Music Review (Telugu): Maharshi

Music Review (Telugu): Maharshi
Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad

Padara Padara gains immensely from powerhouse vocals of Shankar Mahadevan and unfortunately the vocals being the only thing effective in this heavily templatized tune by DSP. Sreemani's vocals works which bring out the pain of the farmers effectually and the track may well work with the course of the movie but not as a standalone track. Chotti Chotti Baatein reminds us of the composer's numerous earlier compositions and the singing by the composer himself doesn't work to its favour. Especially when the tune goes as Enno Vela Kadhalu, Arey Inko Kadha Modhalu, one can easily skip the song and can listen to Devisri Prasad's earlier compositions. Nuvve Samastham fares better with the synth rhythms in the background and Yazin Nizar's listenable vocals. But once again tune is a kind of let down from the composer and warmed over techno sounds even in the interludes fizzles rapidly. Sreemani's lyrics bring out the grandeur well than the tune which tries really hard.

Everest Anchuna is another song where DSP hits high on techno sounds and Vishnupriya Ravi's husky vocals work effectually but Hemachandra's vocals sound more like DSP's vocals himself. However, the tune takes its own time to establish. Phir Shuru works mostly due to the racy screeching Josh Mark Raj's guitar work and the tune wise, the track is strictly perfunctory. Benny Dayal elevates the song with his sprightly vocals and the soundscape works much better rather than the tune itself. DSP ends the soundtrack with Paala Pitta, an easily likeable folk number where Rahul Sipligunj and MM Manasi steals the show with their effectual vocals. DSP adorns the tune with the really effective Manonmani's Sarangi and the foot-tapping rhythm sections.

Verdict: On the whole, Maharshi lacks the instant hit catchy numbers required for the commercial movie and DSP continues to rehash his hackneyed stock tunes.

My Rating:6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Paala Pitta, Padara Padara  

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

The edited version of the review is published in Moviecrow. 

Music Review (Telugu): Vinaya Vidheya Rama

Music Review (Telugu): Vinaya Vidheya Rama
Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad

Vinaya Vidheya Rama's opening track Thandaane Thandaane is quintessential Telugu commercial album track with Sreemani's lyrics reinforcing that even more praising hero's position in the family. Devi Sri Prasad's hackneyed tune make this one an insipid track and violin solos in the interludes and prelude give much-needed respite. Jaspreet Jasz, one of the DSP's regular croons the song Thassadiya and it will be hard to distinguish the songs if one plays Thassadiya, Sundari from Khaidi No. 150 and Seeti Maar from DJ in the loop. The rhythms and the tune have been just tweaked from the composer's stock tunes and the lead singers enthusiastic vocals being the only solace.

Ek Baar is another unbearable track where DSP's autotuned vocals is a highly irritating and the background rhythm where the composer tried to mix local kuthu with the techno sounds. But with an oppressive tune and Sreemani's ineffective lyrics makes the listener skip the track.The album's status continues to spiral downward with each and every track sounds like composed sluggishly and In Rama loves Sita, Priya Himesh's rendition is the only highlight in an otherwise dreadful track from the composer. Amma Naana is a typical melancholy song but considering the other tracks in the album, this one stands far better and listenable. Kaala Bhairava's earnest rendition and wailing violin's easily make this one a passable listen in an otherwise humdrum album.

Verdict: Vinaya Vidheya Rama is a largely tedious listen and DSP back to his mindless masala mode where none of the songs sticks with the listeners.

My Rating: 5/10

Pick of the Album: Amma Naana, Incase if you want to give a listen

Music Review (Tamil): Saamy Square

Music Review (Tamil): Saamy Square

Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad

Athiroobaney is the more mellowed version of DSP's usual tune with the tinge of Harris to the proceedings especially in the interludes strings section by Chennai Strings which gives a nod to Ival Ulaga Azhagiya. Nevertheless, the song is a beautiful and enjoyable listen in the vocals of M M Manasi and Viveka's lyrics. Punya Srinivas owns the second interlude with the lovely Veena solo caressed by Nathan's sax in the Charanam. Molagapodiye is a passable folk song but the catchiness factor is missing despite the effectual vocals by Sanjith Hegde and Rita. The undeniable highlight in the song is the usage of Banjo in the second interlude which gives the much necessary high to the song which otherwise is a perfunctory casual song fails to reach the high of Kalyanam thaan from the Saamy.

