Music Review (Malayalam): Pullikkaran Staraa

Music Review (Malayalam): Pullikkaran Staraa
Music Composer: M Jayachandran

Mathalathan Malaralle is an ear-pleasing melody with the tinge of waltz sounds flows consistently along with the mellifluous tune. The interludes are done in neatly with Vijay Yesudas takes care of the vocal department in an effectual manner. Tap Tap engages mostly due to the catchy hook base and exuberant singing by Sreya Kutty while the background stays in the heard before feel zone. Though the techno sounds are mixed, the tune sounds too dated. M Jayachandran strikes the chord once again with Vijay Yesudas in Kavalan Painkili, the pleasant tune aside, the lovely usage of accordion and the lovely chorus stays with the listeners even after the song ends. The soundtrack's stellar song is Kilivathilin Chare Nee, where everything blends together beautifully from the Anne Amie's endearing vocals to the soothing tune. Composer ups the ante with the blissful violin solos amidst the minimal backgrounds.

Verdict: M Jayachandran continues to enchant the listeners with his timeless melodies and Kilivathilin Chare Nee is the absolute winner from the soundtrack.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Kilivathilin Chare Nee, Kavalan Painkili, Mathalathan Malaralle

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn

Music Review(Tamil): Kadhanayagan

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

Kadhanayagan The Hero has ample screeching guitars and live drums while the arrangements tick off every element of the Rock song. However, the end result is far from appealing mainly due to the generic tune and sounds while Sean Roldan's singing is the solo respite in this decent song. On Nenappu's tune is tailor-made for Anirudh's vocals and Sean Roldan ups the ante with the brilliant folk arrangements dominated by the violin in the interludes along with harmonium and ghatam generously flowing throughout the song. GKB's lyrics are pedestrian one but flows well with the fun filled tune and arrangements.

Tappu Tippu works wonderfully, Thanks to the splendid playful trumpet show in the background and the swag in the arrangements are delightful to listen. Mukesh excels in crooning the amusing lyrics effectually and the Jazz tinged rhythms along with the exceptional singing makes this one works. Sunday Na bottle Edu is another mass number which meanders as it progresses and the weak sounds along with the typical tune make this one least enticing album. The techno sounds are also weary one and the pedestrian lyrics doesn't help either. Rise of a Hero theme has nothing extraordinary to offer and the synth dominated instrumental is the short and passable one in the album.

Verdict: Kadhanayagan is an average album from Sean Roldan and the album has hardly any memorable tracks.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: On Nenappu, Tappu Tippu

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

Music Review (Tamil): Vivegam

Music Review (Tamil): Vivegam
Music Composer: Anirudh

Anirudh makes sure that nothing goes wrong in survival with the fantastic rhythm in the background along with the upbeat synth sounds makes this one stupendously engaging one. It's a delight to listen to the rap by Yogi B after the hiatus while Anirudh easily throws the catchy la la hook and croons the song effectually. Thalai Vidudhalai starts with the optimistic dialogue by Ajith and followed by kickass heavy metal track crooned with the thumping powerhouse vocals of Anirudh and Agam band fame Harish Swaminathan. Anirudh brilliantly filled the interludes with screeching guitars and live drums while Siva's motivational lyrics is in tandem with the tone of the song.

Kadhalaada is the soundtrack's best and Anirudh's stellar arrangements especially the lovely violin solos accompanied by the mesmerizing Shashaa Tirupati while Pradeep Kumar does a commendable job and the singer is in stellar form with recent songs crooned by him with such a panache. Composer ends the track with the splendid Konnakol and violin solo. Veriyera is an another power packed rock track rides mainly on the splendid rendition by M M Manasi with adequate support from Poorvi and the tune is an average one while the arrangements stick to the genre of the song. Never give up is another stylishly made soundtrack with the loung'ish feels in the arrangements which work to its favour while Raja Kumari easily sails through the track. The interludes are an aural treat especially the second interlude and the gentle rhythm gels well with the vocals of Raja Kumari. The soundtrack's best Kadhalaada comes as reprise version and the beautiful melody is accentuated further by the slew of instruments from gentle piano to engaging violin towards the end. Though the track is short, the innate beauty of the tune makes this version also an immensely enjoyable. Anirudh ends the soundtrack with the theme track with the grungy rock base mixed with the stupendously minimal plucked strings and the track is sure to gel well with visuals. 

