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.

Music Review (Hindi): Padmaavat

Music Review (Hindi): Padmaavat
Music Composer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali 

Ghoomar starts with roaring Swaroop Khan's Rajasthani verses and the composer packed the proceedings with an absolutely groovy folk music. Shreya Goshal aces the rendition as always and the chorus portions blend perfectly well with the tone of the song. The celebratory song culminates with the frolicking chorus. Sanjay Leela Bhansali does better in terms of tune in the next song of the album Ek dil Ek Jaan where the composer creates brilliant serene Quwwali. Shivam Pathak aces the song with his earnest rendition and Sarangi in the backgrounds serves as a perfect companion.  Khalibali starts on an ominous note but turns out to be a perfunctory number except for the sprightly rendition by Shivam Pathak and Shail Hada and some deft use of strings. Nainowale Na is more contemporary sounding track relative to the setting of the film. Neethi Mohan owns this song with her splendid vocals backed by graceful sitar notes. Manganiyar's and Langa's folk song Holi sticks to the serene traditional outlook while Richa Sharma easily outsmarts Shail Hada with her earnest rendition. Binte dil's middle eastern arrangements work like charm but the same cannot be said about Arijit's Singh's singing. The singer tries hard to blend with the tone but it kinda misfired.  

Verdict: Padmaavat falls far behind the composer's splendid Bajirao Mastani

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Ghoomar, Nainowale Na, Ek Dil Ek Jaan

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

Music Review (Telugu): Tholi Prema

Music Review (Telugu): Tholi Prema
Music Composer: Thaman

Raghu Dixit is relegated to his usual type of tune in Break the rules and Srimani's absurd chemical elements incorporated lyrics aside, Thaman does wonders with respect to the stupendous usage of Veena and the wonderful semi classical digression in the halfway through the song. Thaman rocks with the gorgeous melody Ninnila sung to perfection by Bollywood singer Armaan Malik. Composer kept the arrangements light and breezy surprisingly without resorting to his glaring beats. Sunonana Sunaina has nothing new to offer apart from the brilliant horns usage and Rahul Nambiar's effective rendition. Allasani Vaari derives largely from the ever dependable Shreya Goshal's vocals and the buoyant rendition is made better by Thaman's arrangements along with Kamalakar's brilliant classically tinged flute solos. Armaan Malik croons another synth dominated melody Vinnane Vinnane and the track is adequately engaging despite the predictable outlook. Thaman ends the soundtrack with another Veena laden pathos and the composer did a neat job especially in the arrangements with the wonderful mixture of Veena, Violin and guitar. 

Verdict: After an impressive Sketch, Thaman's revamped music in 2018 sounds promising.

My Rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ninnila, Allasani Vaari, Tholi Prema

P.S you can listen to the soundtrack in Saavn 


 

Music Review (Tamil): IrumbuThirai

Music Review (Tamil): IrumbuThirai
Music Composer: Yuvan Shankar Raja
 
Athiradi, hero introduction track is loaded with techno sounds matching with the lead actor's role and the Vivek's lyrics is awkwardly routine stuff which tailor-made for this kind of role. Naveen infuses enough energy to the track and the digression towards the middle of the song to the marchpast sound appears to be forced and the tune around the hook also middling one from the composer. Mudhal Murai is a neat pleasant melody dominated by the synth sounds and the brief respite being the concise Nadaswaram bit by Thirumurthy. However the tune lacks an instant catchy appeal while Jithinraj does a neat job behind the mic.Vignesh Shivn's perfunctory lyrics in Angry birds is intended to appeal the youth listeners but doesn't work as expected. Yuvan spruces up the proceedings with the upbeat tune and Jithin Raj's vocals make this short track works in its favour.

Yuvan hits the right notes in Yaar Ivan where the haunting tune and the string section in the background make this one an enjoyable track. The gravity of the techno-thriller is apparent both in the song's soundscape and stupendous grungy rendition by Kaber Vasuki.Azhagae is good old Yuvan where the pleasant serene melody adorned with the synth beats and brief unwieldy harmonies aside, the composer does the neat job with this song when compared to other tracks in the album. Arun Kamath and Jonita Gandhi provide excellent backing for the track with their gorgeous rendition. 

Verdict: Irumbuthirai is another conventional soundtrack from YuvanShankar Raja where a couple of melodies works.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the album: Azhagae, Yaar Ivan 

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

Music Review (Tamil): Kee

Music Review (Tamil): Kee
Music Composer: Vishal Chandrashekar

Raaja Paatu's hipster outlook aside, the lyrics by Madhan Karky and tune is far away from the promising title of the track. Sri Rascol's roller coaster rap portions and Vishal Chandrashekar's trippy techno sounds in the background makes this one listenable till it lasts. Vishal does considerably better in the second track, Kaadhoram where the composer effectually uses Puyal Mazhainil hook and the orchestration around that hook especially the usage of the oboe is adequately engaging to clasp the listeners. Sindhuri Vishal crooned the song with aplomb and Vijay Prakash easily scores with his effectual rendition backed up by Sathya Prakash and Nikhil Mathew.

Pattikichu Paathiya once again suffers from the strictly average tune and the composer's playful tone of the song is in tandem with the carefree lyrics by Mani Amuthavan. The pack of singers led by Devan ekamabaram who comes back after a long period and they did a decent job with respect to vocals. Apart from the few nifty touches in the arrangements, the track has very little to offer. Kattappa is an another mediocre track from Vishal Chandrasekhar and except for the buoyant trumpet usage, this is highly unexciting track from the composer. Again, the composer employed line of singers led by Krishna Prasad, however passable lyrics and uninspiring tune makes this one exhausting listen in the album.Kuduthu Paaru Kee's short and also conventional sounding track relies largely on the Syd Ibu's energetic rendition.

Verdict: Vishal Chandrashekar's Kee is filled with low-key tracks except for the single stand-out melody track Kaadhoram. 

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kaadhoram, Pattikichu Paathiya

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

Music Review (Tamil): Nimir

Music Review (Tamil): Nimir
Music Composer: Darbuka Siva and Ajaneesh Loknath

Poovukku's pleasant melody is uplifted by the fabulous usage of Keba Jeremiah's Ukulele and flute in the background and Swetha Mohan aces the rendition with her dependable vocals as always. Though the underlying melody is not an instantly catchy one from Darbuka Siva, the composer ensures that the arrangements are top notch and simple enough to make the track enjoyable.Vaazhum Valluvare is a short track which is an ode to the great Poets in Tamil and Darbuka Siva's serene prayer like soundscape works despite being the very short track. The kids choir V Priyadarshini, Apoorva, Aparajitha and Jyothsna Akilan did a commendable job with the vocals.Epodhum Unmael Nyabagam's weak link is the totally typical and uninteresting pathos tune. However, Ajaneesh Loknath spruces up the proceedings with the intriguing sounds in the backdrop especially lovely usage of strings and harmonica. Vijay Prakash's singing elevates the average tune considerably.

In Nenjil Maamazhai, Ajaneesh easily scores with the enjoyable melody which is amply backed by stunning rendition by Haricharan and Swetha Mohan. The maapillai Paatu styled tune is supported by few impressive arrangements with the accordion and consistently engaging Tabla rhythm.
Darbuka Siva returns to the soundtrack with the absolutely charming melody Yaenadi, which is crooned to perfection by Haricharan. Composer's upbeat light rhythm structure and the expansive interludes portions makes this one enjoyable and easily reminds of the composer latest hit song for Enai Nokki Paayum Thotta.Darbuka Siva does even better in the semi-classical melody Geedhara Kiliye and SathyaPrakash's phenomenal vocals make this one easily the best song on the album. The singer's improvisations and the short duel between the Sargam and violin in the prelude are easily the highlights of this intriguing track on the album.

Verdict: Darbuka Siva and Ajaneesh Loknath deliver highly melodious, and light-hearted album for Priyadharshan's Nimir.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Geedhara Kiliye, Yaenadi, Nenjil Maamazhai 

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

 

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Music Review (Tamil): Sketch

Music Review (Tamil): Sketch
Music Composer: Thaman

Kanave Kanave song has the mandatory Thaman's usual extreme processing of vocals and Vikram's voice is made more amibale and pleasant for the melody. The arrangements are breezy enough to lift the pleasant and vaguely familiar tune. The chorus tune and the strawberry kanna hook is a catchy stuff from the composer. Atchi Putchi is the garish mix of Aaluma Doluma and Thaman unleashed his percussion hook from his Telugu repertoire. Thaman easily scores in Cheeni Chillale where the beautiful melody is elevated by delightful mix of sounds in the background lead by Kamalakar's flute. Swetha Mohan's pitch perfect rendition is ably supported by Yazin Nizar. Dhaadikaara is a typical Thaman song where the loung'ish feel in the tune is complemented by Andrea's husky vocals while the minor grouse is Sudha Raghunathan's vocals are simply relegated to Dhaadikaara title hook. Thaman reserves the best to the final song in the soundtrack Vaanam Thooramalle where the enjoyable classical tinged melody is sung effectually by Deepak Subramanian  while Thaman kept the arrangements minimal and thrown few brilliant synth surprises in the interludes. Sashaa Tripathi's late entry towards the second half makes this one an easily much addictive song in the soundtrack and the singer's improvisations are absolutely delectable one.

Verdict: Thaman brings back his earlier days mojo in Sketch and the enchanting melodies works like charm.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Vaanam Thooramalle, Cheeni Chillale, Kanave Kanave

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

Music Review (Tamil): Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren

Music Review (Tamil): Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren
Music Composer: Justin Prabhakaran

Lamba Lamba is an incredibly funky song has an absurdly catchy hook sung with enough verve by Christopher Stanley and ably supported by Femcee's rap portions. Karthik Netha's crazy mix of lyrics  easily fits the tone of the song. Yae Elumba Enni is completely situational and features enticing tribal percussions played by Kumar and Thumba Raja. However the tune is mediocre and needs visuals to prop up the song. Hey Reengara is the conventional sounding track in the album sung with enough swag in Nikhita Gandhi's vocals and the guitar laden rock melody works easily. The kuthu dark digression in the middle is the forbidding element from the composer. Rakozhi Kootaalinga is also more situational track which may work well with the visuals rather than as a standalone track.

Verdict: Justin Prabhakaran's soundtrack for Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren is in line with the wacky premise promised by the trailer but as a soundtrack it falls apart.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Lamba Lamba, Hey Reengara 

P.S You can listen to the soundtrack in Saavn


 

Music Review (Tamil): Thaana Serndha Kootam

Music Review (Tamil): Thaana Serndha Kootam
Music Composer: Anirudh

Anirudh brings his Naanum Rowdy Dhaan mode in Naana Thaana with ample improvisations from the music advisor Anantha Krishnan. Though the tune as a standalone sound not impressive, the arrangements are top notch with brilliant violin solos played by Ananthakrishnan itself and fabulous harmonica usage in the first interlude. Anirudh segues Dholak and Tabla sounds effortlessly in the consistently engaging soft rock rhythm structure. Sodakku is an infectious crazy song where Antony Daasaan's impeccable rustic rendition is complemented by Anirudh's manic catchy arrangements. Though Punya Srinivas's Veena is processed, it blends well with the overall energy of the song. Keba Jeremiah ably supports them with his frenzy guitar strums and Mani Amudhavan's lyrics aids the song well.

The title track's retro synth and Anirudh make sure that the recurring music loop around the title is catchy enough to hold listener's attention. However, the tune as a whole didn't work as expected and the digressions with respect to the kid chorus falter after an impressive start of the song. Anirudh scores easily in Engae Endru Povathu and the tune reaches the crescendo before ShakthiShree Gopalan's husky vocals and impressive soft rock sounds are mixed. Anirudh's vocals in the initial half are complemented by fabulous low key strings backdrop. The free-flowing tune structure works like charm and the feel is accentuated by affecting lyrics.Peela Peela's Goan sound and the tune hardly goes wrong and this song is not an exception. Apart from the pedestrian Vignesh Shivn's lyrics, Anirudh kept the song simple aided by the ebullient rhythm sounds. The tune is the cakewalk for Nakash Aziz and the man oozes out with his enthusiastic rendition ably supported by Jassie gift and Mali. The track's undeniable highlight is Kamalakar's flute solos in the interlude.

Verdict: Anirudh and Vignesh Shivn's collaboration continues to be engaging and composer churns out catchy tunes effortlessly despite the tracks are not musically rich as Naanum Rowdy dhaan.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Engae Endru Povathu, Naana Thaana, Sodakku

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn