Weekly Earworm (10/01/2021)

 Sreekaram (Telugu): Mickey J Meyer: Sandalle Sandalle: Mickey J Meyer brings back his Happy days Mojo in Sandalle with respect to the tune and the folksy lyrics by Sanapati Bharadwaj Patrudu helps a lot. The alluring chorus along with Mohana Bhogaraju's rendition elevates the song from its familiar vibe.

Carvaan Lounge Tamil: Flute Navin: Kunguma Poove: Flute Navin's heady techno dance floor mix of iconic Kunguma Poove is undeniably catchy. Apart from the unnecessary processing in Chinmayi's vocals, the track is adequately engaging. Thanks to the Navin's flute solos and Chinmayi's playful rendition, the song does wonder. Though nothing much of similarity, the flute solos, Chinmayi, and the techno beats instantly takes me back to Ghibran's underrated Allari Pillagada song from Ungarala Rambabu.

Eeswaran (Tamil): Thaman: Velli Nillave: Velli Nillave is the only song that is refreshing in an otherwise largely tepid album that has Thaman's signature loud passable songs. ML Gayathri aces the rendition and Thaman aptly kept the arrangements minimal which accentuates the beauty of the song further.

Sashi (Telugu): Arun Chiluveru: Okey Oka Lokam: This track is a wonderful throwback to Rahman's early days, the rhythm sections, interludes screams Mozart's influence a lot. The tune is definitely engaging and Sid Sriram props up with his quintessential improvisations and the tune turns lovely especially with the ninna monna phrase in the charanam.

Yuvarathnaa (Kannada): Thaman: Neenaade Naa: Thaman's output in Telugu and Kannada seems to be marginally better because he moved away from his Signature sounds at least in Telugu considerably. This soft rock ballad benefits largely from the stupendous rendition by Shreya Goshal and Armaan Malik 

P.S The songs are available as playlists on youtube.

Weekly Earworm (25/12/2020)

Carvaan Lounge: Dharan Kumar: Paadadha Paattellam: Dharan Kumar recreated the MSV's iconic Paadadha Paattellam wonderfully. In the original Janaki's vocals are restricted to humming whereas here the lyrics are slightly tweaked and Nithyashree is given equal verses. Dharan effectually used the chorus and the main highlight is the way Mandolin is employed. Sathya Prakash and Nithyashree ended the song with enjoyable sargams. 

Coke Studio 2020: Sanam Marvi: Anbhol: The serene Yaman never fails and Rohail Hyatt embellishes the soulful tune with the serene arrangements flavored with the rhythmic drums and wonderful guitar solos by Nenad Gajin. Sanam Marvi's vocals are definitely the pièce de résistance of the soundtrack.

Black Coffee (Malayalam): Bijibal: Poi Maranja: The tacky VFX work aside in Poi Maranja's video, Bijibal concocts sweet jazzy track on the delicious varieties of food. Jassie gift ably delivers the rendition backed by a simple earthy tune by Bijibal.

Krack (Telugu): Thaman S: Korameesam Polisoda: Korameesam Polisoda is a refreshing composition from Thaman especially when the arrangements are dominated by string sections instead of punchy rhythms. Thaman continues to show promise with the tunes these days and loved the tinge of folk in the melody especially with Ramjogayya Sastry's lyrics. Ramya Behara's stupendous rendition works effortlessly.

Merise Merise (Telugu): Karthik Kodakandla: Kanulatho Rachinchu, Ninne Nenila: Though both the songs have nothing extraordinary to offer, the tracks are hugely listenable especially because of the lead singers Vijay Prakash-Chinmayi and Anurag Kulkarni-Lipsika respectively. The former track features lovely violin solos by Sandilya while later gains immensely from the fun tune.

