Music Review (Updated) - 2021

To make music reviews more noticeable and easy to navigate each review, thought will classify each review as follows based on the rating in my blog

BA - less than 7 (Below Average Album)

A - less than 8 (Average Album)

AA - less than 9 (Above Average Album)

E - 9 and above (Excellent Album)

• Maara (E), Eeswaran(BA)
  
  

Weekly Earworm - Week 12

Weekly Earworm - Week 12 

Plan Panni Pannanum (Tamil): Yuvan Shankar Raja: Kanave Urave: The Deja Vu factor aside, Yuvan Shankar Raja's Kanave Urave rides on Shreya Goshal's vocals. Yuvan kept the arrangements neat and simple by giving Babu's strings dominant space and the gentle rhythm structure to complement Shreya's rendition.

Love Story (Telugu): Pawan Ch: Ay Pilla: Ay Pilla is a quintessential Sekhar Kammula song where the director brings out Mickey J Meyer's musical sensibilities throughout the song. Nevertheless, the tune by Pawan is lovely with lovely string arrangements in the background and Haricharan behind the mic pulls off the singing part impeccably.

Master (Tamil): Anirudh Ravichander: Vaathi Coming: Anirudh milking his Chuma Kizhi and Marana Mass structure for Vijay's Vaathi coming also with the gibberish lyrics. But despite the catchy bit, the song turns out to be tiresome listen and the visuals may work well with the song.

Uppena (Telugu): Devi Sri Prasad: Dhak Dhak Dhak: DeviSri Prasad digresses from his usual template sounds when Sukumar involves in the project and Dhak Dhak belongs to the category. Though the concept reminds us of the Prashant Pillai's wonderful Ayalathe in Angamaly diaries, DSP's Dhak Dhak has its own charm with the lovely violin solo towards the end.

VakeelSaab (Telugu): Thaman: Maguva Maguva: After Samajavaragamana, Thaman tries to repeat the success of the song with the similarly structured song and roping in Sid Sriram to sing. Though, the tune falls flat compares to Samajavaragamana, Thaman makes up for it with the lovely arrangements in the background.

V (Telugu): Amit Trivedi: Vasthunna Vachesthunna, Manasu Maree: Amit Trivedi's solo Telugu album after the multilingual Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and going by the two songs released, Amit Trivedi did a spectacular job especially the lovely Vasthunna Vachesthunna. Though Amit Trivedi's singing is a minor grouse in both the songs, the tunes make up for it. Vasthunna Vachesthunna phrase is definitely explosive one and Shreya Goshal aces the rendition. Manasu Maree features the lovely Saxophone and the tune is quintessential Amit Trivedi's territory while Shashaa Tripati did a wonderful work with her rendition as always.

Pick of the Week: Vasthunna Vachesthunna, Ay Pilla, Manasu Maree

Music Review (Tamil/Telugu): Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy

Music Review (Tamil/Telugu): Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy
Music Composer: Amit Trivedi

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy is one of the highly anticipated movies of the year with the brilliant line of actors Chiranjeevi, Amitabh Bachan, Vijay Sethupathi, Sudeep, Nayantara and Tamanaah. Amit Trivedi marks his south Indian debut with this soundtrack and the composer undeniably leaves his stamp in the tracks but with the mixed bag of tunes.

Paaraai Narasimha Nee Paaraai/ Jaago Narasimha Jaagore starts off beautifully with the serene prelude with the mellow Vishnu Vijay's flute paves way for the thunderous chorus sections. Though the tune is strictly perfunctory and dominated by percussion, Amit Trivedi packaged with the gorgeous Dilshad Khan's Sarangi and Seenu's strokes. Shankar Mahadevan, Haricharan and Anurag Kulkarni easily ace the rendition of Karky/ Srivennela Seetharama Sastry's glorifying lyrics about Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy. Angam Unnidam/ Andam Ankitam: The tune fits well with the Anantha Sriram's lyrics than Karky's, however, the tune falters after an initial high. Nevertheless, Shashaa Tripati shines with her hypnotic rendition and ably supported by Vijay Prakash. Once again Amit Trivedi easily scores with the arrangements and this track is adorned by Kishore's Sitar and Punya Srinivas's veena especially look out for the melange of sounds amidst the jathis by Shashaa.