Verdict: Anirudh delivered the stylish engaging album for Ajith and the composer's experimentation continues to work as his recent albums.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kaadhalaada, Thalai Viduthalai, Survival

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

Music Review(Telugu): Nene Raju Nene Mandiri

Music Review(Telugu): Nene Raju Nene Mandiri
Music Composer: Anoop Rubens

Devuditho Samaram strides on the typical anthemic strings dominated track in the backdrop accentuated by the energetic chorus portions. Anup Ruben's rendition is decent and the song may work well with visuals. Jogendra Jogendra's soundscape also treads on the similar path but being the short track, it fails to leave the lasting impact on the listeners.Kathulatho is the tweaked version of Devuditho Saranam with the different lyrics and the sound is as enjoyable as the song's original version but the song fails to offer nothing new except for the arousing chorus chants.

Radhamma Radhamma is the typical tune set in the backdrop of grand string dominated orchestration and the song is adequately enjoyable though the tune strides on the familiar zone. Vijay Yesudas owns the song and Divya Spandana's vocals sound to be a processed one. Sukhibava Annaru is the most contemporary sounding track in the album and also an enticing listen mainly due to the Shreya Goshal's splendid rendition. Ranjith ably supports her with his vocals while the composer throws in brilliant violin solos intermittently throughout the song. Sumangalai is the short melancholic version of Sukhibava Annaru and the track is the brilliant one thanks to the violin solos and the earnest rendition by Sravani.

Verdict: Nenu Raju Nenu Madiri's soundtrack also partly follows the Baahubali's soundscape, however, the contemporary sounds are enjoyable.

My Rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Sukhibava Annaru, Radhamma Radhamma

Music Review (Telugu): Jaya Janaki Nayaka

Music Review (Telugu): Jaya Janaki Nayaka
Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad

Andhamaina Seetakoka Chiluka is the short neatly done track with great support from Keba Jeremiah's frenzy electric guitar and Chennai strings orchestra while the tune wise is a familiar. Sooraj Santosh's Vocals has been underutilized in this short passable track. Let's Party all night is the typical techno sound dominated track which has tried and tested feel written all over it from the moment Prudhvi Chandra's processed vocals throws at the listener. The tune has Devi Sri Prasad stamp and M M Manasi's vocals offer a brief respite in a hugely mediocre soundtrack. The mangling of folk song in the second half is an another irksome part in this track.Rangu Rangu Kallachodu is directly lifted from the DSP's stock tunes and the track's rhythm has heavy Deja Vu feel. Hemachandra and Shravana Bhargavi ups the ante of the languishing soundtrack with their energetic rendition. However, the song ends up being the passable wearisome listen in the album. 

Nuvvelle gains lot from the Swetha Mohan's pleasant vocals and DSP's engaging arrangements especially Saroja's Dilruba is employed brilliantly throughout the soundtrack. The tune reminds of the DSP's earlier Telugu hey-day and the track is an engaging listen till it lasts Thanks to the lead singer.Just Chill boss is another grossly underwhelming track where the staid techno rhythms by Kalyan makes the listeners yawn while M M Manasi tries hard to make the song enticing one but the pedestrian tune and arrangements doesn't help in any manner. Veede Veede's tune reminds of the umpteen number of Kailash Kher and DSP tracks and consistently the singer is pigeon-holed to the tracks of this kind. The arrangements offer nothing new and the track is not a bad one as well as not an enjoyable track either except for the brilliant solo violin by Balaji intermittently. DSP tries to revive Kevvu Keka magic in A for Apple with the same singer Mamta Sharma and with the slightly tweaked tune backed by the similar rhythm structure. One can switch back to enjoyable original version itself, rather than this slightly altered version and it's very baffling whether director wants these type of songs or DSP itself attempting these things.

Verdict: Jaya Janaki Nayaka is nothing but bunch of rehashed DSP's stock tunes and also those are done in an uninteresting manner.

My Rating: 5/10

Pick of the Album: Nuvvelle. Andhamaina Seetakoka

Music Review (Tamil): Aramm

Music Review (Tamil): Aramm
Music Composer: Ghibran

Ghibran showcases his prowess in the album's stunning opener Melam Kottuda and the blissful orchestra by Prague Philharmonic orchestra elevated the charm of the folk tune and Sikkander lyrics is in tandem with the movie's theme. The intermittent pauses for the verses and the sudden outburst of of orchestral sounds is a delight to listen. Vaikom Vijayalakshmi's effective vocals and Uma devi's beautiful verses makes Thoranam Aayiram and the singer's intonation in delivering the Tamil words is the aural splendor. Prithvi's percussion add the wonderful rhythm layer along with the captivating oboe sounds in the interludes from Prague Philharmonic orchestra. Polladha Kaalangal is the incredibly catchy hook in the track. Though Pudhu Varalaare falls tad below, strictly in comparison with the other tracks in the album, the orchestrsal brilliance of Philharmonic remains intact topped by minimal percussion makes this one also an engaging listen in the album.. The earnest rendition by Sundar Ayyar crooning Uma devi's lyrics deserves special mention.

Verdict: Ghibran shines in this short brilliant soundtrack with ample support from Prague Philharmonic orchestra and the singers delivering the top notch rendition for the immersive tunes.

My rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Melam Kottuda, Thoranam Aayiram

Music Review (Hindi): Qaidi Band

Music Review (Hindi): Qaidi Band
Music Composer: Amit Trivedi

Qaidi band soundtrack features two singers, Arijit Singh and Yashita Sharma as the film is about the band in the prison where the protagonists are leading vocals for the band. Arijit sounds quite different from his usual tone in most of the songs. 

       For the track titled I am India, the song sounds least patriotic and more of the celebratory festival music with the thumping percussions. However, the track is barely interesting one and even the title hook is also not a catchy stuff from the composer. The escape version sounds much better comparatively, mainly because of the harmonium and the consistent engaging background. Hulchul is the typical rock stuff from the composer with snazzy guitar strums in the interludes makes it an interesting listen despite treading on the familiar path of the composer. 

       Phir Nayi has an endearing melody sung by Yashita Sharma effectually while Amit layers the soft rock sound with a mesmerising flute solo and other sounds. Junooni lacks an arresting melody and soundscape becomes weary after initial few minutes. Udanchoo starts off in an interesting manner and the tune's intermittent surprises make this one an engaging listen. The arrangements are dominated by rock drums but with I'm India's flute version employed brilliantly along with the pleasant percussion sounds amidst the live drums. Apart from the deftly done bass line, Jag Mag has little to offer and the rap portions also come off as a pedestrian one. Poshampa is next to I'm India where Arijit's vocal is in another extreme from his usual tone and the track has nifty guitar strums backed by retro bass sounds. The highly energetic soundscape makes this one an enjoyable song in the soundtrack. The reprise version of Phir Nayi is also adequately engaging one, Thanks to Yashita's vocals and thumping march past rhythm in the background.

Verdict: Definitely not the composer's best despite the movie has the core theme as music and also not the bad one though. The album suffers mainly from the familiar Amit Trivedi's signature sounds in some of the songs.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Phir Nayi/Phir wahi, Udanchoo, Poshampa

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Malayalam): Thrissivaperoor Kliptham

