Music Review (Tamil): Karuppan

Music Review (Tamil): Karuppan
Music Composer: Imman

Karuva Karuva Payale's highlight being the Shashaa Tripathi and Shankar Mahadevan's vocals while the rhythm and the tune are strictly confined to the Imman's territory. Apart from the, nifty violin interludes and Shashaa's nuanced singing, the track is the usual Imman song with nothing much to offer. Imman brings famous Kannada singer Ananya Bhat to Tamil and gives her beautiful melody in the form of Usure Usure. The track is accentuated by her punchy rendition and the composer shows his prowess in the backgrounds. The singer brings out the emotions of the lyrics effectually and the strings laden backdrop makes this one an enjoyable listen till it lasts.

Olaga Vaayadi is another folk track where Imman recycles his earlier hits and the song reminds of the composer's numerous compositions. Benny Dayal energetic rendition and intermittent Kazoo bits are the big saviors in an otherwise tepid composition. Though the tune is enjoyable in parts, it's difficult to shrug off the deja vu feel once the base rhythm kicks in. In Azhagazhaga, Pradeep Kumar brings his singing prowess in fore despite the tune is average and it's delight to hear the singer's improvisations in multiple instances. Imman kept the rhythm and interludes simple to accentuate the vocals. Pradeep Kumar makes this one pleasant and enjoyable listen. The retro styled arrangements in Murukkumeesa Maama is enticing especially for initial few minutes in Anita Venkat vocals but the track fizzles out sooner because of discordant jarring musical pieces and also the tune meanders in the second half. Diwakar's energetic vocals being the only takeaway in this bungled track.

Verdict: Karuppan is yet another traditional folk album from Imman and the composer's trademark sounds become tedious listen despite backed by stellar vocals.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Karuva Karuva Payale, Usure Usure, Azhagazhaga

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn

Music Review (Telugu): Yuddham Sharanam

Music Review (Telugu): Yuddham Sharanam
Music Composer: Vivek Sagar

Yelugula Teraley's folksy tune is accentuated by poetical verses by Kittu Visapragada and Shakthishree Gopalan nails the song with her whispery vocals, given that the tune is tailor made for the singer's vocals. Vivek Sagar's embellishes the dreamy tune with Pramod Umapathi's mellifluous flute solos and ambient atmosphere in the backgrounds while the rhythm sound cues are done brilliantly.Neevalaney also features exquisitely done arrangements backed by the stupendous Karthik's rendition. Vivek Sagar builds up the typical English pop title hook from the semi classical base melody, however, the highlight of the tune is Tejas Mallella's classical violin solos and beautifully employed Phani Teja's carnatic synth in the background.

Tracey Thorton is the brilliant find by Vivek Sagar and she totally holds Adedo Maayalley, the Jazz based song with the right swag. Vivek Sagar's beautiful waltz arrangements are enhanced by Abhijit Gurjale's violin and George Hull's Saxophone cues make this one easily pick of the album. Pranav Chaganty's lyrics in Padmavyuham is subdued behind the atmospheric soundscape provided by Vivek Sagar, but that doesn't hinder the listening experience. Composer's rock base is highly effectual and the foot tapping programming accompanied by Sanjay Das's live drums combines together and makes this one heady listen. Nikhita Gandhi totally owns the vocals portion with her energetic rendition.The album's towering highlight is undeniably Enno Enno Baavaley, semi classical melody by Pradeep Kumar and the singer gets to croon some of the best songs across Tamil and Telugu this year. Vivek Sagar backs the enjoyable melody with the pleasant arrangements especially Aslam Khan's sarangi and wonderful bass line by Varun Venugopal.Vivek Sagar ends the soundtrack with an energetic arresting title track and the background oozes out enormous energy with enticing synth sounds. Shivam and Kaala Bhairava sounds apt for this high octane track while the track may get traction along with exciting visuals.

Verdict: Vivek Sagar strikes a chord with a refreshing music for his big outing and joins the list of exciting music composers of Telugu film industry.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Verdict: Enno Enno Baavaley, Adedo Maayalley, Neevalaney

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

Music Review (Hindi): Babumoshai Bandookbaaz

Music Review (Hindi): Babumoshai Bandookbaaz
Music Composer: Gaurav Dagaonkar, Debojyoti Mishra, Joel Dubba, Abhilash

Album opens up with the stunner Barfani and the soulful track based on the Raag Jog has the vibes of Vishal Bharadwaj's composition. This song is undeniably the best song by Armaan Malik as per my opinion and the serene arrangements make this one blissful listen. The song's female version is an equally endearing listen sung beautifully by Orunima Bhattacharya. The Sitar strains in the song continue to linger in listener's mind even after the song ends. Gaurav Dagaonkar recreated the popular folk song in Uttar Pradesh and named as Aye Saiyyan, the song is adequately engaging especially for the brilliant harmonium base by Satyajeet Prabhu.Orunima aces the rendition and strikes the chord in this song also.Gaurav Dagaonkar recreated the 1979 hit song Ghungta and Neha Kakkar aces the song with her swag. Chulbuli is another gorgeous piece in the album, the lovely retro Jazz laden track sung in a splendid manner by Papon. The accordion pieces and the light drums make you swing while listening to the song. The soundtrack ends with another beautiful track, Khali Khali composed by Abhilash and Joel (Hopefully) Saregama muddled with the composer credits, it's not clear who composed these songs considering that 4 composers are involved in the soundtrack. However the son's minimal arrangements and earnest rendition by Mohit Chauhan makes it work.

Verdict: Engaging multi-composer soundtrack but it's annoying that Saregama messed up with the credits.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Barfani, Chulbuli, Khali Khali

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

Music Review (Tamil): Mersal

Music Review (Tamil): Mersal
Music Composer: A R Rahman

Aalaporaan Tamizhan comes off easily as one of the best introduction songs for Vijay but the song has a mind-boggling mix of free-flowing tune pieces and whether those pieces coherently fits together is a questionable one. Rahman builds the tune in a splendid manner with thumping grand percussions in the interludes and the lovely chorus portions topped by Naveen Kumar's flute. Kailash Kher does a decent job in the vocal department while AV Pooja's Raanjhanaa'esque cameo in the second half is a winsome show by the singer.Neethaane is a blissful listen and Shreya Goshal's saccharine brimming vocals is enough for the listeners to fall in love with the song. She easily overshadows the A R Rahman vocals in the track and AR Rahman easily scores when one considers the arrangements. Mohana Veena by Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt accompanied by the classical sargam in the second interlude by the composer makes this one spellbinding listen.

A R Rahman continues to relegate techno loaded song for Sid Sriram and the singer's suave rendition makes it listenable despite an average weird tune and with ample support from another talented singer Swetha Mohan. Rahman wields his potential in the arrangements especially the mix of classical guitar strums amidst the techno sounds in the first interlude is the sheer brilliance by the Mozart of Madras. Mersal Arasan is another frenetic percussion dominated song in the album similar to Aalaporaan Tamizhan and this one also features a discordant mix of tune bits despite the individual tunes are interesting enough to hold the listener for its run time. Naresh Iyer and GV Prakash sounds apt and the tongue rolling chorus is the easy takeaway in this mediocre assorted mix of distinct fragments.

Verdict: AR Rahman delivers the mass album for Vijay but the album is a short and weak one considering the hype around it with the Atlee- AR Rahman- Vijay combination.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Neethaane, Aalaporaan Tamizhan

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

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