Music Review (Telugu): Tholi Prema

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

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

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

My Rating:7.5/10

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

P.S you can listen to the soundtrack in Saavn 


 

Music Review (Tamil): IrumbuThirai

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

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

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

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the album: Azhagae, Yaar Ivan 

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

Music Review (Tamil): Kee

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

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

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

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

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kaadhoram, Pattikichu Paathiya

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

Music Review (Tamil): Nimir

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

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

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

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

My Rating: 8/10

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

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

 

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Music Review (Tamil): Sketch

Music Review (Tamil): Sketch
Music Composer: Thaman

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

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

My Rating: 8/10

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

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

Music Review (Tamil): Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren

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

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

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

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Lamba Lamba, Hey Reengara 

P.S You can listen to the soundtrack in Saavn


 

Music Review (Tamil): Thaana Serndha Kootam

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

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

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

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

My Rating: 7.5/10

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

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn

Music Review (Tamil): Tik Tik Tik

Music Review (Tamil): Tik Tik Tik
Music Composer: Imman

Tik Tik Tik suffers largely from the Yuvan Shankar Raja's limited vocal range and the serviceable tune. Sunitha Sarathy's humming interspersed with the Yogi B's typical rap being the only highlight of this track. The tune is strictly average stuff from the composer despite throwing random konnakol in the half way. Imman strikes in Kurumba where Sid Sriram's vocal prowess lifts the song level. The improvisations and the classical touch in the Charanam portions are easily the song's highlight. Imman's consistent beautiful arrangements with the tinge of classical cues in the violin solos makes this one highly enjoyable track in the album.

VinVeera's optimistic Madhan Karky's lyric is prodded by the predictable flashy hard rock guitar strums and blaring drums. Ranjith explosive singing aside, the track has very little scope to clasp the attention of the listeners and Sri Rascol's rap portions are mediocre one. Kurumba's reprise version is crooned by Mirthula Siva and the reprise version is a laborious listen with all it's carnatic improvisation is replaced by more mod sound. The track's original versions works despite the sincere rendition by the lead singer.The theme tracks Race against time and Far beyond Earth are filled with techno sounds as expected and the latter track works exceptionally compared to the former one mainly because of the hanuting base melody despite filled with predominantly synth sounds throughout the 3 minute instrumental track.

Verdict: Imman plays safe in his 100th album and confined to his comfortable zone with Kurumba being the easy winner among the other tracks.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Kurumba

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

Music Review (Updated) - 2017

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)

• Kaalakoothu (AA), Ok Jaanu (AA), Khaidi No 150 (BA), Urvi (AA), Shivalinga (BA), Nenu Local (A), Adhe Kangal (AA), Rangoon (E), Raees (A), Sathriyan (A)
• Yaman (BA), Dora (AA), Mupparimanam (A), Kavan (A), Winner(BA), Happy New Year (A), Angamaly Diaries (AA)
• Phillauri (AA), Power Paandi (AA), Guru (AA), Katamarayudu (A), Kaatru Veliyidai (AA), Veera (A), Baahubali 2 (A), Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen (BA), Kadamban (BA)
• BegumJaan(A), Sakhavu(A), Neruppu da (AA), Maayavan (A), Meri Pyaari Bindu (A), Vanamagan (A), Magalir Mattum (AA), Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thora (BA)
• Server Sundaram (AA), Brindavanam (A), Keshava (A), Rarandoi Vedukka Chuddam (BA), Rangoon (AA)
• Kurangu Bommai (A), Sema (BA), DJ (BA), Ivan Thandiran (BA),Vikram Vedha (AA), Geminiganesanum Surulirajanum (A), VIP2 (A), Ninnu Kori (A), Podhuvaaga En Manasu Thangam (BA), Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum(A)
• Fidaa (AA). Jagga Jasoos (AA), Goutham Nanda (BA), Thrissivaperoor Kliptham(A), Qaidi Band (AA), Aramm (AA)
• Jaya Janaki Nayaka(BA), Nene Raja Nene Mandiri (A), Vivegam (A), Kadhanayagan (A), Pullikkaran Staraa (AA), Mersal(A), Babumoshai Bandookbaaz (AA), Yuddham Sharanam (AA), Karuppan (A), Thiruttu Payale 2(A)
• Sathya (A), Spyder (A),Dalapathi (A), Meyaadha Maan (AA), Nenjil Thunivirunthal (BA), Solo (E), Ippadai Vellum (BA), Oxygen (BA), Chakkaramaavin Kombathu (A), 2Point0 (AA)
• Theeran Adhigaram Ondru (AA), Annadurai (BA), Aruvi (E), Kathirupor Pattiyal (A), Semma Botha Aagathey (A), Richie (AA), Prematho Mee Karthik (A)
• Velaikkaran (A), Balloon (A), Sakka Podu Podu Raja (A), Hello (BA), Middle Class Abbayi (BA), Agnyathavaasi (AA), Gulebagavali (BA), Jai Simha (BA), Tagaru (AA)

