Weekly Earworm (06/09/2020)

Dil Bechera (Hindi): AR Rahman: Never Say Goodbye: The guitar-laden track and the final single release of the wonderful album reaches a crescendo when Rahman brilliantly brings Taare Ginn to this sweeping song sung by AR Ameen. Though the track has nothing extraordinary to offer, the track is an engaging listen from the composer.

Amazon Prime Music Hyderabad Gig (Telugu): Vivek Sagar: Sanchari: Amazon Prime music Hyderabad Gig's sounds mostly align with the respective composer's film sounds starting from Gopi Sundar to Ghibran. Vivek Sagar brings out his signature kickass bluegrassy sound to this indie future also. The result is an absolutely enjoyable one an easily best of the lot from this lineup. The mandolin and banjo's gleeful soundscape and Thanathitha loop sound more like a Malayalam song.

Mudhal Nee Mudivum Nee (Tamil): Darbuka Siva: Mudhal Nee Mudivum Nee: Darbuka Siva - Sid Sriram - Thamarai combo comes together once again and the result is another stunner which sounds like an extension of Maruvarthai and Hey Nijame. It's a pleasure to see that Composer's note has been added to the song's description and definitely Debasmita Bhattacharya's sarod gives a beautiful classical texture to the song. Thamarai's poetic lyrics are icing on the cake and one wishes that she gets to write more.

Paris Paris: Amit Trivedi: Inda Somabanam, Enge En Santhosham, Padaigal Illai Endru: Inda Somabanam sounds like an equivalent of Hungama Ho gaya from the Original. The song is an intoxicating fun song with the crazy mix while Vijay Prakash and Vidya Vox sound to be having fun with the singing. Surprisingly Telugu jukebox doesn't have this song. Padaigal Illai Endru equivalent of Kinare and Enge En Santhosam rides mainly on the Superlative vocals by Shashaa Tripathi and Haricharan respectively. Especially Enge En Santhosham's pulsating pop makes it work.

Indumathi (Malayalam): Gopi Sundar: Gopi Sundar brilliantly conceives the semi-classical tune with the synth backdrop and Sithara Krishnakumar's vocal is simply outstanding. Though the rap sounds to be discordant with the overall tone of the song, the tune, and the vocals make this one a compelling Onam song.

Pick of the album: Mudhal Nee Mudivum Nee, Sanchari, Inda Somabanam

Weekly Earworm - Week 11 (29/02/2020)

Weekly Earworm - Week 11 (29/02/2020)

Kombu Vacha Singamda (Tamil): Dhibu Ninan Thomas: Pesadha Mozhiye: The lilting melody composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas of Kanna fame is a lovely listen and not sure whether because of Harisankar's association, the track has the Malayalam vibes nevertheless lovely melody strengthened by Chinmayi and Harisankar's exceptional singing.

Pandrikku Nandri Solli (Tamil): Suren Vikhash: Panni Sela, Title Track: Indie composer debuts as a composer for the wacky album which screams the indie vibes throughout the album backed by hilarious lyrics especially Sofia Ashraf's rap portions. Pani Sela's bluegrassy arrangements in the backdrop of wonderful Diptanshu Roy's (who is also part of Suren Vikhas's band) Mandolin is an enjoyable listen while Benny Dayal delivers the song with his cool tone. Suren Vikhash turns into a jazzy mode for Kal Irundha and the lyrics by Arul Theeran are lit especially with the hilarious verses. Sophia Ashraf returns for another trippy song Sethanda Sekaru with the fabulous kid's chorus and Maarten Visser's solo saxophone bits in the interludes. The title track is another crazy mix and Bala Araan does his bit this time with the rollicking lyrics which goes as Nee varutha Meenu Thottuka beeru while the arrangements are in a parallel universe with the brilliant mix of Punya Srinivas's Veena which borders on the brooding tone totally in another extreme with the lyrics.

