Music Review (Tamil): Aramm

Music Review (Tamil): Aramm
Music Composer: Ghibran

Ghibran showcases his prowess in the album's stunning opener Melam Kottuda and the blissful orchestra by Prague Philharmonic orchestra elevated the charm of the folk tune and Sikkander lyrics is in tandem with the movie's theme. The intermittent pauses for the verses and the sudden outburst of of orchestral sounds is a delight to listen. Vaikom Vijayalakshmi's effective vocals and Uma devi's beautiful verses makes Thoranam Aayiram and the singer's intonation in delivering the Tamil words is the aural splendor. Prithvi's percussion add the wonderful rhythm layer along with the captivating oboe sounds in the interludes from Prague Philharmonic orchestra. Polladha Kaalangal is the incredibly catchy hook in the track. Though Pudhu Varalaare falls tad below, strictly in comparison with the other tracks in the album, the orchestrsal brilliance of Philharmonic remains intact topped by minimal percussion makes this one also an engaging listen in the album.. The earnest rendition by Sundar Ayyar crooning Uma devi's lyrics deserves special mention.

Verdict: Ghibran shines in this short brilliant soundtrack with ample support from Prague Philharmonic orchestra and the singers delivering the top notch rendition for the immersive tunes.

My rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Melam Kottuda, Thoranam Aayiram

Music Review (Hindi): Qaidi Band

Music Review (Hindi): Qaidi Band
Music Composer: Amit Trivedi

Qaidi band soundtrack features two singers, Arijit Singh and Yashita Sharma as the film is about the band in the prison where the protagonists are leading vocals for the band. Arijit sounds quite different from his usual tone in most of the songs. 

       For the track titled I am India, the song sounds least patriotic and more of the celebratory festival music with the thumping percussions. However, the track is barely interesting one and even the title hook is also not a catchy stuff from the composer. The escape version sounds much better comparatively, mainly because of the harmonium and the consistent engaging background. Hulchul is the typical rock stuff from the composer with snazzy guitar strums in the interludes makes it an interesting listen despite treading on the familiar path of the composer. 

       Phir Nayi has an endearing melody sung by Yashita Sharma effectually while Amit layers the soft rock sound with a mesmerising flute solo and other sounds. Junooni lacks an arresting melody and soundscape becomes weary after initial few minutes. Udanchoo starts off in an interesting manner and the tune's intermittent surprises make this one an engaging listen. The arrangements are dominated by rock drums but with I'm India's flute version employed brilliantly along with the pleasant percussion sounds amidst the live drums. Apart from the deftly done bass line, Jag Mag has little to offer and the rap portions also come off as a pedestrian one. Poshampa is next to I'm India where Arijit's vocal is in another extreme from his usual tone and the track has nifty guitar strums backed by retro bass sounds. The highly energetic soundscape makes this one an enjoyable song in the soundtrack. The reprise version of Phir Nayi is also adequately engaging one, Thanks to Yashita's vocals and thumping march past rhythm in the background.

Verdict: Definitely not the composer's best despite the movie has the core theme as music and also not the bad one though. The album suffers mainly from the familiar Amit Trivedi's signature sounds in some of the songs.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Phir Nayi/Phir wahi, Udanchoo, Poshampa

You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Music Review (Malayalam): Thrissivaperoor Kliptham

Music Review (Malayalam): Thrissivaperoor Kliptham
Music Composer: Bijibal

Maangappoolu is the typical Bijibal tune with old world charm and an endearing Anupallavi makes up for the heard before soundscape of the track. Though the arrangements are nothing out of this world, the simple, likeable pleasant sound makes this one engaging listen. Bijibal tried to take the different route for Kada thala Kola with the upbeat mix of synth and native percussion elements especially udukkai, however, the tune sounds pale when compared to the backgrounds. Sannidanandan spruces up the song with his energetic vocals despite sounds processed intermittently. Venne Vennakal Penne also sounds contrast to the sounds one can associate with the composer, however, Sayanora Phillip's vocals and the second interlude makes this one worthy listen. Oruthari Aasha's discordant backgrounds aside, the standalone classical tune is blissful enough to clasp the listeners.Vivek Moozhikkulam's confident vocal prowess is apparent in this short track and one wishes that Bijibal could have made this one full-length track. Pushpavathy who hails from Thrissur croons the fun filled Thrissooru and Bijibal's splendid backgrounds sounds is the highlight of the track apart from the top notch singing. Thaikkudam bridge's vocalist Vipinlal croons Kaantha and Bijibal employed Chenda melam exquisitely but the same cannot be said about the synth elements and also the track is short to make an impact.

Verdict: Bijibal produces a different album for the debutant RatheishKumar but the album falls short of awe factor despite engaging sounds throughout the tracks.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Oruthari Aasha, Maangappoolu, Thrissooru

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

Music Review (Telugu): Goutham Nanda

Music Review (Telugu): Goutham Nanda
Music Composer: Thaman

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a tedious listen and the templatized techno sounds from Thaman makes it hard to listen while 6 minutes duration of the song augments the boredom further. NSK Ramya's vocal brings the little respite while mangling of Yazin Nizar's vocals with processing continues with this track also.Black and white is another painful listen where Thaman reused the background rhythm from his selfie song in Kannada movie Jaguar. Divya Kumar's contrasting vocals being the only highlight in this pedestrian song where the familiar tune doesn't help the song either.

Basthi Dorasani starts off surprisingly well but soon spiralled downwards into the typical Telugu commercial song where the catchy hook is the rehash of Gandi baat. Nakash Aziz who is regular in Telugu songs these days salvage this song to some extent and Ramajoggaya Sastry's lyrics standard also dives deep along with Thaman's music.Bole Ram Bole Ram saves this soundtrack and credits to enjoyable pleasant melody with the flavour of Nuvve Nuvve from Kick 2 while the soundscape also follows the same song. However, the track is immensely enjoyable when compared to other tracks in the album while Ramachandra Murthy's flute and Chennai Strings Orchestra's violin in the interludes are the mesmerising stuff. Srikrishna and ML Sruthi breezes through the melody effortlessly. Theme of Goutham Nanda has nothing extraordinary to offer except for the deft usage of Kebab's guitar and the track may work well with the visuals rather than as a standalone track.

Verdict: Goutham Nanda is another forgettable commercial soundtrack filled with Thaman's templatized sounds and the rehash of his own tunes.

My Rating: 5/10

Pick of the Album: Bole Ram Bole Ram

Music Review (Hindi): Jagga Jasoos

Music Review (Hindi): Jagga Jasoos
Music Composer: Pritam Chakraborty

Ullu Ka Patha's buoyant vibe mainly because of Daniel Garcia Diego's flamenco guitars which easily transcends the listeners to the country side and Vivienne's ululle vocal is a catchy hook which Pritam brilliantly employed in the track. Arijit Singh and Nikitha Gandhi has such a fun in crooning this track which adds up to the charm along with the arrangements. Galti Se Mistake is where techno sounds meet Assamese tribal sounds and the fun track is adequately enjoyable Thanks to the energetic vocals of Arijit Singh and Amit Mishra and the tune is tailor made for Nakash Aziz's voice. Jhumritalaiyya's soft rock and thodi thodi hook is absolutely enjoyable one and Pritam used the chorus portions exceptionally well. The arrangements are done in a neat manner starting from the simple guitar laden prelude and eventually moving towards the soft rock one while Arijit Singh and Mohan Kannan sails through this breezy lovely song. Arijit Singh totally aces Phir wahi with his earnest rendition and Pritam kept the arrangements minimal with the enjoyable guitar laden portions and ends the song showcasing Arijit Singh's singing prowess. The addition of lovely saxophone and Arijit's usual ooh ooh sound is icing on the cake. Musafir is another soft rock genre song sung eventually by Tushar Joshi, the only song where Arijit's vocal is not in the soundtrack and the track is absolutely enjoyable thanks to the hummable tune and the track reaches crescendo towards the end with the thumping chorus portions.

Verdict: Pritam continues to deliver his best for Anurag Basu and the soundtrack is the best from the composer in recent times since Barfi. Hopefully, the remaining musical tracks which are due to release next week is equally enjoyable.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ullu Ka Patha, Jhumritalaiyya, Musafir 

Music Review (Telugu): Fidaa

Music Review (Telugu): Fidaa
Music Composer: Shakthikanth Karthick

Vachinde is a delightful celebratory song delivered by Madhu Priya's squeaky vocals and supported by Ramky's terse verse. However, Shakthikanth Karthick props up the song with the Kishore's Sitar and Biju's harmonium serves as a wonderful rhythm which sets the mood of the song. Suddala Ashok Teja's colloquial banter lyrics gels well with the tone of the song. Edho Jaruguthundhi is the standard English Pop material dominated by the synth elements by Santosh and the tune is pleasant and also very templatized one carried effortlessly by Aravind Srinivas and Renuka. One wishes that tune could have been better rather than following the well-trodden path. Shakthikanth shines in the native folk song Hey Pillagaada, penned by Vanamali and the prelude easily entice the interest of the listeners while the composer's interesting usage of Shyam Ravishankar's violin and Shruthiraj's Khanjira and Percussion adds the flavour to Vanamali's lyrics. The song ends with the brilliant solo show by violinist Shyam while Sindhuri's effortless vocals add charm to the song.