Music Review (Kannada): Tagaru

Music Review (Kannada): Tagaru
Music Composer : Charan Raj

Tagaru banthu Tagaru's tune is monotonous but the music loop and Antony Daasan's vocal lifts the song from the pedestrian one. Charan Raj kept the upbeat mood of the song consistently despite the tune sounds like the direct import from Telugu mass films. Ananya Bhat shines in the folksy hold on song and the Charan Raj's rustic tune and the violin solos in the interludes make this one listenable song. Composer strikes again in another Ananya Bhat song Mental ho jawa and the synth-laden soundtrack has the groovy and instantly catchy tune.Raksha Achar and Meghna Bhat ably support with their vocals.

Verdict: After middling Dalapathi, Charan Raj back to his impressive form for another commercial high budget film Tagaru.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Hold on, Mental Ho Jawa 

P.S you can listen to the songs in Saavn

Music Roundup - 2017

Music Roundup - 2017

It's December and it's time to do the music roundup of this year's best songs/ the songs which stayed on my playlist for a long time. I'm happy that I was able to continue this roundup list for the 4th year but slightly disappointed that unable to post reviews as frequently as before due to my other commitments. Hopefully, I should be able to do full-fledged reviews from next year and personally,  wish to say that those are merely my thoughts on the particular album.

Tamil:

    In Tamil, compared to last year, 2017 is low key with respect to music, but Bhindumalini and Vedanth Bharadwaj's brilliant unconventional music in Aruvi deserve the top album of the year. Sam C S utilized his high profile budget movie Vikram Vedha and delivered the top-notch quality album. Sean Roldan impresses with the highly melodious offering in Power Paandi but the composer's work in VIP2, Kadha Nayagan, and Nerrupu da doesn't work except for the one or two songs in the album.

  Composer of the year is undeniably Ghibran and very happy that the composer's talent is recognized with the commercial hit Aramm and Theeran Adhigaram Ondru. He delivered brilliant albums during year start with Adhe Kangal and continues his prolific scores in Maayavan, Magalir Mattum, Aramm and Theeran Adhigaram Ondru.

 A R Rahman comes back with vengeance in Kaatru Veliyidai while Mersal fails to impress me musically and Robot 2.0 stands in the middle. Harris Jayaraj and Yuvan Shankar Raja continue to be pigeonholed with their limited well-established soundscape. Imman who was the composer of the year in 2016 fails to continue his magical run this year mainly because of the hackneyed trademark melodies. Though his brilliance in some of the tracks is evident. he fails to deliver a complete knock out album this year. Anirudh did a fine job in both Velaikkaran and Vivegam even though both the album has familiar sound cues. Santhosh Narayanan remains low key this year with the average albums Bairava and Server Sundaram but he hits the right note the melodious Meyaadha Maan along with Pradeep Kumar.

