Music Review (Tamil): Inji Iduppazhagi

Music Review (Tamil): Inji Iduppazhagi
Music Composer: M M Keeravani

          In Size zero, Maragadhamani mixes Punjabi dhol beats, harmonium and brief mandolin strings in the prelude deftly while Madhan Karky's imaginative lyrics about the benefits of size zero aids the song very well. Neethi Mohan, Prakash Raj along with chorus makes this one enjoyable listen with lyrics being the undeniable winner in this fun filled track. Mella Mella, breezy guitar laden track in soft rock genre with enticing violin string section mix in the middle of the song and minimal drums cum synth sounds throughout the song. Shwetha Pandit nails the singing part with her mellifluous vocals. Cycle is a typical EDM track filled with conventional electronic sounds and Maragadhamani's stock tune didn't help the song much. Ranjith prods the weak tune with his buoyant vocals but the singer also unable to salvage the conventional track.

           Madhan Karky's imaginative, amusing lyrics being the only solace in Size Sexy which is repleted with familiar percussion beats throughout the song. Ramya NSK's rendition along with funky chorus sections helps this song to a certain extent but the uninspiring tune is the major let down in this well-written whacky song. Mella Mella's male version appears more like an unplugged one with guitar sections in the original is replaced with piano. Though Kaala Bairava breezes through the song, female version fared much better compared to this one especially due to brilliant vocals of Shwetha Pandit. Maragadhamani impresses in the final song of the album Kannalam mainly due to contrasting vocals of Damini, Mohana Bhogaraju, Palak Muchhal. Especially loved the Keeravani's arrangements with Hindustani elements like Tabla, Santoor and flute for melody portions while percussion beats and Thavil for other portions of the song in tandem with the marriage theme.

Verdict: After the opulent grand score in Baahubali, Maragadhamani delivers kind of mixed bag in Inji Iduppazhagi with ample support from Madhan Karky.

My rating: 7.25/10

Pick of the Album: Mella Mella, Kannalam, Size Zero

You can listen to the songs here.

P.S Edited version of the review is avialbale here.

Music Review(Tamil): 144

Music Review(Tamil): 144
Music Composer: Sean Roldan

         In Vinai Theerkum Pillayada, Sean Roldan mixes the enticing Thavil-Nadaswaram combo for thefolksy tune while Kabilan's lyrics about god Vinayagar and Sean Roldan's arrangements makes this one enjoyable listen till it lasts. Despite the tune reminds yesteryear hits, Sean Roldan along with Sathyaprakash and ShenbagaRaj's spirited singing mitigates all those minor grouses. Sean Roldan once again nailed in delivering the fine melody in Poove Pooviname while Chinmayi and composer itself behind the mic doing the spot on rendition. Sean Roldan's breezy guitar laden arrangements along with Ghatam and nadhaswaram touch enhance the flavour of the song well. Particularly loved the prelude guitar strums with the classical twist to it and humming by Chinmayi towards the end. 

         Kenathakannam Kenathakannam has boisterous horn and percussion section along with amusing lyrics by Vivek like 'Arnold ku vetti katti sivaji nu kattuven', but passable tune makes this one fails to engage the listeners. Anthony Daasan's spirited vocals alone unable to salvage the languishing heard before feel in the tune.Velamarapattayum is lyricist Araikudi Bharathi Ganesan's show all the way and Sean Roldan uses the well known devotional tune for this short message oriented track. Aagaa has many captivating elements like addictive title hook, middle east percussion cum flute touches, Vivek's quirky imaginative lyrics and all of them blends together which result in the enjoyable song in the album. Hariharasudhan amply supports the song with his right attitude and exuberant singing. Kaasu Kedacha loosu Pidikkum has unrefutable Santosh Narayanan stamp in the tune and rides on the Anthony Daasan's spirited vocals while the singer also unable to hold the listener in this three minutes out and out folk number. Apart from the few quirky folk elements in the arrangements with nadhaswaram, this one has nothing special to offer.

Verdict: Sean Roldan's 144 has its highs with engaging single melody and quirky elements in tandem with the movie theme. However as a soundtrack this one falls behind compared to the composer's excellent repertoire in 2014.

My rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Poove Pooviname, Aagaa, Vinai Theerkum Pillayada

You can listen to the songs here.

P.S. Edited version of the review is available here.