Darnaka with its absurd lyrics in the prelude doesn't start off in a promising note and the song further descends into highly annoying templated song combined with the silly lyrics doesn't help the song in any manner. Anthony Daasan and Benny Dayal's energetic rendition alone cannot salvage this kuthu track.The lyrics get much worse with the Puthu metro Rail and the DSP's stock tune continues to be an appalling listen. DSP made auto tuned Vikram and Keerthy Suresh's vocals presentable but the song fails to elevate from the mediocre level especially because of the passable lyrics and perfunctory tune. The soundtrack ends on a positive note with the melancholy number Amma Amma which works considerably better than the other songs in the soundtrack. The tune gets benefit from the serene minimal composition and earnest rendition by ever-reliable Karthik. DSP kept the arrangements neat and simple to accentuate the tone of the song.

Verdict: DSP scores in two melodies and the remaining tracks are completely forgettable affair from the composer. The soundtrack falls light year away from the memorable hit soundtrack provided by Harris for its prequel.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Adhiroobaney, Amma Amma

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

Music Review(Telugu): Bharat Ane Nenu

Music Review(Telugu): Bharat Ane Nenu
Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad


Bharat Ane Nenu's consistent rhythm in the background takes me back to Sunny MR's Okkariki Okkaram from Dochay and surprisingly the song didn't turn anthemic. It's a great respite that the song of this genre stays relatively low and the modest techno beat sounds along with the David Simon's vocals makes this one an engaging listen.Farhan Akhtar's terrible vocals aside, I don't know's tune strictly resides in the Devisriprasad's territory and the composer relegated the singing to Farhan Akhtar and the tune sounds tailor-made for the composer itself. The only solace being the easy-going buoyant trumpet and brass sounds adorned generously throughout the track.

Vachaadaayo Saami is the most generic template song which he usually reserves for Kailash Kher and Divya Kumar. The tune is hardly interesting and sounds highly pedestrian track from the composer and the background is filled with the terribly outdated mix of varied percussions and chorus.Andrea Jeremiah owns the Ide Kalala Vunnadhe and the singer aces the rendition in an impressive manner. Devi Sri Prasad throws engaging synth dominated rock sound throughout the album while the singer takes care of the rest to elevate the song with her stylized vocals. O Vasumathi's Pallavi portions bear the composer tag completely, however, the song turns better towards the charanam portions despite the rap being the complete letdown. Yazin Nizar and Rita able to make this passable song bearable.

Verdict: After an impressive Rangasthalam, DeviSriPrasad sticks to tried and tested tunes for Bharat Ane Nenu and the tracks are strictly average one from the composer.

My Rating:6.5/10
 
Pick of the Album: Ide Kalala Vunnadhe, Bharat Ane Nenu  

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

Music Review (Telugu): Rangasthalam

Music Review (Telugu): Rangasthalam
Music Composer: Devisri Prasad

Devi Sri prasad weaves the sparkling folk sound around the familiar melody in Yentha Sakkagunnaave and it's a delight to listen the Telugu folk sound amidst the mass, electronic sounds churned out from the industry. There are considerable autotuning effects went in the Devisri Prasad's vocals, however, the tune and the string instruments in the background makes this one absolutely enjoyable one. The Splendid usage of mandolin in the second interlude is the towering highlight of the song. Ranga Ranga Rangasthalaana starts off in a promising not but soon turns out to be a rehash of composer's own Kevu Kekka. DSP's enjoyable mix of Thavil and Nadaswaram along with the Rahul Sipligunj's energetic rendition being the only highlight in an otherwise typical DSP song.

Rangamma Mangamma has an intriguing mix of Telugu Kuthu and the vaudevillian sounds occasionally. The track features brilliant usage of accordion which is peppered throughout the song and M M Manasi's punchy vocals makes this one easily listenable till it lasts. Aa Gattununtaava is another high octane song from DSP and though the tune is strictly average one, Chandrabose's folk soaked lyrics along with the Shiva Naagulu's pitch-perfect rendition make this song immensely enjoyable. The thumping percussions gels well with the mood and tempo of the song. DSP ends the soundtrack with the mandatory item song, Jigelu Rani and Sukumar-DSP combo gave some memorable kuthu songs. However, Jigelu Rani doesn't live up to the expectations. The tune partially works and also Ganta Venkata Lakshmi's vocals lack the necessary punch required for the songs of this genre.

