Music Review (Telugu): Agnyathavaasi

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

Dhaga Dhaga Maney's progressive rock fusion works seamlessly despite the distracting Anirudh's vocals in the much better backgrounds while Vishal Dadlani infuses liveliness with his energetic vocals. The chorus portions segue befittingly to the main tune while the brilliant Guy Bernfeld's bass line along with the stupendous guitar work by Prasanna and Rex Vijayan makes this song easily works. Baitikochi Chusthe's casual tune is complemented well by Srimani's colloquial lyrics and Anirudh guitar-laden arrangements are adorned by Kamlakhar's gripping flute solos in the interludes. Keba Jeremiah's guitar work is an undeniable USP of this enjoyable song from Anirudh.

Anirudh delivers the highly serene Carnatic fusion of the traditional Mohana Raga based Kirthi, Swagatham Krishna originally composed by Oothukkadu Venkatasubbaiyer. To the surprise, Anirudh kept the backgrounds arrangements minimal and brings the brilliant Niranjana's vocal to the front. The lead singer delivers the song in pitch-perfect manner. The best song of the soundtrack is undeniably Gaali Vaaluga where Ananthakrishnan's musical advisor role is apparent. Anirudh's brilliant rendition and the Keba Jeremiah's fabulous guitar work comes together beautifully while the composer throws in some beautiful Konnakol scatting bits in the background consistently. The icing on the cake is beautiful dilruba solos by Saroja and the peppy outlook of the 4-minute song. AB Yevaro Nee baby is the soundtrack's weakest link mainly because of the meandering and inconsistent tune. However, Nakash Aziz and Arjun Chandy make up for its flaws along with the main contribution from Keba Jeremiah's fabulous guitar work, especially in the interludes.

Verdict: Anirudh Ravichander makes his compelling and competent debut in Tollywood with the refreshing and peppy tracks for Pawan Kalyan.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Gaali Vaaluga, Baitikochi Chusthe, Dhaga Dhaga Maney

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

Music Review (Telugu): Hello

Music Review (Telugu): Hello
Music Composer: Anup Rubens

Hello highly benefits from Armaan Malik's sincere rendition and though the harmonies are quite an outdated and popular one, the track works to a certain extent mainly because of the lead vocals. The rap portions are strictly Harris Jayaraj material and the clutter-free arrangements make this title track listenable till it lasts. Anaganaga Oka Uru's lovely tune is complemented by affecting solo violin and Sri Dhruthi's naive vocals and the track reminds of the composer's Manam track. The track's female version crooned by Shreya Goshal easily trumps the original version. Shreya's effective saccharine filled vocals make this one instant likable track. The violin plays a huge part in this version also.

Thalachi Thalachi's guitar-laden melody highly rides on the effective vocals of Haricharan and Anup Rubens did a splendid work in the interludes especially classical-tinged guitar solos in the first interlude. Haricharan makes sure that the track works with his impeccable vocals. Yevevo suffers from the Akhil Akkineni's limited singing range but the earnest rendition along with the ample support from Jonita Gandhi makes this easy on ear melody works. Anup Rubens kept the arrangements minimal with mainly driven by guitar strums.  Merise Merise works magically for its low key wedding arrangements at least during initial half of the song and quite liked the female humming portions. However soon the track falls into the uninspiring Charanam portions and the languishing tune is kept alive by Haricharan.


Verdict: Anup Rubens - Vikram K Kumar's Hello falls short of the expectations and the tracks are far behind from the Manam and Ishq.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Anaganaga Oka Uru (Female Version), Yevevo, Thalachi Thalachi. 

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

Music Review (Telugu): Middle Class Abbayi

Music Review (Telugu): Middle Class Abbayi
Music Composer: Devisri Prasad

The title track is the rehashed version of DSP's stock tune and instead of singing by himself, DSP relegated it to quite an effectual singer Nakash Aziz. However, the singer is repeatedly relegated to the similar type of songs by Devisri Prasad. Chandrabose's lyrics are strictly pedestrian and serves the purpose adequately. Kothaga Kothaga is relatively better melody although strictly lies within the comfort zone of the composer. Sagar and Priya Himesh makes this one saleable although the tune invokes deja-vu feel. DSP kept the arrangements simple and prodded by quite an effective violin solos by Balaji.

Family Party is a foot tapping song with the outburst of energetic vocals from Jaspreet Jasz and though the tune is strictly mediocre and outdated one, the peppy outlook of the song make this one an enjoyable fare from the composer. Yemaindho Teliyadhu Naaku's simple melody remains greatly listenable for the ever-reliable vocals of Karthik and Deepika V. DSP's neat arrangements topped by brilliant veena solos by Devi in the interludes and upbeat mandolin by the composer itself. The simple rhythm and the composer's trademark melody makes this one works to a certain extent. Yevandoi Naani Gaaru's meandering tune is made tolerable by the vocals of Divya Kumar and Shravana Bharghavi despite the diction is mangled by Divya Kumar. Apart from the catchy title hook and the punching percussions, the song has very little to offer.

Verdict: DSP throws another predictable album and the tracks are the highly rehashed version of the composer's stock tunes.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick  of the Album: Yemaindho Teliyadhu Naaku, Kothaga Kothaga

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

  

Music Review (Tamil): Sakka Podu Podu Raja

Music Review (Tamil): Sakka Podu Podu Raja
Music Composer: STR

Kalakku Machaan's grandly mounted string-laden orchestration aside, Anirudh Ravichander and Simbu's vocals are a heavy sore point on the track. Rokesh's pedestrian lyrics doesn't help the song either. The only solace being the adequately enjoyable Karthik's violin and Thirumoorthy's Nadhaswaram.Yuvan Shankar Raja's heavily digitized vocals in Kaadhal Devadhai props the song to some extent but the tune is strictly mediocre one. STR employed brilliantly the classical Kishore's sitar and Srinivas's Mirudangam. The song totally turns into upbeat techno instrumental towards the end and though it sounds random incongruous transition, the track is enjoyable till it lasts.

STR delivered another lively track Unakkaga and the track works wonderfully for its largely buoyant soundscape. Leon James's processed vocals irk at some instances while Andrea Jeremiah's amusing portions makes this song listenable. The interludes are also enjoyable especially brilliant Baritone Sax by Martin and clever Sundar, Kaviraj's Thavil inclusion. Siri Siru's semi-classical tune is gorgeous and the beauty of the tune is enhanced by the Karthick Iyer's solo violin and the grand strings-laden orchestration by Chennai Strings. Vasudev Krishna's improvisation works like charm while Keerthana Vaidyanathan amply supports him with her effectual rendition. Though, the string section and the violin sounds to be more magnificent than required, lilting tune makes up for that minor grouse. STR closed the soundscape with the heavily processed family song featuring vocals of STR, Rajendar and Usha Rajendar. The track is absolutely a mediocre one with hardly any enticing elements to listen and the synth beats are too bland to hold the attention.

Verdict: STR makes surprisingly decent debut in Sakka Podu Podu Raja and the album works partially.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Unakkaga, Siru Siru, Kaadhal Devadhai

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

  

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Music Review (Tamil): Balloon

Music Review (Tamil): Balloon
Music Composer: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Rizwan's throaty vocals sounds contradict with the buoyant waltzy arrangements in the background. Though the vocals and tune are distracting one, Arunraja Kamaraj's vocals sound tandem with the consistently engaging sounds in the rhythm. Loved the brief plucked string musical cues in the interludes. Mazhai Megam benefits largely from the Yuvan's dependable melody and Priya Jerson's effectual vocals. However, Yuvan's singing mauls the melody to a large extent and Thankfully Yuvan as a composer performed much better than as a singer which makes this one marginally interesting song in the album.

Yuvan delivers stellar melody track in Uyirile Uyirile where the Raja'esque tune accompanied by neat arrangements makes this track easily best one in the album. Yuvan throws in surprises especially classical-tinged first interlude and Yuvan must revisit this kind of tracks frequently. Vijay Yesudas and Priyanka totally owns this song and especially the former's soulful singing make this one an engaging. Shut up Pannunga has very less to offer musically and the track rides mainly on the familiar title hook along with Anirudh Ravichander's name in the credit list. The arrangements are mainly dominated by the sneaky techno sounds which have very less shelf time. Balloon's Mystery ticks off every sound one can associate with the horror genre and the theme track ends in a high with the strings reaching crescendo towards the end. Revenge of the Joker is adequate background material and may blend well with the visuals rather than as a standalone track.