Music Review (Malayalam): Rani Padmini

Music Review (Malayalam): Rani Padmini
Music Composer: Bijibal

Varu Pokkam Parakkum has the minimal piano base and the tune is enhanced by the appealing vocals of kids Shwetha Menon, Devadutt and Lola. Apart from the lovely piano, Bijibal's brilliant flute usage and ambient sounds stands apart in this pleasant composition. Oru Makaranilavay, pleasant melody rides mainly on the earnest rendition of Chitra Arun while Bijibal spruces up the tune with occasional haunting sitar notes and mesmerising flute and string portions.  Puthu Puthu, out and out retro styled Tamil track rendered by Soumya Ramakrishnan and the song is not appealing compared to other ones mainly due to pretty much standard arrangements and tune. Mizhimalarukal is the best in the album mainly due to tribal ambient atmosphere created by Bijibal and Sayonara's breezy whispery rendition which complements the arrangements well. Once again Bijibal mastered the usage of flute and string sections to set the mood for this expansive song.

Verdict: Bijibal is on a roll this year and Rani Padmini is no exception. Short captivating melodious numbers from the composer.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Mizhimalarukal, Varu Pokkam Parakkum, Oru Makaranilavay

You can listen to the songs here.

Music Review(Tamil): Oru Naal Koothu

Music Review(Tamil): Oru Naal Koothu
Music Composer: Justin Prabhakaran

           In Mangalyamey, Justin provides a wonderful mishmash of various genres with the help of six singers with their unique voice intonations comes together for this enjoyable potpourri. Justin's use of harmonium, thavil and native Chandamelam stands out in this fun-filled ride. Karky's hilarious lyrics on the marriage is another major asset to this enticing experimental mishmash. Adiye Azhage, gorgeous melody worded by Vivek while the highlight is Justin's lovely laid back tune and arrangements especially mesmerising flute along with brief ghatam sections. Sean Roldan pulls off another winner with his rendition after Kannana Kanne in Naanum Rowdy thaan while Padmalatha ably supported him with her terse portions. 

           Justin throws us Ilayaraja'ish sound in Paata Podunga Ji mainly in tune wise whereas the composer spruces up the tune with enticing sounds like Nadhaswaram, string sections in prelude, upbeat kuthu in second interlude and hilarious radio lines sporadically. Karthik and Nelson Venkatesan does complete justice to this retro fun filled track while Padmalatha supports more like cameo. In Yaeli Yaeli composer goes into minimal orchestration with string sections and piano as a base to accentuate the pensive mood of the song. Overall this pathos filled song rides mainly on the earnest rendition of Sathyaprakash and Swetha Mohan. However loved the brilliant and apposite use of string sections.
Justin ends the soundtrack with an endearing classical composition Eppo Varuvaro penned by Gopalakrishna Bharathi and Justin composed the song totally different from the original one and the result is equally captivating one. The lovely use of carnatic instruments along with strings and Haricharan's beautiful rendition makes this one lovely listen and best of the soundtrack.

Verdict: After two decent albums in Tamil, Justin Prabhakaran delivers the third album in style and as touted songs are rich in variety and genres. Justin Prabhkaran consolidated his position in the industry with this lovely album.

My rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Adiye Azhage, Eppo Varuvaro, Mangalyamey

You can listen to the songs here.

Music Review(Tamil): Pasanga2

Music Review(Tamil): Pasanga2
Music Composer: Arrol Correli

      Chota Beema appositely titled had imaginative lyrics by Karky which will surely appeal all the children very much. Composer Arrol also kept the arrangements engaging with buoyant trumpets, Sax and percussions. Yazhini too had a jubilant singing apart from few places where words are indiscernible. Visual will add much value to the song. Tham Tham arrangements are also  treads along the charming, cool path while Arrol's string section in the prelude and towards the end stands apart. Arrol's tune is relaxed, laid back one although it tests the patience in the Charanam portions, overall ear friendly song. Anand nailed the rendition part with his pleasant vocals Kaatukulla Kannakatti is conventional rock and roll foot tapping tune with delightful drum sections, trumpets and keyboard. Yugabharathi lyrics is once again charming and will instantly bring light chuckles in faces. Anand with his contrast vocals compared to the previous song breezes through the song with sprightly rendition.Pookalai Killi Vandhu is the mandatory pensive pathos song which rides mainly on the wistful rendition by Yazin Nizar. Arrol kept the minimalistic orchestration with the piano base to accentuate the feel of the song. Karky marks his presence with moving lyrics about the plight of abandoned children. Pasanga 2 Theme starts with an intriguing playful note and Arrol aces once again with the brilliant usage of violin after Mysskin's Pisasu.  Particularly loved the arrangements with interplay between violin and piano notes.