Oosupodu's melancholy-drenched tune is salvaged by wonderful arrangements especially the way Babu's trumpet and wonderful bass line by Keith Peters accompanied by Navin Iyer's flute. Hemachandra tries hard and able to sail through the tune well. 24 Violin's strings background makes this song enjoyable till it lasts.Hey Mister, once again falls into the zone of tried and tested tune, however, the song is adequately enjoyable, Thanks to the Martin's Saxophone and the catchy title hook. MC Chetan's rap portions blend smoothly with the Deepak's vocals. Fidaa is an another pleasant melody and though nothing extraordinary in terms of tune and the arrangements also, the track is adequately listenable till it lasts. Hemachandra and Malavika sound adequate enough to keep the song afloat. The composer effectively blends Hey Pillagada sound cue towards the end of the song. One wishes that Babu's banjo could have been used extensively and it would have made song more interesting one.

Verdict: Sekhar Kammula's music sense continues to be winsome one irrespective of the composer and Shakthikanth Karthick strikes in his sophomore soundtrack confidently.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Hey Pillagaada, Vachinde, Oosupodu

P.S: Updated to Above Average album as totally hooked into recos.

Music Review (Malayalam): Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum

Music Review (Malayalam): Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
Music Composer: Bijibal

Kannile Poika's old world charms and sweet melody packaged in the ambient backdrop make this one irresistible listen and this sounds like the equivalent of Idukki from Maheshinte Prathikaaram, director's previous association with Bijibal. Ganesh Sundaram and Sowmya Ramakrishnan is pitch perfect with their renditions. Aayilyam derives a lot of benefits from the dark folk flavoured arrangements with brilliant flute prelude by Rajesh Cherthala, which sets the tone of the song. The chenda beats are brilliantly interspersed throughout the song. Sithara Krishnakumar's punchy vocals make this one engaging listen. Varum Varum sounds pleasant in the vocals of Bijibal dominated by Sandeep Mohan's guitar work, however this song fares tad low and also generic when compared to other two songs in the soundtrack.

Verdict: Bijibal continues his fine work this year and after Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Dileesh Pothan's combination with the composer works beautifully.

My Rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kannile Poika, Aayilyam

Music Review (tamil): Podhuvaaga En Manasu Thangam

Music Review (tamil): Podhuvaaga En Manasu Thangam
Music Composer: Imman

Imman's tried and tested tune in Summa Irukkaradhu easy illa gets tiresome just after listening to the pallavi itself and the composer's melodious track are enjoyable even with the minor tweaks but his kuthu mass tracks are hardly interesting and Yugabharathi's colloquial lyrics adds fuel to the fire. Deepak's energetic singing alone is not enough to salvage this highly tedious song. Ammani is a highly interesting folk track with splendid vocals and Shashaa Tripathi's improvisations and humming are delightful to hear while the pleasing tune is adorned with highly engaging arrangements. Yugabharathi aces once again with his simple lyrics and the Srilankan Singer Diluckshan Jeyarathnam marks his debut with an adequately interesting song.

Yennaanu Solveno comes off more like a situational track and the singers Vandana Srinivasan and Sathyaprakash carry this soulful track single-handedly. Imman's thumping rhythm arrangements are the highlight in this short pathos song. Imman introduces another singer Rajaganapathy along with Niranjana Ramanan for the folk track Singakutty and the tune fails to clasp the listener despite the adequate mix of enticing elements in the background. The tune is largely languishing one despite it treads on the path of Imman's tried and tested tune repertoire. Pachi Parandhuruchi is an another uninteresting folk love failure track where both tune and arrangements hardly create any enthusiasm and the chorus also didn't work. The only solace being the second interlude and  Mannargudi Ramesh, autodriver turned playback singer and it's great that Imman continues to introduce new vocals in each and every album.

Verdict: Imman stick to his tried and tested folk tunes in Podhuvaaga Enmanasu Thangam and the result is highly underwhelming.

My Rating:6/10

Pick of the Album: Ammani, Yennaanu Solveno

Music Review (Telugu): Ninnu Kori

Music Review (Telugu): Ninnu Kori
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar

Unnatundi Gundey's arrangements can be easily associated with the composer and he kept it easily accessible with dominant strings while the tune is average and gets much engaging in the charanam portions of the song. Karthik and Chinmayi who delivered wonderful tracks for Gopi Sundar album in Telugu, nails this melodious track also effortlessly. Adiga Adiga is an affecting melancholy which gains amply enough from Sid Sriram's vocals and the singer is pitch perfect with his rendition while Gopi Sundar's minimal guitar laden backgrounds accentuate the singer's prowess. The interludes are adorned with wailing violin solos in tune with the mood of the song. Sreejo's lyrics deserve special mention.

Once upon a time lo is a mass dance track which is interesting in parts but the tune fails to engage throughout the track. Though Arun Gopan tries to make the song little enticing with his vocals, the track lacks the instant catchy appeal and it works partially due to the amusing lyrics by Bhaskarabatla. In Hey Badhulu Chepavey, Gopi Sundar sets the upbeat tune for Anantha Sriram's pathos lyrics and though the tune sounds standard one, the interludes are Gopi Sundar'ish with an adequate mix of flute with classical tinge and string sections. Haricharan sails through the song effortlessly.

Verdict: Though Ninnu Kori falls tad low in  Gopi Sundar's splendid  Telugu repertoire, the soundtrack is adequately enjoyable while Nani continues to get the best music in his films irrespective of the composers.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Adiga Adiga, Unnati Gundey

Music Review (Tamil): VIP2

Music Review (Tamil): VIP2
Music Composer: Sean Roldan

Nada da Raja's screeching guitar riffs by Josh Mark Raj and Ramkumar Kanakarajan's drums aside, the track is typical grungy rock track where Yogi B's return after a hiatus doesn't help either. Dhanush sails through the tune effortlessly while the tune gets better towards the second half but still one can feel that song could have been better.Iraivanai Thandha Iraiviye sounds to be from the composer's recent smashing hit soundtrack Power Paandi and the composer strikes once again with the soulful melody backed by Sean Roldan and M M Manasi. The arrangements are delightful to hear dominated by Macedonian Symphonic Orchestra and Vishnu Vijay's mellifluous flute is brilliantly interspersed throughout the song.

Torture of Raghuvaran is another raucous kuthu track where tune falters behind and though the tune is a cakewalk for Dhanush vocals, the track fails to make it enticing one. The only silver lining in the track is undeniably Balasubramaniam's Nadaswaram and Ben Jaigopi's brass sections. Dooram Nillu's buoyant outlook along with Shakthisree Gopalan's vocals make this track enjoyable compared to other upbeat numbers in the album. Benny Dayal provides excellent support while Sean Roldan adequately made the arrangements favourable especially with the stupendous usage of plucked instruments in the interludes and the Sean Roldan's banter lyrics are the delight to hear.Empress Arrives theme as akin to the title sounds majestic with the dramatic strings sections accompanied by James Bond'ish Jai Gopi's trumpets and the theme track is satisfactorily engaging till it lasts.

Verdict: VIP2 is an energetic outing from Sean Roldan and the arrangements are sufficiently sensational but overall the album doesn't match its prequel because of its lack of instant catchy tracks.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Iraivanai Thandha Iraiviye, Dooram Nillu, Nada da Raja

Music Review (Tamil): Geminiganesanum Suruli Rajanum

Music Review (Tamil): Geminiganesanum Suruli Rajanum
Music Composer: Imman

Pradeep Kumar gets a stellar opening rock track, Ammukuttiye and the singer is pitch perfect with his rendition while much awesomeness comes in the arrangements. Karthik Iyer's kickass solo violin in the second interlude and classical tinge in the Keba Jeremiah's guitar riffs make this one earworm track in the album while Yugabharathi shines with his easy go lyrics. Imman delivers another charming melody, Kanmani which is strictly confined to the Imman's territory but at the same time the tune is enjoyable and ear pleasing till it lasts. In the backgrounds, the upbeat rhythm and Nathan's woodwinds do magic to the pleasant tune. Abhay Jodhpurkar's charming rendition makes this song easy another winner in the soundtrack.

Venilla Thangachi is a passable kuthu track which struggles to elevate beyond the mediocre level despite the lively show by Nakash Aziz and Ramya NSK. Balasubramaniam's Nadhaswaram being the only highlight of this forgettable track and Yugabharathi's lyrics didn't help the song either.Imman strikes back yet again with Aahaa Aahaa and the sensual vocals of Shreya Goshal with excellent support by Haricharan ups the ante of the track. The Ilayaraja'esque tune is adorned by the brilliant rhythm section conducted by Kaviraj accompanied by Nathan's woodwinds and Seenu's strings. Imman ends the soundtrack with another mediocre track Thambi Cuttingu, which starts with an enticing prelude but slips into the tried and tested insipid tune. Anthony Daasaan and Vijay Yesudas's vocals fail to lift the song and Yugabharathi's pedestrian lyrics adds little value to the languishing tune.

Verdict: Imman's melodies are easily accessible as usual but the fast paced tracks comes off as tiresome listen. Ammukuttiye being the irresistible track in this typical Imman album.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ammukuttiye, Aaha Aaha, Kanmani.

Music Review (Tamil): Vikram Vedha

Music Review (Tamil): Vikram Vedha
Music Composer: Sam CS

Karuppu Vellai's grungy dark rock shades accompanied by Kebo Jeremiah's guitar riffs make this one stunning listen and the exciting prelude portion followed by Tana na hook is the highlight of the track. Sivam and Sam CS's throaty vocals gel well with the tone of the song. Overall Sam CS set's the right tone for the overall soundtrack with Karuppu Vellai. Sam CS ups the ante with the next track Yaanji Yaanji, lovely melody ballad where Anirudh and Sakthishree Gopalan aces the melody and makes this one enjoyable listen. However, the autotuning of Anirudh vocals could have been avoided. The show stealer is undeniably the buoyant usage of banjo and string instruments in the interludes apart from the mesmerising tune in the Charanam portions. Mohanraj deserves special mention in penning the captivating lyrics.

Tasakku Tasakku's free flowing percussions and an unusual tune make it an engaging listen till it lasts while Mugesh, MLR Karthik, Guna ably delivered the frolicking tune with ease while once again Sam CS scores in the interludes especially the first interlude and the style of the song reminds Santosh Narayanan quirky compositions. Yedhu Dharmam rides mainly on the exhilarating Chennai Orchestra's strings and cello symphony accompanied by grungy guitar riffs makes this short track adequately engrossing one and the instrumental may reach well with the visuals. Pradeep Kumar and Neha Venugopal bags the another folk-tinged melody Pogadha Enna Vittu and the singers enhanced the mesmerising melody with their singing prowess while Pradeep Kumar sails through the high-pitched portions with ease. Sam CS shines with his brilliant usage of mandolin and arousing string section in the second interlude. The underlying string section in the first interlude is a bliss to listen along with Kiran's solo flute.

Ghetto Chase and akin to its name the instrumental is fast paced with assorted sounds dominated by Chennai Orchestra's rousing string sections mixed with ample dosage of thoroughly engaging Seenu's Sarod solos. Idhu Emotion is another instrumental dominated by the plucked instruments and wonderful wailing violin solo section and the track is engaging till it lasts. Yedhu Nyayam rides mainly on the Chennai Orchestra's thrilling arrangements and the track is absolutely engrossing one and one hopes that visuals do justice to this track. Sangu Satham is an another interesting attempt by Sam CS and the composer packs the variety of sounds from Mandolin to ukulele in less than one minute backed by powerful Sethu Thankachan's vocals.Sam comes up with a much engaging extended version of Sangu Satham as Oru Kadha Sollatta and the instrumental is backed by yet another splendid usage of Chennai Orchestra's string sections and plucked instruments.

Verdict: Sam CS deliver the stunning soundtrack for Pushkar-Gayathri with ample support from Chennai Orchestra and the deserving composer gets his due with this engaging soundtrack.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Yaanji, Pogadha Ennavittu, Ghetto Chase, Oru Kadha Sollatta 

Music Review (Tamil): Ivan Thandiran

Music Review (Tamil): Ivan Thandiran
Music Composer: S S Thaman

Dagalty's outmoded kuthu tune and the pedestrian lyrics fails to lift the song from the mediocre level while Thaman spruces up the proceedings in the interludes but overall the track falls flat. Rahul Nambiar's vocals being the only solace in this below average number from Thaman. Ivan Thandiran fares slightly better than the introduction song but strictly in comparison, otherwise, the title song has nothing extraordinary to offer. However, the rhythm and guitar riffs are neatly done by Thaman and Deepak Dev along with Yazin Nizar sails through the typical tune effortlessly.

Thaman tweaked his blockbuster Telugu track Telusa Telusa to Medhakavitta Medhakavitta and the result is astounding mainly because of the pleasant tune and the pitch perfect singing by Sanjana Kalmanje. Yazin Nizar ably supported her by crooning this dulcet melody while the interludes are adequately engaging.The instrumental version of Medhakavitta comes as a theme song and the splendid tune is adequately enjoyable dominated by mellifluous flute and keys section.

Verdict: Thaman's redux of Telugu blockbuster song saves this Ivan Thandiran and the short soundtrack fails to strike.

My Rating:6/10

Pick of the Album: Medhakavitta Medhakavitta