Sunday, May 24, 2015

Music Review(Hindi) :ABCD2
Music Composer: Sachin Jigar

Sachin Jigar starts the dance-themed soundtrack with Bezubaan which lives up to its theme with its adequately punchy percussions preceded by an intriguing prelude and ends in high note. Vishal Dadlani oozes out enough verve in rapping portions while Anushka Manchanda and Madhav Krishna handles the remaining portions. Sun Saathiya is another engaging melody where everything works beautifully here from velvety vocals of Priya Saraiya and fast paced classically inclined Divya Kumar's portions. Sachin Jigar's orchestration with piano and blissful violins in the interludes adds further awesomeness to the track. Chunar is Arijit show all the way and surprise package is Veena (or classical guitar) and Mridingam in the interludes. Happy Bday is foot tapping bday bash song which is enjoyable till it lasts. Thanks to the singer's verve from start till end along with an uncredited female chorus and some of the song's portions reminiscent of  composer's previous party outings nevertheless enjoyable. Mika Singh's nasalized rendition aside, its Sachin Jigar's offbeat sounds along with different mood switchover in the track Happy hour is commendable. If you hold my hand has predictable pop tune sung in an effectual manner by Benny Dayal and overall passable track in this album. Divya Kumar is brilliant in Hey Ganaraya which starts off too serenely but turns into a frenzied engaging Ganesh Bhajan. Thanks to the percussion and arrangements by Sachin Jigar. Naach Meri Jaan is techno dance track and it's adequately engaging because of the vocals of Benny Dayal, Shalmali Kolgade, Siddharth Basrur and Rimi Nique. Tattoo is also listenable only because of the voclas of Shefali Alvares. Vande Mataram starts off well with Tanishka Sanghvi's singing (voice behind Laadli) but turns out into a  routine dance track apart from some engaging interludes and also 7 minutes long track didn't quite fit perfectly with listeners mood. So results in a strictly functional track which may work with visual.

Verdict: Sachin Jigar's ABCD2 is engaging soundtrack with most of the songs are grand and enjoyable and flows in tandem with genre of the movie.

My rating:8.25/10

Pick of the Album: Sun Saathiya, Hey Ganaraya, Happy Birthday, Chunar

Friday, May 22, 2015

Music Review (Hindi): Hamari Adhuri Kahaani
Music Composer: Mithoon, Jeet Ganguly, Ami Mishra

Title song rides mainly on soulful heart-felt rendition by Arijit Singh and Jeet Ganguly adorned the song with piano, violins and flute in orchestration. However, the song is bit lengthy and also song didn't rise up to the level of Tum hi ho. Humnava by Mithoon reminds many his earlier compositions and Papon rendering the song in pitch-perfect manner with classical touches. Hasi is comparatively better thanks to the guitar riffs - drums combo and gives much-needed digression for the soundtrack. Hasi's another version has orchestration smoothed out with piano, flute and complemented by a sweet rendition of Shreya Goshal. Yeh Kaisi Jagah is best of the soundtrack with wonderful orchestration especially flute and ably supported by other scintillating sounds especially percussion in the second interlude. Tune by Jeet Ganguly also beautiful and sung well by Deepali Sathe. Aalaps by an uncredited male singer (Jeet Ganguly??)  along with mesmerising flute portions are splendid.

Verdict: Hamari Adhuri Kahaani treads on the Mohit Suri's Aashiqui 2 soundscape and lovers of Aashiqui 2 soundtrack will surely love this one too.

My rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Yeh Kaisi Jagah, Hasi(both versions), Humnava

Friday, May 15, 2015

Music Review (Tamil): Demonte Colony

Music Review (Tamil): Demonte Colony
Music composer : Keba Jeramiah 

Vaada Vaa Machi has an undeniable Anirudh's composition stamp all over it and the feel gets further accentuated by Anirudh's vocals. However, cult Thalaivar dialogue and guitars in the prelude along with enticing nathaswaram work  throughout the song deserve special mention.The passable tune is the minor grouse in this composition.Keba Jeramiah shows his prowess in guitar work with Dummy Piece and Imman rendered the song with enough liveliness and his fangled rendition aids the song very well. Apart from guitar work, brass sections, country styled sax,  percussion elements, acapella by playback chorus are also enjoyable.Trap of the beast sticks true to the title of the song with frenzy, brilliant guitar work by Keba Jeramiah. Arunraja Kamaraj tries to bring out the beast in his voice, but lyrics got totally sabotaged. Ranina Reddy fared better in that aspect by maintaining a fair balance in rendition and feel.Mystery unfolds, expansive theme with grand intimidating piano in the start and ends in a high note with exploding guitar work. Icing on the cake is surely Andrea Jeremiah's stunning backing vocals although confined to mostly humming.The curse of Demonte is another neat instrumental theme by Keba Jeremiah where sweeping string sounds steal the show. Surely this will appeal much better with visuals.

