Music Review (Tamil): Junga
Music Composer: Sidddharth Vipin
Rise of Don is a mishmash of pretty average rap portions and Suraj Jagan's fatigue singing doesn't help much. Rockstar Ramani Ammal's debut makes this song interesting to look forward, but the respite is short lived. The arrangements are strictly functional prodded by familiar brass sections and the Junga chorus helps the song to a certain extent.Amma Mela Sathiyam starts with the laborious Telugu verses and the subsequent Tamil portions don't help either. The absurd lyrics mixing Tamil and Telugu which in some instances turns out to be hilarious listen. Jagadeesh's spirited singing aside, the track has very little to offer to the listeners.
Parrys to Paris buoyant tune with the backdrop of European'esque arrangements which hardly fails and the piece de resistance of the track is undeniably Kalpana Raghavendar's operatic singing. Anthony Daasan's rustic vocals for the vaudevillian track makes an interesting combination. Siddharth Vipin ensures that arrangements are pretty neat and engaging.Lolikiriya is another tiresome listen which rides on the hackneyed brass sections and silly lyrics. The tune hardly has any interesting element and Marana Gaana Viji's singing is another weak point. It's unfortunate that Nakash Aziz's vocals are relegated to the similar kind of tracks in Tamil and Telugu.Koottipo Koodave which was released earlier as a single is the only track which works as a complete package. Siddharth Vipin's simple tune dominated by synth backgrounds adorned with the pleasant chorus. Sathyaprakash's fine vocals with ample support from Ranina Reddy makes this one an enjoyable listen especially the catchy title hook by the singer.The short Makkal Selvan Fans song is the random mix of kuthu and hard rock spearheaded by Suraj Jagan's sprightly singing.
Verdict: Siddharth Vipin's collaboration with Gokul is an underwhelming album except for the single Koottipo Koodave.
My Rating: 6/10
Pick of the Album: Koottipo Koodave, Parrys to Paris
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
Music Review (Tamil) : Kadaikutty Singam
Music Composer: Imman
Sandakkari has Imman's stamp all over it, starting from the punctuating percussion rhythms and the sweeping string section in the interludes. Yugabharathi continues to pen easily accessible lyrics and the hackneyed tune which has been tried and tested umpteen number of times by the composer itself. Vandana Srinivasan's singing and the mesmerising charanam portions by the singer makes this one passable listen.Imman ensures that Kaalai theme is filled with stupendous energy propped up by punchy percussions and the energetic chorus. Composer infused few engaging Nathaswaram solos amidst the celebratory brass sections and the theme track surely enrich the mass moments on screen.
Thandora Kannaala starts off with an exotic flute and Santoor solos but nose-dived into composer's famous territory which relies on the trite rhythm sections. V V Prasanna salvages the languishing tune with his involved singing. The highlight of the song is an undeniably interesting twist in the second interlude with the soft rock sound accompanied by wonderful chorus and Yugabharathi's relatable lyrics invoking 'wire koodai' , Thandora etc.Vaa Jikki has an uncanny resemblance to Soi Soi and the composer didn't give enough time for the listeners to comprehend about the similarities because of the raw energy the track infuses. However, the track is pretty average and appears to be the hodgepodge of random tunes. Imman sung with enough verve.
Sengathire gains a lot from the Pradeep Kumar's nuanced singing of the classical-tinged tune and the singer's improvisations works like charm. especially in the charanam portions. Imman sets the gloomy tone with the reverberating flute solos and brilliant veena sections in the interludes.
Verdict: Imman's confined soundscape for the rural flicks turns out to be exhausting listen and it's high time for the composer to revamp his style.
My Rating:6.5/10
Pick of the Album: Sengathire, Sandakkari
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
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 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 (Hindi): Bhavesh Joshi Superhero
Music Composer: Amit Trivedi
Amit Trivedi channels his Udtaa Punjab mode in Hum Hain Insaaf and the songs works despite being the lingering hangover form the soundscape to Babu Haabi and Naezy's vocals. The rap portions work brilliantly and the title hook is adequately catchy stuff from the composer. Chavanprash's soundscape and the average tune is prodded by Divyakumar's splendid vocals. However, the song fizzles out sooner and turns out to be monotonous listen even though few nifty guitar riffs by Sanjoy Das. Amit Trivedi reserved the best song of the soundtrack to himself. Tafreeh works magically with the steady progressing tune and the hypnotic rhythm adds charm to the beautiful tune. Look out for the brilliant mixing in the interludes and Amit Trivedi aces the singing part effectually. The composer ends the track with the punctuating rock sound lead by Rhythm Shaw's fabulous guitar solos. Amit Trivedi delivers another winner with the serene tuned Qasam Kha Ali and once again the enchanting rhythm along with Papon's magical vocals makes this one works.
Verdict: Though the soundtrack falls few notches below the Vikramaditya Motwane-Amit Trivedi combo, two tracks standout in this Amit Trivedi's latest album.
My Rating: 7.5/10
Pick of the Album: Tafreeh, Qasam Kha Ali, Hum Hain Insaaf
P.S: You can listen to the songs in Youtube.
Music Review(Tamil): Goli Soda2
Music Composer: Achu Rajamani
Pondatee, seems to be the kind of music churned out by Leon James and the peppy breezy tune sung by the composer Achu itself. The guitar-laden track is listenable and the arrangements are adorned by Ranjith's Sitar in the first interlude. Though Mani Amuthavan's lyrics sound force fitted, Achu's singing and Buoyant tune make this one listenable.Kelambu is the hackneyed anthemic rousing grungy track with the hardly memorable tune and apart from Steve's effectual guitar score, the track has little to offer. Deepak, Mahalingam, Jitin Raj and Sreeraj deliver fine within the limited scope of the tune. The track relies largely on the punchy percussions and few nifty guitar solos.Yaaro Vandhu is another track sung by the composer itself and the short melancholy track fails to stick to the listeners. The track is mostly situational one and gains a lot from the pensive lyrics.
Kannamma is on the lines of Pondatee where the breezy tone of the song and the stylish rendition by the string of singers lead by Praveen and Nishitha Menon. The interludes with the iPad synth are extremely catchy stuff which flows in tandem with the overall tone of the song. Achu ends the soundtrack with the racy theme track led by effectual Gautham Vasudev Menon's voice over. The theme track is loaded with the techno synthesised sounds which gives the haunting soundscape for the thriller.
Verdict: Golisoda 2 is definitely better soundtrack than it's prequel but the album lacks instant catchy songs. despite occasional brilliance from the talented composer.
My Rating:7/10
Pick of the Album: Kannamma, Pondattee
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
Music Review (Malayalam): Kaamuki
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar
Kurumbi, song about mischievous daughter, sung perfectly by the child prodigy Sreya Jayadeep and the average tune is propped up by Sumesh Parameswar's brilliant bass line. The title hook is catchy enough and the singer makes this one work easily. Gopi Sundar delivers his best in the heady maapilla paatu styled Sowhrudam and the song instantly takes me back to composer's Kizhakku Pookum from Anwar. Mithun Jayaraj and Sithara Krishnakumar nails the tune with their pitch perfect vocals with ample support from the chorus. The title hook is an incredibly catchy stuff from the composer and Mithun's sargams along with Sithara's vocals makes this one an wonderful listen. Gopi Sundar delivers another breath taking melody with mild Quawalli touch to the tune and an undeniable highlight is Jossy Alpy Sax and loved the way the transition between Sumesh's classically played guitar leaves way for wonderful Sax. Divya S Menon steals the show with her mesmerising vocals.
Verdict: Gopi Sundar's short 3 song soundtrack is enjoyable and the two melodies standout with ample things to love.
My Rating: 7.5/10
Pick of the album: Sowhrudam, Neeyam Sooryan
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
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 (Tamil): Kaala
Music Composer: Santosh Narayanan
Semma Weightu is an almost tweaked version of Veera Thurandhara and the gangsta rap works like charm despite Kabali hangover all over the track. HariharaSudhan and Santosh Narayanan ace the rendition with ample support from the rapper Dopeadelicz throwing in Marathi rap. The 80's rock sound and the synth accompanied by Jhanu Chanthar's electric guitar riffs make this one an enjoying listen. Thanga Sela's generic mass friendly tune propped up by Shankar Mahadevan's singing and the tune is strictly average one from the composer. Naveen Bass line towards the first interlude is a nice touch from the composer in an otherwise average song. Katravai Patravai is the soundtrack's highlight and the infectious energy along with the whistles easily makes Kaala's Neruppu da. The adrenaline rush around the 'Unnayum Mannayum Vendru Vaa Nee' elevates the track multifold. Arunraja Kamaraj does his best with his sprightly singing and Rajinikanth's dialogues make this one easily the best song in the soundtrack. Kannamma's melody has Santosh Narayanan written all over it and the immersive melody is aced by Pradeep Kumar as always and it's a delight to listen to the singer's improvisations. Vishnu Vijay's pensive flute in the first interlude and the niftly done minimalistic guitar strums set the tone for the song. The tune gets Acapella version by Ananthu sounds much better with the few nicely done touches like whistles on the backdrop of rain splatter sounds and the singer's earnest rendition.
The remaining half of the soundtrack is where Kaala didn't work. Urimayai Meetpom starts well with the resonating vocals of Vijay Prakash but soon the track turns into an average Quawaalli - Gaana mix. Keba's guitar strums have been brilliantly employed amidst the Ganapathy and Venkat's tabla. Another interesting aspect is Arivu's lyrics and it's interesting to analyse with the backdrop of TamilNadu's political scenario. Apart from Karthik Devaraj's haunting synth work and Logan's lyrics, Poraaduvom doesn't make the cut despite Dopeadelicz's rap portions. Theruvilakku is background material which may work well with the visuals but not as a standalone track. Nikkal Nikkal is another track which warrants listen for Logan and Dopeadelicz lyrics while the tune is in Meyaadha Maan's territory. Lyricist Vivek turns into the singer with this song.
Verdict: Santosh Narayanan, once again sticks to the director's requirement without yielding to the Rajini's film. However, the lingering feel of the Kabali's soundscape bogs down the listener's enthusiasm.
My Rating: 8/10
Pick of the Album: Kattravai Pattravai, Kannamma, Semma Weightu
P.S You can listen to the soundtrack in Saavn .
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 (Tamil): Mr.Chandramouli
Music Composer: Sam CS
Kallooliye instantly reminds of the composer's underrated album Kadalai and Sam CS's vocal processing further cements the similarity to Kannukulla Vandhu from Kadalai. However composer makes up for that with the trendy and cool arrangements in the background with ample support from Swagatha Krishna in the second half. Kandapadi is an intriguing and imaginative musical concoction where rustic vocals of Guna meets the Jazzy world. Apart from the free-flowing tune structure, there is a lot to like in the arrangements starting from brilliant Nathan's clarinet solos in the prelude to playful keys and violin solos in the interludes.
Yedhedho Aanene takes time to sink in the minds of the listeners especially with the Pallavi and the unsettling soundscape, but Sam CS makes it work with the stunning Ilayaraja'esque charanam portions. Though Sam CS's does a decent job with respect to vocals, Chinmayi steals the show with her pitch-perfect rendition and the arrangements by the composer continuous to be captivating one especially the Carnatic guitar strums in the first interlude.Sam CS ensures that the most pedestrian track in the album also has few interesting elements to it and Raajadhi Raja falls into the category. The tune starts with interesting playful tone but turns out to be awkward hodge-podge tune bits which fail to turn into an enjoyable song. Ranjith's vocals being the only highlight in an otherwise passable song.Theeradho Vali's piece de Resistance is absolutely Manonmani's Sarangi solos which sounds almost as another singer along with Haricharan. Sam CS sets the haunting soundscape for the melancholy and the lead singer sounds fabulous and it's a delight to hear the singer's improvisations along with the Sarangi bits.Mr.Chandramouli's waltzy soundscape is gorgeous and the composer adorns the tune with the beautiful strings section by Chennai Strings orchestra and the Kamalakhar's melodica in the prelude. Brinda Sivakumar, Sister of Surya debuts as a singer and does the decent job with respect to vocals supported by the composer himself.
Verdict: Sam CS is on a roll and though Mr.Chandramouli lacks an instant appealing tracks, the composer's tunes and arrangements are definitely intriguing and enjoyable.
My Rating: 8/10
Pick of the Album: Yedhedho Aanene, Kandapadi, Theeradho Vali.
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
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.
Music Review (Hindi): Raazi
Music Composer: Shankar Ehsaan Loy
Ae Watan has an undeniable Mirzya vibe in the chorus portions and the serene blissful tune sung wonderfully by Arijit Singh. SEL did a commendable job with respect to arrangements especially the soaring string portions accompanied by punctuating consistent percussions. The highlight of Dilbaro is tapas Roy's Rabab and uncredited Sarangi solos while Harshdeep Kaur delivers the folk tune with her impeccable vocals supported by ever reliable Shankar Mahadevan in the second half. After Binte dil, Arijit get similar vocal range track song in the title track Raazi and the singer aces it while SEL adorns the background with ample support from Tapas Roy and Arshad Khan's Esraj. Composer uses the Agar Dil phrase to create the tripping effect throughout the song and the under played esraj solos towards the end is a nice touch from the composer trio. The serene tone of Ae Watan's male version is replaced by much buoyant Sunidhi Chauhan version with Shankar Mahadevan Academy's chorus portions. Once again composer's extract the best from Tapas Roy in terms of arrangements.
Verdict: After a hiatus in 2017, Shankar Ehsaan Roy delivers their best to Meghna Gulzar's Raazi and the melodies are enchanting and makes me go back to their Mirzya soundtrack.
My Rating: 8.5/10
Pick of the Album: Raazi, Ae watan(both versions)
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.