Verdict: Overall Pasanga 2 album does justice to the genre of the movie with Arrol Corelli handles the songs which will appeal the target audiences very well.

My rating: 7.25/10

Pick of the Album: Kaatukulla Kannakatti, Pookalai Killi Vandhu, Tham Tham

You can listen to the songs here.

P.S Edited version of the review is available here.

Music Review(Hindi): Tamasha

Music Review(Hindi): Tamasha
Music Composer: A R Rahman

         Matargashti, free flowing and video seems to be the tribute to Dev Anand whilethe tune also takes retro route in the middle with the melodic portions. Although the song is filled with many European sounds, liked particularly percussion elements throughout the song. Mohit Chauhan did a decent job in the rendition of this whimsical song which didn't adhere to any particular structure. Heer To Badi Sad hai where AR Rahman scores really well and the arrangements are top notch with brilliant use of Sarangi, mandolin in the second interlude, xylophone and synthesised gaming sounds occasionally. Rahman builds up very catchy tune in Punjabi folk base and Irshad Kamil wrote some brilliant lyrics about Heer's sadness. Mika Singh is exceptionally well and Nakash Aziz fills up with Oye hoyes and aaye Haayes. Tum Saath Ho is vintage Rahman, pleasant melody where Alka Yagnik with her mellifluous voice props up the song very well and makes the listener  feel nostalgic. Rahman's arrangements though have familiarity vibe attached to it, still this one is a wonderful listen. Arijit Singh ably supports her although he sounds like Rahman in high pitch portions.

       Wat Wat Wat also has Punjabi base, but Rahman once again embellished with interesting arrangements while distorted shehnai sounds are discernible among the other assorted sounds. Arijit Singh and Sashwat Singh aces in delivering this fun filled unconventional song. Arijit gets to sing out of his comfort zone with this one after senti wali mental in Shandaar. However, song's vengeance mix didn't fit the bill perfectly and it ends as a passable one. Chali Kahani is the brilliant medley of vocal powerhouse Sukhwinder Singh with Symphony touches while Haricharan and Haripriya aces with their Hindustani flavoured melodic portions. Song ends in an expected way where string section reaches the crescendo. Safarnama is loaded with buoyant guitar work although treads on the familiar strums, song is a pleasant listen in the vocals of Lucky Ali. Tu Koi Aur Hai is the longest song in the album which last around seven minutes and the song works mainly for Rahman's earnest rendition along with Irshad Kamil wonderful lyrics which inspires one to do what one wishes to do. Song which starts with very minimalistic orchestration but ends in a high with gospel-like chorus portions. Parade De la Bastille, starts off like devotional track with Rahman humming but turns out into highly foot tapping European instrumental with Violin and bagpipes steal the show among the other sounds and Rahman mixes Matargashti also in the middle of this three minute highly enjoyable instrumental. 

Verdict: Rahman once again delivered the highly enjoyable as well as expansive set of songs for Imitiaz Ali after Rockstar and Highway.

My rating: 8.75/10

Pick of the Album: Heer Toh badi sad, Wat Wat wat, Matargashi, Tum Saath ho

You can listen to the songs here.

Music Review (Tamil): Vedhalam

Music Review (Tamil): Vedhalam
Music Composer: Anirudh

       Veera Vinayaka's tune falls under the familiar template of devotional song and Anirudh tried to spruce up with effective electric guitars and other trance elements to turn into a power packed song. Overall the song ends as a passable one  because of tepid and flat tune. Anirudh and Vishal Dadlani infused much energy into the song although their vocals are indiscernible. Anirudh brings in two vocal talents Shakthishree Gopalan and Shruthi Hassan to render an EDM track Don't you mess with me where arrangements are confined to typical hip-hop and dance tracks. Shruthi Haasan's rendition is a major asset in an otherwise conventional song and she brings out the attitude well which matches well with the arrangements.

        Anirudh scores comparatively well  in Uyir Nadhi Kalangudhe, a pensive pathos song worded by Viveka and mainly classical-rock fusion work much better with engaging Veena led first interlude. Ravishankar along with chorus did quite well with the rendition of the poignant tune. Aaluma Doluma is a typical local Kuthu where Anirudh mixes electronic sounds in the middle and roped Baadshah to render few  which didn't elevate the song to any level. Apart from Rokesh's lyrics, there are very few interesting elements in this much-touted song. Ajith Screen presence may give an essential drive to make this one chartbuster. The theri theme has an enticing house mix and pulsating sequencing but lacks an instant catchy factor necessary for the theme tracks. The electronic sounds laden theme track may work well with visuals but not as a standalone theme track.

Verdict: After an impressive Naanum Rowdy Than, Anirudh got mired into once again an unimpressive set of tunes with occasional highs in terms of orchestration. Overall, songs didn't match the level of expectations from the composer.

My rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Uyir Nadhi Kalangudhe, Don't you mess with me

Music Review (Tamil): Mellisai

Music Review (Tamil): Mellisai
Music Composer: Sam C S

          Vellai Kanavu, breezy duet and it's always a delight to listen to the songs rendered by Hariharan and Harini combo while particularly loved the improvisations by Hariharan. The debut composer evokes the beauty of the tune with simple arrangements laden with mainly flute, acoustic guitar supported by string instruments in the background. Lola, dark esoteric song peppered with mysterious intriguing sounds which remind spiderman song from the movie new. However, this one is also the lovely listen especially for the lead singer Maria Kavitha Thomas's earnest rendition with the right attitude. Sam's guitar interludes gels well with the synth sounds throughout the song. Lola comes with another version where mild guitar work in the original version is accentuated and drums are added to give grungy rock feel to the song. However, it's Andrea Jeremiah steals the show with her sensual singing in this lovely version. Karky's lyrics too have the elements of hatred and revenge feel of the woman towards men.

         Parakiren Naan starts with guitar strums which remind of  V Harikrishna's Paravashanadenu composition, but similarity ends over there and what follows is the brilliant concoction of waltzy melancholic string sounds accompanied by Hindustani classical elements touches with tabla. Once again singing is top notch with Maria Kavitha Thomas and Srinivas. In Mazhaikulle, once again Sam's orchestration with sweeping string instruments comes to the fore which is adorned with occasional classical violin notes cum guitar strums. Shreya Ghoshal's melodic verses blend well with Haricharan's upbeat rendition of this wonderful melody. In Take me higher, Parakiren Naan's English version where orchestration is kept intact and singing by Maria Kavitha Thomas works much better than Suchith Suresan vocals mostly because tune of Suchith Suresan portion works well with the Tamil verses. So this one falls a tad behind the song's original version. Mellisai theme is also loaded with a lot of intriguing sounds and the ambiance created by Chennai Orchestra is brilliant, arousing particularly when switching the mood of the theme towards the end. Fitting theme track filled with thriller sounds for an action flick.

Verdict: Sam C S makes a compelling debut with Mellisai and the soundtrack is filled with rich and diverse orchestration. Another promising composer to look out for in Tamil film Industry.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Vellai Kanavu, Mazhaikulle, Loha1

You can listen to the songs here.

P.S. Edited version of the review is available here.

Music Review (Tamil): Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam

Music Review (Tamil): Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam
Music Composer: Amrit

Sarakka is a standard kuthu song that has few highs in terms of Amrit's improvs in vocals and amusing lyrics. Orchestration wise song is filled with usual gaana elements. Amrit's experimental face is evident apparently in Morra Saiyya and composer succeeds in delivering highly engaging track with mighty intriguing arrangements. Vijay Prakash and Shakthishree Gopalan amply supports the beautiful tune with their vocals. Amrit's arrangement is also engaging particularly arousing title hook and brilliant Shruthi Kamath's sitar interludes. Mokka Piece is spirited techno dance track loaded with electronic sounds and once again Amrit's lyrics and Benny Dayal's vocals being top enthralling ones. Amidst the assorted electronic sounds, groovy guitar riffs along with minimal brass sections stand out. The title song is breezy solo in the vocals of Amrit itself dominated by Sridhar Varadharajan's guitar work and especially loved the way he sings the title line. Ennodu starts with a whiff of familiar string sections and what follows in the later sections also has heard before vibe attached to it. Mili Nair's singing occasionally spruce up the song however, this one ends up being average and strictly functional one. Among the two themes, Two opposite works well for the engaging mixing of accordion, string sections with the piano base. The return of love is strictly background'ish with once again lovely title line.