Verdict: Keba Jeremiah's debut soundtrack is short, confined well within the genre of the movie. Although album sans any standout track, instrumental theme delivered by Keba surely will elevate the mood of the visual.

My rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Dummy Piece, Mystery unfolds, Trap of the beast

P.s: edited version of the review is available here

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Music Review (Tamil) : Inimey Ippadithan

Music Review (Tamil) : Inimey Ippadithan
Music Composer: Santosh Kumar Dayanidhi

Album starts with Aathula Oru Kaal, funny mild kuthu track and Gana Vinoth's lyrics adds more wittiness to the song. VTV Ganesh's voiceover towards the end is a nice touch to the proceedings. Mahalingam, Thalapathi's Deva'sh vocals and Sapta's humming goes in tandem with the mood of the song. Overall passable, casual start to the album. Athana Azhagayum is cool, trendy youthful number in the track which switches from melodic start to hilariously worded rap portions by Sofia Ashraf to frenzy guitar towards the end. Varun Parandhaman did a commendable work in the vocals and Santosh's mixing and programming deserves special mention. Azhaga Aanazhaga starts off as a pure Carnatic tune, but it's a funky mix of faux classical tune crooned by Harini and hilariously worded portions taken care by composer itself behind the mic. Once again, Santosh excels in mixing flute portions along with folky percussion beats throughout the song.Inimey Ippadithan is another cool breezy romantic track and rides mainly on the vocals of ever reliable Karthik and Aishwarya and singers is pitch perfect in their rendition especially Aishwarya. Santosh's arrangements quite remind Harris Jayaraj number, however an enjoyable tune makes up for that. Retro'ish humming sound in the start of the song is nice touch. Paatha Oru Lookula is tailor-made song for Gaana Bala and he hardly fails to deliver songs in this genre. However this song is too conventional which makes it laborious listen and fails to hold listeners till the end. Overall, least impressive song in the album. Thaedi Odinen is an upbeat peppy number with exquisite Nadhaswaram- thavil mix in the interludes and catchy tune which is rendered in an effortless manner by Aalappu Raju. Santosh creates beautiful ambience with his sounds to complement Aalap raju's singing.

Verdict: Santosh Kumar Dayanidhi makes a cool and confident debut in Inimey Ippadithan with enjoyable set of melodies.

Pick of the Album:  Inimey Ippadithan, Athana Azhagayum, Thaedi Odinen.

My Rating: 7.25/10

P.S: Edited version of the review will be available here.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Music Review (Telugu): Kick 2

Music Review (Telugu): Kick 2
Music Composer: Thaman

Mummy's tune traverse along the familiar adara adara from Dookudu, however, on the positive note it's Bhole's spirited rendition although heavily autotuned. Jonita Gandhi along with Thaman crooned for the sufi styled duet Nuvve Nuvve and Thaman embellished the tune with wonderful tabla, Rahman'ish flute and strings in the interludes. Particularly liked the singing of Jonita, this song may be Kick 2's Gore Gore. Surely will rock the charts. Janda Pai Kappi Raju is also engaging listen largely due to energetic folk rhythmic tune and the group of singers did a commendable job. Thaman's arrangements is also enticing with veena in the interludes supported by ghatams throughout the song. Masthani is a signature tune from Thaman and has composer's stamp all over it (initial humming also reminds some of his previous songs). Song fails to hold the listener despite enough support from Deepak and Mansi. Temple song is brilliant for its tempo change from fast paced mode to sweet melodic towards the end accompanied by grand orchestration throughout the song. Title song is heavily templatized Telugu item song in every aspect barring flute in the interludes and sung with enough verve by Spoorthi and Simha.

Verdict: Kick 2, likeable soundtrack and quite a listenable follow-up for the Sequel from Thaman with two standout tracks.

My rating:7.25/10

Pick of the Album: Nuvve Nuvve, Temple song, Janda Pai Kappi Raju

Friday, May 8, 2015

Music Review (Tamil): Mass

Music Review (Tamil): Mass
Music Composer: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Soundtrack's opening number Therikkuthu Therikkuthu Mass is a routine hip hop number barring folky twist in the first interlude and gospel choir in the second interlude. Shankar Mahadevan's buoyant vocals plus changeover in the interludes are the only positiveness in an otherwise mediocre track. Song's another remix version with mandatory Premji Amaran behind the mic is uncalled for. So one can simply skip this track. In Poochandi, Yuvan mixes many assorted elements like horror inducing chorus, sweet mellow melody by Pooja with gorgeous strings, electronic beats, wonderful flute and makes this song far better than the previous track. Naan Aval Illai beautiful melody layered above the dubstep rhythm at the background and good that those rhythms didn't override the vocals. Chinmayi and Karthik rules the track behind the mic however Chinmayi got a brief portion. Piravi is another track with gospel chorus and Grand Piano along with Vaikom Vijayalaksmi vocals makes this song best in the soundtrack. Mass Theme, apart from thumping rhythmic elements nothing stands out special in this much-touted theme even though 2 minutes long. Con Man theme is also passable listen without any awestruck sound.

