Music Review (Hindi): Raazi

Music Review (Hindi): Raazi
Music Composer: Shankar Ehsaan Loy
 
Ae Watan has an undeniable Mirzya vibe in the chorus portions and the serene blissful tune sung wonderfully by Arijit Singh. SEL did a commendable job with respect to arrangements  especially the soaring string portions accompanied by punctuating consistent percussions. The highlight of Dilbaro is tapas Roy's Rabab and uncredited Sarangi solos while Harshdeep Kaur delivers the folk tune with her impeccable vocals supported by ever reliable Shankar Mahadevan in the second half. After Binte dil, Arijit get similar vocal range track song in the title track Raazi and the singer aces it while SEL adorns the background with ample support from Tapas Roy and Arshad Khan's Esraj. Composer uses the Agar Dil phrase to create the tripping effect throughout the song and the under played esraj solos towards the end is a nice touch from the composer trio. The serene tone of Ae Watan's male version is replaced by much buoyant Sunidhi Chauhan version with Shankar Mahadevan Academy's chorus portions. Once again composer's extract the best from Tapas Roy in terms of arrangements.

Verdict: After a hiatus in 2017, Shankar Ehsaan Roy delivers their best to Meghna Gulzar's Raazi and the melodies are enchanting and makes me go back to their Mirzya soundtrack.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Raazi, Ae watan(both versions)

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

 

Music Review (Malayalam): Aravindante Athidikal

Music Review (Malayalam): Aravindante Athidikal
Music Composer: Shaan Rahman

Kanne Thaai Malare is trademark Shaan Rahman melody aced by the whispery vocals of Vineeth Srinivasan. Composer layers the melody with the minimal arrangements dominated by keys and the soundscape instantly takes the listeners back to his Thattathin Marayathu days. Rasathi's ARR'esque melody accompanied by Josy Alappuzha's flute and Cochin strings arrangements makes it a pleasant listen. Liya Susan Varghese's sargams and native percussion elements are enchanting and the Rasathi loop is an instant catchy one despite Vineeth Srinivasan's edgy vocals especially in high pitch portions. Anne Amie gets another brilliant song Anandhame for Shaan Rahman after Edhu Meghamaari in Kochava Paulo Ayyappa Coelho and the singer's pitch-perfect rendition makes this an enchanting listen. She is becoming my recent favourite singer in Malayalam industry especially after Kilivathilin from Pullikkaran Staraa. One wishes that composer could have churned this one as the full-fledged song instead of less than two minutes one. Endhe Kanna's exotic sounding arrangements and Megha Josekutty's mellifluous vocals is another undisputable winner from the composer. Shaan Rahman ends the melodious soundtrack with the fast pacing melody (and also devotional one I think going by the lyric, though not sure) Kripaakari Devi sung by mithun Jayaraj and the chenda rhythm is the nice touch by the composer despite sounds to be the synthesised one.

Verdict: Shaan Rahman once again proves his mettle with the melodious soundtrack of Aravindante Athidikal.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Anandhame, Rasathi, Endhe Kanna

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

Music Review(Malayalam): Kammara Sambavam

Music Review(Malayalam): Kammara Sambavam
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar

Njano Raavo's melodic punch and the violin solos are irresistible with Ilayarajae'sque soundscape in the interludes. Haricharan Seshadri aces the rendition while Divya S Menon gets the finest Kannane tune intermittently and the lady aces it like pro. Azhikullil has more mod outlook compared to the period in which the film is set and the jingoistic tune is strictly average except for the buoyant usage of trumpet and brass band. Karthik and Divya S Menon did adequate job in terms of vocals. Anjaandu Bharikkan is another pedestrian sprightly tune prodded by Murali Gopi's energetic rendition and foot tapping arrangements.

Verdict: Njano Raavo is an undeniable highlight of the short soundtrack from Gopi Sundar.

My Rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Njano Raavo

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

Music Review(Telugu): Bharat Ane Nenu

Music Review(Telugu): Bharat Ane Nenu
Music Composer: Devi Sri Prasad


Bharat Ane Nenu's consistent rhythm in the background takes me back to Sunny MR's Okkariki Okkaram from Dochay and surprisingly the song didn't turn anthemic. It's a great respite that the song of this genre stays relatively low and the modest techno beat sounds along with the David Simon's vocals makes this one an engaging listen.Farhan Akhtar's terrible vocals aside, I don't know's tune strictly resides in the Devisriprasad's territory and the composer relegated the singing to Farhan Akhtar and the tune sounds tailor-made for the composer itself. The only solace being the easy-going buoyant trumpet and brass sounds adorned generously throughout the track.

Vachaadaayo Saami is the most generic template song which he usually reserves for Kailash Kher and Divya Kumar. The tune is hardly interesting and sounds highly pedestrian track from the composer and the background is filled with the terribly outdated mix of varied percussions and chorus.Andrea Jeremiah owns the Ide Kalala Vunnadhe and the singer aces the rendition in an impressive manner. Devi Sri Prasad throws engaging synth dominated rock sound throughout the album while the singer takes care of the rest to elevate the song with her stylized vocals. O Vasumathi's Pallavi portions bear the composer tag completely, however, the song turns better towards the charanam portions despite the rap being the complete letdown. Yazin Nizar and Rita able to make this passable song bearable.

Verdict: After an impressive Rangasthalam, DeviSriPrasad sticks to tried and tested tunes for Bharat Ane Nenu and the tracks are strictly average one from the composer.

My Rating:6.5/10
 
Pick of the Album: Ide Kalala Vunnadhe, Bharat Ane Nenu  

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

Music Review (Telugu): Krishnarjuna Yudham

Music Review (Telugu): Krishnarjuna Yudham
Music Composer: Hip Hop Tamizha

Turn this Party up's energetic rock atmospheric sound is enough to pump up the adrenaline rush but the tune stays relatively average one. The upbeat background and brilliant Sitar solos make up for the patch tune while Hip Hop Tamizha and Brodha V ably pull off the song. The arrangements and the singers make this song an enjoyable affair even though strictly traversing in the known territory. The song of the album is undeniably massy folk song Dhaari Choodu sung and penned by Penchal Das and the foot tapping number easily makes one hit the repeat button. The punchy percussions, retro accordion prelude and the brilliant Nadhaswaram solos make this one highly engaging fun filled kuthu number from the Telugu Industry in recent times.


I wanna fly is a typical Hip Hop Tamizha and the composer has done this kind of songs umpteen number of times and the track fizzles out after first few minutes. The song turns better towards the end, Thanks to the Revanth's earnest singing, However, the song fails to elevate from the mediocre level. Ela Ela's throaty and highly processed Hip Hop Tamizha's prelude aside, the track is adequately enjoyable in Yazin Nizar's vocals.Composer throws few nifty touches with string sections and hard rock detour in the mid-way. Srimani's lyrics and Yazin Nizar's vocals make this track enjoyable till it lasts.Raghu Dixit's powerful vocals and intermittent Sarangi solos are the highlights in an otherwise typical anthemic song Urime Manase. The lead singer is continuously being relegated to these anthemic and pumping songs both by Devisri Prasad and Hip Hope Tamizha and one wishes that composers utilize this talented singer/composer for different shades of tune.Thaaney Vachchindhanaa features HipHop Tamizha's regular Padmalatha and Kaala Bhairava, Though the track is underwhelming when compared to the Padmalatha's previous collaboration with the composer, she elevates the song easily, especially with the charanam portions. The composer's folk touches intermittently and the mandolin in the first interlude makes this song worthy listen from the album.

Verdict: Hip Hop Tamizha churns out another minimum guarantee soundtrack for his sophomore Telugu album and Dhaari Choodu is definitely staying on the charts for a long time.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the album: Dhaari Choodu, Thaaney Vachchindhanaa, Ela Ela 

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

 

Music Review (Telugu): Chal Mohan Ranga

Music Review (Telugu): Chal Mohan Ranga
Music Composer: Thaman

Very Very Sad's hackneyed rhythm flow and absurd lyrics aside, Yazin Nizar's rendition and laid back guitar strums makes this one an acceptable song from the composer. Miami is the techno ladentrack which tries hard to appear trendy but falters eventually despite all the fangled rendition. The only solace being the intermittent sargams. Vaaram starts off with the brilliant solo violin prelude but soon transpired into the routine telugu track filled with absolutely laughable lyrics invoking days of the week.Ga Gha Megha also suffers from the pretty average tune despite the arrangements are surprisingly laudable and enjoyable. The soundtrack's best is undeniably lovely semi classical song Ardham Leni Navvu inspired by the Thiyagaraja Keerthanai Bantu Reethi Koluvu. Sreenidhi's top notch rendition and the splendid charanam makes this one an impressive listen in the album.