Verdict: Noticeable debut by Amrit Rao as a composer in this Selvaraghavan written Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam.

My rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Morra Saiyya, Maalai Nerathu Mayakkama, Mokka Piece

You can listen to the songs here.

Music Review (Tamil): 10 Enrathukulla

Music Review (Tamil): 10 Enrathukulla
Music Composer: D Imman

     Vroom Vroom has few interesting elements like catchy lyrics by Madhan Karky using James Bond, Virat Kohli, catchy guitar riff portions and classical guitar touch in the middle. However, tune by Imman is largely mundane  and heavily monotonous even chorus portions also appears dull after first listen. Overall uninspiring tune makes this one falls flat despite catchy arrangements. Santosh Hariharan does his best to prop up the song with his energetic vocals. Aanaalum Indha Mayakam does fairly better mainly for their arrangements with Kanjira, flute sections and Sarangi portions while Sathya Prakash croons this breezy rural melody in an effectual manner especially humming. The song is interspersed with fairly engaging chorus and uncredited Hindi verses. Overall hummable laid back melody from Imman.

        The title song has slightly retro touch with respect to the guitar works especially in the first interlude while Vishal Dadlani aces once again with his grungy rendition. Emcee Jesz marks his presence with the rap portions which are not quite catchy while Imman mixes the bike sounds quite well  in tandem with the theme of the movie. The title song by Vaikom Vijayalakshmi works well mainly due to Vaikom's idiosyncratic touches to the tune which makes the huge difference compared to the Vishal's grungy version. Imman slightly alters the arrangements too with trance elements mixed effectively instead of rock portions in original version but Vaikom steals the listeners with her stupendous rendition. Gaana Gaana is brilliant especially for its orchestration with Jazz elements in the prelude, European country styled guitar sections and classical string section in the first and second interlude respectively. Imman infused the templatized kuthu which is rendered sensually by Shreya Goshal while Anand Aravindakshan ably supports her. Overall, interesting experimentation from Imman. Mysterious travel is quite apposite to the title has an excellent mix of interesting and intriguing middle east sounds which is packaged quite effectually by Imman. Especially string and flute portions are the highlights in this wonderfully made theme track.

Verdict: Imman fails to deliver the completely enjoyable album in this 10 Enrathukulla mainly due to uninspiring tunes, However Imman's orchestration is considerably engaging throughout the album.

My rating: 7.25/10

Pick of the Album: Title track(female), Mysterious travel, Gaana Gaana.

You can listen to the songs here.

P.S. Edited version of the review is available here

Music Review (Tamil): Naanum Rowdy Than

Music Review (Tamil): Naanum Rowdy Than
Music Composer: Anirudh Ravichander

          Anirudh starts an album with the breezy solo Thangamey where composer itself rendered the catchy guitar laden track. However, an undeniable winner of this lovely number is Anantha Krishnan's beautiful violin solos in the interludes. Though adept singer might have taken this song a level further, Anirudh's arrangements with drums, synth elements along with rock touch towards the end are top notch. Anirudh churned out another winner with the duet wonderfully worded by Thamarai. Manonmani's Sarangi is the major highlight in this beautiful melody and Neethi Mohan's rendition accentuate the sweetness of the composition especially when she sings 'Naan Pagal Iravu'. Anirudh created the lovely ambience with Piano and occasional Kanjira. Particularly loved Anirudh Kathaza Mulla Mulla part. Overall piece de resistance of the soundtrack.

         The title track takes retro route with sax and Jazz elements dominating the arrangements aided by Vignesh Shivan's hilarious lyrics. Benny Dayal along with chorus rendered the interesting song in an apposite manner with right attitude.Yennai Maatrum Kadhale is also lovely listen but only grouse being Sid Sriram is relegated to the tracks of the same genre. Once again Anirudh's orchestration is a clean winner with cavalcade kind of sound incorporated wonderfully along with the piano base. Anirudh nicely mixes the title track tune towards the end of the track.Anirudh ends the soundtrack in high with lovely folksy tune in Kannana Kanne, though the track has signatures of Santosh Narayanan songs, Anirudh's arrangements mitigates those minor grouses. Chennai Strings orchestra's string sections and Sean Roldan's terrific rendition makes this one pretty much enjoyable song in this album.

