Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Kootathil Oruthan

Music Review (Tamil): Kootathil Oruthan
Music Composer: Nivas K Prasanna

The highlight of Enda Ippadi is ever-young vocals of S P Bala Subrahmanyam and his voice modulations while Emcee Gonzales amped up the peppy tune with an amusing rap portions. Composer complements the Kabilan's lyrics with upbeat arrangements with splendid work from Keba Jeremiah's guitar and Thirumoorthy's Nadaswaram. Nee Indri is a pleasant melody and the composer's tidy arrangements bring out the beauty of the melody effectually well. M M Manasi sounds adequate while Navin Iyer's flute and upbeat guitar work in the first and second interlude is the standout in this breezy track from the composer.

Innum Enna Solla has the melange of instrument mix from the trippy string sections in the prelude, soothing flute and grand piano setting amidst the upbeat trumpet work from Babu. However, the song ends up being an incongruous mix of musical elements and the tune has resemblances from the composer's earlier works. Haricharan easily breezes through the tune with enough support from Mac. Or Naal Kadhal rides mainly on the Satyaprakash's effectual vocals and the composer compliments the tune with minimal orchestrations dominated by grand piano and string sections. Composer segues beautifully Enda ippadi into this short track. Maatrangal Ondre Dhaan is pretty engaging thanks to the Goan flavoured percussions and Seenu's enjoyable mandolin strums. Though the tune is not great as a standalone one, there are more awesomeness happening in the background while the composer did a neat job behind the mic and the composer gives rousing ending in line with the optimistic lyrics of Kabilan with bell sounds towards the end. The one theme is an effectual one although the theme lasts for just one minute, Nivas packed the instrumental with an arresting string section reaching crescendo towards the end and lilting flute. The happiness of pursuit is an another gracefully made instrumental track and the blissful instrumental sounds splendid with Rajesh Vaidhya's veena accompanied by grand piano and string sections. The mesmerising flute section is an additional asset to this beautifully done instrumental work from Nivas K Prasanna.

Verdict: Nivas K Prasanna dropped in another wonderful album with the right mix of melodies and trendy songs in the composer's style. The instrumental tracks by the composer is an undeniable highlight in the album.

My Rating:  8/10

Pick of the Album: The happiness of Pursuit, Enda ippadi, Maatrangal Ondre dhaan,  Nee Indri






Sunday, November 27, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Singam 3

Music Review (Tamil): Singam 3
Music Composer: Harris Jayaraj

O Sone Sone's tune has familiarity written all over it and the kuthu is attempted in a different manner while Javed Ali breezes through the easy tune effortlessly. Mc Vicky hops in with the listenable rap lyric and Priya Subramaniyan for the brief Telugu verses. Overall sone sone is the safe start for the highly anticipated album. Swetha Mohan makes the umpteenth tried and tested melody template listenable in Mudhal Murai while the tweaked percussion in the second interlude is the lovely stuff from Harris. Thamarai makes her presence with the lyrics and melody is easy on ears without an iota of doubt, however, the deja-vu factor is unable to brush aside while listening to this song.

Universal Cop is a stylish outing from Harris Jayaraj and the composer tries to bring international flavour in the backgrounds while the guitar riff in the prelude screams it's from Harris. The tune and background arrangements are addictive and hook the listener till it lasts. The song is enjoyable towards the end with Dinesh Kanagrathnam's vocals. He is my hero is another short lovely techno track from Harris and the wanna wanna hook towards the end keeps the listener on the toe. Malavika Manoj sounds apt and adequate for this enjoyable short track. Wi Wi Wi Wifi has the uncanny resemblance with the yellae lama from 7aum Arivu in certain places, however Nikita Gandhi and Karthik vocals makes this one easily works for us. Harris filled the song with the gibberish sounds and cool techno sounds in the interludes. Wi wi wi wifi is the harmless listen from the composer. Mission to Sydney is another techno sounds laden track which is more background'ish rather than as a standalone track. Lady Kash easily scores with her energetic vocals in this short track which may gel well along with visuals. Harris Jayaraj ends the soundtrack with full-fledged stylish EDM loaded theme track for singam and mixes the enjoyable kuthu in the middle. Overall fitting theme track which is on the lines with the overall mood of the album.

