There was a time, not too many moons ago, when Karaoke was the sole pursuit of those Japanese folk who would baffle us with their love of humiliating public performances. But as with most things the tide turns, and now it is hard to escape the worldwide love of public singing. As in Japan, this is turning into big business in the west and is understandably interested in getting a slice of this commercial pie.

SingStar, in case you somehow don't already know, is Sony's karaoke brand. It takes the basic singing concept and turns it into a competitive game by scoring your pitch and syncopation. The console presents both the words and a pitch bar which each song that the singer has to then try and hit. Whilst best after a few drinks, we have found that the head-to-head games are a much more serious affair and often develop fierce around the office.

The model for these games, is an off the shelf pack that provides a set of songs usually themed around a particular genre. All pretty standard stuff I'm sure you'll agree. But what is unusual in this particular release is the musical choice. Rather than 80's or 90's hits, here we have a collection of the late and great from the wonderful world of Bollywood. And yes, you guessed it; this will involve some non-English singing.

Sony is obviously aware of the recent upsurge in popularity of Bollywood films and the associated music. With recent hits including the much praised Bride and Prejudice, there are many players looking to jump aboard the good ship Bollywood.

It will be interesting to see how well this title sells, as (unlike other popularist Bollywood renderings) the collection doesn't contain very much English friendly content. You will find yourself singing in foreign tongues before you know it, unthinkable I know but a lot of fun.

If you have however dipped you toes in recent or classic Bollywood films, you should find a good few familiar songs here. The easiest way to check out your compatibility is probably to have a quick scan through the track listing:

  • Aashiqui - Nazar Ke Samne
  • Askar - Jhalak Dikhla Ja
  • Chalte Chalte - Chalte Chalte
  • Chalte Chalte - Suno Na Suno Na
  • Chameli - Sajna Ve Sajna
  • Dil Chahta Hai - Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe
  • Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin - Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin
  • Don - The Chase Begins - Ye Mera Dil
  • Dus - Dus Bahane Karlke Le
  • Guru - Barso Re
  • Guru - Tere Bina
  • Ishq Hai Tumse - O Soniya
  • Kaal - Tauba Tauba
  • Kaal - Kaal Dhamaal
  • Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna - Where's the Party Tonite
  • Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna - Mitwa
  • kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham - Bole Chudiyan
  • kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghamv - Suraj Hua Maddham
  • kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham - Say Shava Shava
  • Kal ho na ho - Maahi Ve
  • Kal ho na ho - It's the time to disco
  • Kal ho na ho - Pretty Woman
  • Khakee - Dil Dooba
  • Kuch Kuch Hota hai - Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
  • Kuch Kuch Hota hai - Koi Mil Gaya
  • Kya Love Story Hai - It's Rocking
  • Main Hoon Na - Main Hoon Na
  • Rang De Basanti - Rang De Basanti
  • Salaam-E-Ishq - Salaam-E-Ishq
Overall this is a valiant effort by Sony to deliver diverse musical genres on their platform. They are to be praised for sticking to their guns and providing authentic Bollywood tracks. If you enjoy singing about jilted lovers, angry uncles and tiresome mother in laws then this should tickle your Bolly-glands just right.

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By Paul Govan