Verdict: Balloon is a consistently light and engaging album from Yuvan Shankar Raja after a recent misses.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the album: Uyirile Uyirile, Vaanam Dhaane

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

Music Review (Tamil): Velaikkaran

Music Review (Tamil): Velaikkaran
Music Composer: Anirudh Ravichander

Karuthavanlaam Galeejaam is a manic raw kuthu from Anirudh and the composer easily carries the swag with his carefree vocals. The lyrics can be easily mistaken by Rokesh if not for Viveka's names in the credit list. Though the tune is strictly mediocre, the raw energy in Anirudh's processed vocals makes this one easily sails through until the end.Vaa Velaikkara starts off in a dreamy fashion with Shakthishree's affecting vocals and the sound in the background is build up in a resounding manner. Anirudh ensured that synth loop is catchy enough while Bjorn Surrao's rap energy sets the tone of the song. Though the song is short, it keeps the listeners hooked till the end.

Idhyane's lush strings and keys laden background elevates the pleasant melody while Neethi Mohan's saccharine soaked vocals make this one works despite the tune is strictly an adequate one. Anirudh's overused vocals don't help the melody and the consistent engaging background along with Neethi's vocals help to some extent. Anirudh returns to his heavy metal sound of Vivegam in Iraiva and the transition from manic energy in Anirudh's vocals to pleasant classy melody is done in a neat fashion. The flute cues welcoming the pleasant portions after an outburst from Anirudh are a nice touch from the composer. Jonita Gandhi steals the show in a highly affecting track in the album. Anirudh ends the track with the gush of hard rock guitar strums. Ezhu Velaikkara's exotic sound and the optimistic vibes around the Viveka's lyrics is strictly background'ish one from the composer. The punchy percussion rhythm and the arousing chorus may work well with the visuals but not as a standalone song. Siddharth Mahadevan does an adequate job with respect to the vocals and the song sounds a tad too long with its monotonous soundscape.

Verdict: Anirudh plays safe and confines strictly to his usual sounds in Velaikkaran with two standout tracks.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album:  Iraiva, Vaa Velaikkara, Karuthavanlaam Galeejam

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

Music Review (Telugu): Prematho Mee Karthik

Music Review (Telugu): Prematho Mee Karthik
Music Composer: Shaan Rahman

Okka Chinukulo has Shaan Rahman's melody written all over it and Anne Amies's resonant punchy vocals are ably supported by reliable Sachin Warrier. Shaan kept the arrangement breezy enough to accentuate the feel-goodness of the melody. The mild tabla base in the charanam portions creates wonderful aural effect for the song. Pacha Pacha Kalale is another delectable melody which works more because of the pleasant arrangements and Pranavi Acharya's effective vocals. Shaan once again throws mesmerizing flute sections in the first interlude. Shaan Rahman's Malayalam accent is evident in Visirina Banthalle and the upbeat tune is enjoyable till it last especially for its splendid harmonium usage. Though the tune is relatively an average one, the arrangements and rhythm do the tricks in favour of the song. Shaan Rahman ends the soundtrack with brilliant celebratory song Vanavaasam and the semi-classical tune is brilliantly rendered by Hemachandra and Malavika. The beauty of the song lies in the Charanam and Hemachandra makes it more enjoyable with his improvisations.

Verdict: Shaan Rahman makes his memorable Tollywood debut in a relatively unknown film Prematho Mee Karthik.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Okka Chinukulo, Vanavasam

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

Music Review (Tamil): Richie

Music Review (Tamil): Richie
Music Composer: Ajaneesh Loknath

Sollathaan Nenaikirane's tune has 90's vibe associated with it and the chorus segues into the tune beautifully. Ajaneesh Loknath adorns the beautiful folk track with the spellbinding flute and keyboard while string sections by Chennai Strings give middle Eastern tweak to the arrangements. Though the Kannada equivalent had superlative vocals of Vijay Prakash, Ajaneesh manages with the neat rendition of the Tamil version. In Thaayai Thedi, Ajaneesh brings in Vijay Yesudas for the vocal portions while retaining Shankar Mahadevan for the back and forth classical sargams towards the end. Vani Harikrishna's vocal portions are diminished and Ajaneesh tweaked the interludes by removing the Tabla base. The song is adequately enjoyable with subtle changes mainly because of soulful tune and superlative vocals. Ajaneesh gives the theme music Rich Tarantino styled haunting flavor and the intriguing sounds throughout the three minutes instrumental makes this one immensely enjoyable fare from the composer. The cornucopia of sounds created in the theme music is enough to bolster Nivin Pauly's screen presence. Ajaneesh pushes the boundary further in another instrumental Final Showdown and the Puli Aattam mix with the chenda mela and the resounding strings makes this one a terrific listen. The mild Latin/Middle Eastern flavor along with the traditional beats is the highlight of this 4-minute instrumental track.

Verdict: Richie is a fitting follow up album after Kurangu Bommai for the successful Sandalwood composer Ajaneesh Loknath.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Thaayai Thedi, Final Showdown, Sollathaan Nenaikirene

P.S: I wish Ajaneesh could have composed fresh tunes for the Tamil version and also I miss terribly Kaakig Banna and Male Marathu's Tamil version

Music Review (Tamil): Semma Botha Aagathey

Music Review (Tamil): Semma Botha Aagathey
Music Composer: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Semma Botha Aagathey's trippy upbeat techno-laden short track is mangled by Yuvan Shankar Raja's strictly limited vocal range. Yuvan's buoyant rhythm and title hook make this one an enjoying fare from the composer. Rokesh and Badri Venkatesh's lyrics aptly blends with the tone of the song. Itemkaaran is another mediocre work from composer and this techno-laden kuthu falters from the start and curiously titled song aside, the track has little to offer. Ranjith and Anita's lively singing keeps the song extant and the interludes also sound outdated.

Idhayathai Oru Nodi is a bankable melody from the composer and the only sore point being the composer's vocals and the deja-vu factor associated with the tune. However, the track is enjoyable till it lasts and the composer's minimal background rhythms and arrangements make this one easily the best song in the soundtrack. Gaali Pannura's highlight is undeniably sensual vocals of Ramya Nambeesan and though the tune meanders along, the infectious title hook along with the vocals makes this one engaging short song in the soundtrack.Yuvan scores easily in the Survival theme and the composer packaged the haunting score with some lovely plucked instruments.

Verdict: Semma Botha Aagathey is a short conventional mixed bag from Yuvan Shankar Raja.

My Rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Idhayathai Oru Nodi, Semma Botha Aagathey

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

Music Review (Tamil): Kathirupor Pattiyal

Music Review (Tamil): Kathirupor Pattiyal
Music Composer: Sean Roldan

Pradeep shines in a breezy serene romantic track and the mood is accentuated by Sean Roldan's minimal pleasant arrangements. Though, the lyrics sound to be a misfit to the tune, Pradeep Kumar's impeccable vocals makes this one an enjoyable listen till it lasts. Call Mela Call Pottu is a fun listen and Sean Roldan's kickass Tambrahm accent meets Hara Hara Mahadevaki which makes this one whimsical song on the album. Kaathirukkum Kootathukku's tune is middling and treads on the familiar path but Sean tries to prop up the song with brilliant interludes especially violin in the second interlude. Harihara Sudhan backs up the song effectually with his vocals. Thee Thee Theeyana benefits largely from the lovely Sax laden arrangements and efforts of superlative vocals by Adithya Rao and Shakthishree Gopalan works magically. Composer's pop rhythm aids to the song's proceedings. The theme track doesn't offer much and ends the soundtrack in a flat note.

Verdict: Sean Roldan manages to deliver an enjoyable mix of songs for Kathiruppor Pattiyal after a few mishaps.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Call Mela Call Pottu, Thee Thee Theeyana, Azhagile Enai

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

Music Review (Tamil) : Aruvi

Music Review (Tamil) : Aruvi
Music Composer: Bindumalini and Vedanth Bharadwaj

In Kukotti Kunnatti, composer splendidly mixes the two parts where Vedanth's blissful ukelele gives way for the serene acapella towards the second half of the track and ends the track with once again top notch combination of string instruments. The acapella reminds us of the Prashant Pillai's stunner soundtrack in Malayalam film Amen and Bindumalini and Praniti effectually crooned the humming portions. Composers delivered another stunner in Asaindhadum Mayil where the combination itself an unimaginable one, Oothakaadu Venkata Subbaiyer's Carnatic verse meets the swanky Jazz instrumental. Bindumalini's brief Simmendramadhyam based rendition of Asaindhadum is pitch perfect and paparapaba hook is an enjoyable hook to the core. The second half is completely Balu's trumpet show with enough support from Fedrick Rosario's accordion. 

Cement Kaadu's ebullient tune is complemented well by Kutti Revathi and Arun Prabhu Purushothaman's lively casual lyrics. Composers adorn the enjoyable tune with energetic arrangements by employing brilliant mix of Joraj Stanley's drums and Niranjan's violin. Bindumalini once again aces in the vocals portions. Maanatha Tholachadey part towards the end is an amusing note from the composer.Though Uchham Thodum anbin Kodi is named as Party song, the song is more like an motivational number and the feel is accentuated by Kutti Revathi's lyrics. Composer's soft rock arrangements in the background gels well with the tone of the song. The genre elements aside, Fedrick Rosario's accordion and the scatting accompanied with the accordion is the brilliant touch form the composers.The soundtrack's most minimal song is Merku Karaiyil and the composer weaves the brilliant song around the simple yet astounding Banjo played by Vedant Bharadwaj. Vedant supports Bindhumalini in the vocal section and the splendid track ends with the classical Sarangi by Mano Thangamani. Composers ends the delectable soundtrack in high note with moods of Aruvi and the instrumental is prodded by Hemanth and Chandran's sincere violin solos accompanied by highly enjoyable Bindhumalini's humming and Vedant Bharadwaj's acoustic guitar.

Verdict: Aruvi's soundtrack is the most unconventional soundtrack in recent time and the highly inventive arrangements makes this one easily best debut for the composers.

My Rating: 9/10

Pick of the Album: Just listen the whole soundtrack.

Music Review (Tamil): Annadurai

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

Thangama Vairama starts off in a high note but once the outdated tune kicks off in Ananthu's vocals, the song fails to entice the listener. The interludes are strictly pedestrian and generic while Ananthu and Karthik tried to infuse life with the sincere rendition. The more memorable and inventive tune could have made this song an engaging listen. Vijay Antony brings back Nenjorathil fame Supriya Joshi to croon GST with the similar soundscape especially Tabla base. Though the tune fares tad lower than Nenjorathil, Vijay Antony able to deliver an adequately listenable song especially interludes and charanam portions. Arun Bharathi throws  GST in the lyrics to gather enough attention.

Apart from the slightly mellowed background soundscape, Odathey (Pathos) and Odathey doesn't have much variations, especially in terms of Ananthu's vocals. The tune strictly confines to the tried and tested Vijay Antony's stock list and also falls in the quite generic climatic soaring tune. Annadurai theme song falls into the composer's generalised melancholy template and Ananthu pushes a languishing tune with his effectual vocals but tune fails to engage. The only solace being the beautiful Piano interlude in the middle of the song.

Verdict: Vijay Antony's Annadurai is another unremarkable soundtrack from the composer and the short soundtrack from the composer has hardly any memorable tracks.

My Rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: GST 

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn

Music Review (Tamil): Theeran Adhigaram Ondru

Music Review (Tamil): Theeran Adhigaram Ondru
Music Composer: Ghibran

Ghibran opens up the album with the stellar song Oru Veetil, Ghibran's haunting tune starting from the chorus prelude till the end and Thamarai's poetical sensual lyrics makes this one easy winner. Ghibran's layered arrangements especially brilliant flute and strings-laden interludes combined with the superlative singing by lovely Shashaa Tripathi makes this one an immensely enjoyable song from Ghibran. Inno Genga provides fabulous support to Shashaa. Ghibran delivers gloomy track O Saathiye and once again arrangements are top notch especially lovely Carnatic violin solo in the second interlude. Ghibran sets the Charanam portions with the tabla base and engaging chorus while composer's immersive tune and Uma devi's affecting lyrics makes this one another easy pick of the album. Armaan Malik delivers the song effectually.

Ghibran channeled his inner Ilayaraja in Laali Laali and the melodious tune is adorned with the consistent engaging arrangements while Pragathi Guruprasad's humming along with the thumping rhythm works like charm. Ghibran's simple yet hummable tune and the brilliant Charanam portion crooned perfectly by Sathyaprakash makes this song an easily accessible one.The title track is in lines with the expected soundscape, highly racy explosive track but the tune doesn't work to its favor as in other songs. The debut singers Aravind Srinivas and Sarath Santosh did a neat job with respect to vocals, However, the arrangements strictly confined to the relatively known hard rock material. Ghibran comes up with quite a surprising thing in Tamil album, a complete song featuring Hindi lyrics in Tinga Tinga. Though the accent by Padmalatha is questionable, the tune is lovely one with an enjoyable predominant folk sound throughout the track. Ghibran started to use Padmalatha's vocals differently after Magalir Mattum unlike his initial collaboration with the singer. Apart from the inconvenient vocals, the track is enjoyable till it lasts. Ghibran ends the soundtrack with another simple lovable melody Sevatha Pulla and the interludes are incredibly lively one with the sprightly sounds sprinkled throughout the song. KG Ranjith sails through the neat tune effortlessly.

Verdict: Ghibran's delivers an impressive enjoyable soundtrack for the high profile commercial entertainer and the melodies standout in the album.

My Rating:8.5/10

Pick of the album: Oru Veetil, O Saathiye, Sevathapulla.

P.S: You can listen to the songs on Gaana.