Indian singer Jonita Gandhi and Pakistani singer Ali Sethi joined forces to create the track “Love Like That,” showcasing a blend of their distinct musical styles. Jonita, known for her multilingual prowess, has been delivering songs in various languages since her debut in 2013. On the other hand, Ali Sethi has gained acclaim for infusing Hindustani classical and Qawwali styles into his music. Their collaboration, released on January 12, aimed to fuse American pop and Indian classical elements.
The song kicks off with Jonita’s vocals in the chorus, delivering the line “Wanna love like that” with a touch of contemporary American pop influence. The repetitive “that, that, that” and programmed clap beats set the initial tone. The transition occurs when Ali Sethi introduces his raga-inspired vocals, infusing the track with a unique melody rooted in the D# major key. This juxtaposition creates a compelling fusion of genres.
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While the initial fusion is seamless, the song encounters a sudden shift in the second chorus, marked by an abrupt halt in Sethi’s vocals for the re-entry of “Wanna Love Like That.” This segment lacks the precision and sophistication desired in a collaborative endeavor, and the transition could have been more fluid. The second verse introduces a different section, but the sonic impact falls short of delivering a captivating experience.
As the song progresses, Punjabi lyrics from Jonita and a transition in vocal styles contribute to a new direction. However, the overall package, including instrumental choices and variations, tends to lean towards commercial Bollywood music. This shift may diminish the authenticity of the cross-cultural collaboration, resembling a formulaic approach rather than an honest fusion of styles.
In attempting to blend genres and create a cross-cultural piece, “Love Like That” runs the risk of appearing gimmicky. The review suggests that the song falls into an uncanny valley, where the fusion lacks cohesiveness and feels more like a gimmick or a forced attempt at combining contrasting musical elements.