Composer of the year: Ghibran

Top 3 Tamil Albums of 2017:

1) Aruvi - Bhindumalini and Vedanth Bharadwaj
2) Power Paandi - Sean Roldan
3) Kaatru Veliyidai -  AR Rahman

Top Tamil songs of 2017:

1) Sarattu Vandiyile - Kaatru Veliyidai - AR Rahman
2) Asaindhaadum Mayil - Aruvi - Bhinumalini and Vedanth Bharadwaj
3) Paarthen - Power Paandi - Sean Roldan
4) Oru Veetil - Theeran Adhigaram Ondru - Ghibran
5) Vaan - Kaatru Veliyidai - AR Rahman
6) Thandiraa - Adhe Kangal - Ghibran
7) Enna Naan Seiven - Meyaadha Maan - Pradeep Kumar
8) Yaanji Yaanji - Vikram Vedha - Sam CS
9) Merku Karayil - Aruvi - Bhindumalini and Vedanth Bharadwaj
10) Ammu Kuttiye - Geminiganeshanum Suruli Rajanum - Imman
11) Aalangiliye - Neruppu da - Sean Roldan
12) Kadhalaada - Vivegam - Anirudh
13) Adi Vaadi Thimiraa - Magalir Mattum - Ghibran
14) Megamo Aval - Meyaadha Maan - Santosh Narayanan
15) Melam Kottudaa - Aramm - Ghibran

Other Songs worth mentioning:

16) Yavvana - Sathya - Simon K King
17) Engapora Dora - Dora - Mervin Solomon
18) Paathum Paakkama - Kurangu Bommai - Ajaneesh Loknath
19) Kavidhaigala - Maragadha Naanayam - Dhibu Ninan Thomas
20) Nee Illai Yendral - 8 Thottakkal - KS Sundaramurthy
21) Iraivanai Thandha - VIP2 - Sean Roldan
22) Oxygen - Kavan - HipHop Tamizha
23) Tasakku Tasakku - Vikram Vedha - Sam CS
24) Rail Aaraaroo - Nenjil Thunivirundhal - Imman
25) Iravil Varukira - En Aaloda Seruppa Kaanom - Ishaan Dev
26) Iraiva - Velaikkaran - Anirudh
27) Unavey Marundhu -Server Sundaram - Santosh Narayanan
28) Kannukulla - Kaalakkoothu - Justin Prabhakaran
29) Vaaraai Vaaraai - Bogan - Imman
30) Naan Ini Kaatril - Yaakkai - Yuvan Shankar Raja

You can listen to the songs as a single playlist in Saavn.

Hindi:

    The Hindi music scenario of 2017 is middling and really disappointed that Amit Trivedi, who is my favorite composer in Bollywood, delivered average albums like Quadi Band and Secret Superstar but although gave much better short soundtrack for Rukh. Another dissenting trend is that staggered release of songs in Bollywood and it's pity that still Jagga Jaasoos's official complete soundtrack is yet to release. Another composer who was missing is SEL after their brilliant Mirzya in 2016. Pritam definitely deserves composer of the year title and the man delivered two outstanding soundtracks Jab Harry Met Sejal and Jagga Jaasoos. Vishal Bhardwaj's Rangoon easily takes the top spot in the albums released this year.

    Rahman delivered unconventional tracks for Mom and relatively engaging soundtrack for Ok Jaanu. Ram Sampath delivers pretty engaging Raees while the multi-composer soundtrack is pretty normal in Hindi music, two composers who stood out in the pack are undeniably Tanishk Bagchi and Rochak Kohli. The former delivered brilliant soundtrack in Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Tumhari Sulu while the later delivered some of the memorable tracks in Qarib Qarib single and Lucknow central. Apart from Meri Pyaari Bindu and Simran, Sachin Jigar's work is pretty much average.