Verdict: Though Chal Mohan Ranga falls tad lower than Thaman's recent soundtracks, Ardham Lenii Navvu is ample proof that the composer revamped himself completely in 2018

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the album: Ardham Leni Navvu, Ga Gha Megha, Very Very Sad

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

 

Music Review (Telugu): Rangasthalam

Music Review (Telugu): Rangasthalam
Music Composer: Devisri Prasad

Devi Sri prasad weaves the sparkling folk sound around the familiar melody in Yentha Sakkagunnaave and it's a delight to listen the Telugu folk sound amidst the mass, electronic sounds churned out from the industry. There are considerable autotuning effects went in the Devisri Prasad's vocals, however, the tune and the string instruments in the background makes this one absolutely enjoyable one. The Splendid usage of mandolin in the second interlude is the towering highlight of the song. Ranga Ranga Rangasthalaana starts off in a promising not but soon turns out to be a rehash of composer's own Kevu Kekka. DSP's enjoyable mix of Thavil and Nadaswaram along with the Rahul Sipligunj's energetic rendition being the only highlight in an otherwise typical DSP song.

Rangamma Mangamma has an intriguing mix of Telugu Kuthu and the vaudevillian sounds occasionally. The track features brilliant usage of accordion which is peppered throughout the song and M M Manasi's punchy vocals makes this one easily listenable till it lasts. Aa Gattununtaava is another high octane song from DSP and though the tune is strictly average one, Chandrabose's folk soaked lyrics along with the Shiva Naagulu's pitch-perfect rendition make this song immensely enjoyable. The thumping percussions gels well with the mood and tempo of the song. DSP ends the soundtrack with the mandatory item song, Jigelu Rani and Sukumar-DSP combo gave some memorable kuthu songs. However, Jigelu Rani doesn't live up to the expectations. The tune partially works and also Ganta Venkata Lakshmi's vocals lack the necessary punch required for the songs of this genre.

Verdict: Sukumar always extract the best work from DSP and Rangasthalaam is no different. Composer's folk kuthu and melody across the album engages the listeners.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Yentha Sakkagunnaave, Rangamma Mangamma, AaGattununtaava 

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

 
 

 

Music Review (Telugu): Kirrak Party

Music Review (Telugu): Kirrak Party
Music Composer: Ajaneesh Loknath


Dum Dare's Happy days vibe is difficult to snub off, However Ajaneesh Loknath's punchy percussions and Vanamali's easily relatable lyrics make this one a nostalgic listen from the composer. There is a beautiful Sax solo in the second interlude and the consistent claps in the background accompanied by buoyant guitar riffs make this one easily works in Haricharan's cakewalk rendition. The song's farewell version is also an equally engrossing listen from the composer devoid of any punchy percussion elements in it. Thirboki Jeevana in Kannada version which was released as the single music video for the movie, skyrocketed the buzz around the movie. Shashank Sheshagiri croons the song replacing the composer itself in the original. The song is absolutely enjoyable in Telugu version also especially with the retro funky swag mix in the prelude and the top-notch chorus which works like a charm.

Belageddu comes as Guruvaram and Vijay Prakash ace the lovely beautiful tune effortlessly and the songs gain immensely from the chorus once again. The underlying latino percussions and the violin solos are definitely the highlight of this melody. The Ala la le part which went viral in Kannada is sure to stay top among the Telugu audiences also.Kannada composer's Thoongu Manchadalli is reused as Meera's Theme by Ajaneesh and the serene composition with minimal instruments in the background makes this one a delight to listen which is supported by Sameera Bharadwaj's earnest rendition.Neechamaina is sure to bring back memories of Premam along with the visuals, However, Ajaneesh's composition is so fresh and the haunting string score is enough to make the listeners fall in love with this song. Vasishta N and Simha easily sail through the song with their grungy rendition.

Last Bench is another short lovely song which is sure to connect easily to the college gangs, the percussions, harmonium and the guitar riffs is an absolute fun to listen. Daang Dakka hook along with Shashank Sheshagiri, Chintan Vikas and Varun's vocals makes this one works Ajaneesh Loknath tweaked the original song in Neelo Ninnu and gave the prelude more the classical tinge replacing the more punchy version in Kannada. The original versions work much better and coherent compared to this version. However, Shreya Ghoshal makes this one easy to buy and the first interlude with strings and drums is an absolute stunner from the composer.The Original version's best song Kaagadada Doniyalli comes as Pranamantha crooned by Kaala Bhairava and the song is a gem from the composer. The background arrangements are lovely with the strings sections, trumpet and the chorus along with the lead singer's vocals evocating the pain of the protagonist effectually.

Verdict: Ajaneesh Loknath debuts as a composer in Tollywood with the remake of his best commercial album till date and the tracks easily fit in Telugu. One wishes that the talented young composer could have added original songs to the album instead of going for complete reuse of the original tunes.

My Rating:8.5/10

Pick of the Album:  Pranamantha, Guruvaram, Sir Bewarse, Neelo Ninnu

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

Music Review (Tamil): Karu

Music Review (Tamil): Karu
Music Composer: Sam CS
 
Aalaliloo's lingering gloomy tone is evident from the Manoj's solo violin in the prelude itself and Swagatha S Krishna takes over the heavy score effectually. Sam CS created wonderful soundscape by brilliant insertion of strings consistently throughout the song. The Charanam portions are the delight to listen especially with the upbeat rhythm in the background and earnest singing. Sam CS delivers grand celebratory wedding mood in Konjali and the composer brilliantly employed percussions and Padmanabam's Nadhaswaram. Sathyaprakash, Neha Venugopal and Shalini deliver fine with respect to their vocals. The only grouse being the inconsistent tune which makes this one less catchy despite filled with an engaging arrangements.

Karuve is another melancholy loaded with orchestral strings and KS Chitra's stupendous singing lifts the ordinary tune impressively. Sam CS brilliantly employed brief santoor strains amidst the emotional singing and the expansive strings loaded soundscape. Madhan Karky's lyrics aid the tone of the song. Voice of Karu is the instrumental version of Karuve starts with the wailing classical violin solo and the evocative instrumental version is as effective as the Karuve. Sound of Revenge as the title suggests, Sam CS carries the dark grungy soundscape throughout the two-minute theme track propelled by the chorus portions.

My Rating:7.5/10

Verdict: Sam CS delivers an engaging emotional score rich in orchestral strings for AL Vijay's Karu.

Pick of the Album: Aalaliloo, Karuve

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

Music Review (Tamil): Kaali

Music Review (Tamil): Kaali
Music Composer: Vijay Antony

Vijay Antony has the knack of surprising listeners with the unexpected sweeping melody and Arumbey falls in that zone as similar to Nenjorathil from Pichaikkaran. Nivas and Janani Iyer owns this Hamsanadam based gorgeous tune. Composer adorns the tune with beautiful violin solos and Santoor strains effectively. Amma Azhugiren is the typical song which Vijay Antony reserves for melancholy regarding Amma's love and the generic tune doesn't help the song. The arrangements are relatively better with the haunting grey shades in an otherwise pretty average tune and lyrics. Nivas mangles the Tamil diction considerably, especially while rendering the title.


Noorai Yugam is another gorgeous melody with an upbeat techno rhythm peppered profusely with gorgeous violin solos. The tune is enjoyable till it lasts while Vedala Hemachandra and Sangeetha Rajeshwaran ably manage to make it listenable despite the monotonous feel of the overall soundscape.Poraayo is another melancholy which fails to register with the listeners and the soundscape remains predominantly string based one peppered with haunting flute solos. The tune falters behind while Deepak saves the song with his earnest rendition.


Verdict: Vijay Antony scores easily in Kaali with the gorgeous melodies Arumbey and Noorai Yugam.

My Rating: 7/10
Pick of the Album: Arumbey, Noorai Yugam

Music Review (Malayalam): Aami

Music Review (Malayalam): Aami
Music Composer: M Jayachandran and  Taufiq Qureshi

Neermathalapoo's dulcet melody gains lot from the lead singer's effectual rendition and Shreya Goshal owns the song completely. M Jayachandran throws in wonderful pleasant typical Malayalam soundcape with occassional Bengali folk elements sung by Arnab Dutta. Shreya Goshal's singing takes Pranayamayi Radha to much higher level and the composer throws in beautiful Naveen's flute and spectacular Dilshad Khan's Sarangi. Vijay Yesudas occasionally chips in and gives his fantastic support. This song takes me to another splendid song from the M Jayachandran and Shreay Goshal combo in Pranayam. Shreya Goshal's improvisations are delightful to listen.

Taufiq Qureshi enters the soundtrack with the delectable Ghazal Chand Hoga and the song once again features predominant usage of Sarangi and the lovely second interlude is a bliss to listen. Javed Ali's earnest singing makes this one an enjoyable one till it lasts. In Aadhi Raath, Taufiq employs some brilliant folk sounds especially the minimmal percussions sounds works like charm but sadly the same cannot be said about Roop's singing. However the backgrounds are adequately enjoyable despite the song is around seven minutes long. Javed Ali returns to the soundtrack with another fine Ghazal Umar Salon Sein and the ace singers leads like a pro with ultimate splendid support from the Sarangi.

Verdict: M Jayachandran and Taufiq Qureshi delivers pleasant and heavy soundtrack for the Kamala Surayya's biography.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Pranayamayi Radha, Neermathalapoo, Chand Hoga

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn

Music Review (Tamil): Iravukku Aayiram Kangal

Music Review (Tamil): Iravukku Aayiram Kangal
Music Composer: Sam CS

Uyir Uruvatha's impressive melody is backed by the folk-tinged tune and the fantastic hook makes this one easily the best song on the album. Sam CS adorned the beautiful tune with the lovely arrangements especially underplayed string sections in the background and the lovely interchange between Manoj's solo violin and Deric -Vikram's percussions. Sathyaprakash and Chinmayi give incredible support with their gorgeous vocals. In Yea Pa Yeppappa, Sam CS utilizes his voice in a peculiar manner and the build up around the mysterious tune works well with his gruff vocals. The song shifts it's tone into the dark rock and the brief classical bit by Swagatha S Krishna who is also musical supervisor for the album in the mid-way and the composer's brilliant arrangement work makes this one thrilling listen till the end of the song.

Manoj's solo violin is undeniable winner in an another penchant melody Yea penne Neeyum and the lovely folk twisted tune of Sam CS continues to be an enchanting one. Kishore's Sitar is another perpetual brilliant sound interspersed throughout the tune. Haricharan easily sails through the tune and the singer effortlessly croons the high pitch portions of the song.Sam CS ends the brilliant soundtrack with the two Instrumentals Nights of Neverland and Winds of the darkest hour. Composer churns out the former theme from the first interlude of Yea Pa Yeppappa and he tweaked the portion with the brilliant concoction of mysterious sounds. The theme is pulsating and effectual which reaches the racing high towards the end. The Winds of the darkest hour is also the racy theme brimming with the pulsating score but falls tad lower than the previous one. The theme track ends abruptly.

Verdict: Sam CS is on a roll and the composer churned out another stupendous album filled with lovely melodies and the score befitting the theme.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Uyir Uruvatha, Yea Penne Neeyum, Yea Pa Yeppappa.

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

 

Music Album (Telugu): Gayatri

Music Album (Telugu): Gayatri
Music Composer: Thaman
 
Thaman got an impressive list of veteran singers to croon for his latest album Gayatri. The album opens up with celebratory Jai Hanuman and Shankar Mahadevan easily sails through the song with his energetic rendition. Though the tune and the arrangemnets are strictly perfunctory one, vocals make this one adequately listenable. Thaman surprises us with Thella Thella, the retro styled tune sung by an effectual Madhu Balakrishnan. The charanam portions turns much better tune wise and the hypnotic flute solos and the violin lift the song effortlessly. Thaman gives another delightful melody for Jubin Nautiyal after Telusa Telusaa in Sarrainodu. The composer once again excels in the arrangements with an engaging tabla base and ever dependable Shreya Goshal takes care of the rest as usual. Though Jubin's diction is irksome at places, the melody and Shreya makes this song worthy listen. Vekuvamma is typical 90's Deva material and the tune is outdated one while SPB steals the show with his evergreen vocals. Thaman aces in the sensual song Sarasamaha and Ramya Behara brings out the tone of the song successfully while the composer adorns the song with the gorgeous veena solos. Thaman ends the soundtrack with the retro theater styled tune Ravan Brahma. The aggressive and grand arrangements works to the favour of the song despite an effectual show by Mano in the vocals.

Verdict: Thaman continues his splendid form in 2018 with Gayatri and it's delightful to listen Thaman's album devoid of any autotuning gimmicks.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Thella Thella, Oka Nuvvu Okka Nenu, Sarasamaha

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