Miscellaneous listens

Maati is the sublime listen in the vocals of Rahul Mukherjee and the singer excels with his nuanced singing. Particularly loved the manner charanam portions are structured while serene background orchestration especially string instrument usage gives the song soothing effect. Pooja Shankar pitches in the second half with her rustic vocals and Oh Haiya chorus reverberates in the listener's mind once the song comes to an end.

Gaanja  is incredibly foot tapping and folk fusion once again works beautifully throughout the song. Pooja Shankar and Randeep Bhaskar's splendid singing accompanied by percussion and enchanting Tapas Roy's stroke instruments work to the song's favor.

Thillana is a musical masterpiece from Sanjay Divecha's band where the classical fusion has been done in a splendid manner. Apart from the brilliant improvisations with electrical guitar played with the classical twist by Sanjay Divecha himself, the song features another talented Tapas Roy's brilliant incorporation of saaz and Bouzouki. On the vocal front, Chandan Bala holds her classical prowess exceptionally well and Raman Mahadevan ably supports her in this spellbinding 7 minutes fusion track.

Vivek Sagar's Pelli Choopulu is also whiff of fresh music akin to the movie and the composer has done fabulous work in Ee babu Gariki with the arrangements featuring enjoyable violin solos, jazzy keys while Sooraj Santosh aces the lilting hummable tune exceptionally well.

Kannada music industry churning out brilliant albums this year with most of the young talents gives incredibly fine albums. Dheerendra Doss from Live banned band debuts as a music composer in Puta Tirugesi Nodi. Mugilu Matte Matte is the song of the album with the highly catchy tune sung perfectly by Joel Dubba while composer throws out few upbeat string sections and made this song an enticing listen in the album.

Music Review (Updated) - 2016

To make music reviews more noticeable and easy to navigate each review, thought will classify each review as follows based on the rating in my blog

BA - less than 7 (Below Average Album)

A - less than 8 (Average Album)

AA - less than 9 (Above Average Album)

E - 9 and above (Excellent Album)

• Irudhi Suttru (AA), Jugni (E), Pichaikaran (A), Miruthan (A), Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu (AA), Fitoor (E), Sanam Teri Kasam (A), Sethupathi (A), Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha(A), Bangalore Naatkal (A), Kanithan(A), Uriyadi (A), Maheshinte Prathikaram (A)
• Shourya (A), Jil Jung Juk(AA), Idhu Namma Aalu (A), Devara Nadalli (A), Darling2 (A), Zubaan (A), Pokkiri Raja (A), Aviyal (AA), Aagam (BA), Zero (E), Rocky Handsome (A), Ki and Ka (A), Thozha (A)
• Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum (A), Savitri (AA), Cute Kameena (AA), Akira (A), Sawari (AA), Godhi Banna Sadharna mykattu (E),Jackson Durai (BA), Vetrivel (A), Theri (A), Sardaar Gabbar Singh (BA), Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti (AA), Jacobinte Swargarajyam(A)
• Sarrainodu(A), RajaMandhiri (A), Manithan (A), 24(AA), Iraivi (A), Wagah (A), Ishtakamya (AA), Joker (AA), Marudhu (A), Sarbjit (A)
• A Aa (A), Guppedantha Prema (AA), Brahmotsavam (AA), Enakku Innoru Per Irukku (BA), Udta Punjab (AA), Waiting (AA), KammatiPaadam (AA), Sipaayi (A), Gentleman (A), Meenkuzhambum Manpaanayum(A), Sultan (AA), Te3n (A)
• Raman Raghav 2.0 (AA), Run Antony (A), Thodari (A), Amma Kanakku (BA), Kabali (AA), Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiyada (A), Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (AA), Dhilluku Dhuddu (BA)
• Parandhu Sella Vaa (A), Mohenjo Daro (A), Kotigobba 2 (A), Rustom (BA), Dishoom (BA), Babu Bangaram (A), Kismath (AA), Srirastu Subhamastu (A), Thikka (A)
• Kidaari (AA), Irumugan (AA), Dharmadurai (BA), Mungaru Male 2 (AA), Janatha Garage (BA)

Music Review (Telugu): Janatha Garage

Music Review (Telugu): Janatha Garage

Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad

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

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

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

My rating: 6.5/10

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

Music Review (Kannada): Mungaru Male 2

Music Review (Kannada): Mungaru Male 2
Music Composer: Arjun Janya

Gamanisu is an incredibly pleasant melody topped with ear-worming guitar strums and Sonu Nigam's impeccable rendition while Arjun Janya adorned the melody with brief Mano thang's sarangi intermittently and string sections. Arjun Janya followed the same template as in prequel soundtrack, Shreya Goshal crooning the Gamanisu's female version Kanasalu and the song is enchanting as original. Thanks to the tune and Shreya's mesmerising vocals. 

Arjun Janya roped in another Bollywood singer Armaan Malik to croon the immersive melody Sariyaagi where once again dreamy arrangements featuring guitars, Chennai Orchestra's string sections, whistles makes this one engaging till it lasts. Armaan Malik featured in another gorgeous number Neenu Irade dominated with synthesized pop beats and melody flows seamlessly without hurdle. Anuradha Bhat and chorus vocals ably support the easily accessible melody and loved the way nadhaswaram bits and slide guitar is used in the interludes. Onte song's tune is a pedestrian one catering to the mass audiences of the soundtrack, however Arjun done a well job with respect to orchestration in throwing out some fabulous usage of guitars and violin. My daddy is another mediocre tune and Benny Dayal's vocals and kamalakar's flute make it listenable to certain extent. Trap song and Mashup fails to make an impact after the string of lovely melodies.

Verdict: Arjun Janya delivered highly rich melodies for Mungaru Male's sequel and made the soundtrack memorable as Mano Murthy's Mungaru Male.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Gamanisu, Kanasalu, Sariyaagi, Neenu Irade

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

Music Review (Tamil): Dharmadurai

Music Review (Tamil): Dharmadurai
Music Composer: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Endha Pakkam's run of the mill tune and typical pleasant arrangements has nothing extraordinary to offer except for the impeccable rendition by Chinmayi and ably supported by Rahul Nambiar in the second half. Yuvan Shankar Raja's arrangement dominated by guitar is predictably pedestrian one and Vairamuthu's lyrics sounds apt for this passable track.Aandi Patti's meandering tune also falters after initial few minutes and the track has hackneyed rhythm structure dominated by tabla. The song has very few enticing elements and even the vocals of Senthildass and Surmukhi fails to elevate the song from the mediocre level.

Poi Vaada rides mainly on the earnest rendition by Srimathu mitha and  Yuvan's minimal orchestration accentuate both the lead singer vocals and Vairamuthu's beautiful lyrics brimming with optimism. The track's only grouse being that the duration is less than two minutes and ends abruptly before making strong impact on the listeners.Makka Kalanguthappa is a boisterous riot filled with raw native thappattam sounds especially loved the manner harmonium is infused amidst the raucous kuthu and sung with rustic energy by Mathichiyam Bala. The song surely hits the bull eye for the particular section of the audiences and with apt visuals bound to become chartbuster. In Naan Kaatrile, Yuvan digressed from the rural soundscape of the album to trance like progression dominated by rock sounds filled with screech guitar and live drums. However the tune falls into the conventional one, breezy peppy number and crooned effectually by ever reliable Karthik.

Verdict: Yuvan Shankar Raja's dharmadhurai is the lacklustre soundtrack from the combo who gave brilliant idam Porul Yaeval and the album is packed with casual conventional sounding tunes.

My rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Endha Pakkam, Poi Vaada, Makka Kalanguthappa

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

Music Review(Tamil): Irumugan

Music Review(Tamil): Irumugan
Music Composer: Harris Jayaraj

Kannai Vittu is a pleasant charming listen and Harris effectually mixes the soothing tune amidst the splendid combo of EDM and piano. Tipu owns the song with his effortless vocals while Harris churns out arresting interludes featuring the lovely mix of classical humming and string sections in the first and second interlude respectively. Harris ends the song in style making effectual use of Srimathumitha's vocals.Halena also has the international feel with its techno sounds and filled with typical Harris Jayaraj'ish jibberish words. However, the track works big time thanks to the consistent trippy mix in the arrangements and also fabulous vocal support from Christopher Stanley, Abhay Jodhpurkar and especially Ujjayinee Roy.

Oh Maya treads on the similar trendy cool techno hip hop sound and despite the tune bears some of the composer stamps, the pleasant number is adequately enjoyable till it lasts. Harris infused brilliant interludes with saxophone and Carnatic- styled guitar in the interludes. N C Karunya and Ramya NSK's vocals sound apt for this enjoyable number.Harris Jayaraj tried mix of grungy rock sounds and rap verses in Irumugan Settai. However the track falters as it progresses despite the high-octane rap verses by Emcee and stylized vocals of Maalavika Manoj. The song may work along with the visuals but not as a standalone track.Harris Jayaraj ends the highly stylish album with the edgy face off theme and the highly enticing theme features the brilliant mix of haunting guitar, string sections and to the top of that appealing vocals. Overall fitting end to the soundtrack.

Verdict: Harris Jayaraj brings his mojo back with the highly stylized album with the less deja-vu feel and the album surely stays in the top of the charts with couple of songs.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Kannai Vittu, Halena, Oh Maya

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

Music Review (Tamil): Kidaari

Music Review (Tamil): Kidaari

Music Composer: Darbuka Siva

Vandiyille Nellu Varum's best part is consistent foot tapping Keba Jeremiah's guitar sections and Naveen Napier's fabulous bass line. Anthony Dassan shines with his vocals true to his signature, however, Sanjana Kalmanje's outsmart with her brief easily appealing vocals. Darbuka Siva spruces the second half with quite decent Selvaraj's Nadhaswaram. The album shifts into the broody mood with Vettaruva Veecharuva and the composer brilliantly set the ambience with haunting string sections and Navin Chandar's flute and woodwind orchestration accentuate the tone of the song in a splendid manner. Velmurugan fits the bill perfectly crooning the Ekadesi's gloomy lyrics.Thalakaalu Puriyala is the brilliant fusion work which starts off with the soulful rendition by Anitha and the song turns out into quite an upbeat rock and roll fashion filled with rustic Mohan rajan lyrics. Darbuka Siva segued wonderfully Bala's Nadhaswaram and Pichaikani's thavil amidst the enjoyable Babu's brass work. Velmurugan lends the fantastic support to Anitha's energetic vocals.

Nenjukulle Ninnu kittu is a short pleasant listen lifted by the lilting orchestration dominated by Navin Chander's flute and rhythmic darbuka by the composer itself. Sanjana Kalmanje handled the tune well with her pleasant vocals. Darbuka Siva recreates the familiar Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi's Pagaivanukku Arulvaai with Haricharan's effortless vocals. In contrast to the lyrics which speaks about love, the composer's rich arrangements features haunting string arrangements by B Prasanna and wonderful classical sarod solos by Debasmita Bhattacharya. Overall, debut composer delivers a stunning song, the song is worth a listen for its captivating orchestration itself. Kaathu Veesuthu Kaathu is an effective short piece with symphonic string sections and Bala's Nadhaswaram giving the slight nod to Thalakaalu Puriyala.Darbuka Siva ended the brilliant soundtrack with another haunting instrumental piece Velivarum ulagam where gloomy soundscape created by thrilling string sections gives the goosebumps for the listeners.

Verdict: Kidaari is a competent noteworthy debut from Darbuka Siva where composer's stellar fusion in the arrangements for the rustic lyrics stands apart.

My rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Pagaivanukku Arulvaai, Thalakaalu Puriyala, Vettaruva Veechar

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

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 (Malayalam) : Kismath

Music Review (Malayalam) : Kismath
Music Composer: Sumesh Parameswar, Sushin Shyam, Shamej Sreedhar

Kisa Paathiyil's starts with the perfect blend of haunting santoor like keyboard sounds along with flute amidst the rainy atmosphere and what follow is the gorgeously sung melody by Sachin Balu. The song transcends into quawwali mode with the brilliant interspersing of tabla and loved the way the composer ends the song with reverberating sounds. Sumesh Parameshwar delivers Gopi Sundar like melody in Nilamanaltharikalil where rhythmic tabla sounds get fantastic support from the flute throughout the song while Harishankar KS who sang wonderful melodies for Vidyasagar aces this one also. Shreya Raghav also ably support him although with some constraints in her vocals. 

Loneliness rides on the Shreya Raghav's humming with Cochin strings chirping in with brilliant string portions giving the two minute instrumental rousing end. Chilathunam's templatized quawwali tune is elevated mainly by the pitch perfect rendition by the lead singer Madhushree with additional vocals by Anoop G Krishnan, Gakul Joseph, Neil Mathews and composer Shamej Shreedhar itself. Composer Sumesh Parameshwar recreates the traditional maapilla Paattu song Aane Madanapoo brilliantly especially loved the guitar solos by the composer itself in the second interlude. Kabeer Nallalam's rustic vocals in contrast with the arrangements gives splendid touch to the overall song. Sumersh Parameshwar is top notch in the minimally arranged resonant Vinnu Churanna while Neesa M P's impeccable rendition of the pleasant tune reminds me of the similar soundscape song in Amen (Solamanum Soshanayum). Composer throws some brilliant surprises especially Veena and as usual gorgeous guitar and bass work by Sumesh itself. Sumesh ends the soundtrack with Kismath theme, middle eastern touch to the instrumental and pleasant humming makes its for enjoyable listen. 

Verdict: Indie musicians Sumesh Parameshwar, Sushin Shyam and Shamej Sreedhar delivered the eclectic soundtrack for the movie Kismath.

My Rating: 8.25/10

Pick of the Album: Kisa Paathiyil, Vinnu Churanna, Nilamanaltharikalil

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

Music Review (Telugu): Babu Bangaram

Music Review (Telugu): Babu Bangaram
Music Composer: Ghibran

Mallela Vaanala has an ear pleasing tune and although the arrangements has nothing extraordinary to offer, Ghibran throws few enticing sounds especially brief violin solos segued into the tune dominated with techno sounds. Naresh Iyer's effortless rendition of the simple charming tune Snehithudo's average tune is propped up by Ghibran's layered orchestration especially with flute and string sections throughout the song.  The classical guitar portion in the second interlude portion is a highlight in the decntly packaged song in the album while only grouse being the meandering tune and Ranjith KG spruces up the tune to certain extent.

Dhandame Ettukuntam tune treads along the Run Raja Run's Bujjima with Gold Devaraj's rustic vocals and umped the mass factor with thumping percussions, but this one lacks catchy tune as the composer's debut soundtrack. The only highlight being the charming orchestration with Guitar played in a classical manner and Nadaswaram bits in the interludes.Raaka Raaka opens up with pleasant mandolin prelude and conventional brief chorus and Ghibran's tune once again dominated by progressive trance like sound. Though the orchestration is rich especially classical guitar interspersed with techno sounds, the average tune bogs down the song. Chinmayi and Yazin Nizar's lively rendition works to the song's favour. Dhilluna Vaade's arrangements are adequately fiery enough similar to man on fire from Jil. Ghibran interspersed beautifully classical arrangements amidst the grungy guitar and thumping percussions. The lyrics as usual pandering about the typical Police protagonist in Telugu movies and Ghibran's enticing arrangements makes up for the average tune. Ghibran ends up the soundtrack with cacophonous Babu Bangaram theme where both techno sounds and intermittent vocals comes off as screeching one without adding much value to the soundtrack.

Verdict: Ghibran's third soundtrack in Telugu is the weakest one when compared to Run Raja Run and Jil. The soundtrack lacks the memorable, catchy tune and the composer's rich orchestration salvages the otherwise average soundtrack.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Mallela Vaanala, Snehithudo, Dhilluna Vaade  

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

Music Review (Hindi): Dishoom

Music Review (Hindi): Dishoom
Music Composer: Pritam

Sau Tarah Ke's highlight is the Ashish Pandit's catchy hook line and the techno dance elements are adequately foot tapping while Amit Mishra and Jonita Gandhi fits the bill perfectly. Pritam mixed mild Arabic choir intermittently. Sau Tarah Ke's another version is an unwarranted listen. Toh Dishoom's highlight is easily Pawan Rasaily's guitar and the tune rides on the catchy factor rather than on the novel one while the haunting arrangements in the rhythms and interlude make this enjoyable. Raftar and Shahid Mallya's exuberant vocals and Mayur Puri's lyrics stands out. Jaaneman Aah is an addictive, funny Tamil kuthu meets Afghan Jalebi's arrangements. Nakash Aziz and Aman Trikha handles both versions effectually while Antara Mitra ably supports them in both versions. Ishqa's banal tune is made listenable with the intriguing arrangements with synth track, percussions and lovely strings. Abhijeet Sawant and Antara Mitra sounds apt in this pretty much ordinary track.

Verdict: Pritam opens his 2016 account with the pretty much insipid soundtrack which rides mainly on the catchy factor rather than on the memorable tracks.

My rating:6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Jaaneman Aah, Sau Tarah Ke

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

Music Review (Hindi): Rustom

Music Review (Hindi): Rustom
Music Composer: Arko, Ankit Tiwari, Jeet Ganguly, Raghav Sachar

Tere Sang Yaara ticks off every Hindi melody elements with listenable rhythm structure, pleasant arrangements and to the top of it, Atif Aslam's fantastic vocals to swing your mood. The song's reprise version Tere bin Yaara fares tad lower than the original version where Arko's vocals didn't work well when compared with Atif Aslam's and the arrangements dominated by piano is also pleasant as in the original. 

Rustom Vahi composed by Raghav Sachar song is comparatively average one and the irony is the songs comes in 4 versions in the soundtrack. The arrangements are energetic and gives slight nod to the yesteryear composition tandem to the setting of the film. The orchestration is mainly filled with sprightly brass sections and percussions, however, the tune is pretty much familiar one reminiscent of umpteen number of compositions. The male version and Marathi version of the song offer nothing new with same arrangements and Jasraj Joshi handles the vocals. Ankit Tiwari's Tay hai is a typical pensive Ankit Tiwari melody with a lot of deja-vu feel both in tune as well as arrangements which make this one less exciting. Jab Tum Hote Ho too falls around the same category as the previous one, however the song is listenable mainly because of Shreya Goshal's effortless vocals. Jeet Ganguly produces winsome tracks in an otherwise tepid soundtrack. Dekha Hazaro Dafa's waltzy rhythm, sweeping string sections and chorus while Arijit Singh and Palak Muchhal handles the breezy melody with fantastic vocals. Dhal Jaun Mein's arrangements once again herald the heard-before feel, however Jubin Nautiyal makes up for that with his fantastic rendition ably supported by Aakanksha Sharma.

Verdict: Though Rustom album has 10 tracks with 4 composers, Jeet Ganguly's scores easily when compared with the other and the banal soundscape is the great let-down in the album.

My rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Dekha Hazaro Dafa, Dhal Jaun Mein, Jab Tum Hote Ho 

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