Hit (Telugu): Vivek Sagar: Ventaade Gaayam: Vivek Sagar continuous to churn out the edgy compositions and Ventaade Gaayam's jazzy sombre backdrop is elevated by Mohana Bhogaraju's evocative vocals.

Popcorn Monkey Tiger (Kannada): Charan Raj: Psychedelic Maaye, Maadeva: Charan Raj delivers the two vocal tracks for the slick movie Popcorn Monkey Tiger. The kaleidoscopic and trippy soundscape of both the track makes this one an enjoyable listen while Sanjith Hegde aces the vocals with his swag.

Kappela (Malayalam): Sushin Shyam: Kannil: Sushin Shyam comes back with another beautiful guitar-laden melody and the gentle acoustic guitar strums by Sandeep Mohan elevates the total mood of the song. Swetha Mohan is impressive as always with her rendition ably supported by another fine singer Sooraj Santosh. 

Pick of the Week: Kannil, Pandrikku Nandri Solli, Panni sela

Music Roundup - 2018

Music Roundup - 2018

It's the time of the year and obviously, every site or blog spots will come up with the list and I also join the bandwagon with this post.  But this year to really sums up, I couldn't review many of the albums I listened to because of my full-time work responsibilities. Hopefully planning to allocate proper time for the next year, maybe I can keep this as my goal for 2019. However, I was able to listen to the songs of most of the albums released in 2018 across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam languages. Obviously, the list and choices are purely personal and do share your list in the comments. It's always one can find good songs from the other's list and more is merrier.

Note: The list considers only the albums released till Dec 15 2018.

Tamil:

     The first half of 2018 is pretty tedious one as far as music is concerned with the solo outlier being the Nimir album by  Darbuka Shiva and Ajaneesh Loknath. Apart from the few released singles of ENPT (Ennai Nokki Paayum Thotta) both Darbuka Shiva and Ajaneesh Loknath doesn't have any other releases. The Second half of 2018 is the most exciting phase this year with the slew of beautiful albums from the prominent as well as young composers. AR Rahman had 3 releases this year- Chekka ChivanthaVaanam, 2.0 and Sarkar and the composer delivered his best to Manirathnam and However, Sarkar is a huge disappointment from the veteran except for the album's best Oru viral Puratchi. As Yuvan's fans repeatedly comments in social media about the composer's comeback album, but Yuvan really made a wonderful comeback particularly this year with the brilliant 3 albums Peranbu, Pyaar Prema Kaadhal, Genius and the solo song in Bharathiraja's Om.

    Coming to the young crop of composers without doubt Santosh Narayanan and Ghibran steals the show this year. Santosh Narayanan delivers big time in Kaala, critically acclaimed Parierum Perumal and Vada Chennai while Ghibran's music continues to be underrated despite beautiful songs in each and every album the composer scored till now in his career. Ghibran had Vishwaroopam2, Aan Devathai and astounding Raatchasan where composer's background score deserves great applause. The album of the year undeniably goes to 96 where Govind Vasantha easily bowls over every other album released this year. The album perfectly complements the matured love portrayed in the movie and the composer's another album Asooravatham also featured a couple of brilliant songs. Govind Vasantha shows immense promise with his third album Seethakathi also considering the singles released so far. Anirudh started off 2018 with the average Thaana Serndha Koottam followed up by peppy album Kolamaavu Kokila and the young composer grabbed Rajinikanth's Petta, but unfortunately, the album fails to ring the bells. Ilayaraja delivered a couple of hummable songs in 60 Vayadhu Maaniram while Merku Thodarchi Malai and Naachiyar feature the maestro's affecting background score, especially with the former film.

  Sam CS scored 9 albums in 2018 and the composer is consistent with respect to the quality of the songs and though none of the albums matched the composer's 2017 best Vikram Vedha. Thaman's revamped 2018 turns out to be a fruitful one with Sketch in the first quarter while DSP gave single standout song in Saamy sequel. Imman had Kadaikutty Singam, Seemaraja and Tik Tik Tik this year and none of the songs stick out except for Kurumba.

Composer of the year: Santosh Narayanan

Top 3 Tamil Albums of 2018

1) 96 - Govind Vasantha
2) Pariyerum Perumal - Santosh Narayanan
3) Peranbu - Yuvan Shankar Raja

Top Tamil songs of 2018

1) Vasantha Kaalangal - 96 - Govind Vasantha
2) Pottakaatil Poovasam - Pariyerum Perumaal - Santosh Narayanan
3) Naanagia Nadhimoolame - Vishwaroopam 2 - Ghibran
4) Bhoomi Bhoomi - Chekka Chivantha Vaanam - AR Rahman
5) Geedhara Kiliye - Nimir - Darbuka Shiva
6) Kannamma - Kaala -  Santosh Narayanan
7) Vaanthooral - Peranbu - Yuvan Shankar Raja
8) Pesugindren Pesugindren - Aan Devathai - Ghibran
9) Never Let me go - Pyaar Prema Kaadhal - Yuvan Shankar Raja
10) Oru Viral Puratchi - Sarkar - AR Rahman
11) Rowdy Baby - Maari 2
12) Arumbey - Kaali - Vijay Antony
13) Uyir Uruvaadha - Iravukku Aayiram Kangal - Sam CS
14) Ullaala - Petta - Anirudh
15) Kannanin Leelai - Vanjagar Ulagam - Sam CS

Songs worth mentioning

16) Kaarkuzhal Kadavaiye - Vadachennai - Santosh Narayanan
17) Pullinangal - 2.0 - AR Rahman
18) Hey Piriyame Piriyame - Raatchasan - Ghibran
19) Nenjil Maamazhai - Nimir - Ajaneesh Loknath
20) Saattayin Munayil - Om - Yuvan Shankar Raja
21) Kanna Enthan Thaaye - Amudha - Arun Gopan
22) Kalavarame - Thamizhpadam 2 - N Kannan
23) Kalyana Vayasu - Kolamaavu Kokila - Anirudh
24) Aladhi Anbai - Asuravatham - Govind Vasantha
25) Mayakkuraane - Annanukku Jai - Arrol Corelli
26) Yedhedho Aanene - Mr. Chandramouli - Sam CS
27) Adhiroobaney - Saamy Square - Devisri Prasad
28) Kodi Maangani - Party - Premgi Amaran
29) Kurumba - Tik Tik Tik - D Imman
30) Raja Raja Kula - NOTA - Sam CS

You can listen to the songs as a single playlist in  Jiosaavn.

Telugu:

   The Telugu music scene of 2018 belongs to Vivek Sagar and Gopi Sundar. Vivek Sagar delivers the stunning Sammohanam and Ee Nagaraniki Emaindhi and the composer continues to churn out the wacky songs in style. Gopi Sundar makes complete Telugu audience to groove for his immensely catchy Inkem Inkem Kaavale and turned that song into youth anthem. Composer delivers equally fine songs in Sailaja Reddy Alludu also but his other two releases Tej I Love you and Pantham turned out to be the dud affair. Anirudh Ravichander and Jakes Bejoy enter Tollywood in style with Agnyathavaasi and Taxiwala respectively. Sharreth returned to Tollywood after 4 years with Naa Nuvve and the composer leaves his indelible mark with some of the track in the album especially Chiniki Chiniki.2017's composer of the year Radhan has very muted year with Hushaaru and Manasuku Nachindi while another underrated composer Achu delivered brilliant track Rakshasi in Neevevaro (Adhe Kangal's Telugu remake). Ajaneesh Loknath debuts in Tollywood with Kirik Party's remake and the composer choose to stick with the original tunes and followed up with pretty solid album Nannu Dochukunduvate. Sandeep Chowta gave remarkable tracks in Mehbooba

   Mickey J Meyer breezes through with the Mahanati soundtrack and sticks to his signature tunes in Srinivasa Kalyanam. Apart from Rangasthalam, none of the albums of DSP makes the cut. Thaman revamps his style of music in 2018 and it's a rewarding year for him with Gayatri, Tholi Prema and Chal Mohan Ranga being the notable one for the composer. Vishal Chandrasekhar ends the year with the splendid Padi Padi Leche Manasu. Prashanth R Vihari marks his presence this year with Chi La Sow and melodious outing in Antariksham.

Composer of the year: Vivek Sagar

Top 3 Telugu Albums of 2018

1) Sammohanam - Vivek Sagar
2) Agnyaathavaasi - Anirudh
3) Padi Padi Leche Manasu - Vishal Chandrashekar

Top Telugu Songs of 2018

1) Inkem Inkem Kaavale - Geetha Govindam - Gopi Sundar
2) Oohalu Ooreke Gaalanthaa - Sammohanam - Vivek Sagar
3) Samayama - Antariksham 9000 KMPH - Prashanth R Vihari
4) Yentha Sakkagunnave - Rangasthalam - Devisri Prasad
5) O My Lovely Lalana - Padi Padi Leche Manasu - Vishal Chandrasekhar
6) Sada Nannu - Mahanati - Mickey J Meyer
7) Pilla Raa - RX 100 - Chaitan Bharadwaj
8) Gaali Vaaluga - Agnyaathavaasi - Anirudh
9) Rakshasi Rakshasi - Neevevaro - Achu
10) Maate Vinadhuga - Taxiwaala - Jakes Bejoy
11) Aagi Aagi - Ee Nagaraniki Emaindhi - Vivek Sagar
12) Oh Priyaa Naa Priya - Mehbooba - Sandeep Chowta
13) O Cheli Thaara - Sammohanam - Vivek Sagar
14) Ardham Leni Navvu - Chal Mohan Ranga - Thaman
15) Inthe Inthena - Nannu Dochukunduvate - Ajaneesh Loknath

Songs worth mentioning

16) Chiniki Chiniki - Naa Nuvve - Shareth
17) Mellaga Mellaga - Chi La Sow - Prashanth R Vihari
18) Yenti Yenti - Geetha Govindam - Gopi Sundar
19) Pelli Pandhiri - Shailaja Reddy Alludu - Gopi Sundar
20) Neelo Ninnu - Kirrak Party - Ajaneesh Loknath
21) Bharat Ane Nenu - Bharat Ane Nenu - Devisri Prasad
22) Ninnila - Tholi Prema - Thaman
23) Thella Thella - Gayatri - Thaman
24) Asha Paasam - C/O Kancharapalem - Sweekar Agasthi
25) Dhaari Choodu - Krishnarjuna Yudham - HipHop Tamizha
26) Andhamaina Chandamama - Tej I Love You - Gopi Sundar
27) Na Na Na - Hushaaru - Radhan
28) Modhalaudhaam - Srinivasa Kalyanam - Mickey J Meyer
29) Mandaara - Bhaagamathie - Thaman
30) Ee Waiting - Idi Naa love story - Srinath Vijay

You can listen to the songs as a single playlist in JioSaavn.


Hindi:

    Hindi film music definitely belongs to Amit Trivedi this year and this is the busiest year for the composer with whooping 9 albums but unfortunately, he is unable to deliver well in all the albums. However the show stopper is definitely Anurag Kashyap's Manmarziyan, and the album is an enjoyable package brimming with Punjabi roots all across the tracks. The composer is equally brilliant in the critically acclaimed Andhadhun. SEL shines with Raazi while Rahman delivers an enjoyable couple of songs in Sanju. Ajay Atul involved in bigger Bollywood projects this year and Dhadak, the remake of Marathi Sairat is the winner with an irresistible set of songs though falls tad lower than the original. Thugs of Hindustan and Zero are relatively underwhelming affair from the duo. Shantanu Moitra's single release in 2018 is akin to the movie October, emotional set of melodies which tugs the strings of the heart. The surprising winner of 2018 is Niladri Kumar and Joi Barua's Laila Majnu and the composers deliver one of the fine album of this year. The multi-composer soundtrack which is routine in Bollywood fails most of the time, but the group of Indie musicians Prateek Khuhad, Anurag Saikia, Slow Cheetah and Imaad Shah did right in Karwaan.  Sneha Khanwalker returns in style with Manto. The main problem of the Hindi albums in recent years is the myriad number of remixes which is a huge turn off when one listens to Hindi music.