Music Review (Malayalam): Thrissivaperoor Kliptham
Music Composer: Bijibal

Maangappoolu is the typical Bijibal tune with old world charm and an endearing Anupallavi makes up for the heard before soundscape of the track. Though the arrangements are nothing out of this world, the simple, likeable pleasant sound makes this one engaging listen. Bijibal tried to take the different route for Kada thala Kola with the upbeat mix of synth and native percussion elements especially udukkai, however, the tune sounds pale when compared to the backgrounds. Sannidanandan spruces up the song with his energetic vocals despite sounds processed intermittently. Venne Vennakal Penne also sounds contrast to the sounds one can associate with the composer, however, Sayanora Phillip's vocals and the second interlude makes this one worthy listen. Oruthari Aasha's discordant backgrounds aside, the standalone classical tune is blissful enough to clasp the listeners.Vivek Moozhikkulam's confident vocal prowess is apparent in this short track and one wishes that Bijibal could have made this one full-length track. Pushpavathy who hails from Thrissur croons the fun filled Thrissooru and Bijibal's splendid backgrounds sounds is the highlight of the track apart from the top notch singing. Thaikkudam bridge's vocalist Vipinlal croons Kaantha and Bijibal employed Chenda melam exquisitely but the same cannot be said about the synth elements and also the track is short to make an impact.

Verdict: Bijibal produces a different album for the debutant RatheishKumar but the album falls short of awe factor despite engaging sounds throughout the tracks.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Oruthari Aasha, Maangappoolu, Thrissooru

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

Music Review (Telugu): Goutham Nanda

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

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

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

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

My Rating: 5/10

Pick of the Album: Bole Ram Bole Ram

Music Review (Hindi): Jagga Jasoos

Music Review (Hindi): Jagga Jasoos
Music Composer: Pritam Chakraborty

Ullu Ka Patha's buoyant vibe mainly because of Daniel Garcia Diego's flamenco guitars which easily transcends the listeners to the country side and Vivienne's ululle vocal is a catchy hook which Pritam brilliantly employed in the track. Arijit Singh and Nikitha Gandhi has such a fun in crooning this track which adds up to the charm along with the arrangements. Galti Se Mistake is where techno sounds meet Assamese tribal sounds and the fun track is adequately enjoyable Thanks to the energetic vocals of Arijit Singh and Amit Mishra and the tune is tailor made for Nakash Aziz's voice. Jhumritalaiyya's soft rock and thodi thodi hook is absolutely enjoyable one and Pritam used the chorus portions exceptionally well. The arrangements are done in a neat manner starting from the simple guitar laden prelude and eventually moving towards the soft rock one while Arijit Singh and Mohan Kannan sails through this breezy lovely song. Arijit Singh totally aces Phir wahi with his earnest rendition and Pritam kept the arrangements minimal with the enjoyable guitar laden portions and ends the song showcasing Arijit Singh's singing prowess. The addition of lovely saxophone and Arijit's usual ooh ooh sound is icing on the cake. Musafir is another soft rock genre song sung eventually by Tushar Joshi, the only song where Arijit's vocal is not in the soundtrack and the track is absolutely enjoyable thanks to the hummable tune and the track reaches crescendo towards the end with the thumping chorus portions.

Verdict: Pritam continues to deliver his best for Anurag Basu and the soundtrack is the best from the composer in recent times since Barfi. Hopefully, the remaining musical tracks which are due to release next week is equally enjoyable.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ullu Ka Patha, Jhumritalaiyya, Musafir 

Music Review (Telugu): Fidaa

Music Review (Telugu): Fidaa
Music Composer: Shakthikanth Karthick

Vachinde is a delightful celebratory song delivered by Madhu Priya's squeaky vocals and supported by Ramky's terse verse. However, Shakthikanth Karthick props up the song with the Kishore's Sitar and Biju's harmonium serves as a wonderful rhythm which sets the mood of the song. Suddala Ashok Teja's colloquial banter lyrics gels well with the tone of the song. Edho Jaruguthundhi is the standard English Pop material dominated by the synth elements by Santosh and the tune is pleasant and also very templatized one carried effortlessly by Aravind Srinivas and Renuka. One wishes that tune could have been better rather than following the well-trodden path. Shakthikanth shines in the native folk song Hey Pillagaada, penned by Vanamali and the prelude easily entice the interest of the listeners while the composer's interesting usage of Shyam Ravishankar's violin and Shruthiraj's Khanjira and Percussion adds the flavour to Vanamali's lyrics. The song ends with the brilliant solo show by violinist Shyam while Sindhuri's effortless vocals add charm to the song.

