Thursday, March 30, 2017

Music Review (Tamil): Kadamban

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

Uchimalai Azhagu is where Yuvan meets Imman territory, full-fledged folk tune with punchy percussions where Mukesh's rustic vocals bring life to a song. However, the tune as a standalone is not great and also hardly engaging while Yugabharathi's lyrics sounds apt and Mukesh sounds a lot like Yuvan in high pitch portions nevertheless fine work by the singer. Otha Paarvaiyil is an engaging melody mauled by Yuvan's singing while Mathumitha makes up for the minor grouses in an effective manner. The tune is typical Yuvan styled one while the guitar-laden interludes are impressive and clasp the listener's attention till the song lasts.

Saama Kodangi is a passable folk based song with lackluster tune where the arrangements are mildly interesting with the usage of harmonium whereas both tune and other elements are staid at best. Velmurugan and Anitha infuse energy but their standout vocals alone can't make up for the languishing tune.Aagatha Kaalam sounds better with Ananthu's earnest rendition and Yugabharathi's affecting lyrics stand out while Yuvan kept the arrangements minimal with an impressive usage of strings and mandolin.Though the droning tune for the melancholy sounds tepid, Ananthu's rendition easily overcomes all the minor grouses.Ilaratham Soodera, optimistic song rides mainly on Yugabharathi's lyrics and once again passable tune makes this one another bummer in the soundtrack. The only portions where Yuvan scores is in the interludes and slightly better charanam portions in the tune. MLR Karthikeyan sounds apt and brings a lot of energy required for the song of this genre.

Verdict: Yuvan Shankar Raja's Kadamban soundtrack is passable one with hardly any sparks even though the genre/plot promises a lot of experimentation.

My Rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Otha Paarvayil, Aagatha Kaalam 






Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Music Review (Tamil): Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen

Music Review (Tamil): Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen
Music Composer: Imman

Imman does considerably well in the arrangements front in Yembuttu Irukkudhu with the commendable usage of Sarangi throughout the song and utilized Kalyani Nair's euphonious vocals effectually. On the downside, droning tune and Sean Roldan's vocals didn't help much to the languishing tune. However, the song is highly listenable for its sarangi portions and interludes. Semma Joru is a passable song which rides mainly on the energetic rendition of  Vishal Dadlani and Maria Kavitha Thomas vocals are not utilized well and the tune fails to hold the listeners until the end. The only highlight being the buoyant usage of trumpets and keys in an otherwise lackluster song from Imman.

Imman does it once again after Oru Ooral Rendu Raja in Marhaba Aavona with an engaging mix of Sufi and Maapilla Paatu while Shreya Goshal sails through the simple tune with her flawless vocals. Imman throws harmonium and Tabla sounds generously throughout the song with occasional beautiful touches of Sarangi. Langu Langu Labakaru's easy go orchestration is a lovely stuff from Imman and the tinge of retro sound throughout the song is easily appealing one but the lyrics, though it may be apt for the situation, lyrics sounds incongruous. Praniti, Sun singer title winner debuts with this track and the talented child nails the vocal part exceptionally well. Laala Kadai Santhi is another mediocre song from Imman and the vocals of Benny Dayal and Sunidhi Chauhan makes this partly foot tapping tune listenable. However, the arrangements are pretty staid and random without any memorable sequence. Sunidhi Chauhan's bold singing being the only highlight in an otherwise passable song.Melancholic ride sounds contrast to its title and the two and half minute theme has nothing much to offer but sounds engaging and listenable till it lasts.

Verdict: Imman opens up his 2017 account in an underwhelming manner and the album lacks memorable tune despite filled with consistently engaging arrangements.

My Rating:6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Yembuttu Irukkudhu Aasai, Marhaba Aavona

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Music Review: Baahubali- The conclusion

Music Review: Baahubali- The conclusion
Music Composer: M M Keeravani

Saahore Baahubali sounds generic and flashing grandeur both in orchestration and thumping vocals of Daler Mehendi while the song's highlight is the employment of moving violin solos and Mounima's affecting rendition. Shiva Shakthi Datta's lyrics gels well with the overall tone of the song. However, the song has little scope for pushing the boundaries.Hamsa Naava is a soothing melody benefit largely from Sony and Deepu's fantastic singing while Keeravani's consistent grand percussions and strings ably support the song till the end. The humming portions are employed brilliantly evocating the memories of 90's songs while Chaitanya Prasad's simple lyrics sounds apt for this pleasant melody.