O..Syeraa: As expected the title song has a pompous orchestration but comes off as generic one except for the Seenu's contribution from the Saz/sarod in the interludes. The composer brings together Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal despite the latter appears only for the 40 seconds towards the end. Amit Trivedi ends the soundtrack with the anthemic Swaasalona Desame/Suvasamaagum Desame and though the track sounds too modern for the period of the movie, the composer did a wonderful job with respect to the arrangements especially the splendid first interlude with the thrumming percussion segues beautifully with the Naveen Kumar's stunning flute solo. Haricharan aces the rendition as usual

Verdict: Amit Trivedi matches the grandeur of the movie and the tracks are packaged well with the arrangements nevertheless one wishes that tunes could have been much better.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Andam Ankitam, Swaasalona Desame

Music Review (Telugu): Oh Baby

Music Review (Telugu): Oh Baby
Music Composer: Mickey J Meyer

The title song has the splash of retro Jazz with ample support from Nathan Bray's trumpet solos and the frolic tune is aced by Mickey J Meyer's current favourite Anurag Kulkarni. Lakshmi Bhupala's lyrics bring out the attributes of the protagonist Baby effectually. Overall fun start to the album by the composer. Changu Bala's tune has Mickey J Meyer's signature all over it with the tinge of folk and contemporary sounds mixed and the composer delivers an enjoyable song. The start of the song indicates the tribute to Ganesha but following lyrics by Bhaskarabatla sounds totally different from the English lyrics. Nutana Mohan aces the rendition and the punchy rhythm base along with the fabulous keyboard in the interludes by the composer himself elevates the song.

Mickey J Meyer easily scores in the melancholy Aakasam Lona and the composer's soaring arrangements punctuated by string sections and keyboards gel well with the earnest singing by Nutana Mohan once again. Lakshmi Bhupala affecting lyrics which goes as khusalamadige..manishi lekha..oopirundho ledho emphasize the overall tone of the song.Naalo Maimarapu which featured in the trailer is the easy listen with the breezy tune accompanied by dreamy arrangements especially Mohana Bogaraju's whispery vocals makes this one an enjoyable listen. Though the charanam tilting towards sounding weary, the singer able to hold the tune really well.Anaganaga is another wistful tune backed by the acoustic guitar solos throughout the song while Sriramachandra's earnest rendition makes this one an enjoyable serene listen from the composer. Lakshmi Bhupala's shines once again with the beautiful lyrics. Maha Adhbutham is easily identifiable as Mickey J Meyer's signature tune with the arrangements and the catchy hook bordering towards the folk sound while the main melody continues to be an enchanting listen in the vocals of Nutana Mohan who happens to be the lead singer for Samantha's band in the movie.

Verdict: Oh baby is high on melody and enjoyable despite featuring the apparent signature tunes from Mickey J Meyer.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Aakasam Lona, Changu Bala, Maha Adhbutham  

P.S You can listen to the songs in JioSaavn. The edited version of the review is published in Moviecrow

Music Review (Telugu): Maharshi

Music Review (Telugu): Maharshi
Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad

Padara Padara gains immensely from powerhouse vocals of Shankar Mahadevan and unfortunately the vocals being the only thing effective in this heavily templatized tune by DSP. Sreemani's vocals works which bring out the pain of the farmers effectually and the track may well work with the course of the movie but not as a standalone track. Chotti Chotti Baatein reminds us of the composer's numerous earlier compositions and the singing by the composer himself doesn't work to its favour. Especially when the tune goes as Enno Vela Kadhalu, Arey Inko Kadha Modhalu, one can easily skip the song and can listen to Devisri Prasad's earlier compositions. Nuvve Samastham fares better with the synth rhythms in the background and Yazin Nizar's listenable vocals. But once again tune is a kind of let down from the composer and warmed over techno sounds even in the interludes fizzles rapidly. Sreemani's lyrics bring out the grandeur well than the tune which tries really hard.

Everest Anchuna is another song where DSP hits high on techno sounds and Vishnupriya Ravi's husky vocals work effectually but Hemachandra's vocals sound more like DSP's vocals himself. However, the tune takes its own time to establish. Phir Shuru works mostly due to the racy screeching Josh Mark Raj's guitar work and the tune wise, the track is strictly perfunctory. Benny Dayal elevates the song with his sprightly vocals and the soundscape works much better rather than the tune itself. DSP ends the soundtrack with Paala Pitta, an easily likeable folk number where Rahul Sipligunj and MM Manasi steals the show with their effectual vocals. DSP adorns the tune with the really effective Manonmani's Sarangi and the foot-tapping rhythm sections.

Verdict: On the whole, Maharshi lacks the instant hit catchy numbers required for the commercial movie and DSP continues to rehash his hackneyed stock tunes.

My Rating:6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Paala Pitta, Padara Padara  

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

The edited version of the review is published in Moviecrow. 

