International Villager.

2011 was a strong year for Indian Pop music, and Aashke was among the reasons why. The emotional register of Aashke is wide enough to fit celebration and solitude equally well.

In 3:11 minutes, Aashke builds, opens up, and resolves in a way that feels complete rather than truncated. The song continues to find new listeners, which is the surest sign that it was made with something genuine at its core.