Verdict: Mass album has no standout track and it's a disappointing soundtrack from Yuvan- Venkat Prabhu combo.

My rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Piravi, Naan Aval Illai, Poochandi

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Music Review(Tamil): Kaaka Muttai

Music Review(Tamil): Kaaka Muttai
Music Composer: G V PrakashKumar

Edhai Ninaithom is a pleasant solo by G V Prakash and he sounds different than his usual tone. Guitar strums aid the ambient of the music in an enticing manner and Kazoos in the second interlude is brilliant. Karuppu Karuppu reminds me Kurisi Kurisi from Telugu movie Kaalicharan, but the semblance ends within initial 30 seconds. GVP mixes the dubstep sound with mild Kuthu pattern very well. Maanjave Kaanjachu has an easily accessible tune and sung superbly by Gaana Bala. Mild clarinet sound throughout the song, whistling and violin solo in the second interlude deserves special mention. In Sel Sel, Sathya Prakash sounds soothing and his voice is complemented by wonderful sitar in the background blended well with electronic sounds. Na Muthukumar makes his presence felt with his buoyant lyrics.

Verdict: GVP's best album in recent times and good that he digressed from his templatized tunes.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of theAlbum: Sel Sel, Edhai Ninaithom, Maanjave Kaanjachu.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Music Review( Hindi): Dil Dhadakne Do

Music Review( Hindi): Dil Dhadakne Do
Music Composer: Shankar- Ehsaan- Loy

Title song follows retro'ish rock sound and filled with brass sections results in boisterous song backed with well-employed chorus and Priyanka Chopra's confident vocals. However, Farhan Akhtar seems to be a misfit and tries hard in crooning the song. SEL's tune also works only in parts. Sidharth Mahadevan and Sukriti Kakkar rocks in delivering the rock base Pehli Baar and trio once again delivers appealing arrangements in the background for this genre despite song rides on the familiar note. Gallan Goodiyan has a bunch of singers to deliver the desi track which is punchy enough to scorch in wedding. Once again problem of heard before feel and templatized Punjabi track factor makes this uninspiring song in the soundtrack. SEL excels in delivering a fun filled, fast paced jazz track Girls like to swing with Sunidhi Chauhan behind the mic to bolster the energy in the song. Brass sections and Sunidhi's verve along with chorus makes this song works.Among the band of singers employed for crooning the pathos Phir Bhi Yeh Zindagi, Divya Kumar steals the show with his effectual singing. Brilliant guitar strums in the background and tune also makes this song best in the soundtrack.

Verdict: Dil Dhadakne Do soundtrack fails to meet the expectation and this album is a slight blip in the recent record of the trio.

My rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Phir Bhi Yeh Zindagi, Girls like to swing, Pehli Baar

Friday, May 1, 2015

Music Review (Hindi): Tanu Weds Manu returns

Music Review (Hindi): Tanu Weds Manu returns
Music Composer: Krsna, Tanishq and Vayu


Banno, adequately heady techno punjabi folk mix arranged well especially dholaks, flute and accordion by Tanishq and Vayu. Debut singers Brijesh Shandllya & Swati Sharma effectually sung with enough verve. Both of them handled the likeable tune and title hook very well. Mat Ja re is heavily outdated tune although likeable one and evokes memories of Manmohana (Jodhaa Akbar) in some places. Nice harmonium in the interludes and surprisingly Ankit Tiwari crooned for this melancholy and did a commendable job behind the mic. Ghani Bawri's racy tune and folky orchestration complements Jyoti Nooran's (Voice behind Patakha Guddi) energetic rendition. Traditional Punjabi elements throughout the songs and especially interludes is an additional asset to the track. After listening to Bombay velvet for past one week, It's difficult to listen to Krsna's surprising jazz song in this album in the form of Old School girl and Anmoll Malik croons English verses with pitch- perfect attitude. Kalpana's Haryani version of the same tune of Old school girl is hilarious and Krsna tweaked the arrangements with guitars and keys and minimised trumpet which was predominant in an original version. Ho gaya hai pyar is an instantly likeable melody in the vocals of Dev Negi and in arrangements Guitar, violins, appealing Tabla and classical guitar (or sitar?) mixed together in an arresting way. Sonu Nigam bags the best of the soundtrack O Sathi mere which has sweeping arrangements, likeable tune bit Rahman'ish and sung very nicely by the ever reliable Sonu Nigam. Sunidhi Chauhan ends the soundtrack in the high note similar to Banno. This song is also heady composition which is build around the title hook effectively and also pulsating arrangements to support Sunidhi. 

Verdict: Tanu Weds manu's soundtrack also shines similar to its prequel. Only minor grouse is that there is not a single solid composition like Rangrez in this album.

My rating:8.25/10

Pick of the Album: O Sathi Mere, Ho Gaya Hai Pyar, banno.