Music Review(Malayalam): Jacobinte Swargarajyam

Music Review(Malayalam): Jacobinte Swargarajyam
Music Composer: Shaan Rahman

Ee Shishirakaalam is typical Shaan Rahman melody and Shaan Rahman's close associate Vineeth Sreenivasan and Alka Ajith handles the gorgeous violin-laden tune quite effectually. Unni Menon and Sithara steals the show in the traditional song Thiruvaavaniraavu filled with authentic Kerala percussion elements, amidst synthesised beats. Especially loved the classical sargams by the lead singers throughout the song. In Dubai, Shaan builds the sing along simple tune on an impressive string base with Vineeth Sreenivasan lending fantastic support with his vocals. In Ennilerinju, Shaan mixes rap portions and Carnatic sargams beautifully and though Rzee's rap portions didn't impress much, the track is the wonderful listen mainly because of the Sithara's stupendous rendition and an enticing orchestration in the background. Home crooned by Ashwin is the typical rock song which is passable at its best.

Verdict: Jacobinte Swargarajyam is rich in melodies as expected from Shaan Rahman, however this one lags tad behind when compared to the Vineeth Srinivasan- Shaan's earlier works.

My rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ee Shishirakaalam, Thiruvaavaniraavu, Dubai

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Malayalam): Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti

Music Review (Malayalam): Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti
Music Composer: Sooraj S Kurup

Vaathe Poothe, infectious kuthu on the lines of Pistha from Neram and the composer maintains the energy throughout the song while handling the vocals of this short track also. Pooram Kannan's tune and the vocals of both the lead singers Vijay Yesudas- Sithara has the tinge of folk swag. Composer's dark tone in the tune and arrangements dominated by fabulous percussions give quite an enticing tone to the song. Haricharan and Madonna sound fantastic in the classically inclined song Pularkaalam Pole while composer incorporated gorgeous Nadhaswaram - Mridangam combo (which mildly evocates memories of Mettu podu from duet) generously throughout the song. Kannukal Kalidari has an intriguing tune and composer itself rendered the song in an effectual manner. Sooraj employs an interesting set of sounds in the arrangements ranging from foot-tapping percussion, wonderful guitar usage especially loved the Carnatic styled one towards the end and Mridangam combo in the second interlude works wonderfully. Enno Kaathil's serene tune and minimalistic guitar laden orchestration blend together beautifully in Vineeth Srinivasan's vocals. Are Thu Chakarr is the only song which didn't work much mainly due to the formulaic tune while composer ups the ante with sporadic pieces of engaging orchestration.

Verdict: Sooraj S Kurup shows promise in his debut Malayalam album with quite an eclectic and an enjoyable mix of songs

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Kannukal Kalidari, Pooram Kannan, Vaathe Pothe, Pularkaalam Pole

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Telugu): Sardaar Gabbar Singh

Music Review (Telugu): Sardaar Gabbar Singh
Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad 

DeviSriprasad reworked on the Gabbar Singh's title track tune for the Sardaar Gabbar Singh and the result is equally engaging. However, this one lacks the energy and punch both in terms of vocals and orchestration. Benny Dayal did a neat and commendable job but when compared to Baba Sehgal's original version this one falls behind a tad.O Pilla, though nothing much refreshing about this song, the tune flows without much hindrance mainly due to pleasant violin solos and typical DeviSri Prasad tune. Shreya Goshal's euphonious vocals and Vijay Prakash makes this standard fare from DSP works to some extent.

Tauba Tauba rides on the standard percussion rhythms with occasional qawwali touches with harmonium, tabla being the only takeaway in this passable song. Anant Sriram's funny lyrics justifying the drinking and Nakash Aziz's vocals deserves special mention. The song requires Pawan Kalyan's screen presence to make this one chartbuster.Nee Cheppakallu, another melody in the album crooned by Sagar and ever reliable Chinmayi and both singers aces the simple tune. Though the tune sounds dated and the DSP's orchestration seems to be dredged from his own stock templates, singers rule this track because of their involved rendition. Aadevadanna Eedevadanna is incredibly punchy enough to make fans crazy and Ramajogayya Sastry's mass lyrics praising the protagonist will blend well with the visuals rather than as a standalone track. DSP kept the orchestration generic and formulaic which confines well within the standard mass track.Khakee Chokka, another mass song in the album and Devi Sri Prasad seems to regurgitate his own stock sounds and templates. The song falls far behind in terms of energy as well as instant catchy factor in Kevu Kekka. Mamta Sharma and Simha's rendition are also unable to salvage this highly predictable mass song.