Composer of the year: Amit Trivedi

Top 3 Hindi albums of 2018

1) Manmarziyan - Amit Trivedi
2) Laila Majnu - Nildri Kumar and Joi Barua
3) Raazi - Shankar Ehsaan Loy

Top Hindi Songs of 2018

1) Bol Ke Lab Azaad Hain - Manto - Sneha Khanwalkar
2) Aahista - Laila Majnu - Niladri Kumar
3) Chonch Ladhiyaan - Manmarziyaan - Amit Trivedi
4) Ae Watan - Raazi - Shankar Ehsaan Loy
5) Chaav Laaga - Sui Dhaaga - Anu Malik
6) Hafiz Hafiz - Laila Majnu - Niladri Kumar
7) Sachhi Mohabbat - Manmarziyaan - Amit Trivedi
8) Binte Dil - Padmaavat - Sanjay Leela Bhansali
9) Ruby Ruby - Sanju - AR Rahman
10) Dhadak - Dhadak - Ajay-Atul
11) Naina Da Kya Kasoor - Andhadhun - Amit Trivedi
12) Tumbbad - Tumbbad - Ajay Atul
13) Bohot Dukha Mann - Mukkabaaz - Rachit Arora
14) Dilbaro - Raazi - Shankar Ehsaan Loy
15) Kamariya - Stree - Sachin Jigar

Songs worth mentioning:

16) Soorma Anthem - Soorma -  Shankar Ehsaan Loy
17) Monobina - Gold - Tanishq Bagchi
18) Heartquake - Karwaan - Anurag Saikia
19) Manwaa - October - Shantanu Moitra
20) Kuch Anoke Rules - 102 Not Out - Salim Sulaiman
21) Ghoomar - Padmaavat - Sanjay Leela Bhansali
22) Aaj Se Teri - Padman - Amit Trivedi
23) Hello Hello - Pataakha - Vishal Bhardwaj
24) Tafreeh - Bhavesh Joshi Superhero - Amit Trivedi
25) Vashmalle - Thugs of Hindostan - Ajay Atul
26) Kya Kahoon Janeman - Namaste England - Mannan Shaah
27) This party is over now - Mitron - Yo Yo Honey Singh
28) Badhaaiyan Tenu - Badhaai Ho - Tanishk Bagchi
29) Oye Hichki - Hichki - Jasleen Royal
30) Jaan Nisaar - Kedarnath - Amit Trivedi

You can listen to the songs as a single playlist in JioSaavn.

Malayalam:

     Malayalam Industry always churns out pure beautiful melodies and 2018 is not different but unfortunately, I couldn't follow up every album which got released. So this list may miss up any songs which may be quite popular among the listeners who follow up Malayalam closely. Nevertheless, I'll list of the songs which I enjoyed pretty much in 2018.