Verdict: Harris Jayaraj score is easily best one in the Singam franchise and the composer gives easily accessible commercial album which is high on techno sounds.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Universal Cop, O sone Sone, Wi Wi Wi Wifi







Saturday, November 26, 2016

Music Review (Telugu): Sheesh Mahal

Music Review (Telugu): Sheesh Mahal
Music Composer: Vivek Sagar and Piyush Mishra

In Hotha Hai, Piyush Mishra brings back the glorious yesteryear tune and the charm in the song is appealing despite the vocals. Citramaaga is the delightful listen and Vivek Sagar's laid back jazzy background is absolutely mesmerising while the George Hull's saxophone touch in the interludes is icing on the cake. Shri's vocals complement the jazz-laden song effectually. Bhatki Raaton ko's folk tune is embellished with brilliant bass by Varun Venugopal and Rahul Ram of Indian ocean sounds adequate. The background sounds including Yakub Ali's harmonium and flute sounds enthralling when compared to the main tune. Aagi Aagi is another well-orchestrated song where the mandolin, banjo by Vivek Sagar and Yakub Ali's Harmonium is accompanied by an engaging tune sung with enough verve by Balaji Dake. Shri returns back to another Jazz dominated track Rainbows in the sky and the result is equally splendid one. The lounge'ish background sounds apt for the Shri's sensual vocals and George Hull's saxophone is pure bliss. Piyush Mishra's vocal aside, Bhola Sa Mann Tha is another delightful throwback where the pleasant tune and soothing flute makes up for the minor grouses with respect to vocals. Babarag or the king of the world starts off as a typical bhajan and the song makes less impact as a standalone tune.

Verdict: The eclectic variety from the indie musicians work beautifully for this Sheesh Mahal.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Citramaaga, Aagi Aagi, Rainbows in the sky

Friday, November 25, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Nenjam Marapathillai

Music Review (Tamil): Nenjam Marapathillai
Music Composer: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Good bad and Ugly starts off with quite an enthralling as well as haunting humming by Aishvarya Khumar and the composer gives the symphonic treatment in the second half with delightful buoyant string sections and piano keys which brought out the mood of the theme track exceptionally well.
Kannungala Chellangala's arrangements work stupendously especially the pipes in the interludes and the laid back Jazzy treatment in the background. However the same cannot be replicated in the Yuvan Shankar Raja's vocals and the meandering tune. Maalai Varum Vennilla is a pleasant listen and the tune is the throwback to Yuvan's earlier songs. Yuvan kept the arrangements neat and intriguing dominated by keys and string sections. Dhanush and Yuvan Shankar Raja did an apt job with the vocals. The Ramsay hook is a delight to listen and the song ends with the splendid guitar solo by Naveen. En Pondaatti Oorukku Poyita is the soundtrack's best, Yuvan scores exceptionally well and the S J Suryah's vocal along with the eccentric mix of sounds is an intriguing attempt from the composer. The song starts off with minimal key sounds and transcends into an addictive hook which reminds dol dol from Ayutha Ezhuthu. The drums work and the horn sections standout in this well-arranged song.

Verdict:  Yuvanshankar Raja - Selvaraghavan, much-celebrated combo continues their  successful streak with the short but stupendous album and  Nenjam Marapathillai matches up to the expectations from the duo.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: En Pondaatti Oorukku Poyita, Good bad and Ugly, Maalai Varum Vennilla



Thursday, November 17, 2016

Music Review (Hindi): Dear Zindagi

Music Review (Hindi): Dear Zindagi
Music Composer: Amit Trivedi

Love you Zindagi, pleasant typical Amit Trivedi kind of composition with breezy arrangements dominated by affable mandolin strums amidst the playful trumpets. Jasleen Royal of Preet fame does the singing in a pretty engaging manner with her mighty unique vocals. However, the club mix falls flat with Alia Bhatt's processed vocals and Amit kept the arrangements upbeat as the title suggests. Just go to hell also screams that it's Amit Trivedi behind the music, however the violin solos and passionate singing by Sunidhi Chauhan makes this one easily works. The soft rock arrangements work like charm as always in Amit Trivedi composition. The celebration of breakup continues in Dear Zindagi also after Ae Dil Hai Mushkil with Let's breakup and the deja-vu feel in the tune is barely negligible while Vishal Dadlani hooks the listener with his energetic rendition.

The remaining soundtrack belongs to the current favourite singer in Bollywood, Arijit Singh and the singer aces all the songs like a pro. Tu Hi hai's likeable melody is accentuated by the deftly handled arrangements dominated by the pleasant mix of strings and Jazz drums. The jazz flavour is predominant in another engaging track, charming melody Taarefon Se and Amit packaged the tune with quite an enticing arrangements dominated by keys and blissful sax. The best song of the soundtrack is quite a surprising engaging remix of Ilayaraaja's Ae Zindagi Gale laga le and the maestro's tune remains immortal and the charm in the tune is irresistible. Arijit Singh is stupendous with his vocals equally complementing the Amit's wonderful background. The same cannot be claimed by the take 2 of the song by Alia bhatt and the song fails mainly because of lead singer's vocals. Amit kept the arrangements punchy synth dominated one, however Arijit's version scores much better than this version.

Verdict: Amit Trivedi's Dear Zindagi stays in the familiarity zone, however the songs are pleasant to hear and an engaging one.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Ae Zindagi Gale laga le, Taarefon Se, Tu hi hai, Just go to hell

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn


Sunday, November 13, 2016

Music Review (Tamil) : Paambu Sattai

Music Review (Tamil) : Paambu Sattai
Music Composer: Ajesh

           The old world charm in Neeyum Naanum with the captivating Keba Jeremiah's guitar laden track and the beautiful light-hearted melody is delivered perfectly by Ajesh itself. Cochin strings led by Francis did a splendid work in the interludes. The only grouse being the short duration of the track. The more awesomeness comes in the form of Nee Uravaaga, thoroughly enjoyable melody and the vocal part is done by two prolific singers in the industry, Haricharan and Shreya Goshal and the singers shine throughout the song as always. The hummable melody is complemented by an effectual synth programming by Ajesh and Josy's woodwind steals the interludes. Abhay Jodhpurkar leads the gloomy hard rock Venmeghamai confidently with his punchy vocals. Ajesh complemented the tone of the song with arresting orchestration dominated by Josy's woodwind and Keba's guitar work capturing the mood perfectly. The way the song turns into grungy hard rock session towards the end is absolutely enjoyable. The folk charm in Ichukatta is thoroughly endearing while Deepak and Ranjani's energetic vocals complemented by foot-tapping arrangements make this one easily works in the album. The song gets much better especially in the charanam portions for its playful tune and for the lovable twist towards the end. Ajesh delivered one of the best song in the album Kanavugalaal Kalaindhomey, stunning classical piece delivered impeccably by Madhu Balakrishnan and it's delight to listen to his soulful rendition in the exquisite backdrop with Biju's crackling veena solo in the interludes. Debut composer ends the soundtrack with another dark haunting hard rock theme and one wishes it for more duration.

Verdict: Airtel Super Singer winner Ajesh makes a confident and noteworthy debut in Paambu Sattai.

My Rating:8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kanavugalaal Kalaindhomey, Nee Uravaga, Neeyum Naanum.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Music Review (Telugu): Dhruva

Music Review (Telugu): Dhruva
Music Composer: Hip Hop Tamizha

   The classy Theemai dhan vellum from Thani Oruvan is tweaked for the Telugu version as Dhruva Dhruva with ample dosage of trance elements and made it as Telugu audience friendly. Hip Hop Tamizha roped Bollywood singer Amit Mishra for this rousing anthemic title track. Hip Hop Tamizha’s sprightly interludes work effectually throughout the track and clasp the listener till it lasts. Choosa Choosa is a pleasantly hummable composition where Padmalatha easily scores over the edgy vocals of Sniggy and the charanam tune portion makes up for the slightly tepid start of the song. Though the synthesised sounds in the interludes ends up being bland one, the lead singer vocals and Chandrabose’s simple lyrics makes this one enjoyable.

   Hip Hop Tamizha delivered stunning Hindustani classical song Kannala Kannala in the Tamil version and the composer once again churned out equally enjoyable classical fusion Pareshanura while Padmalatha rendering the vocals for this song also. The classical tune is amped up with the veena and Nadhaswaram interludes and Padmalatha aces the rendition as always. It’s difficult to comprehend Telugu commercial album without any trendy mass appealing dance track and the composer delivered easily accessible typical Bollywood styled party number Neethoney and the soundscape screams Punjabi party styled song from the start till end. Overall, hip hop Tamizha ends the soundtrack with mediocre number replete with repetitive lines. The tinge of nadhaswaram solo towards the end being the only respite.

Verdict:  Hip Hop Tamizha’s tollywood debut is refreshing and an enjoyable one among the recently released Telugu albums.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album:  Pareshnura, Choosa Choosa




Music Review (Kannada): Sundaranga Jaana

Music Review (Kannada): Sundaranga Jaana
Music Composer: Ajaneesh Loknath

Kalkondu bitte's breezy guitar laden prelude is followed by thumping high octane Haricharan in never heard vocal tone while Ajaneesh throws some enjoyable easily accesible sound cues. Overall simple melody comes off lively due to Haricharan's vocals and tidy synth dominated arrangements. Ee Santhelu Siguva rides on the mellifluous vocals of Shreya Goshal and she sounds splendid as always while the composer segues classical cues in the interludes stands apart in this enjoyable melody. The underlying string sections in the background complements the song particularly well. Santosh Venky delivers adequate support to the female singer. Fly Fly's familiar Jazz/ Rock and roll tune aside, Shashank Seshagiri and Lavanya's buoyant vocals make this peppy song easily accessible. The composer's jubilant usage of horn is an undeniable highlight. Particularly loved the sound cues toward the end of the song. Nandana sounds bland and although the song rides on the catchy factor in the tune, Vijay Prakash aces the typical tune particularly well. Jilka fame Indhu Nagaraj's processed vocals is bit turn off, however the improvisations within the confined soundscape is the likeable one from the singer.

Verdict:  Short functional soundtrack with lilting melodies from one of the promising composer in Kannada industry

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ee Santhelu Siguva, Kalkondu bitte, Fly Fly

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.



Saturday, November 5, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Maaveeran Kittu

Music Review (Tamil): Maaveeran Kittu
Music Composer: Imman

Imman continues his knack in delivering soulful melodies and the success streak continues in the breezy melody Elanthaari and the song features a foot-tapping percussion while Imman mixes the harmonica, strings and guitars effectually. The charanam portions elevate the charmness of the melody and the tune throws us back to yesteryear compositions while Pooja Vaidyanath breezes through the composition effortlessly. Elandhaari's reprise version is equally good with the slight change in orchestration and the second interlude with the punchy guitar work fits the overall song much well. Sniti Mishra, Odisha-based singer's tender vocals are delight to listen and Imman tune holds the song amidst likable arrangements.

Inaivom sounds brilliant from the Sarangi prelude and Pradeep Vijay's sincere rendition of the Yugabharathi's philosophical lyrics makes this song work. The arrangements are intense and the tempo is maintained in tandem with the lyrics and mood of the song. However, the undeniable highlight is the splendid usage of Sarangi. Overall, impactful melody from the composer. Unkooda Thunaiyaga is an another gorgeous melody where the arrangements feature the typical Imman elements from fast beat rhythms, stirring string sections and piano keys. Kalyani Nair rules the tune with her impeccable rendition and the song is an enjoyable listen till it lasts despite the shades of the composer's previous compositions.The album takes a detour with the angsty number Onna Onna and the angsty feeling in the vocals comes off as a forced one. The trance beats and the grungy rhythms is listenable although Imman's processed vocals didn't hit the right note. Kannadikkala has a lot to like from the conversational vocals especially the husky title hook is the delight to listen and the arrangements features playful trumpets, soothing strings. The Vidyasagar'ish tune is crooned effectually by Jithin Raj and Pooja Vaidyanath. The prelude reminds of the composer's recent hit in Thodari. Though the individual bits are incongruous, Imman's highly likable melody makes up for it. Imman ends the soulful album with an impressive theme track where the emotional classical violin by Raghavasimhan is an undeniable highlight. Imman backed the violinist with the resonating string progression and the theme track is a delight to listen.

Verdict: Imman once again proves that his trademark melodies are irresistible and the aplomb consistency shown by the composer in churning out the melodies are remarkable.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Elanthaari, Kannadikkala, Unkooda Thunaiyaga

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.





Thursday, November 3, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Saithan

Music Review (Tamil): Saithan
Music Composer: Vijay Antony

Ladukio starts off impressively with Jazz tinged sounds but soon transcends into the conventional sounding track without much novelty. Yazin Nizar's effortless rendition of the pleasant tune keeps this song afloat amidst the repetitive staid rhythm structure.Jayalakshmi's haunting sounds and once again Yazin Nizar shines in this gloomy track while the classical shades in the tune got sabotaged by the grungy singing. The shift in the pace towards the charanam portions are abrupt, however, the mix of classical elements and Hard rock flavour makes this one an enticing listen till it lasts.

Yedhedho's listenable melody is mauled by Vijay Antony's mediocre vocals, however, the composer makes it up for the upbeat rhythms and enjoyable interludes. Vijay Antony's mangled rendition of Annamalai lyrics adds up to the annoying factor. The competent singer would have elevated this melody to an another level. Album shifts once again to the haunting mode in Opaari and the song is pretty much background'ish conventional one. The only takeaway from this gloomy setting is the rustic vocals of Chinna Ponnu and her improvisations give the song an exotic feel. Vijay Antony ends the soundtrack with quite an effective theme music and the instrumental packs the punch with angsty guitar riffs as well as a touch of Indian instruments. Jayalakshmi's instrumental version is packaged as an another theme track of the movie and this version is also quite an effectual one.

Verdict: Vijay Anthony fails to deliver memorable tracks for the horror movie, however, the soundscape confines to the genre particularly well.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Jayalakshmi, Them tracks, Yedhedho

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Rum

Music Review (Tamil): Rum
Music Composer: Anirudh

          Hola Amigo's catchy as well as eccentric techno sounds along with thought provoking Madhan Karky and Balan Kashmr lyrics makes this one an engaging composition. Though Anirudh vocals has its limitations, as a composer he mixes entiicng sounds in the background especially lovely mix of kanjira like percussion especially towards the end. Hola Senorita seems to be like reprise version of Hola Amigo with punchy rhythms and composer's nifty touches in the arrangements dominated by spanish styled guitar strums and splendid usage of Anantha Krrishnan's violin along with grand piano. The lyrics and the tune is kept intact, however the song has much to love for its background orchestration. Look out for the violins reaching crescendo towards the end.

          Alladhe Siragaiye sounds typical with nothing new to offer and the EDM beats fall under the conventional one while the techno sounds goes overboard at certain places. Sid Sriram holds the song with his vocals crooning the pleasing vivek's lyrics. Pori Pathi Vizhum also falls under the same category as Alladhe Siragaiye where EDM sounds and trance dominates both the vocals and lyrics. The trance elements are enjoyable though occasionally while Diwakar sounds apt with high on energy and Divine breezes through the Hindi rap portions adequately well. In Peiyophobilia, tamil Kuthu meets electronic techno sounds and result is quite an enjoyable track but for STR's vocals. Vivek's pedestrain lyrics along with the foot tapping tune will surely satiate the masses but not for the music lovers.Anirudh gets his mojo in Kadavulae Vidai and the mesmerising tune delivered effortlessly by Sean Roldan while Pragathi offers brief support to the singer. Apart from the lovely tune and lyrics aside, the song has a winning arrangements, though dominated by techno sounds, Anirudh has lot to offer in terms of pleasant sounds especially carnatic guitar transition in the mid-way. Though Anirudh's vocals comes off as an edgy one, the tune and the short duration makes this one works. The tune and the lyrics are kept intact while the arrangements and pace are smoothed out. The ending is much better with the continuumm fingerboard and the serene title hook.

Verdict: Anirudh made EDM dominated tracks enjoyable with the nifty touches in the arrangements and the album sounds refreshing despite the tunes are inconsistent.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Hola Amigo (both versions), Kadavulae Vidai (both versions), Alladha Siragaiye

P.S you can listen to the songs on Saavn.