Verdict: DSP's Sardaar Gabbar Singh has nothing extraordinary to offer and DSP mired himself with  his stock tunes which are staid. Sardaar Gabbar Singh album is strictly for Pawan Kalyan fans.

My rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Nee Cheppakallu, O Pilla, Tauba Tauba

You can listen to the songs in Youtube.

Music Review (Tamil): Theri

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

Jithu Jilladi comes off lively due to Thenisai Thendral Deva's sprightly rendition mixed with his idiosyncratic nuances. G V Prakash's arrangements feature a passable mix of dubstep and local Kuthu, However the tune is not an instant catchy one and also the composition is more like yesteryear Deva song rather than as GV's tune.  In Eena Meena Teeka, GV created the lifting ambience with a very-European orchestration features lovely mix of accordion, violin solos and brass sections. GV Prakash and Uthara Unnikrishnan's carefree boisterous singing work in a big way for this rock and roll tune with little shades of Vaanganna Vanakkanganna.  En Jeevan is an impacting romantic duet especially evergreen Hariharan and mellifluous Saindhavi uplifts the beautiful tune in a brilliant way while Vaikom Vijayalakshmi renders fabulous support in reciting Sanskrit portions. Another undeniable winner in this track is the lovely use of solo violins and mesmerising flute sections throughout this lilting track.

Thaimai is a serene lullaby and GV Prakash set the tone for the mood of the song with minimal orchestration dominated by flute and other assorted blissful sounds to create an impact required for the song. GV roped in another proficient singer Bombay Jayashree and she aces the simple beautiful tune with ease. Pulavar Pulamaipithan lyrics add much value to the beautiful composition.In Chella Kutty, GV Prakash shifts the mood of the song from bagpipe hook prelude to tribal beats and treads towards the techno sound package. Though individually sounds good the transition appears to be forced while Vijay and Neethi Mohan's involved rendition of this funky track makes this one enjoyable listen.Dub Theri step is a decent listen with typical dubstep techno sounds, however, the whistling sound and humming adds the nice touch to the overall soundscape. Arunraja Kamaraj's grungy vocals gel well with the tone of the song.Rangu is the weakest song in the album rides mainly on the energetic T R's vocals and Sonu Kakkar manages to ooze out equally energetic rendition. GV Prakash's mixes too many assorted sounds ranging from Thavil, Nadhaswaram, electric guitar and percussion beats. Overall the song may create impact with an enticing visual.

Verdict: GV Prakash and Atlee delivered the fun entertaining album which surely satiate Vijay fans and still Atlee's Raja Rani scores well in terms of overall quality as well as diverse range of songs.

My rating: 7.25/10

Pick of the Album: En Jeevan, Thaimai, Chella Kutti

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

Edited version of the review is available in Moviecrow.

Music Review (Tamil): Vetrivel

Music Review (Tamil): Vetrivel
Music Composer: Imman

Adiye Unna Paathida has an easy charm, lilting tune and Imman's trademark violin phrases in the interludes, mesmerising flute to bolster the ear pleasing duet.Sathyaprakash is incredibly good with the vocals while another competent singer Vandana enters the charanam portions and aces the simple tune with ease. Yugabharathi continues to weave immaculate easily accessible folksy lyrics for Imman.Onnapola Oruthana starts off with typical marriage function prelude and Ilayaraja'ish chorus but the tune is middling at its best while Imman's background percussion laden rhythm suffers from deja-vu sound. Shreya Goshal's euphonious vocals and the nuances in the singing makes this works till it lasts. Balesh's Shenai being the highlight in this passable track.

Attam Pottu's energy level and Saicharan's verve complements well with the optimistic lyrics by Mohan Raj. Though Imman's tune tread on the familiar soundscape created by the composer itself, Imman scores in the arrangements from Kazoo in the prelude to brilliant mix of Nadhaswaram, Thavil and veena in the second interlude.Adhuva Idhuva is a short feel good melody by Imman and sung fabulously by Aalaap Raju while Imman restricts himself with simple progressive orchestration dominated by hardcore guitar riffs and rhythm beats. Naattu Saalayile is a typical rural folklore dominated by percussions and the medley comes off lively due to the earthy vocals of battalion of singers Jeyamoorthi, VM Mahalingam, Anitha Venkat and Kovilpatti Amali. Yugabharathi's amusing lyrical dialogues aids the listening experience adequately however this song may come off well with visuals rather than as standalone track.

Verdict: Imman's rural folk album has its highs with his simple accessible melodies and also reuse strain in the overall soundscape of the album being the only minor concern.

My rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album:Adiye Unna Paathida,  Onnapola Oruthan, Attam Pottu

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Tamil): Jackson Durai

Music Review (Tamil): Jackson Durai
Music Composer: Siddharth Vipin

       Motorbike has an expected unconventional, outlandish programming throughout the song and the ambience sounds created with synth are particularly adequate to create the curiosity, however, the so-so tune drags down the song by a speck. Antony Dasan and Dharani Dharan-Arvind Devaraj makes up for the minor grouse with their vocals and lyrics respectively.Yethetho is the charming melody which composer builds on the fabulous string sections, brief banjos, Naveen's guitar strums and Vishnu's flute thrown in intermittently. Although the tune has the heard before feel, ever- reliable singers Karthik and Chinmayi makes this dulcet melody enjoyable till it lasts.

      The title song of Jackson Durai joins the list of umpteen techno kuthu tracks churned out by the music composers in recent times. Apart from the sprightly rendition by Gaana Bala and the illustrious Sathyaraj's 'Ammavasai' dialogues, this short title track has very little to offer for the listeners. Motobike's remix version is an unwarranted typical remix version of the original song which ticks off every sound one can associate with the remix songs. The remix version is not a bad listen but the song strictly confines well within the framework of the songs of this genre. Overall, it ends up being the passable listen in the album.

Verdict: Siddharth Vipin's score for Jackson Durai has its constraints considering the movie's genre, however the quirky unconventional tone in the title and movie posters didn't come off well in the soundtrack of the movie. Overall, Jackson Durai soundtrack is a medley of trifle passable tunes from Siddharth vipin barring the enjoyable melody.

My rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Yethetho, Motorbike

Music Review(Kannada): Godhi Banna Sadharna Mykattu

Music Review(Kannada): Godhi Banna Sadharna Mykattu
Music Composer: Charan Raj 

Naa E Sanjage, wonderful laid back jazz song rendered fabulously by Siddhanth and the Charan Raj's arrangements is mindblowing, an inventive jazz fusion of Raman Iyer's wind instrument with Sitar and Tabla. Especially Loved the harmonious piece between wind instrument and Sitar. Sharanya Gopinath, another fabulous singer brings out the charm with her vocals and the effect remains intact as in the male version. Job Kurian. the brilliant singer who I wish should sing and compose lot more delivered with ease in the techno-laden track Komala Henne and the addictive charanam portions. Deepak Paramashivan's sarangi is another icing on the cake to the fabulous lead singer rendition. The Malayalam feel in the song is inevitable due to the singer's vocals which one mostly associated with Malayalam songs. The soundtrack turns much better in the another great melody Ranga Bhoomia where Sandeep Vasishta's flute throws us back into yesteryear melodies. Nelson Kumar's string arrangements, Deepak Paramashivan's Veena adequately support this pleasant song. Haricharan seems to be getting awesome compositions in all south Indian languages back to back and the singer aces this also in his own style. Katheyondu Shuruvaide's highlight is the stellar violin solos by Aneesh Violin Vidyashankar and Balesh's Shehnai. Arun Kamath and Sparsha BK sounds apt in this enticing duet complementing the fabulous arrangements with the sargams in the midway and towards the end.

Ayo Maaya is another intriguingly arranged soundtrack and particularly loved the eerie Inchara Rao's rendition along with the background sounds. The song has some fabulous mixing in the arrangements with brass instruments and guitar. Charan Raj brought Masala Coffee fame Sooraj Santosh on board to deliver the classically oriented song Aley Moodathe and the singer aces the tune with his nuanced rendition. Once again Charan Raj's arrangements are top notch with Prakash Hegde's flute stealing the show. Sooraj's rendition and the serene arrangements make this one blissful listen in the soundtrack. Gasi Gumma is the kickass song in the soundtrack and the song is awesomest in an every aspect from coarse vocals of Charanraj or sinister touch to the tune as well as arrangements. Particularly loved the way the transition happens from Praveen Mathias's Guitar to Narendra H N's Veena. Mouna Mouna is the only weak link in an otherwise wonderful album and strictly because of the more awesomeness in the remaining tracks make this one little enjoyable.

Verdict: Absolutely mindblowing, experimental mainstream soundtrack released this year. Charan Raj delivered eclectic soundtrack in Kannada and the beauty of the soundtrack lies in the way the composer incorporated both western and Indian instruments in almost all the songs. Godhi Banna Sadharna Mykattu is undeniably the best soundtrack released this year so far. 

My rating: 9/10

Pick of the Album: Just listen to the whole album. You won't regret it.

P.S. Best albums in Kannada (at least from the time I started following Kannada music) has Rakshith Shetty in the crew. Ulidavaru Kandante and now GBSM.

You can listen to the soundtrack in the movie's Official site.

Music Review (Tamil): Sawari

Music Review (Tamil): Sawari
Music Composer: Vishal Chandrasekhar

     June Malargalin, breezy soft rock track from Vishal Chandrasekhar and the composer brings in nifty touches to the tune with groovy guitar riff cum live drums especially loved the tinge of classical twist in the second interlude. Naresh Iyer breezes through the easily accessible track with his pitch-perfect rendition. Charukesh lyrics are functional and flows well along with the tune.Ennai Theriyuma is the only weak link in an otherwise pleasing album and the composer's attempt on the grungy techno track works partially with occasional brilliance in terms of arrangements. Sudeep's vocals and quirky sounds being the only highlight in this passable track.

    Vishal Chandrasekhar enters into his quirky unconventional Jil Jung Juk mode in Paani Poori and the resemblance of Domer-u- lord u is undeniable. However, the track is rollicking addictive one which makes up for the deja-vu factor associated with the track. The heavily layered techno-laden track with enticing sound and amusing lyrics by Arun Raja Kamaraj makes this work.Vishal reserved the best of the soundtrack Mazhaiyil to his better half Sinduri and she handles the lovely semi-classical Vidya Sagar'ish melody really well along with the proficient singer Unni Krishnan. Vishal throws out some brilliant ambience  and rhythmic synth sounds in this pleasant composition especially loved the guitar riffs in the first interlude.Vishal ends the soundtrack with the two theme tracks escape theme and Power of Ponmala. The former being the lovely cornucopia of an enticing string section with the only grouse being the short duration. The power of Ponmala has lovely quirky guitar riffs and techno sounds and both the soundtrack may gel much better along with the visuals rather as a standalone soundtrack.

Verdict: After the middling Aagam, Vishal Chandrasekhar comes up with the immensely engaging score for the psycho thriller movie with the right mix of melodies and wackiness imbibed with the songs. Overall Sawari is the fitting follow up for the composer's eclectic Jil Jung Juk.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Mazhayil, June Malargalin, Paani Poori

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

Music Review (Kannada): Akira

Music Review (Kannada): Akira
Music Composer: Ajaneesh Loknath

Hey Huduguru yella borders on the Ajaneesh Loknath's Gatiya Illidu from Ulidavaru Kandante, However, composer's vocals and sweeping euphonious string sections accompanied by percussion base make this song enjoyable till it lasts. Composer did a fine job behind the mic also. Kanna Sannayindele's techno sound starts off well but the tune wanders in the mid-way and turns out to be an average song in the album. However surprisingly Puneeth Rajkumar sounds fabulous compared to his earlier songs and fantastic hook makes this one listenable till it lasts. Nam Arealiondina rides mainly on the VijayPrakash's effectual rendition and the pedestrian tune didn't elevate the level of the song. Ajaneesh's arrangements also tread on the strictly functional level only. Ajaneesh delivers full-fledged raucous kuthu in Godu Godu Bandhavne Nodu with adequate support and energy from Naveen Sajju. Although the tune of this kuthu rides on the familiar soundscape, foot tapping rhythm makes this passable listen till it lasts. Yethakond Hogu Ma another techno sound laden track comes off lively only on the vocals of Vijay Prakash and husky CR Bobby's vocals. Akira's title track too has nothing extraordinary to offer, simple technon laden soundtrack which falls flat without making any impact and need visuals to prod this song.Ajaneesh scores in the final track of the album Aliside Usiragide where composer's stupendous use of violin and mild intermittent tabla base works in its favour. Vijay Raghavendra's lends his support really well with his vocals.

Verdict: Ajaneesh Loknath's full-fledged commercial entertainer album works partially and lags behind the eclectic diverse score in Ulidavaru Kandante.

My rating: 7.25/10

Pick of the Album: Hey Huduguru yella, Kanna Sannayindele, Aliside Usiragide 

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review(Hindi): Cute Kameena

Music Review(Hindi): Cute Kameena
Music Composer: Krsna

       Twinkle Twinkle's tune and arrangements are rollicking addictive one although Payal Dev's processed vocal sounds odd initially but turns out to be quite an engaging one as the song progresses. Arghya Banerjee bolsters the song with his vocals and the song reminds me Amit Trivedi's what to do from Aiya. Krsna aces in the breezy melody Single chal Riya hu and Mohit Chauhan is splendid with his vocals. The composer weaves the song with brilliant guitar laden interludes and non-structural tune clasp the listeners till the song last. Krsna able to bring diametrically different reprise version of the song and the composer handles the tune really well with his languorous rendition. Overall engaging listen, However, Mohit Chauhan's version fared better mainly because of the singer prowess. 