Music Review (Telugu): Jersey

Music Review (Telugu): Jersey
Music Composer: Anirudh Ravichander

Adhento Gaani Vunnapaatuga's rousing tune is complemented by wonderful arrangement beefed up by the chorus portions and string sections which gives the song splendid soundscape. Sajith Satya's bass line and Anirudh's singing jazzed up easily especially when he goes 'Velugulaina velisipoyene'. An overall wonderful start to the album.Spirit of jersey is expectedly anthemic one and the tune sticks to the genre's formula, the punching rhythm, sprightly singing and the thumping percussion sounds. The arrangements in the interludes make this one an enjoyable listening experience, especially with the Ananthakrishnan's violin solos. Kaala Bhairava explosive singing adds enough gravitas to the song.

The pièce de résistance of the soundtrack is undeniably Padhe Padhe where Shakthishree is killing it when the tune goes as 'Padhe Padhe' and the singer's hypnotic singing is out of the world. Anirudh's colloquial singing perfectly complements it. The dreamy flavour of the tune starts with the wave sounds in the prelude and stunning soundscape, especially around the title hook and subdued flute bit in Brodha's rap makes this one easily the best song in the soundtrack. Prapanchame Alaa is completely Shashaa Tirupati's show and the synth-dominated soundscape perfectly fits the bill. Inno Genga's vocals are beautifully interspersed behind Shashaa's lead vocals. The more awesomeness followed by Keba Jeremiah's classical guitar show in the interludes. The tune turns more beautiful with the classically inclined charanam where Shashaa reaches high in ' Prathi Kshanamu Brathuku Oka Jagadame'. Anirudh ends the soundtrack with the melancholy Needa Padadhani where the mix of gloominess and angst is expressed both in terms of Darshan Raval's singing as well as Keba's screeching guitar strums in the interludes.

Verdict: Anirudh hits right out of the park in his second Telugu film after Agnyathavaasi and Ananthakrishnan combination with Anirudh continues to give splendid result in the overall soundtrack quality of the composer.

My Rating: 9/10

Pick of the Album: Padhe Padhe, Prapanchame Ala, Adhento Gaani Vunnapaatuga.

P.S You can listen to the songs in JioSaavn

Music Review (Telugu): Majili

Music Review (Telugu): Majili
Music Composer : Gopi Sundar

Maayya Maayya ticks off all the checkboxes required for Hero introduction/ revolutionary song and Gopi Sundar sets the soundscape with the punchy rock base. Bhaskarabhatla's lyrics go well with the mood while the tune evokes a memory of multiple Harris Jayaraj songs especially the charanam portions starting off with 'Thala thirige Rangelo' which makes me go back to Harris's Orange. Naa Gundello is easily breezy track bundled with the pleasant orchestration especially in the interludes with the Shehnai bit and Nikhitha Gandhi surprisingly sounds like Shalmali Kholgade while Yazin Nizar renders effortlessly. Gopi Sundar employed Xylophone and strings effectively throughout the song.

Yedethu Mallelle's gorgeous folk tune is captured by minimal arrangements and the tune is backed by Kala Bhairava and Nikhitha Gandhi's effectual rendition. Director Shiva Nirvana's affecting lyrics about pain and separation blends well with the earnest rendition of the lead singers. The album's stunning highlight is undeniably Chinmayi's Priyathama Priyathama. The melodious tune is adorned with the highly likeable arrangements backed by Josy Alpy's flute and Sumesh Parameshwar's guitar work. The title hook and the repetitive Ishtamaina Sakhudaa is the winner in this phenomenal track which is bound to hit the charts similar to Inkem Inkem last year. One boy One girl is the soundtrack's weakest where Gopi Sundar plays to the tune of commercial Telugu cinema requirements but the track is sketchy and Revanth's processed vocals don't help the track either. BhaskaraBhatla's lyrics sound adequate. Ye Manishiki Majiliyo is another easy winner from Gopi Sundar where the composer churned out an affecting charanam tune in the backdrop of celebratory percussion arrangements. Arun Gopan who composed for the underrated Amutha last year croons this song along with Chinmayi and  Baby Anusha. Gopi, as usual, weaves his magic in the melodious interludes.

Verdict: After last year Geetha Govindam, Gopi Sundar strikes a chord once again with the highly listenable melodies in Majili.

My Rating:8/10

Pick of the Album: Priyathama Priyathama, Ye Manishiki Majiliyo, Naa Gundello

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

Music Review (Telugu): Mr. Majnu

Music Review (Telugu): Mr Majnu
Music Composer: Thaman

Mr Majnu's synth coated peppy song Pallavi instantly reminds me of Rahman's Netru Illadha maatram but the similarity ends there and Thaman weaves pretty much enjoyable track filled with mod sounds backed by Ramya NSK's vocals. The gibberish and synth sounds are easily Harris Jayaraj territory but nevertheless, it's a neat song by Thaman. Thaman's current favourite Armaan Malik croons two songs Yemainado and Koppamga Koppamga for Mr.Majnu. The former melody is similar to Ninnila from Tholi Prema and the tune is adequately entertaining with splendid support from Chennai strings Orchestra's strings sections throughout the song and the strings along with the synth rhythm make it an enthralling listen. The latter one being another peppy number which rides mainly on Aalap Raju's guitar strums and Armaan Malik singing while Thaman churns out the easy on ears tune which clasps the listeners till the end. Thaman strikes another winner in Hey Nenila where the arrangements are top notch with excellent support by Haritha's Veena and Kamalakar's flute solos. Sruthi Ranjani owns the song starting from the beautiful humming in the prelude itself. Naalo Neeku is another warming melody where Shreay Goshal aces the tune with ample support from Sandilya's violin solos, though the tune takes its own time to get the listeners immersed, Thaman's soundscape in this album is consistent and endearing. Chiru Chiru Navvula turns out to be a weak composition in an otherwise splendid work from Thaman and in this track also, the composer makes the interludes sounds interesting despite the staggering tune.

Verdict: Thaman continues his revamped style of music with his first 2019 album and Mr Majnu is the wonderful follow up for the composer in lines of Tholi Prema.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Hey Nenila, Yemainado, Naalo Neeku

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

Music Review (Telugu): Vinaya Vidheya Rama

Music Review (Telugu): Vinaya Vidheya Rama
Music Composer: DeviSri Prasad

Vinaya Vidheya Rama's opening track Thandaane Thandaane is quintessential Telugu commercial album track with Sreemani's lyrics reinforcing that even more praising hero's position in the family. Devi Sri Prasad's hackneyed tune make this one an insipid track and violin solos in the interludes and prelude give much-needed respite. Jaspreet Jasz, one of the DSP's regular croons the song Thassadiya and it will be hard to distinguish the songs if one plays Thassadiya, Sundari from Khaidi No. 150 and Seeti Maar from DJ in the loop. The rhythms and the tune have been just tweaked from the composer's stock tunes and the lead singers enthusiastic vocals being the only solace.

Ek Baar is another unbearable track where DSP's autotuned vocals is a highly irritating and the background rhythm where the composer tried to mix local kuthu with the techno sounds. But with an oppressive tune and Sreemani's ineffective lyrics makes the listener skip the track.The album's status continues to spiral downward with each and every track sounds like composed sluggishly and In Rama loves Sita, Priya Himesh's rendition is the only highlight in an otherwise dreadful track from the composer. Amma Naana is a typical melancholy song but considering the other tracks in the album, this one stands far better and listenable. Kaala Bhairava's earnest rendition and wailing violin's easily make this one a passable listen in an otherwise humdrum album.

Verdict: Vinaya Vidheya Rama is a largely tedious listen and DSP back to his mindless masala mode where none of the songs sticks with the listeners.

My Rating: 5/10

Pick of the Album: Amma Naana, Incase if you want to give a listen

Music Review (Telugu): Padi Padi Leche Manasu

Music Review (Telugu): Padi Padi Leche Manasu
Music Composer: Vishal Chandrashekar

The title song starts with the prominent humming by Armaan Malik and followed by the immersive melody, dominated by Kraven Stratfile's guitar strums. Sindhuri Vishal ably delivered the tune while the composer brilliantly blended Punya Srinivasa's Veena and Deepak Srinivas's Carnatic guitar. The tune reaches a crescendo with the title hook along with the live drums and composer wonderfully employed the catchy title hook throughout the song. Kallolam is another guitar-laden track which works remarkably with Anurag Kulkarni's splendid rendition. Composer utilized the chorus Prapachame loop effectively and conceived the free-flowing tune beautifully. Krishnakanth's lyrics especially, with the lines Kalisenduku Tondara ledule captures the outline of the script perfectly.