P.S The songs are available as a playlist on youtube

Music Review (Telugu): Mr. Majnu

Music Review (Telugu): Mr Majnu
Music Composer: Thaman

Mr Majnu's synth coated peppy song Pallavi instantly reminds me of Rahman's Netru Illadha maatram but the similarity ends there and Thaman weaves pretty much enjoyable track filled with mod sounds backed by Ramya NSK's vocals. The gibberish and synth sounds are easily Harris Jayaraj territory but nevertheless, it's a neat song by Thaman. Thaman's current favourite Armaan Malik croons two songs Yemainado and Koppamga Koppamga for Mr.Majnu. The former melody is similar to Ninnila from Tholi Prema and the tune is adequately entertaining with splendid support from Chennai strings Orchestra's strings sections throughout the song and the strings along with the synth rhythm make it an enthralling listen. The latter one being another peppy number which rides mainly on Aalap Raju's guitar strums and Armaan Malik singing while Thaman churns out the easy on ears tune which clasps the listeners till the end. Thaman strikes another winner in Hey Nenila where the arrangements are top notch with excellent support by Haritha's Veena and Kamalakar's flute solos. Sruthi Ranjani owns the song starting from the beautiful humming in the prelude itself. Naalo Neeku is another warming melody where Shreay Goshal aces the tune with ample support from Sandilya's violin solos, though the tune takes its own time to get the listeners immersed, Thaman's soundscape in this album is consistent and endearing. Chiru Chiru Navvula turns out to be a weak composition in an otherwise splendid work from Thaman and in this track also, the composer makes the interludes sounds interesting despite the staggering tune.

Verdict: Thaman continues his revamped style of music with his first 2019 album and Mr Majnu is the wonderful follow up for the composer in lines of Tholi Prema.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Hey Nenila, Yemainado, Naalo Neeku

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

Music Review (Telugu): Chal Mohan Ranga

Music Review (Telugu): Chal Mohan Ranga
Music Composer: Thaman

Very Very Sad's hackneyed rhythm flow and absurd lyrics aside, Yazin Nizar's rendition and laid back guitar strums makes this one an acceptable song from the composer. Miami is the techno ladentrack which tries hard to appear trendy but falters eventually despite all the fangled rendition. The only solace being the intermittent sargams. Vaaram starts off with the brilliant solo violin prelude but soon transpired into the routine telugu track filled with absolutely laughable lyrics invoking days of the week.Ga Gha Megha also suffers from the pretty average tune despite the arrangements are surprisingly laudable and enjoyable. The soundtrack's best is undeniably lovely semi classical song Ardham Leni Navvu inspired by the Thiyagaraja Keerthanai Bantu Reethi Koluvu. Sreenidhi's top notch rendition and the splendid charanam makes this one an impressive listen in the album.

Verdict: Though Chal Mohan Ranga falls tad lower than Thaman's recent soundtracks, Ardham Lenii Navvu is ample proof that the composer revamped himself completely in 2018

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the album: Ardham Leni Navvu, Ga Gha Megha, Very Very Sad

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

 

Music Album (Telugu): Gayatri

Music Album (Telugu): Gayatri
Music Composer: Thaman
 
Thaman got an impressive list of veteran singers to croon for his latest album Gayatri. The album opens up with celebratory Jai Hanuman and Shankar Mahadevan easily sails through the song with his energetic rendition. Though the tune and the arrangemnets are strictly perfunctory one, vocals make this one adequately listenable. Thaman surprises us with Thella Thella, the retro styled tune sung by an effectual Madhu Balakrishnan. The charanam portions turns much better tune wise and the hypnotic flute solos and the violin lift the song effortlessly. Thaman gives another delightful melody for Jubin Nautiyal after Telusa Telusaa in Sarrainodu. The composer once again excels in the arrangements with an engaging tabla base and ever dependable Shreya Goshal takes care of the rest as usual. Though Jubin's diction is irksome at places, the melody and Shreya makes this song worthy listen. Vekuvamma is typical 90's Deva material and the tune is outdated one while SPB steals the show with his evergreen vocals. Thaman aces in the sensual song Sarasamaha and Ramya Behara brings out the tone of the song successfully while the composer adorns the song with the gorgeous veena solos. Thaman ends the soundtrack with the retro theater styled tune Ravan Brahma. The aggressive and grand arrangements works to the favour of the song despite an effectual show by Mano in the vocals.

Verdict: Thaman continues his splendid form in 2018 with Gayatri and it's delightful to listen Thaman's album devoid of any autotuning gimmicks.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Thella Thella, Oka Nuvvu Okka Nenu, Sarasamaha

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

Music Review (Telugu): Tholi Prema

Music Review (Telugu): Tholi Prema
Music Composer: Thaman

Raghu Dixit is relegated to his usual type of tune in Break the rules and Srimani's absurd chemical elements incorporated lyrics aside, Thaman does wonders with respect to the stupendous usage of Veena and the wonderful semi classical digression in the halfway through the song. Thaman rocks with the gorgeous melody Ninnila sung to perfection by Bollywood singer Armaan Malik. Composer kept the arrangements light and breezy surprisingly without resorting to his glaring beats. Sunonana Sunaina has nothing new to offer apart from the brilliant horns usage and Rahul Nambiar's effective rendition. Allasani Vaari derives largely from the ever dependable Shreya Goshal's vocals and the buoyant rendition is made better by Thaman's arrangements along with Kamalakar's brilliant classically tinged flute solos. Armaan Malik croons another synth dominated melody Vinnane Vinnane and the track is adequately engaging despite the predictable outlook. Thaman ends the soundtrack with another Veena laden pathos and the composer did a neat job especially in the arrangements with the wonderful mixture of Veena, Violin and guitar. 

Verdict: After an impressive Sketch, Thaman's revamped music in 2018 sounds promising.

My Rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ninnila, Allasani Vaari, Tholi Prema

P.S you can listen to the soundtrack in Saavn 


 

Music Review (Telugu): Goutham Nanda

Music Review (Telugu): Goutham Nanda
Music Composer: Thaman

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a tedious listen and the templatized techno sounds from Thaman makes it hard to listen while 6 minutes duration of the song augments the boredom further. NSK Ramya's vocal brings the little respite while mangling of Yazin Nizar's vocals with processing continues with this track also.Black and white is another painful listen where Thaman reused the background rhythm from his selfie song in Kannada movie Jaguar. Divya Kumar's contrasting vocals being the only highlight in this pedestrian song where the familiar tune doesn't help the song either.

Basthi Dorasani starts off surprisingly well but soon spiralled downwards into the typical Telugu commercial song where the catchy hook is the rehash of Gandi baat. Nakash Aziz who is regular in Telugu songs these days salvage this song to some extent and Ramajoggaya Sastry's lyrics standard also dives deep along with Thaman's music.Bole Ram Bole Ram saves this soundtrack and credits to enjoyable pleasant melody with the flavour of Nuvve Nuvve from Kick 2 while the soundscape also follows the same song. However, the track is immensely enjoyable when compared to other tracks in the album while Ramachandra Murthy's flute and Chennai Strings Orchestra's violin in the interludes are the mesmerising stuff. Srikrishna and ML Sruthi breezes through the melody effortlessly. Theme of Goutham Nanda has nothing extraordinary to offer except for the deft usage of Kebab's guitar and the track may work well with the visuals rather than as a standalone track.

Verdict: Goutham Nanda is another forgettable commercial soundtrack filled with Thaman's templatized sounds and the rehash of his own tunes.

My Rating: 5/10

Pick of the Album: Bole Ram Bole Ram

Music Review (Tamil): Ivan Thandiran

Music Review (Tamil): Ivan Thandiran
Music Composer: S S Thaman

Dagalty's outmoded kuthu tune and the pedestrian lyrics fails to lift the song from the mediocre level while Thaman spruces up the proceedings in the interludes but overall the track falls flat. Rahul Nambiar's vocals being the only solace in this below average number from Thaman. Ivan Thandiran fares slightly better than the introduction song but strictly in comparison, otherwise, the title song has nothing extraordinary to offer. However, the rhythm and guitar riffs are neatly done by Thaman and Deepak Dev along with Yazin Nizar sails through the typical tune effortlessly.

Thaman tweaked his blockbuster Telugu track Telusa Telusa to Medhakavitta Medhakavitta and the result is astounding mainly because of the pleasant tune and the pitch perfect singing by Sanjana Kalmanje. Yazin Nizar ably supported her by crooning this dulcet melody while the interludes are adequately engaging.The instrumental version of Medhakavitta comes as a theme song and the splendid tune is adequately enjoyable dominated by mellifluous flute and keys section.

Verdict: Thaman's redux of Telugu blockbuster song saves this Ivan Thandiran and the short soundtrack fails to strike.

My Rating:6/10

Pick of the Album: Medhakavitta Medhakavitta

Music Review (Telugu): Winner

Music Review (Telugu): Winner
Music Composer: Thaman

Suyaa Suyaa's cringe worthy pedestrian lyrics aside, the template of the song is threadbare one with hardly any interesting elements in both arrangements as well as the tune. The song reminds of the multitude of similar compositions, one can come across in any Telugu album. Anurag Kulkarni and Suma Kanakala's vocals provide respite in an otherwise passable opening song of the album. Sitara Sitara is no different from Thaman's pleasing compositions, but the song has a lot of elements to like for and makes Sitara easily listenable one in the album. The song gains highly from the vocal support of Yazin Nizar, who gets to croon one enjoyable melody in most of the Telugu albums. The flute hook is the catchy one which Thaman used effectively.
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Pichonne Aiyipoya is a harmless techno dominated track with the mix of Telugu and Hindi lyrics while Thaman's autotuned vocals continue to hamper the listener's mood.It's difficult to discern the vocals of the three lead singers Deepak, Christopher Stanley and Sai Charan. The peppy dance track works considerably well mainly because of foot tapping tune although treads on the familiar zone.Bhajrangabali has a string of singers lead by MLR Karthik and the tune, as well as arrangements, are adequately revolutionary complementing the inspirational lyrics invoking Che Guevera. Though the song stays low key throughout, there is a lovely pleasant brief transition towards the end of the track. Overall, an engaging song which needs visual to create an impact on the listeners.Naa B C Centerlu as apparent from the song title, is the mandatory mass number which seems to be inevitable in any commercial Telugu albums. Surprisingly, the usage of percussions are kept at an acceptable level and lovely usage of guitar strums for the song of this genre. Nakash Aziz breezes through the song effectively while Sharmila aptly supports him. Compared to other songs. this song features an interesting usage of instruments.

Verdict: Minimum guarantee soundtrack from Thaman and he continue to deliver what expected out of the commercial composer in Telugu Industry.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Sitara Sitara, Naa B C Centerlu, Pichonne Ayipoya

Music Review (Tamil): Shivalinga

Music Review (Tamil): Shivalinga
Music Composer: Thaman

Chinna Kabali's blaring percussions and the tried and tested tune screams Thaman's stock sounds from start till the end of the song. The rhythms are pretty much outdated and the only solace being the Shankar Mahadevan's energetic vocals. Both the pedestrian lyrics by Viveka and languishing tune by Thaman didn't work to the song's favour. Sirikka Vechu is the harmless listen and the simple tune breezes through without any hurdles while the song benefits largely from the Vijay Yesudas's spotless rendition. Thaman kept the background and arrangements neat and makes this one enjoyable till it lasts. Ramya Behra adequately supports the lead singer towards the end.

Rangu Rakkara is another banal track from Thaman and the composer tries to appease both Telugu and Tamil fans by roping Anirudh to croon the typical Telugu kuthu track which he utilises to its maximum tolerable level in every Telugu albums. The track has very less to offer both in terms of arrangements and tune while the singers strive their best with the energy levels.Title song has its predictable tune and the song highly benefits from the haunting Keba's guitar work and though the tune, as well as arrangements, ride on the familiar territory, the song is a decent listen. The only grouse being that Usha Uthup is relegated to few chants intermittently while other singers render their support adequately.Thaman ends the tepid soundtrack with another futile song, Saarah Saarah which starts promisingly but mired into the monotonous tune and the arrangements are bland without any high moments. Rahul Nambiar's sprightly rendition being the only solace in this hackneyed tune from Thaman.

Verdict: Thaman continues to produce his mass masala tracks in Tamil also and the pedestrian album has very little to offer musically.

My Rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Sirikka Vechu, Title song

Music Review (Telugu): Thikka

Music Review (Telugu): Thikka

Music Composer: Thaman

Thikka's title song's only effective part is an easy sing-along rhythm structure and Dhanush's casual singing debut in Telugu is least exciting mainly because of the insipid and hackneyed tune which composers usually relegate to the singer. Ramajogayya Sastry's unrestrained lyrics set the mood of the song effectively. Thaman ropes in another Kollywood star Simbu to croon techno based track Hot Shot hero which is adequately engaging. Thanks once again to the pop techno rhythm. Though the track has nothing extraordinary to offer, pretty listenable EDM synth elements make it engaging till it lasts. 

Dirty Picture sounds interesting mainly due to the unique flavor brought to the song by Usha Uthup and the meandering tune gets interesting in the second half. However, as a whole, the song turns out to be pretty decent one which comes off lively due to lead singer vocals and Thaman's retro jazz touch in the arrangements.Neekosam is another techno-laden track with mildly enticing tune and nifty touches in the interludes especially the second one featuring lovely string section while Revanth's vocals fit the bill perfectly expressing Ramajogayya's Sastry lyrics effectively. Thaman extends the predominant techno soundscape of the album to the final song Vellipoke also and though the prelude starts in a haunting manner, the song turns out to be another regular techno affair from the composer. Thaman's processed vocals irk a lot amidst all the restrained techno sounds for the decent tune.

Verdict: Thaman's Thikka is loaded with techno-laden tracks which are enjoyable, however, the album gives very less in variety and sounds monotonous.

My rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Neekosam, Hot shot hero, Thikka

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

Music Review (Telugu): Srirastu Subhamastu

Music Review (Telugu): Srirastu Subhamastu
Music Composer: Thaman

It's quite refreshing to listen to the Thaman song devoid of predominant vocal processing and thumping percussions, The title song of Srirastu Subhamastu is a pleasant one, and although starts with jaded chorus, Thaman throws some excellent veena and violin solos in the interludes with excellent vocal support from Krishna Chaitanya. Thaman comes back to his territory in Anu Anu where the deja-vu feel in the tune is accentuated by Thaman's processed vocals. However, the song is adequately engaging, if one forgets Thaman's past repertoire. Desi girl, staple Telugu kuthu, which Thaman excels in making these songs adequately foo tapping. Revanth lends fantastic support with his energetic vocals in an otherwise typical percussion dominated Thaman track.

Verdict: Exceptional title song in an album filled with warmed-over Thaman sounds.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Srirastu Subhamastu 

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

Music Review (Tamil): Dhilluku Dhuddu

Music Review (Tamil): Dhilluku Dhuddu
Music Composer: Thaman

The title song is a routine hackneyed templatized tune percussion laden tune and autotuned vocals of Deepak and M M Mansi's irks at some places, However, compared to the arrangements, vocals being the only highlight in this track.Overall, pedestrian lyrics and tune makes this one mediocre song in the soundtrack.Thaman does best in his forte, lovely breezy melody Kaanama Pona where composer kept the rhythm mellow and throws out some pleasing violin solos in the mid-way. Nivas and Sanjana breeze through the melody effortlessly and processing in the Nivas's vocals didn't create much hindrance to the flow of the easily accessible tune. Sivan Magan starts off promisingly but dives down into frenzied song dominated with the heard before tune sung with enough verve by the string of singers led by Saicharan. Though, the background is dominated by the elements relegated to the typical song of this genre, Nadaswaram solo in the first interlude is a nice touch by the composer.

Verdict: Short soundtrack from Thaman for the horror movie where one melody stands apart in an otherwise typical album filled with sounds from composer's repertoire.

My rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Kaanamal Pona

Music Review(Telugu): Sarrainodu

Music Review(Telugu): Sarrainodu
Music Composer: S S Thaman

Athiloko Sundari, energetic percussion laden track starts off with the conventional chorus and rides mainly on the Vishal Dadlani and Karthik's fantastic vocals. Ramajogayya Sastry lyrics describing the beauty of the female lead and an easily likeable orchestration flow makes this one fun listen in the album till it lasts although the tune bears the shades of Thaman's earlier compositions. Thaman's obsession with autotuning and digitisation of the vocals continue in you are my MLA and Dhanunjay's processed vocals for the laid back tune irks a lot. However, the song's sing-along tune and breezy Kiran kumar's flute portion in the second interlude makes this one enjoyable if one don't get cheesed off with the processed vocals of the lead singer.