Verdict: Anirudh brings back the mojo of  early days of his career with this refreshing and terrific album. Totally all the songs are engaging without any shades of his previous compositions.

My rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Neeyum Naanum, Kannanna Kanne, Thangamey

You can listen to the songs here

P.S: Edited version of the review is available here.

Music Review (Telugu): Brucelee The fighter

Music Review (Telugu): Brucelee The fighter
Music Composer: Thaman

    
     In the album's opening number Run, repleted with Thaman's usual percussion dominated background rhythms and mainly treads on the energetic vocals of Super Singer fame Saisharan and Nivaz. Tune wise, Thaman kept it simple and chorus portions have the whiff of Thaman's previous songs. Srimani vocals about the positive attitude may go well  with the dance movements of Ramcharan. In Ria, Thaman tried Hip-Hop genre laden with electronic sequencing sounds while flute section in the middle deserves special mention. Another major highlight of the song is Rabbit mac's catchy, peppy rap portions. Deepak manages to prop up this assorted packaged song with his earnest rendition.

          In Kungfu Kumari, Thaman once again tried to play it very safe with his stock tune and Deepak, Ramya Behera's autotuned vocals too didn't help this song much. Rama Jogaiya Sastry incorporated 'Mega' in the lyrics which are surely enough for the fans to go frenzy over this song. Overall this one is heavily humdrum track from Thaman. Thaman makes sure that at least one song in his album is likable and in this also, Le chalo is easily best compared to the other songs in the album. The visual of this song is already the rage in online among the Ram Charan fans for his dance movements. Thaman arrangements with mild percussion in the second interlude along with sax gels well with this breezy number. Megha and Thaman have done their best in the vocals part. Title song is out and out mass number which will surely please the particular section of the audiences but for normal listeners, this one is a drab apart from few highlights with synthesized sounds and second interlude. Tune and rhythm pattern is tried and tested umpteen times.Sameera Bharadwaj and Simha done justice with their rendition for this energetic number.

Verdict: Thaman tried to play it safe throughout the album and both Sreenu Vaitla and composer sticks to their comfort zone. Overall Brucelee songs heavily depend on the visuals and Ramcharan factor to make it chartbusters.Dookudu remains the best from this combo.

My rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Le Chalo, Ria, Run

You can listen to the songs here.

P.S. Edited version of the review is available here.

Music Review(Tamil): Ko2

Music Review (Tamil): Ko2
Music Composer: Leo James

          Leon James strikes a chord with the listeners in Kohila, a breezy melody where Neeti Mohan's breezy vocals along with the composer itself behind the mic create an enjoyable duet. The highlight of the song is undeniable classical string interludes along with catchy although heard before Kohila hook. Madhan Karky marks his presence with his idiosyncratic rhythmic lyrics. Vidaadha is the kind of typical energetic grungy song rendered by none other than Vishal Dadlani and his verve for this kind of song is matter-of-fact. However tune is pretty much conventional which makes this one uninspiring, However, Leon's interludes with synthesized elements along with pipes are noticeable.
             
          Inno Genga, who did cover album of many hit songs makes his debut with Kannamma alongside ever reliable Chinmayi and she is amazing as always in this another breezy melody. Though the tune is not an instantly catchy one, this track works mainly because of earnest rendition by the lead singers and the strings in the interlude sections. Harish Sivaramakrishnan of Agam fame infused the enough liveliness with his rendition of the inspirationally worded lyrics by Na Muthukumar in Unnai Maatrinaal. Another major highlight of this song is the chorus portions by the group of children and brilliant use of Nadhaswaram occasionally. Harish's improvisation towards the end is another plus point in this uplifting song. Another Bollywood singer makes his debut in Tamil with this Kannamma reprise version where the tune is adorned with the minimal piano base which gels well with the vocals. The beauty of the tune is emphasized well in this pathos version mainly because of minimalistic orchestration and earnest rendition by Salim Merchant. Ko2 theme starts off in an intriguing synthesized sound and followed by mix of classical and electronic sounds is pretty captivating, but the theme ends before it  makes any impact on the listener.Hope the theme blends well with the visuals.

Verdict: Leon James makes a fascinating debut with Ko2 which has the right mix of an enjoyable set of songs. Another young composer to look out for in Tamil film industry.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Kohila, Unnai Maatrinaal, Kannamma

You can listen to the songs here.

P.S. Edited version of the review is available here.