           Da Di Da Da's highlight is undeniably wonderful usage of sitar and heady addictive tune by krsna. The composer did a fabulous job behind the mic and also in arrangements front particularly loved the intermittent faux classical string sections peppered throughout the song. Shaam Hote hi's retro tune works partially mainly because of Shreya Goshal's vocals. Krsna returns back to his forte in Shehar Mehboob Hai Ji, lovely qawwali melody and the arrangement reminds of the composer's wonderful debut soundtrack. Javed Ali breathes through this enjoyable track and the singer aces especially sargams in the mid-way while Krsna's ambient claps, tabla and harmonium make this one highly enjoyable track. Shreya Goshal once again rules in the last track of the soundtrack Rafa Dafa with her energetic rendition while krsna adequately supports her with his vocals. Particularly loved the way Shreya ends the song.

Verdict: Krsna continues to showcase promise with the eclectic enjoyable score in cute Kameena after Tanu weds Manu series.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Shehar Mehboob Hai Ji, Da Di Da Da, Single Chal riya hu, Twinkle Twinkle

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Telugu): Savitri

Music Review (Telugu): Savitri
Music Composer: Shravan

Shravan's Savitri opens up with endearing semi-classical song Anaganaga and the composer brings us to God's own country with extensive usage of Chenda melam, cymbals, rhythmic percussions and the blissful flute. Shravan's tune is also quite an engaging and rhythmic one which complements well with the arrangements. Fly like a bird is an average techno track with Yazin Nizar's vocals keep the listener in the hook. The tune by Shravan works partially but failed to engage altogether as a package. In Pilla O Pilla, Shravan breezes through with the simple likable melody while Hemachandra and Lalitha Kavya bolsters the melody with their fabulous vocals. Shravan's arrangements are also pleasing with the brilliant usage of flute and Veena. Though the song's beatbox version is also a decent listen, however, the song lacks the punch when compared to the duet version of the song. Maar Maar Teenmaar is the energetic foot-tapping rhythmic song with the movie lead Nara Rohith rendering the song with the right attitude. Shravan's blasting percussions and screechy guitar work gel well with the tone of the song. The title song has the percussion-laden upbeat rhythm throughout the song and composer weaves the pleasing folk tune around this lovely arrangements with blissful violin portions towards the end being the highlight. Chitramainadi is another gorgeous melody rides mainly on the vocals of Chitra and Sai Charan. Shravan throws out some brilliant violin solos in the interludes.

Verdict: Shravan scores big time with arresting melodies in this new Nara Rohith's Savitri.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Pillo o Pillo, Chitramainadhi, Anaganaga, Savitri

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review(Tamil): Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum

Music Review(Tamil): Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum
Music Composer: Santosh Narayanan

The title song of the movie is enough to prove that Santosh Narayanan is way ahead among the current crop of promising music directors in Tamil industry. The song has trademark quirky style one can expect from the composer and Santosh managed to package the local kuthu exquisitely topped by enticing synth, Thavil and idiosyncratic vocals of the composer himself along with Ananthu and Meenakshi's vocals.Paravai Parandhuchu has quite an exciting nifty touches in the form of funky retro disco pop which reminds of some of the compositions from Santosh earlier movies, however the tune lacks an instant catchy strike from the composer. Super Singer fame Pragathi Guruprasad and Srinisha did a neat job behind the mic.

Arun Raja who collaborated with Santosh Narayanan for many songs as a lyrics writer croons Pangaali dark song laden with jazzy elements throughout the song. Santosh loads the song with an esoteric mix of sounds dominated by lovely trance sequence and haunting humming portions at the end of the song.Akkam Pakkam Paar elegantly done jazz piece by Santosh where everything blends together cohesively from grand keys, whistles to live drums throughout the song. Mano oozes out his unique touches to the scintillating orchestration and the veteran singer aces especially humming portions which are interspersed generously in the song.Bongu Kichan's highlight is the persistent eerie haunting chord progression throughout the song and the wailing violin enters towards the end of the soundtrack is a commendable touch from the composer. Santosh Narayanan complements the arrangements with his inimitable vocals and slightly heard before feel of the soundscape is easily overlooked by the composer's sprightly rendition and amusing lyrics.

Verdict: Nalan Kumarasamy's association with Santosh Narayananan after Soodhu Kavvum sparkles with the composer's unconventional experimental sounds. However, the prevalence of few repetitive sounds is little concerning in an otherwise enjoyable eclectic score from the composer.

My rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ka Ka Ka Po, Akkam Pakkam Paar, Bongu Kichan

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

P.S Edited version of the review is available in Moviecrow.