Composer of the year: Shaan Rahman

Top 3 Malayalam albums of 2018:

1) Aravindante Athidikal - Shaan Rahman
2) Poomaram - Assorted composers
3) Aami - M Jayachandran

Top Malayalam Albums of 2018

1) Endhe Kanna - Aravindante Athidikal - Shaan Rahman
2) Njano Ravo - Kammara Sambhavam - Gopi Sundar (Not available in Saavn)
3) Pranayamayi Radha - Aami - M Jayachandran
4) Arikilundu Njaanengilum - Poomaram - Vishnu Sivasankar(Not available in Saavn)
5) Kaathangal - Swathanthiram Ardharathriyil - Jakes Bejoy
6) Jeevamshamayi - Theevandi - Kailas Menon
7) Rasathi - Aravindante Athidikal - Shaan Rahman
8) Kannaanthalir - Velakkariyayirunnalum Neeyen Mohavalli - Viswajith
9) Mama Sa Bibo - Iblis - Dawn Vincent
10) Pranayapoo - Oru Kuprasidha Payyan - Ouseppachan
11) Kanne Kanne - Mandharam -  Mujeeb Majeed
12) Kadavathoru Thoni - Poomaram - Gireesh Kuttan
13) Kannum Kannum - Vikadakumaran - Rahul Raj(Not available in Saavn)
14) Nenjinulil - Thattumpurathu Achuthan - Deepankumaran(Not available in Saavn)
15) Thodu Thodu - Angane Njanum Preminchu - Hesham Abdul Wahab

 Songs worth mentioning

16) Ente Shivane- Kuttanpillayude Sivarathri- Sayanora Philip
17) Aararo - Koode - Raghu Dixit
18) Ore Nila Ore Veyil - B Tech - Rahul Raj
19) Nilapakshi - Maradona - Sushin Shyam
20) Karineela Kannulla Pennu - Joseph - Ranjin Raj
21) Neelaravil - Nithyaharitha Nayakan - Ranjin Raj
22) Kurrah - Sudani from Nigeria - Rex Vijayan
23) Elampadi Elelo - Oru Kuttanadan blog - Sreenath Shivashankaran
24) Mulla Poovithalo - Abrahaminte Santhathikal - Gopi Sundar
25) Meenukal Vannupoyi - Hey Jude - Ousepachan
26) Kalariyadavum - Kayamkulam Kochunni - Gopi Sundar

You can listen to the songs as a single playlist in JioSaavn.


Kannada:

   Similar to Malayalam, I haven't followed up each and every album released in Kannada but some of the melodies churned out by the music composers makes me list out those songs. Composer of the year is undeniably Charan Raj whose Tagaru and the Jeerjimbe (which secured Karnataka state film award for best music director) are the impressive albums I listened in Kannada this year. The two songs which got released in Jeerjimbe till now are splendid and not sure whether any more songs are there.  The other notable releases were Sachin Warrier's Katheyondu Shuruvaagide, Vasuki Vaibhav's Sarkari Hi.Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge:Ramanna Rai and Bindumalini's NathiCharami.

Composer of the year: Charan Raj

Best Kannada Albums of 2018

1) Tagaru - Charan Raj
2) Nathicharami - Bindhumalini
3) Katheyondu Shuruvagide - Sachin Warrier

Top Kannada songs of 2018

1) Arere Avala Naguva - Sarkari Hi.Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu - Vasuki Vaibhav
2) Mental Ho Jawa - Tagaru - Charan Raj
3) Dheemtha - Katheyondu Shuruvagide - Sachin Warrier
4) Bhaavaloka - Nathicharami - Bindhumalini
5) Balma - Tagaru - Charan Raj
6) Vasundhare - Nathicharami - Bindhumalini
7) Yaako Yeno - Jeerjimbe - Charan Raj
8) Holeva Holeyaachege - Ammachi Yemba Nenapu - Pt Kashinath Pattar
9) Shaakuntle Sikkalu - Naduve Antaravirali - Kadri Manikanth
10) Jaleela - Ambi Ning Vayassaytho - Arjun Janya
11) Nooraaru Bannagalu - Sarkari Hi.Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu - Vasuki Vaibhav
12) Hosa Padmavathi - Johnny Johnny Yes Papa - Ajaneesh Loknath

You can listen to the songs as a single playlist in JioSaavn.

