Music Review (Tamil): Thodari

Music Review (Tamil): Thodari
Music Composer: Imman

Adadaa Ithuyenna's prelude is enough to showcase Imman's flair in adapting Ilayaraja's orchestral musical score. Imman continues to show his prowess in employing sweeping string sections throughout the song and the background train like rhythm sound is the nice touch from the composer. Though the tune falls back into familiar Prabhu Solomon- Imman's soundscape, Haricharan and Vandana Srinivasan holds the listeners supported by the composer's nifty touches in the background.
Oorellam Kekkudhe's lyrics, as well as sounds, traverse through various cultures where Imman does fairly well in spirited European'esque sounds in the fist interlude and Chenda Melam combination in the second half of the song. Shreya Ghoshal aces as usual and shows her versatility whereas Mario Rao pitches in towards the end for the brief operatic verse. Once again the tune falls a tad behind when compared to the orchestral brilliance.

Manusanum Manusanum is the weakest link in the album where Gana Bala's coarse vocals annoy persistently and also Imman's arrangements didn't work which results in the mediocre one in the album. Yugabharathi's lyrics being the only standout one in an otherwise passable song in the album. Pona Usuru starts off promisingly with the whispery vocals of Shreya Ghoshal and but sooner confines within the conventional Imman melody which is enjoyable till it lasts. Haricharan lends fabulous support to Shreya, However Imman's hackneyed arrangements repleted with heard before feel bogs down the listener's zeal despite Yugabharathi's easily accessible lyrics and the lead singer's pitch-perfect rendition. Love in wheels is bit long for the instrumental, nevertheless, Imman tried to keep the listeners engaging with the brilliant usage of woodwind sections and rousing string background towards the end of the song. Toting up, Imman delivers an average passable theme track for the movie.

Verdict: Imman- Prabhu Solomon combination in Thodari is enjoyable for its rich melodies but begins to falter when compared with the combo's earlier albums mainly because of the repetitiveness in the overall soundscape of the album.

My rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Adadaa Ithuyenna, Pona Usuru, Ooellam Kekkudhe

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

Music Review (Kannada): Run Antony

Music Review (Kannada): Run Antony
Music Composer: Manikanth Kadri

Jhanak Jhanak is neat listen despite the limitations of Puneeth Rajkumar's singing, the song is quite an engaging listen with exciting brass sections especially trumpet solos in the first interlude. Kanna Kareyu, faux-qawwali tune embellished with brilliant veena solos in the interludes and rhythmic tabla base while Soham Chakraborty's rendition (Bengali singer, don't know how far he is perfect with Kannada diction) elevates the feel of the song. Ninna Danigagi by Manikanth Kadri is the all-time favourite of his composition and Supriya Lohith returns for the another tantalising track Marule from the composer. The tune is adequately lilting while composer spruces up with wonderful classical violin and veena cum flute combo in the interludes. Supriya along with Soham did a neat job behind the vocals especially humming by Supriya is the lovely touch from the composer. Manikanth Kadri is in fine form in Summane also and the enticing tune is backed by sweeping string sections, flute interludes and Javed Ali's fabulous vocals. Run Run Run comes off lively because of the Varijashree Venugopal's classical sargams and although the Soft rock-carnatic fusion is pretty much conventional sounding, the tune and the singers hold the listeners till the track lasts. Manikanth rounds off the soundtrack with Run Antony Yuva mashup which doesn't entice much interest and ends up being the unwarranted listen in the album.

Verdict: Manikanth Kadri continues to churn out highly listenable stuff in Kannada. Another brilliant set of songs from the composer after Savaari 2.

My rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Marule, Summane, Jhanak Jhanak

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

Music Review (Hindi) : Raman Raghav 2.0

Music Review (Hindi) : Raman Raghav 2.0
Music Composer: Ram Sampath

Quatl-E- Aam has an eccentric techno package soundscape with addictive electronic sounds mixed in a brilliant manner especially loved the konnakol bits and Yash Divecha's coarse vocals give the gloomy touch to the overall song. Ram Sampath's brilliant tabla beats weaved around the incredible persuasive Sona Mohapatra's vocals. The tune's melodic base becomes prominent in the unplugged version where once again Sona Mohapatra's impeccable rendition holds the song along with Pawan Rasaily's guitar strums. 

