Music Review (Tamil): Vandhaa Rajavathan Varuven

Music Review (Tamil): Vantha Rajavathan Varuven
Music Composer: HipHop Tamizha

Hip Hop Tamizha ropes in Kannada hit singer Sanjith Hegde once again after Imaikka Nodigal for Paravaigal and the singer aces his portions quite effectively. But the track turns into a mishap once Hip Hop Tamizha familiar template kicks in and the composer tries to mishmash a lot of musical cues especially in the interludes but the overall tune sounds to be a patchy track from the composer. In Pattamarangal, HipHop Tamizha concocts an interesting song based on Kaatrinile Varum Geetham borrowing the lyrics from the evergreen song for the prelude. Sanjith Hegde kicks in with the mod rhythms to back him and the singer delivers effortlessly while Manonmani's Sarangi is an engaging addition to the track.

Red Cardu is another mediocre dance track which has Hip Hop Tamizha's stamp all over it. The garish arrangements and Hiphop Tamizha rides mainly on the colloquial lyrics. The singing as well as background fails to impress the listeners. HipHop Tamizha reuses his last year Telugu hit song Dhaari Choodu for Modern Muniyamma but the essence and beauty of the Telugu original are completely lost in Arivu's superficial lyrics and Srinisha Jayaseelan's vocal turns out to be a misfit. The foot-tapping tune is the only winner and at any time one can go back to much better Telugu version. Onnuku Renda is another random track from Hip Hop Tamizha which also suffers from the pedestrian lyrics. Senthil Ganesh and Sathya Narayanan prod the song with the effective rendition while Poova Pushpama hook by VM Mahalingam borders on the annoying zone. Arshad Khan's esraj being the only solace in an otherwise laborious track.Hip Hop Tamizha rehashed Madurai Veeran's famous Vaanga Machan Vaanga and the track is listenable because of a nostalgic factor associated with the song bits. Though hip Hop Tamizha's lyrics are too self-indulgent, the track is better compared to other songs in the album.

Verdict: HipHop Tamizha's rehashed tracks work relatively better than the original tracks for this Atharintiki Daredhi remake and the composer continues to stick within his confined soundscape. 

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Pattamarangal, Vaanga Machan Vaanga

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

Music Review (Tamil): Imaikka Nodigal

Music Review (Tamil): Imaikka Nodigal
Music Composer: HiphopTamizha

Kadhalikathey is the hackneyed hiphop  Tamizha's tune with the dose of his usual Nadhaswaram solos peppered on the mass-friendly lyrics. HipHop Tamizha's vocals are strictly functional supported by Kaushik Krish. One wishes that the song could have used much better rhythm structure rather than this generic arrangement.In Vilambara Idaivelai, Hiphop Tamizha sticks to an easily accessible ear-friendly tune and Nadhaswaram solo by D Balasubramani works like a charm. Christopher Stanley and Sudharshan Ashok ace the rendition while Srinisha Jayaseelan's fangled rendition works to the song's favour.

Neeyum Naanum Anbae is another ear-pleasing tune but the track has nothing outstanding to offer and composer strictly confines to his territory without much experimenting. The only highlights being the violin solos and Raghu Dixit's singing is ably supported by Sathyaprakash. HiphopTamizha's neatly done arrangements make this an engaging song despite the passable tune. Kadha Oru Aagayam is an another Hiphop Tamizha's melancholy sung effectually by Teejay and Al Rufian. Once again the track has strictly pedestrian tune and slightly better arrangements from the composer, Thanks to the affecting violin solos in the interludes and relatively better Charanam portions. Lion Vs Hyenas works beautifully for Magizh Thirumeni's exciting story telling which is bound to raise the expectations for the psychotic villain. Though the initial two minutes mainly focuses on the vocals with minimal background, the instrumental reaches crescendo towards the end with ample support from Joseph Vijay's screeching guitar riffs.The underplayed background score in Lion Vs Hyena's comes to the front in Rudra's Symphony and Hip Hop Tamizha ensures that the instrumental is top notch which fits the racy thriller genre perfectly. The highlight of the instrumental is undeniably stupendous strings by Czech Orchestra Rec team.

Verdict: Hiphop Tamizha confines to his tried and tested soundscape and the composer's instrumental tracks work better than the easily accessible vocal tracks.

My Rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Rudra's Symphony, Neeyum Naanum Anbae, Vilambara Idaiveli

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

Music Review (Telugu): Krishnarjuna Yudham

Music Review (Telugu): Krishnarjuna Yudham
Music Composer: Hip Hop Tamizha

Turn this Party up's energetic rock atmospheric sound is enough to pump up the adrenaline rush but the tune stays relatively average one. The upbeat background and brilliant Sitar solos make up for the patch tune while Hip Hop Tamizha and Brodha V ably pull off the song. The arrangements and the singers make this song an enjoyable affair even though strictly traversing in the known territory. The song of the album is undeniably massy folk song Dhaari Choodu sung and penned by Penchal Das and the foot tapping number easily makes one hit the repeat button. The punchy percussions, retro accordion prelude and the brilliant Nadhaswaram solos make this one highly engaging fun filled kuthu number from the Telugu Industry in recent times.


I wanna fly is a typical Hip Hop Tamizha and the composer has done this kind of songs umpteen number of times and the track fizzles out after first few minutes. The song turns better towards the end, Thanks to the Revanth's earnest singing, However, the song fails to elevate from the mediocre level. Ela Ela's throaty and highly processed Hip Hop Tamizha's prelude aside, the track is adequately enjoyable in Yazin Nizar's vocals.Composer throws few nifty touches with string sections and hard rock detour in the mid-way. Srimani's lyrics and Yazin Nizar's vocals make this track enjoyable till it lasts.Raghu Dixit's powerful vocals and intermittent Sarangi solos are the highlights in an otherwise typical anthemic song Urime Manase. The lead singer is continuously being relegated to these anthemic and pumping songs both by Devisri Prasad and Hip Hope Tamizha and one wishes that composers utilize this talented singer/composer for different shades of tune.Thaaney Vachchindhanaa features HipHop Tamizha's regular Padmalatha and Kaala Bhairava, Though the track is underwhelming when compared to the Padmalatha's previous collaboration with the composer, she elevates the song easily, especially with the charanam portions. The composer's folk touches intermittently and the mandolin in the first interlude makes this song worthy listen from the album.

Verdict: Hip Hop Tamizha churns out another minimum guarantee soundtrack for his sophomore Telugu album and Dhaari Choodu is definitely staying on the charts for a long time.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the album: Dhaari Choodu, Thaaney Vachchindhanaa, Ela Ela 

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

 

Music Review (Tamil): Kavan

Music Review (Tamil): Kavan
Music Composer: Hip Hop Tamizha

Happy New Year has a saleable energetic T Rajendar vocals behind the mic and the man steals the show with his verve as always while the tune remains the mediocre level. Hip Hop Tamizha enrich the average tune with Balasubramani's Nadhaswaram but the song stays as a passable one rides mainly on the foot tapping beats and energy level of the singer. Oxygen is the breezy melody with right amounts of Hip Hop Tamizha's typical tune sung well by Hip Hop Tamizha and Sudharshan Ashok. Composer made the consistently engaging background for the song with Krishna Kishor's Tabla in the second interlude being the highlight.

Kabilan Vairamuthu's quirky lyrics along with Maxwell Rajan's Trumpet in the interludes and consistent eerie jazz background makes this one a worthy listen. Kaber Vasuki breezes through the song with right attitude despite the auto tuning turn off the listeners at few instances and composer makes up for that with the pleasing arrangements.Theeradha Vilyattu Pillai is the incongruous mix of classical, western and folk elements for the Mahakavi Bharathiyar's verses. The classical vocals by Padmalatha and the corresponding arrangements come off as a winsome one, however, sadly same cannot be said about Hip Hop Tamizha's vocals while Anthony Daasan's folk elements fared better relatively. The shift between each section appears to be abrupt.Boomerang is the another routine Hip Hop Tamizha track which lacks the memorable tune as well as arrangements. The lead singer vocal becomes the overkill for the album which has 4 songs out of 5 with Hip Tamizha's vocals. Nikita Gandhi, Velmurugan and Kaushiki's vocals also didn't help the mediocre song much.

Verdict: Hip Hop Tamizha plays to his strength in Kavan and the composer's few experiments didn't work as expected which makes Kavan partially engaging work from the composer.

My Rating : 7/10

Pick of the Album: Oxygen, Madhurangalam, Theeradha Vilayattu Pillai

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 (Tamil): Kathi Sandai

Music Review (Tamil): Kathi Sandai
Music Composer: Hip Hop Tamizha

In Naan Konjam Karuppu thaan, Hip Hop Tamizha's functional vocals aside, the composer's engaging arrangements filled with enjoyable middle-eastern tinge in the percussions and Nadhaswaram hooks especially towards the end keeps the track afloat. Composer builds the tune with the synthesised sounds base and the song work more for its arrangements than as a standalone tune. The title track has the pedestrian tune and the hackneyed techno sounds didn't elevate the song to any level. The stylish vocals of Hip Hop Tamizha and Sniggy unable to salvage this functional tune replete with the heard sounds.

Idhayam Idhayam fares better among the other vocal songs in the soundtrack and the composer brilliantly infuses Nadhaswaram hooks, trumpets and brief fabulous slide guitar solo towards the end. Khareesma Ravichandran sounds adequate as usual and the minor grouse being that rhythm dominating the vocals intermittently. Ellame Kaasu is another mediocre composition from Hip Hoop Tamizha where once again EDM sounds fall under the templatized pattern. The rap portions by Mark Antony also sounds underwhelming while the subtle enjoyable guitar strums are dominated by cacophonic sounds throughout the track. Hiphop Tamizha scores easily in the Kathi Sandai theme where catchy violin is followed by brilliant usage of the mandolin. Overall the arrangements are engaging with violin notes utilised in right places to create an engrossing effect for the theme.

Verdict: Passable soundtrack from Hip Hop Tamizha and composer needs to reinvent and broaden his musical horizons.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kathi Sandai Theme,  Idhayam Idhayam

Music Review (Tamil): Aranmanai 2

Music Review (Tamil): Aranmanai 2
Music Composer: Hip Hop Tamizha

          Party with the Pei is restrained within the composer duo's framework and the vocals of Kharesma Ravichandran is totally subdued in the loud techno sounds. The lyrics by the Hip Hop Tamizha is relatively mediocre and the vocal of the composer is also passable at the best. Overall Party with the Pei rides on the familiar techno rhythms which are sporadically enticing.Maya Maya starts off in quite a lofty note with enchanting chorus portions, but the conventional tune is salvaged mainly by the Padmalatha's sweet vocals and Kailash Kher's vocals didn't fit the bill. The only solace in the quintessential orchestrated song praising the regal queen is occasional Shehnai solos in the arrangements.

           Poraada Poraada falls into the realm of Hip Hop Tamizha and the highlight of the song is mainly catchy electronic synthesized beats throughout the song in the background. Aadhi did quite a good job behind the vocals and although the tune is similar to many of the composer's indie works, this songs works for its enchanting synthesized sounds in the interludes.Kuchi Mittai is another mediocre track from Hip Hop Tamizha and the tune is awfully archaic even Anthony Daasan unable to salvage this tepid track. The passable folk elements in the interludes with nadhaswaram and Thavil sounds better when compared to the unenthusiastic tune.The level of soundtrack continues to spirally dive downwards with this Amman song and the composer duo mutilated the typical Amman tune with the loud assorted orchestration. Malathi Lakshman tries to spruce up with her energetic vocals but ends in vain.Composer duo who scored well with the theme songs in their recent soundtracks and in Aranmanai2 the theme ends being an average one compared to their previous works. The theme is filled with indispensable spooky eerie sounds, dubstep electronic sounds, string sections and misfit child vocals towards the end.

Verdict: After a couple of engaging soundtracks from Hip Hop Tamizha, the composer duo fails to deliver memorable music for the mass movie like Aranmanai2. Overall the album sounds bland without anything to take home for the listeners.

My rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Poraada Poraada, Maya Maya.

You can listen to the songs in Youtube.

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

Music Review(Tamil): Kathakali

Music Review(Tamil): Kathakali
Music Composer: HipHop Tamizha

Azhage has a typical hip hop song synth beats in the background throughout the song, however, Hip Hop Tamizha's languorous rendition along with pretty good lyrics makes this song pleasant listen till it lasts. Amidst the techno sounds, soothing minimal flute portions in the interludes standout in this leisurely paced song.Erangi Vandhu is a mix of folk and electronic techno sounds sung with enough verve by both Aadhi and Anthony Dassan. Apart from the boisterous sounds with percussions, cool techno sounds and sporadic nicely mixed Nadhaswaram bits, this song about the value of friendship lacks arresting tune to make it an enjoyable track in the album.Kathakali Theme is an effective mix of chendamelam, konnakol and grungy vocals of Hip Hop Tamizha. The transition between chendamelam bits to techno sounds is done smoothly and brief string section in the half way deserves special mention. Overall engaging melange of sounds which makes it an impressive and compelling listen in the album.Kathakali whistle theme is another persuasive theme from Hip hop tamizha with a perfect mix of whistles and sweeping string sections. The theme ends with light percussion touches and especially goosebump inducing string portions serve well for this action packed movie.

Verdict: Once again Hip Hop Tamizha delivers quite an effectual short functional soundtrack with two outstanding theme tracks and an enjoyable song.

My rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Kathakali theme, Azhage, Kathakali whistle theme. 

