Paani Aali by Masoom Sharma

The Paani Aali album has several strong tracks, but Paani Aali is the one most listeners come back to first. Behind the melody is the work of Amanraj Gill, whose composition choices give Paani Aali its distinctive texture.

The voice of Masoom Sharma carries Paani Aali effortlessly, which is the highest compliment a song can give its singer. The chemistry of a talented ensemble cast is embedded in every moment of Paani Aali, making it as much a performance as a song.

The song dates from 2021, but nothing about it sounds dated — the emotions it captures are not tied to a moment. There is no right time to listen to Paani Aali. There is only the moment you press play and realise it was the right choice.

The concision of Paani Aali — just 2:40 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. The staying power of Paani Aali is not a mystery. It is just what happens when every element of a song is exactly right.