Composer of the year: Pritam


Top 3 Hindi Albums of 2017

1) Rangoon - Vishal Bhardwaj
2) Jagga Jaasoos - Pritam
3) Jab Harry Met Sejal - Pritam

Top Hindi Songs of 2017

1) Barfani - Babumoshai Bandookbaaz - Gaurav Dagaonkar
2) Yeh Ishq Hai - Rangoon - Vishal Bhardwaj
3) Ullu Ka Patha - Jagga Jaasoos - Pritam

4) Parinda - Jab Harry Met Sejal - Pritam

5) Kanha - Shubh Mangal Savdhan - Tanishk-Vayu

6) Tippa - Rangoon - Vishal Bhardwaj

7) Be Nazaara - Mom - AR Rahman

8) Safar - Jab Harry Met Sejal - Pritam

9) Rafu - Tumhari Sulu - Santanu Ghatak

10) Jhumritalaiyya - Jagga Jaasoos - Pritam

11) Saajon Aayo Re - Ok Jaanu - AR Rahman

12) Phir Nayi - Qaidi Band - Amit Trivedi

13) Iss Tarah - Meri Pyaari Bandu - Sachin - Jigar

14) Hai Baaki - Rukh - Amit Trivedi

15) Chal Kahin Door - Mom - AR Rahman

Other songs worth mentioning

16) Single Rehne De - Simran - Sachin Jigar

17) Khidki - Rukh - Amit Trivedi

18) Dum Dum - Phillauri - Shashwat Sachdev

19) Manva likes to fly - Tumhari Sulu - Tanishk Bagchi

20) Ek Dooni Do - Rangoon - Vishal Bhardwaj

21) Chulbuli - Babumoshai Bandookbaaz - Gaurav Dagaonkar

22) Le Li Jaan - Lipstick under my Burkha - Zebunnisa Bangash

23) Khatam Kahani - Qarib Qarib Single - Vishal Mishra

24) Sapne Re - Secret Superstar - Amit Trivedi

25) Udi Udi Jaaye - Raees - Jam8

26) Tamma Tamma again - Badrinath Ki Dulhania - Tanishq Bagchi

27) Badnaam Jiya De Gaari - Anaarkali of Aarah - Rohit Sharma

28) Sweety Tera drama - Bareilly Ki Barfi - Tanishq Bagchi

29) Tan Tan - Chef - Raghu Dixit

30) Hoor - Hindi Medium - Sachin Jigar

You can listen to the songs as a single playlist in Saavn.

Telugu:

     This year Telugu music scenario is revamped by a bunch of young music directors who delivered knockout albums. Radhan came up with a stunner soundtrack Arjun Reddy and the songs were on my playlist for a long period of time. The tracks are segued into the movie beautifully. Shravan music is always an exciting one and in 2017 also he gave two stellar soundtracks (Chandamama Raave and Malli Raava). Hope the composer gets deserved recognition in 2018. Another promising young composer Vivek Sagar of pelli Choopulu fame, delivers brilliant Yudham Sharanam but the movie fails to work in the box office. Shakthikanth Karthik gets his break with the ear-friendly Fidaa while Vishal Chandrasekhar hits the right note in Kathalo Rajakumari along with veteran Ilayaraja.

   Thaman continues to scrape his barrel bottom while Devisriprasad continues to perform well within his limited stock tunes.Hopefully, we will be able to listen to more songs from Sunny MR and Gopi Sundar next year while another Malayalam composer, Shaan Rahman debuts this year in Telugu with the decent album Prematho Mee Karthik and the above average Rachayitha

Composer of the year: Radhan

Top Telugu Albums of 2017

1) Arjun Reddy - Radhan
2) Yudham Sharanam - Vivek Sagar
3) Malli Raava - Shravan