Behooda's enigmatic and James Bond'ish techno sounds layered with wonderful string sections sounds awesome in Nayantara Bhatkal's husky vocals while Viveine Pocha and Nalini Krishnan lends adequate support. Paani ka Raasta's soulful tune is elevated by Siddharth Basrur's pitch-perfect rendition while Ram Sampath rules the background starting from lilting guitar laden backdrop to frisky soft rock end with undermined frenzied violin sections in the background. Ram Sampath ends the intriguing soundtrack in style with intense techno Raman Raghav theme where manic techno beats hold the track very well whereas composer teases the listeners with mighty innovative sarangi solos in the middle of the exciting techno package.

Verdict: Anurag Kashyap continues to extract the best work from the music director in his movies. Anurag's first collaboration with Ram Sampath also turns out to be the winner with thrilling techno package sounds throughout the album.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Quatl- E- Aam, Behooda, Paani Ka Raasta

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

Music Review (Hindi): Te3n

Music Review (Hindi): Te3n

Music Composer: Clinton Cerejo

Haq Hai's soft rock base and Clinton Cerejo's vocal does the wonder to make this anthemic although conventional tune enjoyable till it lasts. Cymbal sounds throughout the song gives the wonderful effect to the whole song. Clinton Cerejo's expansive percussion laden arrangements in Rootha, prop up the song further while Divya Kumar and Benny Dayal lends fantastic support. However, the highlight is undeniably whispery Bengali brief verses by Bianca Gomes. Kyun Re's resonant tune is backed by minimal ambient guitar laden arrangements in both versions and vocals by Clinton Cerejo and Amitabh Bachan in their respective versions are handled beautifully. Composer ends the soundtrack with gloomy melody Grahan rendered by vocal powerhouse Vishal Dadlani while composers match the vocal grunginess with an equally thumping rock arrangements and programming.

Verdict: Though not as exquisite as Clinton's debut soundtrack, Te3n is fitting follow-up after Jugni for the composer.

My rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kyun Re, Rootha, Haq hai

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

Music Review (Hindi): Sultan

Music Review (Hindi): Sultan
Music Composer: Vishal- Shekhar

Baby Ko bass pasand hai starts off with an engaging folk sound but song turns into pretty ordinary techno song although marginally made better because of Vishal Dadlani and Shalmali Kholgade's vocals. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan aces the lovely melody Jag Ghoomeya like a pro and Vishal did a fantastic job with the arrangements also especially loved the folk strings in the interlude along with guitar prelude. The song's female version has better arrangements dominated by minimal yet lovely folk elements (oud?)  throughout the song and the soulful melody is more effective in this minimalistic version. Neha Bhasin's rendition is icing on the cake.

440 Volt's tune meanders inconsistently, however Mika singh makes up for that with his excellent vocals while guitar riffs render fantastic support throughout the song. The title song's tune is sufficiently anthemic with thumping live drums and hard rock guitar riffs.Sukhvinder Singh's energetic vocals fit the bill perfectly while Shadab Faridi steals the show with lovely sargams in the midway. Sachi Muchi is a fantastic listen especially for its splendid bluegrass arrangeemnts domianted by european sounds with harmonica,banjos and brass. Mohith Chauhan and Harshdeep Kaur rendered the song fabulously and the song detours to anthemic pop sound in the midway. In Bulleya Vishal Shekhar gives modish treatment to base Quawwali tune Bulleya and Papon's nifty vocals elevate the level of the track. However undeniable winner is composer's brilliant fusion of quawwali sounds and rock elements. Tuk Tuk rides on the punchy vocals of Nooran Sisters and Vishal shekhar too ups the ante with brilliant mix of punjabi and techno sounds whereas Vishal Dadlani's rap protions didn't work when compared to other entincing elements in the track. Composer duo ends the soundtrack with rousing, grandly orchestrated song, Rise of Sultan and Shekhar Ravjiani's chanting vocals gives enough support.

Verdict: Vishal Shekhar's best soundtrack in recent times and the superlative singers makes this wide range of songs easily an appealing listen.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Jag Ghoomeya (both versions), Bulleya, Sachi Muchi

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

Music Review (Tamil): MeenKuzhambum ManPaanayum

Music Review (Tamil): MeenKuzhambum ManPaanayum
Music Composer: Imman

Sathyaprakash and Shashaa Tripati excel in the charming retro melody Athea Nila while Imman's arrangements feature brilliant violin solo in the interludes. Shashaa Tripati's rendition evokes memories of Aye Mr. Minor from Kaaviyathalaivan and though Elfe choir is not utilized as extensive as in Oruthi Mele, they render fantastic support to the lead singers.Wako Wowra's uninspiring  and typical tune  bogs down the listener's interest while Neha Basin and Varun Parandhaman's energetic vocals being the only enjoyable enough offer in this monotonous track. Imman's spruces up the arrangements with thumping guitars, hip hop beats and enjoyable terse middle Eastern tinge in the second interlude.

Shankar Mahadevan's involved rendition of the semi-classical melancholy Yellam Naadagam yendrayo along with his improvisations coupled with Imman's excellent layering of string sections throughout the song  makes this one easily winner in the soundtrack. Madhan Karky's brilliant melancholic lyrics and sporadic ominous flute bits set the tone of the song in a brilliant manner.Imman experiments another stylish upbeat  song Hey Putheajaya Poove and once again tune didn't help the song much. Imman's rhythmic beats and a melange of assorted sounds in the first interlude alone unable to salvage this song while Jithin Raj and Sunitha Sarathy does justice to the song with their upbeat vocals.MeenKuzhambum Man Paanayum's theme track is the delectable one especially for its enjoyable mix of brass sounds along with sequencing and brief dialogues. Overall Imman rounds off the soundtrack with neat theme sound which has nothing extraordinary to offer but listenable till it lasts.

Verdict: In MeenKuzhambum ManPaanayum Imman's formulaic tune continues to work whereas digressions impress partially. Overall another average outing in the composer's repertoire.

My rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Yellam Naadagam yendrayo, Athea Nila

Miscellaneous listens

Yegiraney Yegiraney - Okka Ammayi Thappa: Abhay Jodhpurkar seems to be regular in Mickey J Meyer compositions recently and the young singer handles the typical ear-pleasing tune fabulously along with Ramya Behara. The tune has the shades of various Mickey's compositions, however, the lilting tune and singers make up for those minor issues.

Halli Srihalli -  Mudhugauv - Though the tune is not great as a standalone, the song turns out to be funky listen especially for the Chinmayi's sensual never heard before rendition  (read rarely - Guru's Naan Mutham thinbaval being the only song I can recollect which is similar to this one in her discography). Rahul raj spruces up the average tune with exciting Nadaswaram bit.

Ankhiyon udeek, - Suno: Shilpa Rao's take on the popular Quawwali Ankhiyon Udeek is insanely addictive, partly due to the charming original tune and dominating rock elements in the song. The icing on the cake along with Shilpa's rendition is breathtakingly beautiful esraj solos throughout the song.

Duma Dum - Suno : Shilpa Rao's Suno has another evergreen classic Duma Dum Mast kalandar and the modern variant is absolutely endearing as original. Thanks to the incredible Shilpa Rao and blissful Sharat Chandra Srivastava's violin lending the singer fantastic support. Loved the way the song ends on the musical high where both singing and instruments reach the crescendo.

P.S - Miscellaneous listen is the column where I'll be sharing my thoughts on the favourite song in the album which is not reviewed in my blog.

Music Review (Telugu): Gentleman

Music Review (Telugu): Gentleman

Music Composer: Manisharma 

GusaGusalade, old school pleasant Manisharma's melodic tune packaged with enticing arrangements dominated by synth and nifty touches especially with brief veena and harmonium-Tabla combo in the first and second interludes respectively. The Alajade hook and accompanying musical commotion are catchy enough to clasp the listeners. Karthik's fantastic rendition supported by Pranavi and Ramajogayya's lyrics in sync with the tune makes this enjoyable listen till it lasts.

Dintaka Dintaka's hackneyed tune without any novelty bogs down the listener's interest a lot and typical synth dominated wedding themed arrangements also fails to invoke any enthusiasm while both mixing and arrangements seem to be a clumsy mix of assorted sounds. Rahul Sipligunj and Uma Neha's vocals are the only takeaways from this pedestrian track of the album.Manisharma easily scores in the simple tantalizing melody Chali Gaali Chuddu where the composer elevates the lilting tune with rich jazzy orchestration. Haricharan and Padmalatha's pitch-perfect vocals supported by a fabulous westernized rendition of Malavika in tune with the Manisharma's engaging arrangements makes this easily best song in the album. Manisharma’s infusion of classic trumpets, jazz keys cum drums and oboe in this lovely tune is enjoyable.Manisharma rounds off the short soundtrack with another mediocre song Saturday night fever and the song is loaded with the replete uninspiring EDM sounds which fail to elevate the level of the passable tune. Narendra and Maneesha's energetic vocals also unable to salvage this conventionally arranged and mixed party song.

Verdict: Manisharma impresses partially in Gentleman with two intriguing minimum guarantee melodies which are sure bound to be chartbusters.

My rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Chali Gaali Chuddu, Gusa Gusalade

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Kannada): Sipaayi

Music Review (Kannada): Sipaayi
Music Composer: Ajaneesh Loknath

Muddu Pori sung by Ajaneesh Loknath works in parts especially title hook and interludes with the tinge of middle eastern touch and humming in the first and second interludes respectively. However as the song as whole, the instant catchy factor is missing. Nee Nadiyaagi, pleasant listen backed by wonderful violin and string sections throughout the song. Ajaneesh Loknath and Nanditha sails through this peppy melody wonderfully. Overall, easily accessible listen in the album. Nanna Kanasina rides on the mesmerising vocals of Chinmayi (though she sounds totally different) while Ajaneesh ups the ante with soothing arrangements with flute, string pieces and keys. Kannalle meetingu where Ajaneesh pitches his Andhra styled kuthu which fails to elevate from the mediocrity level even Shashank and CR Bobby's energetic vocals unable to salvage this pedestrian tune. Yaara Haneyali, hardrock tune with gloomy vibe attached to it which is evident by the flute piece and Udith Haritas grungy vocals.

Verdict: Ajaneesh continues to be promising composer to look out for in the Kannada music industry. Though Sipaayi is few notches below the composer's previous outing Ishtakamya, composer shines with engaging set of songs.

My rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Nanna Kanasina, Yaara Haneyali, Nee Nadiyaagi 

You can listen to the songs in Youtube.

Music Review (Malayalam): Kammatipaadam

Music Review (Malayalam): Kammatipaadam
Music Composer: John P Varkey, K, Vinayakan

John P Varkey's Para Para has sonorous ambient soundscape with gloomy vibe attached to it and incredible way the song transcends from lethargic folk tune to soaring second half is absolutely stunning. Composer incorporated some timely idakka sounds in a brilliant way. The song's vocal credits should mainly go for the lovely chorus portions bolstering Anoop Mohandas. In Chingamaasathile, Varkey builds the beautiful languorous folk tune with minimal guitar riffs laden track played by the composer itself and rendered effectually by once again Anoop Mohandas. K returns to Rajeev Ravi's movie after winsome Malayalam debut in Annayum Rasoolum. Kaathirunna Pakshi Njan is another sweet-sounding melody rides mainly on the ever-reliable Karthik who aces both singing as well as with whistles while K kept the arrangements simple with another composer Varkey takes the lead with uber cool guitar strums. Puzhu Pulikal's tune sounds more like conversation between a man and boy but Vinayakan's brilliant arrangements with tinge of somber vibe mainly due to Janardhan's udukku built over the simple tune  and the highlight of this track is undeniably Francis Xavier's blissful violin in the interludes.

Verdict: Rajeev Ravi's association with multi-composer for Kammatipaadam turns out to be appealing one akin to his debut movie soundtrack.

My rating:8/10

Pick of the Album: All songs, nevertheless only four.

You can listen to the songs in Youtube.

Music Review (Hindi): Udta Punjab

Music Review (Hindi): Udta Punjab
Music Composer: Amit Trivedi

       Chitta Ve, loaded with immensely catchy electronic synth sounds with occasional chants of Udta Punjab. Though the prelude rap portions not up to the hilt, overall song is an incredibly engaging one due to Shahid Mallya's outburst vocals and Amit's soundscape especially brilliant rhythm hook along with Inapakurti's flute. Da Da Dasse's electronic soundscape has the gloomy vibe attached to it and the mood is accentuated by Babu Haabi's hoarse vocals. Kanika Kapoor aces with the lovely melody portion of the track aided by Amit's lounge'ish background rhythm. 