Verdict: Sukumar always extract the best work from DSP and Rangasthalaam is no different. Composer's folk kuthu and melody across the album engages the listeners.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Yentha Sakkagunnaave, Rangamma Mangamma, AaGattununtaava 

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

 
 

 

Music Review (Telugu): Middle Class Abbayi

Music Review (Telugu): Middle Class Abbayi
Music Composer: Devisri Prasad

The title track is the rehashed version of DSP's stock tune and instead of singing by himself, DSP relegated it to quite an effectual singer Nakash Aziz. However, the singer is repeatedly relegated to the similar type of songs by Devisri Prasad. Chandrabose's lyrics are strictly pedestrian and serves the purpose adequately. Kothaga Kothaga is relatively better melody although strictly lies within the comfort zone of the composer. Sagar and Priya Himesh makes this one saleable although the tune invokes deja-vu feel. DSP kept the arrangements simple and prodded by quite an effective violin solos by Balaji.

Family Party is a foot tapping song with the outburst of energetic vocals from Jaspreet Jasz and though the tune is strictly mediocre and outdated one, the peppy outlook of the song make this one an enjoyable fare from the composer. Yemaindho Teliyadhu Naaku's simple melody remains greatly listenable for the ever-reliable vocals of Karthik and Deepika V. DSP's neat arrangements topped by brilliant veena solos by Devi in the interludes and upbeat mandolin by the composer itself. The simple rhythm and the composer's trademark melody makes this one works to a certain extent. Yevandoi Naani Gaaru's meandering tune is made tolerable by the vocals of Divya Kumar and Shravana Bharghavi despite the diction is mangled by Divya Kumar. Apart from the catchy title hook and the punching percussions, the song has very little to offer.

Verdict: DSP throws another predictable album and the tracks are the highly rehashed version of the composer's stock tunes.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick  of the Album: Yemaindho Teliyadhu Naaku, Kothaga Kothaga

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

  

Music Review (Telugu): Jaya Janaki Nayaka

Music Review (Telugu): Jaya Janaki Nayaka
Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad

Andhamaina Seetakoka Chiluka is the short neatly done track with great support from Keba Jeremiah's frenzy electric guitar and Chennai strings orchestra while the tune wise is a familiar. Sooraj Santosh's Vocals has been underutilized in this short passable track. Let's Party all night is the typical techno sound dominated track which has tried and tested feel written all over it from the moment Prudhvi Chandra's processed vocals throws at the listener. The tune has Devi Sri Prasad stamp and M M Manasi's vocals offer a brief respite in a hugely mediocre soundtrack. The mangling of folk song in the second half is an another irksome part in this track.Rangu Rangu Kallachodu is directly lifted from the DSP's stock tunes and the track's rhythm has heavy Deja Vu feel. Hemachandra and Shravana Bhargavi ups the ante of the languishing soundtrack with their energetic rendition. However, the song ends up being the passable wearisome listen in the album. 

Nuvvelle gains lot from the Swetha Mohan's pleasant vocals and DSP's engaging arrangements especially Saroja's Dilruba is employed brilliantly throughout the soundtrack. The tune reminds of the DSP's earlier Telugu hey-day and the track is an engaging listen till it lasts Thanks to the lead singer.Just Chill boss is another grossly underwhelming track where the staid techno rhythms by Kalyan makes the listeners yawn while M M Manasi tries hard to make the song enticing one but the pedestrian tune and arrangements doesn't help in any manner. Veede Veede's tune reminds of the umpteen number of Kailash Kher and DSP tracks and consistently the singer is pigeon-holed to the tracks of this kind. The arrangements offer nothing new and the track is not a bad one as well as not an enjoyable track either except for the brilliant solo violin by Balaji intermittently. DSP tries to revive Kevvu Keka magic in A for Apple with the same singer Mamta Sharma and with the slightly tweaked tune backed by the similar rhythm structure. One can switch back to enjoyable original version itself, rather than this slightly altered version and it's very baffling whether director wants these type of songs or DSP itself attempting these things.

Verdict: Jaya Janaki Nayaka is nothing but bunch of rehashed DSP's stock tunes and also those are done in an uninteresting manner.