Private Party ticks off every requirement needed for the EDM track and the track ends up being an insipid one filled with wonted sound cues throughout the track. M C Vickey and Manasi MM tries to infuse curiosity with their energetic vocals but still the song ends up being the routine party track which requires visuals to make this one enticing.Blockbuster has an infectious foot tapping punchy beats in the background while Shreya Goshal's sensual vocals along with Nakash Aziz's raw vocals behind the mic works to the song's favour. Overall the song ends up being the highly enjoyable treat for the mass fans.Thaman makes sure that each album has one highly ear pleasing melody and in Sarrainodu it's Telusa Telusa where Gayathri's veena  standout amidst the synth elements in the arrangements front. Thaman roped in another proficient bollywood singer Zubin Nautiyal accompanied by Sammeera Bharadwaj to croon the song and both did fantastic job in rendering this beautiful tune.The title track is an another high octane song where Punjabi Dols and Dhandia mixed with Andhra's local kuthu with bunch of singers from Bollywood leaded by Hard kaur, Banno fame Brijesh Shadilya and Sonu Kakkar. The singers tried to bring out the best from the weary tune, however the song suffers from the routine orchestration. Hope visuals will make the song look enticing.

Verdict: Thaman's highly anticipated album features an easily likeable set of songs and also it's high time that Thaman should explore genres apart from the soundscape one can associate with the composer.

My rating:7.5/10 

Pick of the Album: Telusa Telusa, Athiloko Sundari, Blockbuster

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Telugu): Dictator

Music Review (Telugu): Dictator
Music Composer: Thaman

       Gam Gam Ganesha is a usual Ganesh Bhajan with frenzy percussion bits and pleasant programming by Thaman makes up for the mangled rendition by Divya Kumar. Thaman maintains the energy of the song from start till the end. However, the song fails to make an impact when compared to other Ganesh bhajans released this year across various languages.What's up baby's background beats and the tune is straight out of the Thaman's stock repertoire whereas auto tuning of the vocals irks a lot, especially with male singer Naveen. However, the verve in the vocals of Naveen and Malavika is enough to make Balayya fans to go crazy with visuals. Foot tapping sporadic brass sections are the only solace in this typical Thaman song.

        Thaman makes sure to deliver one engaging melody in each of his albums and in Dictator Thaman's Chura Chura makes a pleasant impact on the listeners. Thaman's programming along with lead vocals humming portions and  Sanjana's vocals blends so well and makes this one engaging listen. Rama Jogayya sastry scores with memorable lyrics and lovely melody from Thaman after Nuvve Nuvve in Kick 2.In Tingo Tingo, Thaman mired himself into his templatized sounds, however female lead singers Kousalya and Geetha Madhuri saves the languishing tune with their enthusiastic vocals while Simha gave enough support to make this song a passable listen in the album. Thaman's percussion in the interludes scores in this average song.Dictator's title track has the deja vu feel associated with it, however, Thaman's haunting programming along with eerie background humming makes this work despite the heard before tune. The slew of singers leads by Satyan delivered a wonderful vocal for the esoteric ambiance created by Thaman.Thaman ends with the high energetic mass song Gana Gana and the song is foot-tapping enough to please the audience with the visuals. However as a soundtrack this one goes into the list of conventional mass songs churned out from the Telugu music directors. Sameera Bharadwaj vocal works to the song's favour compared to Deepak and Simha's.

Verdict: Thaman continues to play it safe when it comes to mass hero albums and Dictator too falls into the same category. It's high time for Thaman to come out of his comfortable zone considering the number of high profile Telugu movie soundtrack scored by him.

My rating:6.5/10 

Pick of the Album: Chura Chura, Dictator, Gam Gam Ganesha.

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

P.S Edited version of the review is available 

Music Review (Telugu): Brucelee The fighter

Music Review (Telugu): Brucelee The fighter
Music Composer: Thaman

    
     In the album's opening number Run, repleted with Thaman's usual percussion dominated background rhythms and mainly treads on the energetic vocals of Super Singer fame Saisharan and Nivaz. Tune wise, Thaman kept it simple and chorus portions have the whiff of Thaman's previous songs. Srimani vocals about the positive attitude may go well  with the dance movements of Ramcharan. In Ria, Thaman tried Hip-Hop genre laden with electronic sequencing sounds while flute section in the middle deserves special mention. Another major highlight of the song is Rabbit mac's catchy, peppy rap portions. Deepak manages to prop up this assorted packaged song with his earnest rendition.

          In Kungfu Kumari, Thaman once again tried to play it very safe with his stock tune and Deepak, Ramya Behera's autotuned vocals too didn't help this song much. Rama Jogaiya Sastry incorporated 'Mega' in the lyrics which are surely enough for the fans to go frenzy over this song. Overall this one is heavily humdrum track from Thaman. Thaman makes sure that at least one song in his album is likable and in this also, Le chalo is easily best compared to the other songs in the album. The visual of this song is already the rage in online among the Ram Charan fans for his dance movements. Thaman arrangements with mild percussion in the second interlude along with sax gels well with this breezy number. Megha and Thaman have done their best in the vocals part. Title song is out and out mass number which will surely please the particular section of the audiences but for normal listeners, this one is a drab apart from few highlights with synthesized sounds and second interlude. Tune and rhythm pattern is tried and tested umpteen times.Sameera Bharadwaj and Simha done justice with their rendition for this energetic number.

Verdict: Thaman tried to play it safe throughout the album and both Sreenu Vaitla and composer sticks to their comfort zone. Overall Brucelee songs heavily depend on the visuals and Ramcharan factor to make it chartbusters.Dookudu remains the best from this combo.

My rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Le Chalo, Ria, Run

You can listen to the songs here.

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

Music Review (Telugu): Akhil

Music Review (Telugu): Akhil
Music Composer: Anup Rubens and Thaman

Hey Akhil is pretty much an outdated techno song which is conventional both in tune and also in arrangements. Song is particularly made to showcase Akhil Akkineni's dance prowess on screen. Krishna Chaitanya's lyrics are trendy, situational filler one to suit the tune. Rahul Pandey and Anup Rubens earnest singing is the only solace in an otherwise typical introduction song. Nennekkadunte is an another techno sound with heavily auto tuned vocals of Ranjith and Sharanya while the song suffers from the lack of freshness and also cohesiveness in terms of arrangements. Among the assorted sounds created by Anup Rubens, only blaring guitar work stands out and the song takes the numerous twist in terms of arrangements but didn't appeal much as a package. Zara Zara Navvaradhe is a typical Anup Ruben's tune and with line of singers in the credit list, it's difficult to discern their vocals, mostly may be due to auto-tuning of the vocals. However, tune wise this one is simple and one cannot shrug off the deja vu feel of the song. Anup Ruben's template with techno elements in this album goes overboard when fourth song in the album, Akkineni Akkineni too features the similar soundscape. Anup's tune is rhythmic and easy on ears while Divya Kumar, Barghavi, Uma Neha and Mohana handles the Krishna Chaitanya's 'matching' lyrics effectually. Padessave is the only song composed by Thaman and it's the best of the soundtrack despite being Thaman's stamp all over the song. Karthik's and M M Mansi vocals being the strength of this track with Thaman shows his presence with enjoyable foot tapping rhythmic background and interludes.

Verdict: Akhil's album is purely to satiate the expectations to make Akhil Akkineni as an another commercial hero from Akkineni family. Anup Ruben ensures the same with his cool techno packed songs. However Thaman's solo song stands apart in an otherwise passable album.

My rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Padessave, Zara Zara Navvaradhe, Hey Akhil

Music Review: Sakalakala Vallavan/ Appatakkar

Music Review(Tamil): Sakalakala Vallavan/ Appatakkar
Music Composer: Thaman

      Album opens with Bulb Vangitaen Machi, manageable kuthu track and Thaman brings exciting combination of Deva, Vivek and Jayam Ravi to croon this track with amusing lyrics. But staid and pedestrian template of the tune makes this tiresome listen except for the exciting credit list. Visuals may prop up the level of the song among the masses. Thaman brings back his templated Telugu flavoured song in Mandayum and the result is that the song is passable and mediocre to its core. Even Nivas's vocals unable to salvage this tedious track and the tune though templatized, it works partially in some portions but overall it's a drab one in the album.

     Thaman's Buji Ma Buji Ma is the redux of the composer's Telugu hit song and the song works here also mostly due to the energetic vocals of Imman and Mansi and partly due to the upbeat chorus. However, lyrics is the main turn off in an otherwise enjoyable track from Thaman. Thaman brings 2014's famous Telugu song Cinema Choopistha mava to Tamil as Hitu song and another set of exciting singers STR, Ramya Nambeesan, M M Manasi, M M Monisha. Overall the fun and mass quotient of the song is intact in Tamil version also. Surely song is bound to create enough airwaves and top the charts. Thaman brings back his another hit Telugu song Dethadi Dethadi from Dookudu to Tamil as Un style Eh power but the tempo is reduced compared to Telugu version of the song. Despite the heavily autotuned vocals of Deepak and Sharmila, engaging tune filled generously with percussion elements and energetic vocals along with chorus makes this song work.

Verdict: Thaman's Sagalakala Vallavan is nothing but recycled work of his telugu hit songs and surely songs will appeal to the masses. Exciting visuals along with peppy dance movements may make this recycled work of Thaman memorable.

My rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Hitu Song, Un style Eh Power, Buji Ma Buji Ma

Music Review (Tamil): Vaa Deal

Music Review (Tamil): Vaa Deal

Music Composer: S Thaman

          Andharu Andharu is run of the mill kuthu track which is predictable throughout the song.Thaman packed the song with the arrangements dominated by punchy percussion and its kind of mishmash of Thaman's Telugu songs. Velmurugan crooned with high spirit and enough ebullience for this pedestrian track. Lyrics by Viveka are passable enough for this track. Vaa Deal is a throbbing track build around rocky base rhythm. Thaman's arrangements are captivating enough although nothing offbeat to offer and also difficult to snub away the Dookudu flavour in the tune. Songs of this genre  are tailor-made for Sooraj Santosh and he delivered perfectly with enough support from a spate of singers. Lyrics by Viveka are also upbeat enough to complement the mood of the song. In Paesi Paesi, Thaman sticks to his formulaic simple melody with minimal beats in the background, instantly likeable chorus portions and alluring strings cum flute combinations in the interludes. Haricharan adds enough charms to the track with his splendid vocals and tune is a cakewalk for him.The deal theme is a slight variant of Vaa Deal track and this one too winsome them which will blend well with the visuals. Sound of deal theme is a foot tapping mix of Thavil- Nadaswaram amidst pulsating percussion and whimsical dialogue in the midway.

Verdict: Conventional and Passable soundtrack from Thaman rides high with one engaging melody.

My rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Paesi Paesi, Vaa Deal

  

  

Music Review (Tamil) : Muni3 aka Kanchana 2

Music Review (Tamil) : Muni3 aka Kanchana 2
Music Composer: Leon James, Sathya, Thaman, Ashwamithra

In Muni3, Raghavan opts for 4 composers instead of only Thaman who is part of Kanchana. Let's check whether too many cooks spoils or savors the soundtrack.

Sandi Muni:
Sandi Muni, composed by Leon James, band mate of Anirudh starts off in a jarring note but turns out better as the song progresses because of slightly listenable interludes dominated by synth sounds. Haricharan rendered the pedestrian lyrics penned by Viveka with enough verve and bolstered the run of the mill conventional tune.
Vaaya Veera:
Leon James's second song in the soundtrack is significantly superior to the first one. Shakthishree Gopalan's recent songs in every album stand out from the other songs in the soundtrack and in Muni3 also her dreamy vocals complemented by enjoyable tune is accentuated by tabla in the background throughout the song and soothing strings in the second interludes.
Sillatta Pillatta:
Sillatta Pillatta is another humdrum, hugely disappointing track from composer Sathya and he  interspersed brass section sounds with Saavu Kuthu template. Despite Jagadeesh Kumar ebullience vocals, this song fails to clasp the listener. Logan lyrics also insipid and irksome.
Motta Paiya:
Surprisingly, Thaman gave melody track in the album without any punchy percussion usually one can associate with him. Thaman's arrangement and tune reminds Imman's latest trademark style with sweeping strings in the interludes and minimal percussion throughout the song. However ever- reliable Chitra and Sooraj Santhosh vocals adds enough appealing factor to the song.
Moda Moda:
Moda Moda starts off ambitiously but soon mired into boring repetitive template with morbid sounds in the background. Only solace is intermittent string sections and master Sriram Roshan vocals too didn't add any value to the song.

Verdict: Overall Muni3 is a bland and an uninspiring soundtrack barring two melodies despite multi-composer soundtrack, which is rare in Tamil movies.

Pick of the album: Vaaya Veera, Motta Paiya

My rating: 6/10

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