Oosupodu's melancholy-drenched tune is salvaged by wonderful arrangements especially the way Babu's trumpet and wonderful bass line by Keith Peters accompanied by Navin Iyer's flute. Hemachandra tries hard and able to sail through the tune well. 24 Violin's strings background makes this song enjoyable till it lasts.Hey Mister, once again falls into the zone of tried and tested tune, however, the song is adequately enjoyable, Thanks to the Martin's Saxophone and the catchy title hook. MC Chetan's rap portions blend smoothly with the Deepak's vocals. Fidaa is an another pleasant melody and though nothing extraordinary in terms of tune and the arrangements also, the track is adequately listenable till it lasts. Hemachandra and Malavika sound adequate enough to keep the song afloat. The composer effectively blends Hey Pillagada sound cue towards the end of the song. One wishes that Babu's banjo could have been used extensively and it would have made song more interesting one.

Verdict: Sekhar Kammula's music sense continues to be winsome one irrespective of the composer and Shakthikanth Karthick strikes in his sophomore soundtrack confidently.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Hey Pillagaada, Vachinde, Oosupodu

P.S: Updated to Above Average album as totally hooked into recos.

Music Review (Malayalam): Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum

Music Review (Malayalam): Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
Music Composer: Bijibal

Kannile Poika's old world charms and sweet melody packaged in the ambient backdrop make this one irresistible listen and this sounds like the equivalent of Idukki from Maheshinte Prathikaaram, director's previous association with Bijibal. Ganesh Sundaram and Sowmya Ramakrishnan is pitch perfect with their renditions. Aayilyam derives a lot of benefits from the dark folk flavoured arrangements with brilliant flute prelude by Rajesh Cherthala, which sets the tone of the song. The chenda beats are brilliantly interspersed throughout the song. Sithara Krishnakumar's punchy vocals make this one engaging listen. Varum Varum sounds pleasant in the vocals of Bijibal dominated by Sandeep Mohan's guitar work, however this song fares tad low and also generic when compared to other two songs in the soundtrack.

Verdict: Bijibal continues his fine work this year and after Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Dileesh Pothan's combination with the composer works beautifully.

My Rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kannile Poika, Aayilyam

Music Review (tamil): Podhuvaaga En Manasu Thangam

Music Review (tamil): Podhuvaaga En Manasu Thangam
Music Composer: Imman

Imman's tried and tested tune in Summa Irukkaradhu easy illa gets tiresome just after listening to the pallavi itself and the composer's melodious track are enjoyable even with the minor tweaks but his kuthu mass tracks are hardly interesting and Yugabharathi's colloquial lyrics adds fuel to the fire. Deepak's energetic singing alone is not enough to salvage this highly tedious song. Ammani is a highly interesting folk track with splendid vocals and Shashaa Tripathi's improvisations and humming are delightful to hear while the pleasing tune is adorned with highly engaging arrangements. Yugabharathi aces once again with his simple lyrics and the Srilankan Singer Diluckshan Jeyarathnam marks his debut with an adequately interesting song.

Yennaanu Solveno comes off more like a situational track and the singers Vandana Srinivasan and Sathyaprakash carry this soulful track single-handedly. Imman's thumping rhythm arrangements are the highlight in this short pathos song. Imman introduces another singer Rajaganapathy along with Niranjana Ramanan for the folk track Singakutty and the tune fails to clasp the listener despite the adequate mix of enticing elements in the background. The tune is largely languishing one despite it treads on the path of Imman's tried and tested tune repertoire. Pachi Parandhuruchi is an another uninteresting folk love failure track where both tune and arrangements hardly create any enthusiasm and the chorus also didn't work. The only solace being the second interlude and  Mannargudi Ramesh, autodriver turned playback singer and it's great that Imman continues to introduce new vocals in each and every album.

Verdict: Imman stick to his tried and tested folk tunes in Podhuvaaga Enmanasu Thangam and the result is highly underwhelming.

My Rating:6/10

Pick of the Album: Ammani, Yennaanu Solveno