    Ikk Kudi, enchanting melancholy with Shahid Mallya's engrossing rendition and Amit kept the arrangeemnts minimal as well as ambience instrumentation especially lovely flute cum mild drums makes this one gorgeous listen in the album. The song's reprise version has Dilijit Dosanjh, leading Punjabi artist behind the mic and although his singing didn't work much when compared to Shahid's, Amit makes up for it by layering the melody with prominent rock tone handled by Darshan Doshi's drums and Rushad's bass guitar. Another power packed singer Vishal Dadlani in the credit list of the title song and the song is highly energetic as expected. Amit's brilliant modish tune along with Vishal's attitude and insanely catchy hook with lovely strings makes this one enjoyable till it lasts. Shahid Mallya croons another song in the album Hass Nach le in a fantastic manner while the tune is more conventional sounding one in the album. Amit spruces up the tune with lovely harmonium by Akhlak Hussain varsi ably supported by Raju Sardar's dhols. Amit Tivedi ends the soundtrack with another manic track  Vadiya similar to Chitta Ve and the techno laden track works here also mainly due to Amit's brilliant techno mix and vocals.

Verdict: Amit Trivedi's Udta Punjab is diametically different soundtrack from the composer's previous album fitoor. Udta Punjab has immensely engaging techno tracks with highly catchy sounds from one of the brilliant composer in the Indian music scenario.

My rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ikk Kudi, Chitta Ve, Ud Daa Punjab

Music Review (Hindi): Waiting

Music Review (Hindi): Waiting
Music Composer: Mikey McCleary

Tu Hai Toh main Hoon is the simple breezy song where Anushka Manchanda's ( frequent collaborator with Mikey Mccleary) husky lovely vocals steals the show. Mikey kept the arrangement neat and clean with guitar backdrop accompanied by string sections in the midway. In Got My eyes on you, Mikey Mccleary switches into retro rock and roll mode and arrangements are top-notch and highly frolicking one dominated by wonderful sax and horn sounds throughout the song. Though Mikey's vocals didn't work much for me, overall the song is enjoyable one till it lasts. Composer returns back to laid back territory delivering another cool song waiting for you where once again he roped Anushka Manchanda  to croon this pleasant song dominated by guitars and keys. This song takes me back in time to Mikey Mccleary's Little things you do for me in TV dinner album. Composer ends the highly soothing soundtrack with Zara Zara where Kavitha Seth's coarse vocals along with Vishal Dadlani makes this song works. Mickey's arrangements featuring lovely piano notes, string section along with Sax makes this one compelling listen in the soundtrack.

Verdict: Mickey Mccleary's solo debut soundtrack in Bollywood is lilting, pleasant and refeshing listen similar to the composer's Indie album TV dinners.

My rating:8/10

Pick of the Album: Zaa Zara, Tu Hai Toh main, waiting for you

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Tamil): Enakku Innoru Per Irukku

Music Review (Tamil): Enakku Innoru Per Irukku
Music Composer: G V Prakash Kumar

Kannai Nambadhey has an illustrious title hook to create curiosity  and G V Prakash's arrangements dominated by synth electronic element sounds which work as an individual musical piece. However, the overall mixing comes off as a clumsy potpourri of random sounds and also languishing tune too didn't help much either. Gaana Bala's trademark vocals and Na. Muthukumar's lyrics hold the song to some extent.Myma also features an instantly catchy funny spoofy sound  that includes dog's panting and G V Prakash wonderfully mixed the faux-Goan flavoured arrangements with local Kuthu. Though the tune as a standalone, not an engaging one, GV Prakash's bagpipe interludes, harmonica mix and foot-tapping percussion along with ArunRaja Kamaraj's amusing lyrics makes this one relatively appealing song in the soundtrack.

Dance with me is the pedestrian track in the soundtrack where both tune and arrangements featuring a passable mix of Thavil- Nadhaswaram also fails to accentuate the mediocre level of the overall track. G V Prakash who sounds more like Yuvan and Priyanka's vocals also fails to prod this insipid and largely humdrum track in the album.Thathalakka is another tedious forgettable track from G V Prakash Kumar which caters to the particular section of audiences. Apart from highly energetic Grace Karunas vocals, occasional foot-tapping rhythms and brass sections, the song has barely anything enjoyable to offer.GV Prakash Kumar scores easily in the ultra short Theme track which features the iconic Baasha dialogue and composer spruces up the dialogue mix with catchy hardcore guitar riffs. Short duration being the only grouse, Nevertheless, the theme music is whistle worthy one from the composer.

Verdict: GV Prakash as eponymous to the title, infused quirky sounds to the tracks in the album, However, the soundtrack as a whole ends up being rather a forgettable affair because of the uninspiring tunes despite having occasional engaging sounds.

My rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Myma, Theme track