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

Music Review(Tamil): Thani Oruvan

Music Review(Tamil): Thani Oruvan
Music Composer: Hip Hop Tamizha

        The title track of the album is energetic, the mighty package of synthesized sounds and also predictable without much awesome moments in the four-minute song. Bobo Sashi and Hip Hop Tamizha's prop up the average tuned song to listenable one with their sprightly rendition despite tune is languishing and monotonous.The highlight of the lovely melody Kannala Kannala is the delightful vocals of debutante Kaushik Krish and Padmalatha. This is the second track for Padmalatha with Hip Hop Tamizha and she aces the song with her nuanced singing. Hip Hop Tamizha's arrangements are also pleasant with beautiful ghatam, flute sections in the interludes and the tune ends with Sufi style singing by lead singers.

       Kadhal Cricket (Love not out) opens with jingli'sh xylophone sounds and the most delightful part is the twinkly ambience created by the composer with strings, brass sections and keys. Khareeshma Ravichandran offbeat vocals complemented the song very well and lyrics by Hip Hop Tamizha  will surely bring chuckles to listener's face.Theemai Than Vellum's orchestration is pretty much background material and also quite repetitive throughout the track.However dialogues by Aravind Swamy gels neatly with the singing of Hip Hop Tamizha and the composer's lyrics are remarkable, however, it got sabotaged in the first half of the song where sound overrides the vocals. Aasai Perasai (The Greedy Good) is the heady mix of dialogues by the film's protagonist Jayam Ravi and exhilarating sounds by the composer.This one scores well compared to the Aravind Swamy's version mostly due to Hip Hop Tamizha's racy score from the start till it ends and composer brought out the fiery feel in the theme very well.


Verdict: Hip Hop Tamizha consolidated his position in the industry with this vibrant and refreshing third album and the songs are engaging and script oriented.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kannala Kannala, Kadhal Cricket, Aasai Perasai

Music Review (Tamil): Indru Netru Naalai

Music Composer: HipHop Tamizha

In Iphone 6 Nee endral, Hip Hop Aadhi confined to his forte which sounds similar to his solo music songs and his debut Aambala album. However, synthesised Nathaswaram sound and sporadic Thavil mix stands out amidst the potpourri of sounds. Only grouse is heard- before-feel of the tune takes the fun out of the song. Indru Netru Naalai's highlight is classical orchestration with sarangi, veena in the backdrop of  grand string sections. Icing to the cake is Shankar Mahadevan's classical prowess in singing bolstered amply by Aalaap Raju's effectual vocals. Overall, winner of the album and it’s totally radical shift from composer's style. Aadhi tweaked the title track's melancholic tune in Kadhale Kadhale into spirited one and an additional bonus is Padmalatha's charming vocals with classical touches. Aadhi arranged the song mostly with synthesized sound and flute sounds in the interludes are blissful to hear.Hip Hop Aadhi returns to his domain of songs with Naane Than Raja and the highlight is entertaining percussions and other sounds. However, processing of Anthony Dassan's voice irks a lot and tune too didn't support enough the orchestration created by Hip Hop Aadhi. Theme song starts like a title track but reaches the crescendo with brilliant use of string sections and live drums.However, dubstep portion of the same title track tune appears forceful and discordant with the theme.

Verdict: Hip Hop Thamizha's sophomore soundtrack didn't offer much variety and rides mainly on the brilliant title track composition.

My Rating: 7.25/10

Pick of the Album: Indru Netru Naalai, Kadhale Kadhale

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

Music Review (Tamil) : Aambala

Music Review (Tamil) : Aambala

Music Composer: Hip Hop Tamizha

        Hip Hop Tamizha's ebullient rendition is endorsed by accordion bits, engaging guitar strummings, foot tapping drums and not to forget brass sections in  Aye Aye. The sounds around Aye Aye hook is interesting though. Overall Aadhi opens the album in his own style. Madras to Madurai apart from the smartly done mixing and Kuthu beats, the interlude is closely similar to one of the nedunchalai song and also tune is monotonous. However rendition by lead singers (Kailash Kher and Vishnu priya) and punchy EDM makes one to shake along with the tune shrouding those glitches. Another EDM number Pazhagikalam seems to be an overdose for a soundtrack, however as a separate track, Hip Hop Tamizha totally owns this song with his energetic rendition and thumping electronic sounds. Expected Album will be full of EDM and party numbers but to the surprise Aadhi gave much needed digression to the soundtrack through next two songs. Vaa Vaa Vennila, has coolness written all over it, Vocals by Mohit Chauhan, and Amrita or background beats, or uber cool electric guitar usage adorns the overall song well. Another track which enhances the overall album is Yaar Enna Sonnalum, brilliant concoction of Strings and other assorted sounds dominated by pounding beats at the background ably supported by Kutle Khan, Anthony Dasan and Varun.

Verdict: Overall engaging film debut by Aadhi (Hip Hop Tamizha)

My rating:7.25/10

Pick of the Album: Yaar Enna Sonnalum, Vaa Vaa Vennila, Aye Aye