Top Telugu songs of 2017

1) Madhuram - Arjun Reddy - Radhan
2) Enno Enno Bhavaley - Yudham Sharanam - Vivek Sagar
3) Hey Pillagada - Fidaa - Shakthikanth Karthik
4) Gudilo Badilo Madilo - Duvvada Jagannadham - Devisri Prasad
5) Chinuku - Malli Raava - Shravan
6) Allari Pilla Gaada - Ungarala Rambabu - Ghibran
7) Praayam Inthe Raa - Chandamama Raave - Shravan
8) Nilavade - Shatamanam Bhavati - Mickey J Meyer.
9) Vachinde - Fidaa - Shakthikanth Karthik
10) Unnatundi Gundey - Ninnu Kori - Gopi Sundar
11) Ala Meda Mida - Next Nuvve - Sai Karthik
12) Manase Thalupe - Kathalo Rajakumari - Vishal Chandrasekhar
13) Dhooram - Arjun Reddy - Radhan
14) Adedo Maayelley - Yudham Sharanam - Vivek Sagar
15) Malli Raava - Malli Raava - Shravan

Other songs worth mentioning:

16) Hamsa Naava - Baahubali 2 - MM Keeravani
17) Telusa Neeku Bahusa - Keshava - Sunny MR
18) Arere Yekkada - Nenu local - DeviSri Prasad
19) Manavi Alakincharadate - Mental Madhilo - Prashanth R Vihari
20) Egire - Venkatapuram - Achu Rajamani
21) Ekimeeda - Gautamiputra Satakarni - Chirantan Bhatt
22) Yelo Yedarilo Vaana - Katamarayudu - Anup Rubens
23) Thakita - Rarandoi Vedukka Chuddam - DeviSri Prasad
24) Premale - PSV Garuda Vega - Bheems Cecireleo
25) Chinnari - Raja the great - Sai Karthik
26) What Amma - Unnadhi Okate Zindagi - Devi Sri Prasad
27) Shatamanam Bhavati - Shatamanam Bhavati - Mickey J Meyer
28) Merise - Aanando Brahma - K
29) O Kshanam - Oxygen - Yuvan Shankar Raja
30) Sitara - Winner - Thaman

You can listen to the songs as a single playlist in Saavn.

Malayalam:

     It's unfortunate that I was unable to listen to many soundtracks in Malayalam and there are more chances that I might have missed some of the best songs released in 2017. So this list cannot be considered as the comprehensive list for Malayalam. It's just list of songs which I thoroughly enjoyed listening in Malayalam and this is one industry where the composers give much importance to the unadulterated earthy songs brimmed with native sounds. This is reflected in the lyrics and kind of melodies churned out by this industry. Bijibal is one of the composers who delivers timeless old-world melodies to such a perfection and in 2017 also once can see the composer is in fine form from Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol to Matchbox. Another composer who delivers consistently is Shaan Rahman who scores Godha, Velipadinte Pusthakam, and many more fine soundtracks. Prashant Pillai continues to enchant the listeners with his exquisite sounds in Angamaly Diaries, Solo, and Sakhavu.

Composer of the year: Bijibal and Shaan Rahman

Top 3 Malayalam Albums of 2017

1) Solo - Mutiple Composers
2) Angamaly Diaries - Prashant Pillai
3) Udaharanam Sujatha - Gopi Sundar

Top Malayalam songs of 2017

1) Sita Kalynam - Solo - Sooraj S Kurup
2) Do Naina - Angamaly Diaries - Prashant Pillai
3) Kilivathilin Chare Nee - Pullikkaran Staraa -  M Jayachandran
4) Edhedho Swapnamo - Avarude Ravukal - Sankar Sharma
5) Entammede Jimmiki Kammal - Velipadinte Pusthakam - Shaan Rahman
6) Kasavu Njoriyumoru - Udaharanam Sujatha - Gopi Sundar
7) Ayalathe - Angamaly Diaries - Prashant Pillai
8) Roshomon - Solo - Prashant Pillai
9) Ozhukiyozhuki - Oru Cinemakaaran - Bijibal
10) Unarukayaano - Udaharanam Sujatha - Gopi Sundar
11) Kannile Poika - Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum - Bijibal
12) Melakey - Crossroad - Anithashaiq
13) Aal Ayaal - Solo - Masala Coffee
14) Lailakame - Ezra - Rahul Raj

