Angana Baje Shehnai Re - Sheesha by Shamshad Begum

Released as part of Sheesha, Angana Baje Shehnai Re - Sheesha announced itself as a standout the moment it reached listeners. Shamshad Begum, Ghulam Mohammed's arrangement gives the track a layered quality that rewards repeated listening.

Shamshad Begum brings a warmth to Angana Baje Shehnai Re - Sheesha that no production choice could manufacture — it has to be felt, and here it is. Hearing Angana Baje Shehnai Re - Sheesha without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Sheesha.

The song dates from 1952, but nothing about it sounds dated — the emotions it captures are not tied to a moment. It is the kind of track that works at full volume with friends and equally well in a quiet room alone — the mood adjusts without the song changing.

Running to 4:14, the song is exactly as long as it needs to be, which is the hardest length for a songwriter to find. The track stands as evidence that Shamshad Begum and Shamshad Begum, Ghulam Mohammed, working together, are capable of something well above the ordinary.