Music Review (Telugu): Sammohanam

Music Review (Telugu): Sammohanam
Music Composer: Vivek Sagar

 
Oohalu Oorege Gaalantha's breezy romantic ballad tune with the tinge of retro mood makes the listeners easily to fall in love with the song. Haricharan rocks the tune with his splendid rendition especially mesmerising playful anupallavi which starts with Saala Pathadhiga while Vivek Sagar's top notch arrangements highlighted by brilliant bass line and banjo work by the composer himself. Srivennela Sitharama Sasthry's poetic verses blends with the dreamy tone of the song. Manasainadedo is the typical pop material with the mild hypnotic rhythm and the songs gets better with the help of engaging interludes and the composer's involved singing. The minimally arranged background sounds and the Charanam portions makes this one passable listen despite filled with customary chorus portions.

The album's towering highlight O Cheli Thaara is also crooned by Haricharan and he is one of the singer who gets to sing beautiful song in both Tamil and Telugu. The arrangements and the interludes especially the classical sounds in the first interlude are the winner from the talented composer Vivek Sagar.Vivek Sagar ends with another blissful serene song Kanulalo Thadiga and the prelude guitar notes takes me instantly to Rahman's Avalum Naanum from Accham Enbadhu Madamaiyada. Nevertheless, Vivek Sagar aces this song with the beautiful guitar laden background and Chaitra Ambadipudi's amazing rendition.

Verdict: After Yuddham Sharanam, Vivek Sagar comes up with another brilliant album in Sammohanam. Vivek Sagar continues to impress with each of his album and the composer aces in delivering tunes with tinge of classical sounds.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Oohalu Oorege Gallantha, O Cheli Thaara, Kanulalo Thadiga.

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

 

Music Review (Telugu): Yuddham Sharanam

Music Review (Telugu): Yuddham Sharanam
Music Composer: Vivek Sagar

Yelugula Teraley's folksy tune is accentuated by poetical verses by Kittu Visapragada and Shakthishree Gopalan nails the song with her whispery vocals, given that the tune is tailor made for the singer's vocals. Vivek Sagar's embellishes the dreamy tune with Pramod Umapathi's mellifluous flute solos and ambient atmosphere in the backgrounds while the rhythm sound cues are done brilliantly.Neevalaney also features exquisitely done arrangements backed by the stupendous Karthik's rendition. Vivek Sagar builds up the typical English pop title hook from the semi classical base melody, however, the highlight of the tune is Tejas Mallella's classical violin solos and beautifully employed Phani Teja's carnatic synth in the background.

Tracey Thorton is the brilliant find by Vivek Sagar and she totally holds Adedo Maayalley, the Jazz based song with the right swag. Vivek Sagar's beautiful waltz arrangements are enhanced by Abhijit Gurjale's violin and George Hull's Saxophone cues make this one easily pick of the album. Pranav Chaganty's lyrics in Padmavyuham is subdued behind the atmospheric soundscape provided by Vivek Sagar, but that doesn't hinder the listening experience. Composer's rock base is highly effectual and the foot tapping programming accompanied by Sanjay Das's live drums combines together and makes this one heady listen. Nikhita Gandhi totally owns the vocals portion with her energetic rendition.The album's towering highlight is undeniably Enno Enno Baavaley, semi classical melody by Pradeep Kumar and the singer gets to croon some of the best songs across Tamil and Telugu this year. Vivek Sagar backs the enjoyable melody with the pleasant arrangements especially Aslam Khan's sarangi and wonderful bass line by Varun Venugopal.Vivek Sagar ends the soundtrack with an energetic arresting title track and the background oozes out enormous energy with enticing synth sounds. Shivam and Kaala Bhairava sounds apt for this high octane track while the track may get traction along with exciting visuals.

Verdict: Vivek Sagar strikes a chord with a refreshing music for his big outing and joins the list of exciting music composers of Telugu film industry.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Verdict: Enno Enno Baavaley, Adedo Maayalley, Neevalaney

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

Music Review (Telugu): Sheesh Mahal

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

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

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

My Rating: 8/10

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