15) Njanee Oonjalil - Rakshadhikari Baiju - Bijibal

16) Aaro Nenjil - Godha - Shaan Rahman

17) Athimara Kombile - Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol - Bijibal

18) Neeyum Njaanum - Aana Alaralodalaral - Shaan Rahman

19) Enthavo - Njandukalude Naatil Oridavela - Justin Varghese
20) Mohabathin - Take off - Gopi Sundar

You can listen to the songs as a single playlist in Saavn.

Music Review (Telugu): Jai Simha

Music Review (Telugu): Jai Simha
Music Composer: Chirantan Bhatt

Ammakutti Ammakutti is tried and tested Telugu mass number where Geetha Madhuri's modulations in the Charanam portions being the only saving grace and the lyrics are ostensibly deplorable one from Bhaskarabhatla. Jaspreet Jasz infuses much energy to the languishing song with his energetic vocals. Chirantan Bhatt comes back to his form in Anaganaga Anaganaga where Vijay Yesudas sounds like his father and the composer's brilliant pleasant arrangements make this storytelling verses of Srimani works like a charm. Sanjoy Das's flute and Arun Kamath's guitar deserves special mention.

Jai Simha theme is a random outburst of Noel Sean and Vivek Hariharan where the tune and the rap portions hardly work despite lead singers tried to infuse liveliness to the song. The arrangements are predictably too loud and hardly has any catchy stuff from the composer. Priyam Jagame Anandhamayam's techno-laden duet is a tedious listen except for the lead vocals by Revanth and Ramya Behera. The backgrounds and arrangements are typical electronic sound without much to offer and the interludes fall flat along with the tune. Shreya Goshal and Chirantan Bhatt delivered few brilliant songs in their previous work and in this album also they delivered relatively pleasant jingle'ish score in the form of Yevevo Cheppanipisthundhi. Though the track falls below the combo's earlier works, this is the only song works in this weaker album from Chirantan Bhatt.

My rating: 6/10

Verdict: Chirantan Bhatt's first commercial album in Telugu is also the weakest one from the composer without much of his usual novelty or catchiness required for this kind of albums.

Pick of the Album: Yevevo Cheppanipisthundhi,  Anaganaga Anaganaga

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn

Music Review (Tamil): Gulebagavali

Music Review (Tamil): Gulebagavali
Music Composer: Vivek- Merwin

Guleba rides mainly on the buoyant carefree festive arrangements dominated by Maxwell's catchy Trumpet hook and Anirudh's colloquial singing. However, Ku Karthick's lyrics are irksome at some places but the song sails through mainly because of it's fluffy tone and simple heard before nature of the tune. Seramal Ponal reminds of the Leon James kind of music and the pleasant breezy melody works quite effectually because of the lead singers Mervin Solomon and Sameera Bharadwaj who crooned many beautiful melodies in Telugu. Mervin Solomon kept the arrangements tidy dominated by brilliant strings sections by Chennai Strings and Keys by the composer duo itself.

Heartukulla is another dance number and we can't expect much more in terms of music. The tune and arrangements are predictably mediocre one where the only saving grace is in the energetic vocals of Nakash Aziz and adequately supported by Sanjana Diwakar. Seramaal Ponal comes in another version You are the Only one where Inno Genga delivers with finesse, However, predictable techno sounds are interspersed which makes this one falls tad lower than the original version. The synth programming and the classical continuum keyboard usage in the interludes are easy highlights of this reprise version.

My Rating: 6/10

Verdict: Gulebagavali is the short soundtrack where the melodies work to some extent and this is the weakest album from the composer duo.

Pick of the Album: Seramal Ponaal

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn