Music Review (Telugu): Ninnu Kori

Music Review (Telugu): Ninnu Kori
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar

Unnatundi Gundey's arrangements can be easily associated with the composer and he kept it easily accessible with dominant strings while the tune is average and gets much engaging in the charanam portions of the song. Karthik and Chinmayi who delivered wonderful tracks for Gopi Sundar album in Telugu, nails this melodious track also effortlessly. Adiga Adiga is an affecting melancholy which gains amply enough from Sid Sriram's vocals and the singer is pitch perfect with his rendition while Gopi Sundar's minimal guitar laden backgrounds accentuate the singer's prowess. The interludes are adorned with wailing violin solos in tune with the mood of the song. Sreejo's lyrics deserve special mention.

Once upon a time lo is a mass dance track which is interesting in parts but the tune fails to engage throughout the track. Though Arun Gopan tries to make the song little enticing with his vocals, the track lacks the instant catchy appeal and it works partially due to the amusing lyrics by Bhaskarabatla. In Hey Badhulu Chepavey, Gopi Sundar sets the upbeat tune for Anantha Sriram's pathos lyrics and though the tune sounds standard one, the interludes are Gopi Sundar'ish with an adequate mix of flute with classical tinge and string sections. Haricharan sails through the song effortlessly.

Verdict: Though Ninnu Kori falls tad low in  Gopi Sundar's splendid  Telugu repertoire, the soundtrack is adequately enjoyable while Nani continues to get the best music in his films irrespective of the composers.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Adiga Adiga, Unnati Gundey

Music Review (Tamil): VIP2

Music Review (Tamil): VIP2
Music Composer: Sean Roldan

Nada da Raja's screeching guitar riffs by Josh Mark Raj and Ramkumar Kanakarajan's drums aside, the track is typical grungy rock track where Yogi B's return after a hiatus doesn't help either. Dhanush sails through the tune effortlessly while the tune gets better towards the second half but still one can feel that song could have been better.Iraivanai Thandha Iraiviye sounds to be from the composer's recent smashing hit soundtrack Power Paandi and the composer strikes once again with the soulful melody backed by Sean Roldan and M M Manasi. The arrangements are delightful to hear dominated by Macedonian Symphonic Orchestra and Vishnu Vijay's mellifluous flute is brilliantly interspersed throughout the song.

Torture of Raghuvaran is another raucous kuthu track where tune falters behind and though the tune is a cakewalk for Dhanush vocals, the track fails to make it enticing one. The only silver lining in the track is undeniably Balasubramaniam's Nadaswaram and Ben Jaigopi's brass sections. Dooram Nillu's buoyant outlook along with Shakthisree Gopalan's vocals make this track enjoyable compared to other upbeat numbers in the album. Benny Dayal provides excellent support while Sean Roldan adequately made the arrangements favourable especially with the stupendous usage of plucked instruments in the interludes and the Sean Roldan's banter lyrics are the delight to hear.Empress Arrives theme as akin to the title sounds majestic with the dramatic strings sections accompanied by James Bond'ish Jai Gopi's trumpets and the theme track is satisfactorily engaging till it lasts.

Verdict: VIP2 is an energetic outing from Sean Roldan and the arrangements are sufficiently sensational but overall the album doesn't match its prequel because of its lack of instant catchy tracks.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Iraivanai Thandha Iraiviye, Dooram Nillu, Nada da Raja

Music Review (Tamil): Geminiganesanum Suruli Rajanum

Music Review (Tamil): Geminiganesanum Suruli Rajanum
Music Composer: Imman

Pradeep Kumar gets a stellar opening rock track, Ammukuttiye and the singer is pitch perfect with his rendition while much awesomeness comes in the arrangements. Karthik Iyer's kickass solo violin in the second interlude and classical tinge in the Keba Jeremiah's guitar riffs make this one earworm track in the album while Yugabharathi shines with his easy go lyrics. Imman delivers another charming melody, Kanmani which is strictly confined to the Imman's territory but at the same time the tune is enjoyable and ear pleasing till it lasts. In the backgrounds, the upbeat rhythm and Nathan's woodwinds do magic to the pleasant tune. Abhay Jodhpurkar's charming rendition makes this song easy another winner in the soundtrack.

Venilla Thangachi is a passable kuthu track which struggles to elevate beyond the mediocre level despite the lively show by Nakash Aziz and Ramya NSK. Balasubramaniam's Nadhaswaram being the only highlight of this forgettable track and Yugabharathi's lyrics didn't help the song either.Imman strikes back yet again with Aahaa Aahaa and the sensual vocals of Shreya Goshal with excellent support by Haricharan ups the ante of the track. The Ilayaraja'esque tune is adorned by the brilliant rhythm section conducted by Kaviraj accompanied by Nathan's woodwinds and Seenu's strings. Imman ends the soundtrack with another mediocre track Thambi Cuttingu, which starts with an enticing prelude but slips into the tried and tested insipid tune. Anthony Daasaan and Vijay Yesudas's vocals fail to lift the song and Yugabharathi's pedestrian lyrics adds little value to the languishing tune.

Verdict: Imman's melodies are easily accessible as usual but the fast paced tracks comes off as tiresome listen. Ammukuttiye being the irresistible track in this typical Imman album.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ammukuttiye, Aaha Aaha, Kanmani.

Music Review (Tamil): Vikram Vedha

Music Review (Tamil): Vikram Vedha
Music Composer: Sam CS

Karuppu Vellai's grungy dark rock shades accompanied by Kebo Jeremiah's guitar riffs make this one stunning listen and the exciting prelude portion followed by Tana na hook is the highlight of the track. Sivam and Sam CS's throaty vocals gel well with the tone of the song. Overall Sam CS set's the right tone for the overall soundtrack with Karuppu Vellai. Sam CS ups the ante with the next track Yaanji Yaanji, lovely melody ballad where Anirudh and Sakthishree Gopalan aces the melody and makes this one enjoyable listen. However, the autotuning of Anirudh vocals could have been avoided. The show stealer is undeniably the buoyant usage of banjo and string instruments in the interludes apart from the mesmerising tune in the Charanam portions. Mohanraj deserves special mention in penning the captivating lyrics.

Tasakku Tasakku's free flowing percussions and an unusual tune make it an engaging listen till it lasts while Mugesh, MLR Karthik, Guna ably delivered the frolicking tune with ease while once again Sam CS scores in the interludes especially the first interlude and the style of the song reminds Santosh Narayanan quirky compositions. Yedhu Dharmam rides mainly on the exhilarating Chennai Orchestra's strings and cello symphony accompanied by grungy guitar riffs makes this short track adequately engrossing one and the instrumental may reach well with the visuals. Pradeep Kumar and Neha Venugopal bags the another folk-tinged melody Pogadha Enna Vittu and the singers enhanced the mesmerising melody with their singing prowess while Pradeep Kumar sails through the high-pitched portions with ease. Sam CS shines with his brilliant usage of mandolin and arousing string section in the second interlude. The underlying string section in the first interlude is a bliss to listen along with Kiran's solo flute.

Ghetto Chase and akin to its name the instrumental is fast paced with assorted sounds dominated by Chennai Orchestra's rousing string sections mixed with ample dosage of thoroughly engaging Seenu's Sarod solos. Idhu Emotion is another instrumental dominated by the plucked instruments and wonderful wailing violin solo section and the track is engaging till it lasts. Yedhu Nyayam rides mainly on the Chennai Orchestra's thrilling arrangements and the track is absolutely engrossing one and one hopes that visuals do justice to this track. Sangu Satham is an another interesting attempt by Sam CS and the composer packs the variety of sounds from Mandolin to ukulele in less than one minute backed by powerful Sethu Thankachan's vocals.Sam comes up with a much engaging extended version of Sangu Satham as Oru Kadha Sollatta and the instrumental is backed by yet another splendid usage of Chennai Orchestra's string sections and plucked instruments.

Verdict: Sam CS deliver the stunning soundtrack for Pushkar-Gayathri with ample support from Chennai Orchestra and the deserving composer gets his due with this engaging soundtrack.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Yaanji, Pogadha Ennavittu, Ghetto Chase, Oru Kadha Sollatta 

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): Duvvada Jagannadam

Music Review (Telugu): Duvvada Jagannadam
Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad

The title song's tune, as well as intermediate Ganapathi chanting accompanied by the hodgepodge of classical and Percussion elements, come off as archaic one while Keba's racy guitar and Vijay Prakash's energetic vocal helps to elevate the song from the mediocre level. The title hook also sounds to be a pedestrian one from the composer. Asmaika is an easy winner from the composer and the track's astonishingly catchy background rhythm background by pitch perfect singing by MLR Karthikeyan and ever sweet Chitra's vocals make this one earworm stuff from DSP.  Kalyan's Konnakol and classical cues in the interludes blends smoothly with the appealing tune.

Mechukko's tune and Chiranjeevi invoked lyrics are purely for the purpose of whistle worthy moments for the on screen but not for the music lovers. Nakash Aziz sails through the typical Telugu composition effortlessly while Babu's trombone and guitars being the only solace in this composition. Seeti Maar is another techno dominated sounds with little recall value both in terms of tunes as well as arrangements. There is hardly any interesting elements in this 4 minutes song while Jaspreet Jasz and Rita's digitised voices also unable to salvage this tedious track from DSP. Box Baddhalai Poyi is an another mass track to showcase Allu Arjun's dance prowess and DSP has very little to offer except for the mass beats to clasp the audience to be in awe of Allu Arjun's show. Sagar and Geeta Madhuri's aces the song's of this genre by now and the tune is the cakewalk for them while Bhaskara Bhatla's lyrics set the right mood for the song. However, the track comparatively catchy compared to other tracks.

Verdict: DSP comes back to his routine with DJ after an impressive Nenu local and the result is underwhelming except for the ultra-catchy Asmaika.

My Rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Asmaika, Box Baddhalai Poyi.

Music Review (Tamil): Sema

Music Review (Tamil): Sema
Music Composer: GV Prakash Kumar

Sandalee's tune has the trademark GV Prakash style and the composer relegated the vocal department to Velmurugan and Mahalingam instead of the GV Prakash itself who usually croons these type of songs. Though the tune is pretty standard one, the folk arrangements dominated by Kiran and Nathan's flute work shines till the end.Uruttu Kannalla easily breezes through with the catchy title hook, however, the transition from the folk filled arrangements to the Monisha's second interlude appears to be the misfit in the overall tone of the song. Egadesi's lyrics sounds apt but at some places comes off as brackish stuff from the lyricist. Santosh Hariharan ably holds the song till it lasts.

GV Prakash scores easily in Nenje Nenje backed by the ear-pleasing tune and the lead singers Sidharth Mahadevan and the splendid Shashaa Tripathi easily makes this one enjoyable. Seenu's classical guitar and Kalyan's violin accompanied by Chennai's symphony's string sections make this one worthy listen in the soundtrack.Vechu Senjaachu is exclusive to satiate the particular section of the audience with high octane synthesised beats delivered with aplomb by Raja Ganapathy and Adhik Ravichandran. Though the catchy prelude prods the song, the monotonous sounding tune didn't help the song much despite the energetic background and singer's verve.Sema's theme is purely Thirumoorthy's Nadaswaram show with occasional annoying scatting by Adhik Ravichandran and the folk rich theme song sounds apt and an engaging one.

Verdict: GV Prakash's Sema is filled with folk rich sounds, however, the tunes are hardly memorable one despite occasional sparks in terms of arrangements.

My Rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Nenje Nenje, Sandalee

Music Review(Tamil): Kurangu Bommai

Music Review(Tamil): Kurangu Bommai
Music Composer: Ajaneesh Loknath

Paathum Paakama's waltzy tune and cheerful accordion dominated arrangements mixed with assorted string sections easily work to its favour while Shankar Mahadevan's impeccable singing adds charm to the song. There is a fine guitar rhythm in the background which blends smoothly with the string sections in the foreground while Francis's lyrics are adequate. Annamaare Ayyamaare takes its cue from the composer's recent smashing Belegaadu in Kirik Party, though the song sounds mediocre, the tune in the Charanam portions is intriguing enough to clasp the listeners. VM Mahalingam aces the tune with right swag and adequate support from Premji Amaran.

Beachu Kaathu's tune is a fiasco despite an engaging and high octane brass led arrangements in the background while Anthony Daasan sounds as usual and unable to prop up the average song in the soundtrack.CR Bobby is one of my personal favourite singer who often sings for Ajaneesh Loknath and she croons a short effective Unna Naan Rasika and the only grouse being that song is less than two-minute duration. Kalaangadhe Kanne is another short track delivered by the composer itself and it's too short to create any impact on the listeners.

Verdict: Though nothing extraordinary debut by the famous Sandalwood composer, the tracks are adequately engaging and refreshing. Eagerly waiting for his Ulidavaru Kandante's Tamil Remake Richie.

My Rating:7.5/10\

Pick of the Album: Paathum Paakama, Annamaare Ayyamaare

Music Review (Tamil): Rangoon

Music Review (Tamil): Rangoon

Music Composer: RH Vikram and Vishal Chandrasekhar

Yaatreega's world music elements accompanied by the haunting melody crooned with finesse by Navin Iyer while the uncredited female vocal pieces are scintillating gelgels well with the tone of the son. Amalraj's brilliant usage of Oud, Saz and Burmese Harp being the undeniable highlight which makes this one delectable music experience while late Na Muthukumar shines with his lyrics. Maria Kavitha Thomas's fangled rendition of typical pop styled tune of Enai Maraikirene aside, the real awesomeness is in the arrangements led by Martin Visser's Baritone Sax and Shyam Benjamin's serene prelude piano keys accentuate the groove of the song very well.

Foreign Return is another mass kuthu number crooned by Anirudh Ravichander and he sails through the song effortlessly. Despite the staid Kuthu portions, the remaining elements incorporated by RH Vikram are alluring from the brilliant usage of Manoj Kumar's Kazoo in the prelude to traditional vocals by Anthony Dasan and Ritu. One wishes that Kuthu portions could have been done better. Vishal Chandrasekhar's displayed his prowess in full throttle with Nee Illa Aagayam where Yazin Nizar steals the show with his dynamic vocal range and the way singer ends the song is the splendid one. Kraven's sharp acoustic blues guitar strums add another haunting tone to the song and the interludes make this one compelling listen.It's a delight to listen to Yazin Nizar's high-pitched portions and the humming towards the end is top notch from the singer Vishal Chandrasekhar strikes a chord with the alternative rock number Ey Jajabor in Assamese language written and crooned by Kraven Stratfile and the song is adequately infectious with the Kraven's guitar work stands out.Thottil Madiyil rides mainly on the mellifluous vocals of Chinmayi and the minimal arrangement song by RH Vikram works despite being less than 2 minutes.

Verdict: Rangoon's highly experimental tracks by debutant RH Vikram and Vishal Chandrasekhar is sure to stay in the playlist of music lovers who love to listen to the sounds hugely deviant of normal Tamil albums.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Nee Illa Aagayam, Yaathreega,  Ey Jajabor

  

Music Review (Telugu): Rarandoi Vedukka Chuddam

Music Review (Telugu): Rarandoi Vedukka Chuddam
Music Composer: Devisri Prasad

The title song starts up with the celebratory Balesh's Shenai and the tune is adequately ear friendly with the pleasant arrangements while Ranjith and Gopika ably support the tune till it lasts. Ramajoggaya Sastry's nails the lyrics and the verses gels well with the DSP's amiable tune.Nee Vente Nenunte is the typical DSP tune and the tried and tested rhythm didn't add much value to the song. However, the staid tune is improvised by engaging arrangements highlighted by Nathan's Sax and flute sections accompanied by DSP's acoustic guitar. Srimani's lyrics sounds apt for the composer's languishing tune. Shwetha Mohan's vocals give much impetus to an otherwise average tune.

Brahmaramba also suffers from the DSP's stock tune and the tune gets tiresome in the prelude itself despite Sagar's high-octane singing while the lyrics also fails to make this one an engaging one. The only solace in an otherwise tepid song is Balaji's solo violin.Break up is an another mediocre song where an impressive credit list of musicians is wasted in the lifeless tune which is backed only by the mass template of the song. Bhaskara Bhatla's colloquial lyrics is also unable to salvage this Simha and Dhanunjay's show.The song of the soundtrack comes in the form of Thakita Thakajam and the song is adequately pleasant with an engaging Tabla base accompanied by stupendous affecting usage of violin and Keba Jeremiah's impressive guitar work. Javed Ali gives life to the engaging tune and it's a great respite to listen to this song after the string of mediocre songs in the soundtrack. However, the rock versions fares lower when compared to the original version despite the brilliant effort from Keba Jeremiah.

Verdict: DSP sticks to his comfort zone in Rarandoi Vedukka Chuddam and couple of songs works in an otherwise largely an average soundtrack from the composer.

My Rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Thakita Thakajam, Title Song.

Music Review (Telugu): Keshava

Music Review (Telugu): Keshava
Music Composer: Sunny MR

Telusa Neeku Bahusa rides mainly on the husky sensual vocals of Shalmali Kholgade complimenting the Krishna Chaitanya's lyrics. However, as a composer sunny MR aces in delivering groovy synth dominated arrangements and the title hook is adequately catchy enough especially in lead singer's vocals. Yedisthe Rareveru is Sunny MR's territory and his regular Arijit Singh behind the mic delivers the fine job while the background is dominated by Roland's Electric guitar and wonderful bass line by the composer itself. Though not an exquisite track, the song clasps the listener till it ends.

Po Poradi is another high-octane song filled with modular synths and haunting bass line by Sunny MR and tune is less captivating one. The song may gel well with the visuals but not as a standalone track. Arijit Singh is adequate in crooning this grungy track. Sunny MR adds punch to the energetic traditional Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam with Roland Fernandes Electric guitar while the string of singers led by Harshika Gudi did a fine job behind the mic and kept the mood afloat till the end of this 3-minute song. However Kaala Bhairava's recreated version works as a whole package with interesting arrangments. The soundscape created with absolutely enthralling 60's jazz accompanied by James Bond'ish sounds adds much charm to the traditional melody.

Verdict: Sunny MR continues to churn out his unique sounds for Telugu and still his Swamy Ra Ra with Sudheer Varma is the best from the composer.

My Rating: 3/5

Pick of the Album: Telusa Neeku Bahusa, Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam (Re-created), Yedisthe

Music Review (Tamil): Brindavanam

Music Review (Tamil): Brindavanam
Music Composer: Vishal Chandrasekar

Shoobi Doobi Dooba sticks to the tried and tested Jazzy tune while Sharanya Gopinath handles the tune with aplomb attitude except for the mangled pronunciation of Pazhagi. Karky's lyrics provoke enough enthusiasm to keep the song afloat while the kickass show stealer of the song is undeniable Kraven's Electric guitar work.Yaar's Ilayaraja'esque tune evokes delightful memories and S P Balasubramaniyam's vocals infuse life to the tune while Vishal Chandrasekhar brilliantly employed the Chandrajith's Tabla and Punya's Veena layer over the pleasant tune. Raghvasimhan's strings come off as parallel vocals in the background. Overall enjoyable laid back relaxing tune from Vishal.

Giji Giji Saare's Goan'esque sound is the only song which is easily relatable to Vidyasagar while Vishal adorned the tune with the brilliant arrangements dominated by Krishna Kishor's live percussions. However brief Carnatic tinged cues in the interludes being the undeniable highlight of the track. Nikhil Mathew and composer's better half Sinduri Vishal handles the lively tune very well.

Verdict: Vishal delivered confidently the never before heard sounds in Radha Mohan films for Brindavanam, However missing the timeless melodies by Vidyasagar for Radha Mohan movies.

My Rating: 7.75/10

Pick of the Album: Yaar, Giji Giji Saare

Music Review (Tamil): Server Sundaram

Music  Review (Tamil): Server Sundaram
Music Composer: Santosh Narayanan

Bro's ear friendly techno sounds in the background backed by Tapas Naresh's drums being the amiable element in the soundtrack whereas the tune by Santosh Narayanan is as passable as his vocals. Lyrics by Viveka is adequately listenable enough and flows with the tune serving the purpose aptly nevertheless nothing extraordinary element in the song.Nirkaadhey's prelude has the shades of Santosh Narayanan's close associate Pradeep Kumar's indie album Poorva whereas what follows is an interesting attempt at the fusion of classical elements and trademark Santosh Narayanan sounds. The undeniable highlight being the Anantha Narayanan's classical violin in the second interlude and Naveen's bass line. Ananthu, Vijay Narain and Santosh Narayanan aces the Vivek's optimistic lyrics and makes this song enjoyable one till it lasts.

Though as a standalone tune Kannal Modhadhey appears as plain one, Sid Sriram's improvisations along with the blues touch in the tune make the listeners to totally buy the song. Babu steals the show from Sid Sriram in the interludes with his splendid trumpet while Naveen's synth bass blends beautifully throughout the song.Gama Gama Samayal is highly rooted to the nativity both in terms of lyrics and 4 Idiots percussion, however, the tune is hardly an interesting one. Anthony Daasan's monotonous vocals and Santosh Narayanan's vocals didn't help the song much either which makes this one least interesting song in the album.The song of the soundtrack is indubitably Unavey Marundhu and the classical fusion attempt with the renowned carnatic vocalists Ranjani Gayatri works like charm. The arrangements are top notch and the haunting nylon guitar strums by Keba Jeremiah along with the Ganapthy's Mridangam makes this one blissful experience while Vivek's lyrics deserves the special mention amidst the sonic brilliance in the arrangements front.

Verdict: Santosh Narayanan opens his 2017 account with the unexpected brilliant two fusion songs in Server Sundaram.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Unavey Marundhu, Nirkaadhey, Kannal Modhadhey