My Rating: 5/10

Pick of the Album: Nuvvelle. Andhamaina Seetakoka

Music Review (Telugu): Duvvada Jagannadam

Music Review (Telugu): Duvvada Jagannadam
Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad

The title song's tune, as well as intermediate Ganapathi chanting accompanied by the hodgepodge of classical and Percussion elements, come off as archaic one while Keba's racy guitar and Vijay Prakash's energetic vocal helps to elevate the song from the mediocre level. The title hook also sounds to be a pedestrian one from the composer. Asmaika is an easy winner from the composer and the track's astonishingly catchy background rhythm background by pitch perfect singing by MLR Karthikeyan and ever sweet Chitra's vocals make this one earworm stuff from DSP.  Kalyan's Konnakol and classical cues in the interludes blends smoothly with the appealing tune.

Mechukko's tune and Chiranjeevi invoked lyrics are purely for the purpose of whistle worthy moments for the on screen but not for the music lovers. Nakash Aziz sails through the typical Telugu composition effortlessly while Babu's trombone and guitars being the only solace in this composition. Seeti Maar is another techno dominated sounds with little recall value both in terms of tunes as well as arrangements. There is hardly any interesting elements in this 4 minutes song while Jaspreet Jasz and Rita's digitised voices also unable to salvage this tedious track from DSP. Box Baddhalai Poyi is an another mass track to showcase Allu Arjun's dance prowess and DSP has very little to offer except for the mass beats to clasp the audience to be in awe of Allu Arjun's show. Sagar and Geeta Madhuri's aces the song's of this genre by now and the tune is the cakewalk for them while Bhaskara Bhatla's lyrics set the right mood for the song. However, the track comparatively catchy compared to other tracks.

Verdict: DSP comes back to his routine with DJ after an impressive Nenu local and the result is underwhelming except for the ultra-catchy Asmaika.

My Rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Asmaika, Box Baddhalai Poyi.

Music Review (Telugu): Rarandoi Vedukka Chuddam

Music Review (Telugu): Rarandoi Vedukka Chuddam
Music Composer: Devisri Prasad

The title song starts up with the celebratory Balesh's Shenai and the tune is adequately ear friendly with the pleasant arrangements while Ranjith and Gopika ably support the tune till it lasts. Ramajoggaya Sastry's nails the lyrics and the verses gels well with the DSP's amiable tune.Nee Vente Nenunte is the typical DSP tune and the tried and tested rhythm didn't add much value to the song. However, the staid tune is improvised by engaging arrangements highlighted by Nathan's Sax and flute sections accompanied by DSP's acoustic guitar. Srimani's lyrics sounds apt for the composer's languishing tune. Shwetha Mohan's vocals give much impetus to an otherwise average tune.

Brahmaramba also suffers from the DSP's stock tune and the tune gets tiresome in the prelude itself despite Sagar's high-octane singing while the lyrics also fails to make this one an engaging one. The only solace in an otherwise tepid song is Balaji's solo violin.Break up is an another mediocre song where an impressive credit list of musicians is wasted in the lifeless tune which is backed only by the mass template of the song. Bhaskara Bhatla's colloquial lyrics is also unable to salvage this Simha and Dhanunjay's show.The song of the soundtrack comes in the form of Thakita Thakajam and the song is adequately pleasant with an engaging Tabla base accompanied by stupendous affecting usage of violin and Keba Jeremiah's impressive guitar work. Javed Ali gives life to the engaging tune and it's a great respite to listen to this song after the string of mediocre songs in the soundtrack. However, the rock versions fares lower when compared to the original version despite the brilliant effort from Keba Jeremiah.

Verdict: DSP sticks to his comfort zone in Rarandoi Vedukka Chuddam and couple of songs works in an otherwise largely an average soundtrack from the composer.

My Rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Thakita Thakajam, Title Song.

Music Review (Telugu): Nenu Local

Music Review (Telugu): Nenu Local
Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad

Next Enti is the stock tune of DSP, however the songs comes off as palatable if one brushes aside the deja vu feel in the tune as well arrangements. Easily saleable tune and Sagar's vocals make this one easily sails through while Ranina Reddy's vocal seems to be an edgy one and DSP's brief melodica bit in the second interlude being the sole pleasant highlight in the arrangements front. DSP gave brilliant track after a long time with Arere Yekkada and the arrangements are soothing and pleasant with the tinge of classical beats in the interlude. The track gains a lot from Manoj's solo violin and Electric violin and Manisha Earabarthini's alluding vocals makes this one enjoyable listen. Naresh Iyer adequately supports the proceedings.

Disturb Chestha's mysterious rhythm layer amidst the blaring Babu's trumpets and guitars makes an interesting combo while Prudhvi Chandra aces the foot tapping tune energetically. Though, the initial prelude has the shades of DSP's staple music, the engaging charanam tune and arrangements make up for the heard before feel of the tune.Champesaave Nannu starts off brilliantly with Balaji's alluring violin solo, but spiralled towards the typical EDM-dominated party song, however, an Europeaneasque frolic in the second interlude is a winsome one. Overall engaging song which benefits a lot from Balaji and pretty neat vocals by Kapil and Sameera Baradwaj. Side Please is a mandatory high octane mass song and the song turns out to be dud except for the Javed Ali's vocals and foot-tapping percussions. Babu's trumpet helps the song to a certain extent but the mediocre and monotonous tune.  

Verdict: Nenu Local is Devi Sri Prasad's engaging and enjoying one in recent times without much adhering to the commercial and mass requirements of typical high budget Telugu albums.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Arere Yekkada, Champesaave Nannu, Disturb chestha

Music Review (Telugu): Khaidi No 150

Music Review (Telugu): Khaidi No 150
Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad

Ammudu Let's do Kummudu starts with the proclamation that this is not a mass song, it is boss song but what follows is the tried and tested staid kuthu template for Chiranjeevi. Apart from the Devi Sri Prasad's energy and Ranina Reddy's playful vocals this song has very little to offer musically. Chiranjeevi's screen presence will satiate the fans appetite but not for the music lovers. Sundari's synth dominated arrangements and tune strictly confines to the Devisri Prasad's territory while the song heavily benefits from the Jaspreet Jasz vocals. Though DSP spruces up the proceedings with the brass sections in the interludes, the song struggles to come out of the rote composer's style.DSP gives the brief respite from the tedious tunes and comes up with the gorgeous pleasant melody You and Me. The song rides mainly on the delightful vocals of ever- reliable Hariharan and Shreya Goshal. The flute hook is incredibly catchy and the accompanying strings background towards the end segues into the tune well.

Rathallu is another futile kuthu which adds to one of the mundane song lists of Devisri Prasad where punchy rhythms and plucked strings keep the song afloat. Despite the pretty average tune and arrangements, Nakash Aziz and Jasmine Sandlas's vocals shines with their vocals.Devi Sri Prasad reserves the album's best for Shankar Mahadevan in Neeru Neeru and the singer ace the melancholy in a brilliant manner while bringing out the emotions stupendously. Composer's neat arrangements with strings complement the mood of the song perfectly with ample support from RamaJogayya Sastry's poignant lyrics about farmers plight.

Verdict: DeviSriPrasad weaves a typical commercial album without much novelty and experimentation for Chiranjeevi's comeback movie.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Neeru Neeru, You and Me, Ammudu Let's do Kummudu

Music Review (Telugu): Janatha Garage

Music Review (Telugu): Janatha Garage

Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad

Pranaamam rides mainly on the effortless rendition by the Shankar Mahadevan while Ranina Reddy bolsters with the brief Carnatic layer to the song intermittently. Though the tune strictly confines to the DSP domain without adding much novelty factor, composer added few enticing touche in the interludes like fabulous Kishore's Sitar and Kiran Kumar's flute.DSP relegates the stock tunes which he used to sing himself in his earlier days to Raghu Dixit, his recent frequent collaboration in almost all Telugu albums. However once again Rock on Bro's tune is pretty much warmed up stuff and the song is salvaged due to engaging Raghu Dixit vocals and foot-tapping orchestration with Keba's guitar sounds predominant.

Apple beauty is another hackneyed tune from DSP while the lead singers Yazin Nizar and Neha Basin tries hard to sound cool and trendy. Ramajogayya Sastry incorporated motley of random cool phrases to match with the upbeat tune. DSP's orchestration also has nothing special to offer apart from his stale foot tapping rhythms. Jayaho Janatha is probably the best song in an otherwise underwhelming album while vocal powerhouses Vijay Prakash and Sukhwinder singh elevate the mood of the song with their stupendous rendition. DSP's arrangements are also quite enticing with the fabulous usage of Babu's trumpet and string instrument with a tinge of Middle Eastern touch in the interludes. Nee Selavadigi is an emotional number from the composer which rides on the pitch perfect rendition of Swetha Mohan while DSP engages the listener with Balaji's quite wailing violin solos and string sections. The song's only grouse is the less than two minutes duration. DSP ends the album with undeniable and unwarranted Andhra kuthu Pakka Localu which has every element one can associate with the songs of this genre. Every Music director and director in Tollywood continues to churn out the similar pattern songs tirelessly and Geetha Madhuri is as energetic as always in delivering the songs of this genre with perfection.

Verdict: Devi Sri Prasad's Janatha Garage is far from his best work and the album is filled with hackneyed tunes which bog down the listener's interest.

My rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the album: Jayaho Janatha, Nee Selavadigi, Pranaamam

Music Review (Telugu): Sardaar Gabbar Singh

Music Review (Telugu): Sardaar Gabbar Singh
Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad 

DeviSriprasad reworked on the Gabbar Singh's title track tune for the Sardaar Gabbar Singh and the result is equally engaging. However, this one lacks the energy and punch both in terms of vocals and orchestration. Benny Dayal did a neat and commendable job but when compared to Baba Sehgal's original version this one falls behind a tad.O Pilla, though nothing much refreshing about this song, the tune flows without much hindrance mainly due to pleasant violin solos and typical DeviSri Prasad tune. Shreya Goshal's euphonious vocals and Vijay Prakash makes this standard fare from DSP works to some extent.

Tauba Tauba rides on the standard percussion rhythms with occasional qawwali touches with harmonium, tabla being the only takeaway in this passable song. Anant Sriram's funny lyrics justifying the drinking and Nakash Aziz's vocals deserves special mention. The song requires Pawan Kalyan's screen presence to make this one chartbuster.Nee Cheppakallu, another melody in the album crooned by Sagar and ever reliable Chinmayi and both singers aces the simple tune. Though the tune sounds dated and the DSP's orchestration seems to be dredged from his own stock templates, singers rule this track because of their involved rendition. Aadevadanna Eedevadanna is incredibly punchy enough to make fans crazy and Ramajogayya Sastry's mass lyrics praising the protagonist will blend well with the visuals rather than as a standalone track. DSP kept the orchestration generic and formulaic which confines well within the standard mass track.Khakee Chokka, another mass song in the album and Devi Sri Prasad seems to regurgitate his own stock sounds and templates. The song falls far behind in terms of energy as well as instant catchy factor in Kevu Kekka. Mamta Sharma and Simha's rendition are also unable to salvage this highly predictable mass song.

Verdict: DSP's Sardaar Gabbar Singh has nothing extraordinary to offer and DSP mired himself with  his stock tunes which are staid. Sardaar Gabbar Singh album is strictly for Pawan Kalyan fans.

My rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Nee Cheppakallu, O Pilla, Tauba Tauba

You can listen to the songs in Youtube.

Music Review (Telugu): Nenu Sailaja

Music Review (Telugu): Nenu Sailaja
Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad

Night is still young is a monotonous tedious listen mainly because of the highly deja-vu feel of the tune with pedestrian techno sounds. David Simon sounds more like the composer itself while jazzy drums meet Telugu Kuthu being the standout sound in an otherwise routine number from DSP. Ram's dance skills may spruce up the song along with the visuals.Crazy feeling's tune has inevitable composer's stamp however, background keyboard sounds along with catchy trumpet throughout the song makes this one enjoyable listen till it lasts. Ramajogaya Sastry's imaginative lyrics about the feeling of love deserves special mention. Prudhvi Chandra sounds apt for this lilting peppy song.

Masti masti reminds of DSP's earlier tunes especially title hook while DSP makes for the grouse with engaging Charanam portions and enticing background with lovable flute, piano portions and hip- hop elements. Sooraj Santhosh and Swetha Mohan especially sounds fabulous which gives the much-needed prod for this average tune.Sailaja Sailaja has the predictable tune and rides on the tried and tested catchy rhythm with occasional brilliance in the second interlude. However, Sagar's attitude and Bhaskarabhatla's lyrics about the protagonist feelings after love failure makes this one listenable. The song may become chartbuster with appealing quirky visuals.Em Cheppanu is a lovely melody with a tinge of melancholy handled well with the effectual vocals from Karthik and Srivennella Seetharama Sastry with his lyrics. DSP's arrangements are also enjoyable with violin bits to set the mood accompanied by flute and chord progressions in the second interlude. The same song comes in another version where vocal is handled by ever reliable Chitra and the song is of very short duration to create any lasting impact compared to the male version.