Kannaa Nidurinchira is a semi-classical composition but not an arresting one and also not a bad one either. Keervani throws few enticing arrangements especially with veena and flute while Srinidhi and V soumiya's sargams are delight to listen. However, the classical factor in the song is diluted and it carries more cinematic aura around it especially the infusion of percussions. Dandaalayya carries the Baahubali, the Beginning's  thumping string sections effectively and the song sounds more like the background material. The lyrics by M M Keeravani praising the glory of Baahubali and Kaala Bhairava sounds apt with respect to the vocals.Oka Pranaam is an another thematic based track and Keeravani's lyrics revolved around Kattappa while Kaala Bhairava carries the song confidently. However, the soundscape is monotonous filled with string sections and thumping percussions.

Verdict: M M Keeravani kept the soundtrack of second part short and although the soundscape matches the grandeur of Rajamouli's visuals, the first part has lot more diverse tunes compared to second outing.

My Rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Hamsa Naava, Kannaa Nidurinchira
  

Friday, March 24, 2017

Music Review(Tamil): Veera

Music Review(Tamil): Veera
Music Composer: Leon James

Ootaanda Soltuva carries the generic kuthu tune vibe spruced up by synthesized beats throughout the song and Leon James's vocals though not suited for the full-fledged raw tune, he carries the song adequately. Though the tune staggers around the mediocre level, the beats are foot tapping and engaging till it lasts.Verattama Veratturiye breezy melody where Sid Sriram shines with his vocals and the singer sails through the high pitch portions at ease while Leon throws out soothing sounds generously especially blissful flute portions in the interludes. Neeti Mohan, adequately supports Sid Sriram with her fine vocals.

Mama Mama Mayangadhe, galore with a melange of enticing sounds from Nadhaswaram to saxophone and foot tapping synth beats layered throughout the song. Anthony Daasan's idiosyncratic vocals come off as an another exciting element in the song. Though the tune is not great, the song is worthy listen for its exciting and congruous sound mixing.Pogaadhe Kanmaniye rides mainly on the lead singer Pradeep Kumar's vocals and the improvisations in the folk-tinged song is awesome while Leon James kept the arrangements simple and clean, allowing the singer to take the front stage. The chorus portions are adequately catchy and segue into the song without any hindrance.Nijaaru Usaaru is another generic rock-based arrangements where insipid tune didn't help much to the song, However Leon made the interludes interesting with an engaging usage of a wind instrument. Overall, this is the least interesting song in the soundtrack where both vocals and tune are let down except for the few sounds in the interludes.

Verdict: Leon James dropped his third album with the promising set of tracks and the album has the right mix of engaging melodies and mass numbers.

My Rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Verattama Veratturiye, Pogaadhe Kanmaniye, Mama Mama Mayangaadhe.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Music Review (Tamil): Kaatru Veliyidai:

Music Review (Tamil): Kaatru Veliyidai:
Music Composer: A R Rahman

Nallai Allai's clean guitar laden background largely benefits from Sathyaprakash's effortless rendition and Chinmayi's superlative humming in the interludes. Vairamuthu's Tamil verses shine in the vocals of lead singer and the improvisations by Sathyaprakash is spot on which makes up for the familiar Rahman tune.Azhagiye is charming and lilting throughout the song except for the odd terse Punjabi inclusion and Haricharan's buoyant rendition easily makes this one appealing one. Jonita Gandhi's humming standout, while Madhan Karky's easy go lyrics, sounds apt for the overall mood of the tune. The few acapella portions evocate memories of  Sandikuthirai from Kaaviyathalaivan.

The soundtrack best is undeniably Vaan Varuvan and Rahman utilizes Shashaa Tripathi's lovely vocals to the splendid effect making this one dreamy song. Apart from the mesmerizing vocals, Rahman shows his mixing effect to full throttle and the plethora of sounds in the background makes this one blissful experience while Vairamuthu's lyrics adds to the song's magical effect.The ultra-catchy Sarattu Vandiyila traces back to the Rahman's folk songs from Taj Mahal and Thenali while the song's uncanny resemblance to the Mohan Sitara's Thanakkum Thana is difficult to brush off. However, Rahman's background dominated by guitar, mandolin, and other assorted sounds is surely a delight to listen while Tipu and AR Raihanah breezes through the Vairamuthu's wordplay effectually.Tango Kelaayo starts off beautifully with an engaging typical Tango styled number and the song traverses through multiple ways with a mix of retro-styled tune and culminating in the orchestral brilliant string sections. However, overall, the song is a bit of let down except for the few enticing portions in a helter-skelter manner.Haricharan and Diwakar are pitch perfect in vocal front. Jugni's synth dominated soundscape mixed in a hypnotic manner is the masterstroke from the composer while the same cannot be said regarding the Punjabi flavored tune. Raajakumari and Shikara's rap portions didn't add much value to the song. Rahman's impressive sound dynamics is the highlight of this track.

Verdict: Kaatru Veliyidai has the fair mix of melodies and Rahman's experimentations, However, the album is few notches below the usual Rahman- Maniratnam's soundtrack.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Vaan Varuvan, Sarattu Vandiyila, Nallai Allai




Sunday, March 19, 2017

Music Review (Telugu): Katamarayudu

Music Review (Telugu): Katamarayudu
Music Composer: Anup Rubens

Mira Mira Meesam is precisely tailor-made for Pawan Kalyan fans with Ramajogiah Sastry's lyrics glorifying the protagonist while Anup Ruben's whistle worthy enthusiastic background is enough for the fans to rejoice their favorite hero on screen but same cannot be said for the music lovers, though. Anup Rubens strikes a chord with Yelo Yedarilo Vaana, simple folk-tinged tune ably supported by Amal Raj and Subhani's string sections which blend smoothly especially in the interludes. The persistent use of plucked string sections comes as another vocal along with splendid Dhanunjay. Naveen owns the second interlude with his flute solos and adequately supported by Malavika.

Nakash Aziz seems to be regular in Telugu movies nowadays and the man gets to croon few interesting compositions, Laage Laage also falls into this category. Though the track fails to hook the listeners till the end because of the hodgepodge of sounds mixed together, Nakash Aziz and Sandiliya's violin holds the song.Anup Rubens brought together another Hindi singer Armaan Malik to render the saleable melody and the tune though sounds staid and routine work, Shreya Goshal and Armaan Malik nails their respective vocal portions. As a standalone track, nothing stands out especially nevertheless it is harmless listen from the composer.Jivvu Jivvu is a mass number with a slightly engaging usage of harmonium whereas the tune remains caters to the mass audiences. The song needs Pawan Kalyan's screen presence to make this blockbuster. The interesting aspects of the song are happening in the backgrounds and the tune remains mostly generic one.The brief love theme is adequately pleasant and engaging but with one-minute duration, the theme fails to make an impact despite the fine usage of Naveen's flute.Netha Cheera is an another folk based song rendered effectually by Sai Charan and Sahithi with additional vocals provided by Simha. Though the song has nothing special to offer, the tune and arrangements are foot tapping enough to clasp the listeners throughout the song.

Verdict: Katamarayudu sounds better compared to the tepid Tamil version and the album is sure musical treat for Pawan Kalyan fans.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Yelo Yedarilo Vaana, Laage Laage, Netha Cheera





Saturday, March 18, 2017

Music Review (Telugu): Guru

Music Review (Telugu): Guru
Music Composer: Santosh Narayanan

The best song in the Tamil album returns in the form of O Sakkonoda and Dhee renders the Telugu version of the song while the splendid violin and flute combination makes this one the best song in Telugu album also. Ramajogayya Sastry did the brilliant work with the lyrics which fits the tune perfectly, However, Dhee's restrained vocals for the Telugu version being the only minor grouse. Santosh Narayanan's Guru has one extra song (Jigidi)compared to Hindi and Telugu versions to cater for the mass audience and fans of Venkatesh. Venkatesh sounds adequate behind the mic and the Venkatesh name in the credit is enough for the fans to go crazy while the tune is staid and monotonous one, Santhosh Narayanan spruced up the proceedings in the background with snazzy foot tapping Jazz tinged sounds.

Ukku Naram sounds fantastic for its rock flavored backgrounds and delivered ably by Siddharth Mahadevan and this one adds to his long list of rock based songs. The track's undeniable highlight is Santosh Narayanan's arrangements and the 'ta na ta na' hook is incredibly catchy which makes this song enjoyable till it lasts.Ey Mathaabey is an another song where Santosh Narayanan able to maintain his quirky nature of the tune as well as make the song appealing to listeners. Though Ananthu's sounds apt, the percussions sound more relatable to Tamil than Telugu, however the engaging attempt at the fusion of blues sound to Kuthu deserves special mention.Ne Zara is the most generic tune in the album and the track is made more lively by the enthusiastic vocals of Siddharth Mahadevan. However, the tune sounds monotonous and backgrounds also fail to entice the listeners.
Dhee returns back in Gundelothulalo and the affecting tune by Santosh Narayanan is handled well by the singer. The atmospheric sounds with the minimal arrangements accentuate the beauty of Ramajogayya Sastry's lyrics. The exceptional usage of violins and key remains the towering highlight in this melodious song of the album.

Verdict: Though Santosh Narayanan's debut Telugu work Billa Ranga,  receives less traction in the Tollywood Industry, Guru has all elements to bring the talented composer in the limelight.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: O Sakkonoda, Ukku Naram, Gundelothulalo


Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Music Review (Tamil) : Power Paandi

Music Review (Tamil) : Power Paandi
Music composer: Sean Roldan

The life of Power Paandi sounds almost like Ilayaraja song especially Ananthu's voice accentuated by the lilting tune and chorus portions. Sean Roldan kept the orchestration highly buoyant one, filled with soft rock drums and mesmerizing flute sections in the interlude. Selvaraghavan's lyrics are simple and fits the tune perfectly. In Mass of Power Paandi, Sean Roldan shows his mettle once again with an enticing arrangement highlighted by cheerful Nadhaswaram solos and the consistent foot tapping folksy percussions throughout the song brings out the mood of the tune in a splendid manner. The tune is an instantly likable one and Dhanush does a better job as a singer than as a lyricist.

The youth of Power Paandi rides mainly on the stupendous rendition of the delightful tune by Sean Roldan and Swetha Mohan. The prelude evokes the memories of Thangamagan, however composer followed it with a much engaging mix of Kanjira and strings-laden arrangements.After a string of melodies, Sean Roldan returns to the fast-paced Nomad song backed by lovely rock flavored orchestration and the contrasting vocals of Sean Roldan and Anthony Daasan works like magic for the busily orchestrated tune. Composer brilliantly did the atmospheric setting with the bird sound cues in the second half and the charanam portions turned out to be more awesome part in the song.
Sean Roldan ends the soundtrack with the two versions of Venpani Malare, breezy melody rendered by composer himself and Swetha Mohan respectively. Though the prevalent voice of Sean Roldan throughout the album sounds wearisome, the simple tune and continuously engaging orchestration make up for the minor grouses. Swetha Mohan sounds impressive as always and the two versions are almost same except in the vocal front.

Verdict: Sean Roldan produces another winner soundtrack with Power Paandi and Dhanush’s penchant for Ilyaraja’esque music is apparent throughout the soundtrack.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: The Youth of Power Paandi, Power Paandi – The Nomad, Mass of Power Paandi

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Music Review (Hindi): Phillauri

Music Review (Hindi): Phillauri
Music Composer: Shashwat Sachdev and Jasleen Royal

Ranjana's string- laden orchestration is the highlight whereas the droning tune is lifted by splendid vocals of Diljit Dosanjh and the singer nails the vocal portions when compared to his debut mainstream Hindi track in Udta Punjab. The blissful violin solos in the interludes are an undeniable winner in this track. Dum Dum's folk sound combined with a tune that is enjoyable and engaging in Romy's singing and the composer wields the magic towards the end with the hypnotic recitation of Anvita Dutt's lyrics. The song turns better in the reprise version with much captivating arrangements along with the endearing vocals of Diljit. Once again Shashwat ends the track in a brilliant manner. Dum Dum's Punjabi version sounds pale, strictly in comparison with other two versions, the innate beauty of the tune makes up for the other minor grouses. Sahiba is an another delightful composition from Shashwat and Romy shines throughout the song while composer captivates with the minimal impactful background.After a string of mesmerizing melodies, Shashwat comes up with the foot tapping Naughty billo and the brief intermittent pause throughout the songs works like magic. Jasleen Royal continues to stick to her usual monotonous trademark vocals and the tune in Din Shagna while the interludes are engaging especially sarangi brief towards the end. Her another composition what's up can be skipped from the soundtrack.

Verdict: Shaswat Sachdev owns Phillauri's soundtrack with his exquisite set of compositions especially Dum Dum.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Dum Dum (Original and Reprise version), Sahiba, Naughty billo