Friday, November 27, 2015

Music Review (Tamil): Thangamagan

Music Review (Tamil): Thangamagan
Music Composer: Anirudh

Enna Solla despite the familiarity in the tune, Shwetha Mohan's vocals and Kanjira base throughout the song along with flute bits makes this one pleasant listen. Oh Oh has a lilting waltzy tune portions mixed with soft rock base effectually. Nikhitha Gandhi's is fabulous with her rendition whereas Dhanush's vocals didn't come off quite well when compared to female singer. Tak Bak is catchy enough and Dhanush's amusing lyrics props up the song very well. Anirudh's arrangements also upbeat with jubilant horn, trumpet portions along with sweeping strings sections. Jodi Nilave is another winner from Shwetha Mohan's vocals and the song reminds of VIP song especially piano base. Once again Dhanush's singing didn't match well when compared to Shwetha's.

Verdict: Short and pleasant soundtrack from Anirudh and similar to VIP songs may become chartbusters along with visuals.

My rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Enna Solla, Tak Bak, Jodi Nilave

You can listen to the soundtrack in Saavn.


Thursday, November 26, 2015

Music Review (Telugu): Bhale Manchi Roju

Music Review (Telugu): Bhale Manchi Roju
Music Composer: Sunny MR

        Ningi Needera starts with quite an eerie sound and singing for initial one minute while after that initial phase Arijit and Sunny M R captivate the listeners with cool rock flavoured tune. Particularly loved the catchy guitar riff meets classical sound in the interlude. The inspirational lyrics match well with the energetic tone of the song. Sunny MR shows his prowess as a programmer in Mila Mila with sporadic usage of harmonium and catchy mandolin strums peppered throughout the song. Sunny brings in another Bollywood singer Shashwat Singh to Telugu and he delivered well this fast paced track. However this song lacks the catchy tune apart from the title hook strictly when compared to the arrangements.

         Chalthi Ka Naam Gaadi is another hard rock song from Sunny where Shashwat Singh's sprightly rendition spruces up the song very well. Sunny Mixes the hard rock with trance elements occassionally very well. Overall highly energetic song which will appeal well along weith the visuals rather than as a standalone track.Sunny M R gives the serene Sufi touch to the melody Evari Roopo and the vocals is handled with earnest attempt by ever reliable Arijit Singh. Sunny's arrangements also quite enticing with lovely percussions, claps throughout the song and minimal sitar sounds to match the pious tone of the song.Vareva Ore Maccha has an interesting orchestration and quite an esoteric sounds with unusual combination of singers Amitabh Bhattacharya, Anthony daasan and Shanthini Sathiyanathan. However the quirkiness of all elements didn't quite effectively comes together well. However loved the Nadhaswaram mixing amidst the raucous kuthu number.Dol Dolre can be easily mistaken as the one composed by Amit Trivedi itself and the song has a stamp of Amit Trivedi's jubilant composition. Amit Trivedi pulled off quite effectually his Telugu debut as a singer while Sunny's groovy foot tapping tune propped up by quite an upbeat arrangements and lovely chorus portions.The title song borders on the familiar Sunny M R's territory tune wise but composer mixes the traffic sounds quite expertly along with lovely European styled string sections and other potpourri of sounds. Sunny MR's exquisite singing especially humming portions and amusing lyrics makes this one highly enjoyable song in the soundtrack.


Verdict: Sunny MR came out of his comfortable sound in Bhale Manchi Roju and the soundtrack works for most of its part apart from few misses. Sunny MR is one of the composer who continues to push the boundaries in bringing new sounds to Telugu cinema.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Evari Roopo, Bhale Manchi Roju, Ningi Needera, Mila Mila

You can listen to the soundtrack in Youtube.



Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Music Review (Hindi): Bajirao Mastani

Music Review (Hindi): Bajirao Mastani
Music Composer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali


           Deewani Mastani opens up with rustic folksy vocals of Ganesh Chandanshive and what follows is the quite evocative magical vocals of Shreya Goshal accompanied by Bhansali's wonderful usage of mandolin throughout the song. The chorus portions especially qawwalis 'que towards the end  and percussions blend well with the Shreya's voice. Bhansali moves to Laal ishq territory with Ayat and in this song also Arijit is fabulous showing his classical prowess especially loved the alaap portion in the prelude. Once again song switches from the Arijit vocals to qawwalis mode which is handled by Mujtaba Aziz Naza and Shadab very well. Album turns into the celebratory mood with Malhari and Bhansali set the mood with punchy percussion and roped Vishal Dadlani to croon the song. However song turns out to be perfunctory one without any highs. 

          Bhansali delivers beautiful semi-classical song Mohe Rang De Laal where Shreya Goshal's spot-on rendition combined with Pandit Birju Maharaj's taalam portions makes this one of the best in the soundtrack. Bhansali aptly uses brilliant Sitar and flute sounds along with Tabla effectually for this lovely song. Bhansali brings back Albela Sajan after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and here Bhansali treats the song with lofty orchestration while Shashi Suman, Kunal Pandit and Prithvi Gandharva handles the vocals well but still Shankar Mahadevan's rendition in the original one felt better. Ab Tohe Jane Na Doongi rides mainly on the earnest rendition of Payal Dev and Shreyas Puranik while Bhansali swings in the orchestration between modern and classical one throughout the song. Composer brings the Marathi folk in a highly enjoyable foot tapping Pinga while ever reliable Shreya Goshal and Vaishali Made delivers well with their vocals. The video of the song featuring Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone spruces up the song very well. Bhansali delivers another fine prayer-like song Aaj Ibaadat while set the right mood with lovely sitar and other assorted sounds.Javed Bashir, Shadab Faridi and Altamash delivers well in this highly enjoyable pious track. Fitoori is also an enjoyable track where Ganesh Chandanshive croons the folk part while Vaishali Made handles the conventionally tuned song fabulously. Ganjanna is another typical Ganesh bhajan song with typical orchestration rides mainly on the energetic vocals of Sukhwinder Singh.

Verdict: Sanjay Leela Bhansali delivers his best as a composer for his humongous Bajirao Mastani and the soundtrack has highly enjoyable tracks compared to Gujaarish and Ram Leela.

My rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Aayat, Aaj Ibaadat,  Mohe Rang Do lal, Pinga

You can listen to the soundtrack in Saavn

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Music Review (Telugu): Tanu Nenu

Music Review (Telugu): Tanu Nenu
Music Composer: Sunny MR

Suryudune chusoddhama rides mainly on the ever dependable Arijit vocals and contrasting Sunny M R coarse vocals. Once again Sunny does his best with synth elements and lovely guitar strums accompanied by keys. Harshika Gudi marks her presence with terse portions. Sunny's arrangements in Pade Pade is much better compared to  the previous song and here also composer is fabulous with the brilliant medley of guitar strums, lively soft drum beats and ecstatic European styled violin solo in the interludes. Though tune reminds of Sunny's previous tunes, his arrangements make up for this minor grouse. The title song is also gorgeous and starts off like folksy tune with lot of similarities to Uyyala Jampala's title song may be because of the same singers. Once again Sunny did some fine work with the arrangements especially loved the sounds of clarinet/oboe, mandolin, keys and especially sounds towards the end of the song. Nuvvu Tode vunte suffers much on the hangover of Sunny MR's sound despite effectual singing by Arijit and some fabulous guitar work along with singer's humming portion. Sunny MR ends the soundtrack on peppy upbeat song Adigo Adigo with composer itself behind the mic while arrangements complement the song's mood very well.

Verdict: Once again Sunny MR delivers enjoyable soundtrack while the only concern being Sunny MR confines himself with particular soundscape.Expecting variety from one of the talented composer in Telugu.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Thanu Nenu, Pade Pade, Suryudune Chusoddhama 

You can listen to the songs in youtube

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Music Review (Telugu): Abbayitho Ammayi

Music Review (Telugu): Abbayitho Ammayi
Music Composer: Ilayaraja

      Piyush Kapoor of X-factor reality show fame returns with Reena Mecareena, another Rock flavoured groovy tune after you're my love in Nenokkadine and he is fabulous with his effectual sprightly rendition. Ilayaraja also pulled off the genre with quite catchy sounds especially first interlude synthesized sounds, drum beats and lovely humming. Though tune feels monotonous, Piyush Kapoor and Maestro mitigates those minor grouses. Edhuru Choosthunna starts with spirited guitar riffs but what follows is a typical highly enjoyable Ilayaraja melody with ample support from Vibhavari's mellifluous rendition. The arrangements have Ilayaraja's stamp all over it from the piano keys along with catchy guitar riffs while strings and flute rule the interlude portions. Tholi paruvam is another vintage melody from Maestro where once again string section outshines in  the background throughout the song. Sathya Prakash and Vibhavari is spot on with the rendition part despite the tune is not highly effective compared to the previous song although song is enjoyable till it lasts mainly because of vocals and orchestration.

        Maatallo cheppaleni rides mainly on the charming, soothing vocals of Karthik and Ilayaraja's tune in the charanam portions are memorable in this otherwise a passable song from the composer. Arrangements by the composer is also pretty much standard fare without any special moments. Kanulu Kalanu, waltzy duet and the song is lovely mainly because of the earnest rendition by the lead singers Haricharan and Chinmayi while Ilayaraja breezes through with charming arrangements especially poignant violin solo and flute portions in the interludes. Rehman marks his presence with his poetic lyrics. Okasaari O oyyari has the upbeat tune where Yazin Nizar vocals works for most of the tune whereas Rita's vocals didn't appeal much compared to the male lead. Despite the assorted synthesized sounds and de trop raps mixed to sound trendy, this one also features lovely raja's melody underneath it in charanam portions. Saradale has the harmonious rendition by three female singers Rita, Reena Reddy and Mansi. The interlude portions, alluring violin prelude which has the whiff of composer's yesteryear tunes and arrangements works more than the gimmicky tune by the maestro. The title song male version has once again Piyush Kapoor behind the mic and he sounds totally different compared to the other song. Raja's tribal chants and humming are the highlights in this short title song. The title song's female version has Rita doing the honours of vocals while everything else is pretty-much same.

Verdict: Ilayaraja brings back his vintage delectable music for the love based movie. Abbayitho Ammayi is surely fresh whiff of music amidst the auto tuned music from the contemporary mainstream composers in Telugu. 

My rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kanulu Kalanu, Edhuru Choosthunna, Reena Mecareena, Tholi Paruvam


You can listen to the songs in youtube.

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



Music Review(Tamil): Anjala

Music Review(Tamil): Anjala
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar


           Gopi Sundar's album opens with quirky folk number Nakkalu Mama crooned by the line of singers lead by Santosh Hariharan and the singers did complete justice to the number with required verve. Gopi Sundar arrangements too is a perfect blend of folk elements like Thavil, Nathaswaram especially energetic climax portions and also modern sounds with strings.The song's only grouse being the tune could have been better. V V Prasanna and Vandana Srinivasan joins together for the simple folksy duet Kanjadai while Gopi Sundar continues to captivate with the arrangements where piano adorning the folk base of the tune in the interludes. Yugabharathi once again marks his presence with his simple rural based lyrics. Vandana Srinivasan is especially fabulous with her portions in this simple pleasing song.

           Yaarai Ketpathu, melancholic classical number rides mainly on the poignant rendition of the Na Muthukumar's effective lyrics by Gangai Amaran. Gopi Sundar's adeptness is apparent by the usage of minimal but effectual string sections throughout the song in the background and especially goosebump-inducing second interlude. Ayyankuli, another focal number where once again Gopi Sundar's arrangements outshine the tune as in the album's opening number. Gopi Sundar brilliant usage of single string bowed instrument in the prelude, lovely Ghatam throughout the song and especially nadhaswaram in the interludes deserves special mention. Lyrics by Yegathasi are amusing in parts while Mukesh, Tamil, Thalamuthu takes care of the vocals part effectually. Tea podu has funky arrangements with trumpets and other brass sections along with local kuthu flavored beats comes together for the boisterous song. However tune lacks the punch when compared with the arrangements while Deva nails the singing part with his unique gaana vocals.

Verdict: Anjala album sticks well with the folksy theme of the movie and the tunes could have been better. Gopi Sundar's return after a sabbatical is tepid affair when compared to the composer's repertoire in Malayalam and Telugu.

My rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Kanjadai, Yaarai Ketpathu, Ayyankuli

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

You can listen to the songs in Saavn

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Music Review (Malayalam): Rajamma@yahoo

Music Review (Malayalam): Rajamma@yahoo
Music Composer: Bijibal


       Ullathu Chonnal has an average yesteryear tune while Vineeth Srinivasan and Sangeetha Sreekanth breezes through the tune with pleasant rendition. Bijibal marks his prowess with enticing sounds with veena and Nadhaswaram in the interludes. Meghamani follows the standard template sounds mainly driven by harmonium and tabla whereas Najeem Arshad's singing and lively tune spruces the song very well. Particularly loved the harmonica and string combination in the second interlude. Alphons Joseph's singing is the highlight in the immensely enjoyable qawwali number Maanaanivalude whereas Bijibal filled the arrangements with harmonium, tabla and claps. Olivile Kalikal is the only song which is in different soundscape compared to other songs in the album. Apart from the interesting native instrument mix with chenda in the middle, this one is the pretty-much average track in the album. Bijibal reserves the best of the soundtrack Ottathooval to Ganesh Sundaram and Roopa Revathi. The semi-classical melody backed by prolific rendition by the lead singers and Bijibal's gorgeous haunting arrangements makes this one instantly catchy song in the soundtrack.

Verdict: Rajamma@Yahoo although didn't match up to the Bijibal's repertoire in this year, Ottathooval is a keeper in the soundtrack.

My rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ottathooval, Maanaanivalude, Meghamani




Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Music Review (Telugu): Kumari 21F

Music Review (Telugu): Kumari 21F
Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad


     Bang Bang Bangkok has DSP's stock beats in the background and amateurish processed vocals of Devisri Prasad, Ranina and Rita didn't bolster the song anymore. Yazin Nizar is fabulous in Meghaalu Lekunna while DSP spruces up the relaxing laid back tune with breezy guitar laden orchestration.String sections in the interludes, especially in the second one is the highlight from the composer.Love cheyyala Oddhaa has amusing lyrics by Ramanjhaneyalu but pedestrian monotonous tune bogs down the listener's interest very much despite the sprighted rendition by Narendra. Baby U gonna miss me, typical EDM track filled with synthesized sound is not groovy and catchy enough while occasional violin solo being the only solace in this conventional song from DSP. Breakup Patchup is a mandatory item song and apart from sporadic harmonium bits, the tune is not catchy enough compared to DSP's repertoire in the songs of this genre. M M Mansi fits the bill perfectly with her enthusiastic vocals.

Verdict: Devi Sri Prasad's Kumari 21F rides mainly on the single wonderful melody in the form of Meghaalu Lekunna.

My rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Meghaalu Lekunna

You can listen to the songs here.