Embarking on a cross-border musical adventure, the celebrated artist Ali Sethi and the versatile Jonita Gandhi have unveiled "Love Like That," a groundbreaking effort to blend the realms of pop and raga in a mesmerizing collaboration.

Released on January 12, along with a captivating music video on YouTube, the track highlights the artists' innovative fusion of their unique styles. Gandhi, renowned for her linguistic versatility, effortlessly explores Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Malayalam in her musical journey since her debut in 2013 with Chennai Express.

On the other hand, Sethi, acclaimed for his 2022 Coke Studio hit "Pasoori" with Shae Gill, has gained prominence by infusing classical and Qawwali styles with a contemporary twist.

The song begins with Jonita's melodic "Wanna love like that," incorporating contemporary American pop influences with repetitive refrains and programmed clap beats. However, the composition takes an intriguing turn when Ali Sethi introduces raga-inspired vocals, infusing a distinct melody rooted in D# major. This interplay between American pop and Indian classical elements adds a layer of complexity to the piece.

Nevertheless, the second chorus disrupts the flow with an abrupt transition, compromising the precision and sophistication built up by the duo. The introduction of Punjabi lyrics by Jonita in the second verse brings a shift in vocal styles but leans heavily towards a more commercial Bollywood sound.

https://youtu.be/leHRec6OoBI

While the collaboration introduces innovative elements, such as the fusion of Jonita's Punjabi lyrics and shifts in vocal styles, the overall execution falls short of achieving a seamless blend. The transitions between pop and classical elements lack the finesse required for a truly collaborative endeavor, leaving the listener with a sense of disconnect.

One challenge in genre-bending collaborations is the risk of appearing gimmicky, and "Love Like That" doesn't entirely escape this trap. The fusion, instead of creating a harmonious blend, ventures into an identity crisis by the second verse, hovering in an uncanny valley between authentic fusion and a comedic gimmick. Despite moments of brilliance, the track grapples with the difficulty of sustaining a cohesive fusion.