Vishal churns out another punchy rock base song Hrudhayam  Jaripe where the fusion of Classical elements and Kraven's guitar work effortlessly. Yazin Nizar steals the show with his pitch-perfect rendition and the singer's improvisation especially, in the title hook are a delight to hear while Punya Srinivas's veena deserves special mention in elevating the mood of the song with the minute-long showstopper piece towards the end. Sid Sriram who is regular in the Telugu albums this year especially after his stupendous success in Geetha Govindham croons the melancholy Emai Poyave. The tune blends well with the singer's vocals and he aces with his nuanced rendition while Vishal fills the arrangements with the lush electronic sounds throughout the track.Vishal Chandrashekar delivers another cracker of a song to his better half Sindhuri Vishal and the composer magically recreates the Karur Shivaramiah's Oh my lovely lalana. The result is a scintillating one especially with Karaharapriya as the base and Sindhuri Vishal doing her magic behind the mic makes this one an engaging listen in the album.Vishal Chandrashekar ends the brilliant album with the folksy Urike Cheli Chilaka and the song rides mainly on the Rahul Sipligunj and MM Manasi's stupendous rendition. Though the track can be visualised as the dance track, composer's nifty elements, especially with the synth sounds for the folk tune and the chorus portions make this one an enjoyable track.

Verdict: Vishal Chandrashekar delivers a stunning album with wonderful mix of melodies in his fourth Telugu outing. Hanu Raghavapudi extracts the best from the music director and reaches the high of his debut movie Andaala Raaksahi musically.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Padi Padi Leche Manasu, Oh my Lovely Lalana, Kallolam, Hrudayam Jaripe 

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

Music Review (Telugu): Taxiwala

Music Review (Telugu): Taxiwala
Music Composer: Jakes Bejoy 

Ladies and Gentleman's rock and roll tune easily breeze through in the vocals of Hemachandra and the composer himself. The arrangements are spot on with easily hummable lyrics by Krishna Kanth while the intermittent humming amidst the screeching guitar makes this one an engaging listen. Maate Vinadhuga rides on the catchy title hook and enchanting techno sounds which are consistently engrossing especially with the sitar solos. Though the track doesn't come close to the Sid Sriram's best for Vijay Devarakonda, the singer able to pull off the tune effectively. Jakes Bejoy ups the ante with the bluegrassy Crazy car and the arrangements by the composer are top notch especially the trumpets and keys. The ebullient soundscape with absolutely enchanting interludes and Revanth Kumar's singing makes this one an easily crazy ride in the album. Jakes Bejoy ends the soundtrack with the melancholy Neeve Neeve where Shreya Goshal rules the strings-laden tune brilliantly.

Verdict: Jakes Bejoy makes his commendable Telugu debut befitting the soundtracks produced by the composer this year in Malayalam.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Crazy Car, Maate Vinadhuga, Ladies and Gentleman  

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

Music Review (Telugu): Shailaja Reddy Alludu

Music Review (Telugu): Shailaja Reddy Alludu
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar

Anu baby is a passable song where Krishna Kanth's lyrics sound to be misfit one for the tune especially 'Anu bomb', Magishasura marthini hook. However, Gopi Sundar keeps the song afloat with huge support from Suresh Parameshwar's guitar work. Gopi Sundar reuses his Koyikode tribute to the title song with more punchy Sathyavathi (Mangli) vocals and the buoyant tune is an easy winner. Gopi Sundar adorned the song with an engaging foot-tapping arrangements. In Egiregire, Sid Sriram's vocals continuous to be out of place especially his diction and the tune is not Inkem Inkem Kaavale to overcome these minor grouses in the lead singer's vocals. However, Gopi turns the arrangements into an awesome one with the atmospheric breezy flavour accentuated by Josy Alapy's flute solos which instantly makes the listener also to fly along with lyrics. Pelli Pandhiri is another easy winner from Gopi and the composer beautifully segues the title song musical cues in the prelude and interludes and also in Charanam portions. The traditional Chenda rhythm and Vijay Yesudas's brilliant vocals work to its song's favour. Thanu Vethukini is a listenable melody in Satya Yamini's vocals and despite the pleasant tune, composer's arrangements with flute and Francis Xavier's violin solo in the second interludes steals the show. Gold Rangu Pilla (surprisingly released only in Saavn) is a typical Telugu commercial movie friendly mass track which doesn't work as a standalone track.

Verdict: Maruthi Dasari's reunion with Gopi Sundar in Shailaja Reddy Alludu is rewarding enough, although the tracks didn't reach the Bhale Bhale Magadivoy's high.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Shailaja Reddy Alludu, Pelli Pandhiri, Egiregire 

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn
 

Music Review (Telugu): Geetha Govindam

Music Review (Telugu): Geetha Govindam
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar

The song Inkem Inkem Kaavale needs no introduction and the song rules all the Telugu charts. Gopi Sundar brings his mettle with the ultra likeable tune and Sid Sriram easily steals our heart with his impeccable singing. The tune and the arrangements come together brilliantly and breathe life to the track and the classical touches with the Biju's Veena in the second interlude and Gopi's rhythm structure and guitar riffs make this one an easy winner in the soundtrack.Chinmayi's association with Gopi Sundar in the past always does wonders and though Yenti Yenti takes its own time to catch up with the listeners, Chinmayi's singing makes one easily fall in love with the song. The track's techno rhythm gives way to the wonderful classical Sargam in the second interlude by an uncredited singer. The surprising title hooks and it's associated crescendo's works well with the track.