Verdict: Devi Sri Prasad churns out another neat winner for Ram Pothineni after Shivam. Though songs lack novelty factor, tunes are engaging and catchy enough to clasp the listeners.

My rating:7.25/10

Pick of the Album: Crazy feeling, Em cheppanu, Masti Masti

You can listen to the songs in youtube.

P.S Edited version of the review is available in Moviecrow.

Music Review(Telugu): Nannaku Prematho

Music Review(Telugu): Nannaku Prematho
Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad

The opening song in the album Follow Follow has enough reasons for the Jr. NTR fans to go crazy because fans get to listen to their favourite actor's vocals in a catchy song and also already released video creates much rage among the fans. Actor did a nice job with his vocals and DSP makes sure the song's rhythm is catchy enough with reuttered words throughout the song. Templatized tune aside, DSP's use of funky trumpets occasionally catches the listener's attention. Na manasu Neelo's highlight is jazzy keys throughout the song and Martin's sax in the interludes. The tune has heard before feel to it mainly because of DSP's vocals and the feel is accentuated mainly in the pallavi portions, Bhaskara Bhatla lyrics and especially husky vocals of Sharmila makes this duet an enjoyable listen till it lasts.

Don't stop is the anthemic number with some remarkable optimistic lyrics from chandrabose. The only grouse being that Raghu Dixit is being relegated to mostly songs of inspirational number by DSP. However Raghu continue to excel and spruce up the song with his energetic vocals. DSP mixes stock percussion sound and hard core Guitar riffs throughout the song. However the song is worth a listen for Raghu's vocals and lyrics.Love me again features intense lyrics by Chandrabose where protagonist pleads the lover and the feel brings back to Sukumar's Arya. However the tune is not as effectual compared to the Sukumar-DSP combo's repertoire in this genre. Sooraj Santosh expressive vocals along with Manoj Ramachandran's wailing violin solos being the highlight in this poignant number.Love Dhebba is the mass song in the album and DSP's use of Arabic funky sounds and fabulous Karthik's violin throughout the song makes it differ from other mass songs from telugu industry. Although the arrangements has an enticing quirky sounds, DSP's tune still has a tinge of typical folk song. Deepak and Shravana Bhargavi's swag in their vocals makes this one an interesting listen.

Verdict: DSP-Sukumar combo continues to delight the listners with peppy energetic songs. Though Naannaku Prematho didn't match with the combo's previous collaborations, this one has engaging set of songs from DSP.

My rating: 7.25/10

Pick of the Album: Na Manasu Neelo, Follow Follow, Love Dhebba

You can listen to the songs in Youtube.

P.S. Edited version of the review is available in Moviecrow

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.

Music Review (Telugu): Shivam

Music Review (Telugu): Shivam
Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad

       Title song is typical DSP's energetic hero introduction song and the tune is the melange of composer's earlier songs. However, DSP's upbeat arrangements with  the sprightly rendition by Karthik makes this one listenable till it lasts. Bhaskara Bhatla's lyrics expresses well about the protagonist daring attitude regarding love. Prema Ane Picchi rides mainly on the Narendra's upbeat rendition of the likeable folksy tune and amusing lyrics by Bhaskara Bhatla. DSP once again relied heavily on the rhythmic percussion and overall orchestration is pretty much conventional with rather flat trumpet sections. I love you too, is trendy, cool duet where Yazin Nizar and Sameera excels with their vocals. DSP's gave rhythmic arrangements with the enjoyable usage of live drums, trumpets which mitigate the deja vu flavour in the tune and treatment of the song. Bhaskara Bhatla once again aces with his youthful and enjoyable lyrics.

        Andamaina Lokam is another breezy ear-pleasing melody once again singers Sagar and Haripriya rule the track with their highly enjoyable rendition. DSP's penchant with drums and trumpets in this album continues with this song too which makes this one best in the lot. Especially loved the classical instrument touch in the second interlude. Gunde Aagi Pothaande is an inevitable mass song to please the particular section of audiences and to showcase Ram's dance skills. Hemachandara and MM Manasi energetic vocals and DSP complement the vocals with upbeat arrangements. However, the lacklustre tune makes this one falls flat and the song may become chartbuster with visuals.

Verdict: Shivam's album follows the formulaic commercial album template. DSP makes the two melodies highly enjoyable within the framework of his soundscape without experimenting much.

My rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Andamaina Lokam, I love you too, Prema Ane Picchi

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

Music Review (Tamil): Puli

Music Review (Tamil): Puli
Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad


Jingiliya is a passable replete with staid tribal sounds and tune is dredged out of DSP's stockpile. Javed Ali and Pooja AV tries hard with their punchy rendition to spruce up this ordinary track. Manidha Manidha's aspirational grand percussiis not complemented by an equally engaging tune which makes this number falls flat. Only solace being Tipu's rendition in an otherwise largely drab track. Mannavane Mannavane too treads on the previous song's grand sound with mainly string section and percussions, but this one fared better due to  effectual vocals by Sooraj Santhosh, MLR Karthikeyan, Chinmayi and Anitha. Title song is also excruciatingly bad and DSP treats it like his conventional Telugu song while singing by Mano being the only silver lining in an otherwise humdrum package. Sottavala is also a tepid tune even Shankar Mahadevan's earnest singing unable to make this one listenable. Only highlight being the usage of Nadhaswaram and Thavil. After listening to all the above tracks, Yaendi Yaendi appears to be the best one DSP able to deliver for this magnanimous high budget project. DSP's usage of acoustic guitar with occasional ghatam touches accentuated by Vijay and Sruthi Hasaan's singing.

Verdict: Devi Sri Prasad's tunes are pretty much ordinary and the soundtrack is impertinent with the ambitious project and star cast.

My rating:6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Yaendi Yaendi, Mannavane 

Music Review (Telugu) : Srimanthudu

Music Review (Telugu) : Srimanthudu
Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad

Rama Rama is a typical standard DSP package which is rhythmic, catchy and Ranina Reddy's folk section towards the end is a surprise one. Sooraj Santhosh bolsters the song with his energetic vocals. Percussions in the second interlude with brass work is the highlight in an otherwise typical DSP track. Jatha Kalise starts off well but deja vu flavour in the tune makes this tiresome listen while Sagar and Suchitra's vocals supports the heavily languishing tune. Charuseela, though reminds nangaai, DSP's cool arrangements with guitar strums, brass sections and effective vocals by Yazin Nizar makes this song enjoyable till it lasts. DSP's second track with Raghu Dixit for another hard rock number Jaago and Dixit pulls off this one too with his effortless singing. DSP's arrangements with heavy drumming and raging electric guitar usage complements well with vocals. Dhimmatirigi is usual monotonous stuff from DSP and there is nothing special in this passable mass number except for enticing nadhaswaram usage. Title song is interesting for its string usage and rides mainly on the rustic vocals of MLR Karthikeyan.

Verdict: DSP's Srimanthudu is his usual stuff and the songs are enjoyable despite nothing offbeat in the tune or arrangements.

My rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Jaago, Srimanthuda, Charuseela

Music Review (Telugu) : S/O Sathyamurthy

Music Review (Telugu) : S/O Sathyamurthy
Music composer : Devi Sri Prasad

         One two and three has an uncanny similarity to one of the Julayi song apparently directed by same Trivikram. Better we can listen to Julayi song itself rather than this rehashed one. Seethakaalam is an ear friendly tune leaded by templatized yet enjoyable guitar strums from Devi despite stains from his old tunes is difficult to snub it away. Good to see Yazin Nizar in credit lists (malayalam singer) nowadays in tamil and telugu soundtracks. Super machi, starts with an tamil prelude has instant catchy folky tune sung with enough ebullience from DSP and Shravana Bharghavi. Surely song will satiate fans of Allu Arjun when scorches the dance floors. Come to the party has mediocre tune spruced only by interesting Jazz flavoured orchestration with trumpets, use of nadaswaram bolstered by Vijay prakash's sprightliness in his singing. Jaaruko again rides on the templatized tune by devi, only solace being funny lyrics by srimani and sagar's rendition. Exciting visuals and Allu Arjun screen presence should salvage viewers. Vacchadu is comparatively better than the other songs in the soundtrack. Thanks mainly to the Javed Ali's singing, some nice touches like cow boy styled string sections and percussions. Soundtrack's best Chalo Chalo has Raghu Dixit behind the mic with rhythmic percussions supported by enjoyable guitar and string sections in the interludes.

Verdict: DeviSri Prasad just regurgitates Julayi like songs once again for Allu Arjun - Trivikram Combo which results in an insipid soundtrack from trio.

My rating:6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Chalo Chalo, Super machi, Come to the party