Gopi Sundar roped Sid Sriram for another classically inclined song with the Srimani's beautiful lyrics welcoming the bride to the family. Composer expectedly employed the brilliant concoction of  Gopi's Nadhaswaram and celebratory percussions. Though Sid Sriram's diction is questionable at few places, Gopi Sundar's tune and arrangements have enough reasons to love.What the life is the only song misplaced in an album where Vijay Devarakonda's heavily processed vocals sound too amateurish and the tune is completely perfunctory and casual one from the composer. The song rides mainly on the Vijay Devarakonda's factor and above average interludes.Gopi Sundar ends the soundtrack with the mandatory melancholy Kanureppala Kaalam and the track is passable without anything extraordinary to offer. Gopi Sundar adequately handles the minimally arranged tune.

Verdict: Gopi Sundar regains his mojo partially with Geetha Govindam and the three solid tracks from the composer topped by Inkem Inkem Kaavale.

My Rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Inkem Inkem Kaavaale, Vachindama, Yenti Yenti 

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

 


 

Music Review (Telugu) : Srinivasa Kalyanam

Music Review (Telugu) : Srinivasa Kalyanam
Music Composer: Mickey J Meyer

Kalyana Vaibhogam has Mickey J Meyer's stamp all over it and the song is filled with serene blissful semi classical tinge associated with it. The track is in the lines of the composer's hit songs in Seethama Vaakitlo and many other songs. The tune is a cakewalk for the veteran S P Balasubramaniam and the singer aces the classical song in a splendid manner. The climax version of the song is essentially the same one with different lyrics indicating the protagonist joins hands with his lover. Ekkada Nuvvunte is a typical Telugu with a load of DSP flavour to it and the song mainly rides on the energetic rendition of Dhanunjay. Ithadena benefits largely from the saccharine filled vocals of Shreya Goshal and Mickey J Meyer ably churn out the pleasant ear-friendly tune although the track has very little to offer in terms of novelty and catchy factor. Modalaudham is easily the catchy song in the album and the peppy outlook of the tune along with Sunitha and Anurag Kulkarni's fabulous vocals makes this one an enjoyable track till it lasts. Mickey J Meyer churned out another lively jazz track, Something Something ga loaded with the buoyant arrangements and superbly sung by Anurag Kulkarni and Shravana Bharghavi. Though the dhol mix and the percussion-laden second interlude is a minor blip in an otherwise enjoyable track from Mickey J Meyer. Vinavamma Toorupu Chukka is another trademark Mickey's song which reminds me of the composer's score in Brahmotsavam. Nevertheless, the mesmerising folk tune is a lovely listen in Sunitha's vocals.

Verdict: Mickey J Meyer delivers another enjoyable set of melodies for Vegesna Satish after Sathamanam Bhavati. Though consistently confined towards the composer's predictable soundscape, the tracks are enjoyable.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the album: Kalyanam Vaibhogam, Vinavamma Toorupu Chukka, Modalaudham

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

Music Review (Telugu): Lover

Music Review (Telugu): Lover
Music Composer: Ankit Tiwari, Arko, Rishi Rich, Sai Kartheek, Tanishk Baghchi

Sai Kartheek treads on DSP's template for Naalo Chilipi Kala starting from the violin prelude and the peppy outlook of the overall tune. Though nothing outstanding from the song, Yazin Nizar and the passable tune helps this song to a large extent. I haven't been a fan of Arko's work in Hindi and his Telugu debut What a Ammayi also sounds perfunctory one with Sonu Nigam's vocals being the solo selling point and the tune is pretty hackneyed and highly monotonous one from the composer. Tanishk Bagchi gets the best song in this multi composer soundtrack. In Adbhutam, Tanishk gets the groovy classical techno mix perfectly with Nadaswaram solos helping a lot. Jubin Nautiyal and Ranjini Jose ace the rendition effectually and the catchy anupallavi makes this song immensely engaging till it lasts. Rishi Rich's Ramuni Banamla is completely forgettable affair crooned by Sai Charan and the rhythm structure irks a lot. Anthe Kada Mari also benefits highly from the fine singing by the lead singers Ankit Tiwari and Jonita Gandhi. The tune has heavy influence from Ankit Tiwari's Hindi songs. Yevaipuga Naa Choopu Saagali works well with the sombre tone and Ankit Tiwari singing despite the tune has very little less to offer.

Verdict: Anidh Krishna opts for the Bollywood type multi-composer soundtrack for Lover and the album turns out to be a middling one.

My Rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Adbhutam, Naalo Chilipi Kala, Yevaipuga Naa Choopu

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

 

Music Review (Telugu): Sammohanam

Music Review (Telugu): Sammohanam
Music Composer: Vivek Sagar

 
Oohalu Oorege Gaalantha's breezy romantic ballad tune with the tinge of retro mood makes the listeners easily to fall in love with the song. Haricharan rocks the tune with his splendid rendition especially mesmerising playful anupallavi which starts with Saala Pathadhiga while Vivek Sagar's top notch arrangements highlighted by brilliant bass line and banjo work by the composer himself. Srivennela Sitharama Sasthry's poetic verses blends with the dreamy tone of the song. Manasainadedo is the typical pop material with the mild hypnotic rhythm and the songs gets better with the help of engaging interludes and the composer's involved singing. The minimally arranged background sounds and the Charanam portions makes this one passable listen despite filled with customary chorus portions.

The album's towering highlight O Cheli Thaara is also crooned by Haricharan and he is one of the singer who gets to sing beautiful song in both Tamil and Telugu. The arrangements and the interludes especially the classical sounds in the first interlude are the winner from the talented composer Vivek Sagar.Vivek Sagar ends with another blissful serene song Kanulalo Thadiga and the prelude guitar notes takes me instantly to Rahman's Avalum Naanum from Accham Enbadhu Madamaiyada. Nevertheless, Vivek Sagar aces this song with the beautiful guitar laden background and Chaitra Ambadipudi's amazing rendition.

Verdict: After Yuddham Sharanam, Vivek Sagar comes up with another brilliant album in Sammohanam. Vivek Sagar continues to impress with each of his album and the composer aces in delivering tunes with tinge of classical sounds.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Oohalu Oorege Gallantha, O Cheli Thaara, Kanulalo Thadiga.

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

 

Music Review (Telugu): Rajugadu

Music Review (Telugu): Rajugadu
Music Composer: Gopisundar
 
Rabbaru Buggala Ramachilaka's monotonous sound has very little to offer except for the Vedala Hemachandra's vocals and the catchy title hook. Hemachandra's pedestrian lyrics also doesn't help the staggering tune. Arere Arere is another mediocre tune made passable by an engaging flute solos and Sai Charan's energetic vocals. Gopi Sundar's trademark tunes Rendu Kallu Ninda and Sarasaku Ra work magically. The songs have Gopi Sundar's stamp all over it. The former song is filled with lavish violin portions while Ramya Behara gets to croon magical charanam verses. Though Sarasuku's prelude portions are middling, Mohana Bhogaraju's whispery vocals make this one an worthy listen. The anupallavi has an unremarkable similarity to the composer's Paravasame from Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu. However, the song is an incredibly enjoyable listen from the composer. Gopi Sundar rounds up the soundtrack with the festive celebratory song Devatalara Devatalara and the track fizzles out sooner after an engaging start.

Verdict: Gopi Sundar turns out to be too predicatble and uninteresting in his latest Raju Gadu.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Sarasuku Ra, Rendu Kallaninda 

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

Music Review (Telugu): Mehbooba

Music Review (Telugu): Mehbooba
Music Composer: Sandeep Chowta

Oh Priya Na Priya's highlight is the resonating vocals of Pragya Dasgupta and the rousing Mehbooba phrase which composer puts into good effect. The arrangements are intriguing with the tinge of haunting soundscape and the charanam melody is an irresistible one. Naa Pranam also features minimalistic arrangements, riding on Varijashree Venugopal's vocal prowess. The dark gloomy interludes continue with this track and it's a delight to listen to the singer's improvisations in the charanam. In Saiyaan, Sandeep Chowta brings in a wonderful mix of Sufi tune in the backdrop of fantastic guitar riffs and ensures that title hook is a catchy one. Ambika Jois aces the unconventional tune effortlessly and loved the way composer employed the traditionally tuned prelude. Pragya Dasgupta comes back with another engaging song, Pichi Pichi ga with the folksy twist to it. Sandeep Chowta's arrangements are top notch especially magical plucked strings in the first interlude and the rhyming lyrics. Oh Priya Na Priya's instrumental version comes as Soul of Mehbooba and it's a blissful listen with the violin solos. Look out for the gorgeous charanam portion of the tune played out with the violin and the track reaches crescendo once the string section kicks in.  Aa bhi Jhaa starts with the serene sarod prelude and the minimally arranged sombre tune features kickass guitar riffs in the interlude. Pragya Dasgupta and Sandeep Batra are pitch perfect with their vocals.

My Rating: 8/10

Verdict: Sandeep Chowta's Mehbooba is a refreshing album from the composer and I haven't followed up the composer's previous work, but this one is filled with pleasing tunes.

Pick of the Album: Oh Priya Na Priya, Pichi Pichi ga, Saiyaan

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

Music Review(Telugu): Mahanati

Music Review(Telugu): Mahanati
Music Composer: Mickey J Meyer

The title song's opulent grand score matches the movie's grandeur despite having the modish outlook. Mickey J Meyer's tune easily breezes through despite treading along the familiar route while the composer peppered the background with the rich string sections supported well by Anurag Kulkarni's engaging rendition.Aagipo Baalyama's theatre play sound is a delight to listen and Mickey J Meyer effectively sets the soundscape for the track with ample support from Paul Raj's Tabla. Ramya Behara aces the rendition despite sounds like a lot of processing has been done with her vocals, however, the brilliant atmospheric sound and Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry's lyrics makes up for those minor grouses.

Mickey J Meyer hits the right note in a highly likeable song in the soundtrack Mooga Manasulu. The breezy soundscape accompanied by expansive string sections adorned with Phani Narayana's Veena in the first interlude makes this one an immersive listen in the soundtrack. Shreya Goshal is pitch-perfect with her vocals supported by once again Anurag Kulkarni. The consistent rhythm in the background adds the nice touch to the dreamy song.In Sada Nannu, composer goes completely classical one and Charulathamani elevates the level of the song with her brilliant rendition and the captivating tune is made more beautiful by Jugalbandi between Ravi Shankar's flute and Phani Narayana's Veena  in the first interlude. The improvisations by the classical singer make this song even more gorgeous and the Kalam natinchi hook continue to linger in the listener's mind even after the song ends.The soundtrack ends on a poignant note with Chivaruku Migiledi penned by Srivennela Sitarama Sastry while sung effectually by Sunitha. The composer gave mild waltzy soundscape to the moving track in the album and the composer utilized the chorus sounds, effectively to set the mood of the track.

Verdict: Mickey J Meyer's expansive soundscape and the elegant tunes makes this album one of his best soundtracks. After Yevade Subramanya, Nag Ashwin once again extracts the best from his composer.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Mooga Manasulu, Sada Nannu, Chivaruku Migiledi. 

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

Music Review (Telugu): Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India

Music Review (Telugu): Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India
Music Composer: Vishal-Shekhar

Sainika treads on the path as expected with Vishal Dadlani handling the vocals and Ramajogayya's jingoistic lyrics to prod the hero introduction song. The song may work well with the visuals but unfortunately, the tune is strictly average one with few nifty guitar solos by Meghdeep Bose in the interludes. Lover also Fighter also is another decent track with Shekar Ravjiani's questionable Telugu dictions irks consistently. The tune is marginally better and the title hook sounds absurd with the auto tuning in the lead vocals. Tapas roy's strokes in the first interlude are the only takeaway from the passable track.

Beautiful love is the breezy track which works easily despite sounding more like a Hindi song may be because of Armaan Malik involvement and the tune flow. However, Armaan Malik and Chitra Ambadipudi ace the romantic ballad effectually while composer duo's gentle arrangements backed by Meghdeep Bose's guitar work to its favour. Arijit Singh gets featured in Telugu song for another Bollywood composer other than Sunny MR and the tune is tailor-made for the lead singer vocals.The folksy chorus sounds to be the bit dissonant with the main tune, however, Ramya Behara makes those portions easy to sail through. Vishal- Shekhar adorns the arrangements with an impressive usage of Kazoos and string sections.Yenniyello is the song stays true to the native soundscape without any Bollywood flavour and  Malavika aces the singing portions effectively with ample support from the chorus.Iraga Iraga is another mandatory mass number and the track sounds to be straight out of DSP's stock tune.Rahul Sipligunj and Mohana Bhogaraju's sprightly singing being the solo highlight in an otherwise perfunctory song from the composer duo.

Verdict: Vishal- Shekhar's return to Telugu cinema after Chintakayala Ravi is strictly average one and the album lacks the native touch despite occasional sparks in the arrangements.

My Rating:6.5/10

Pick of the Album:  Beautiful love, Yenniyello, Maya

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