Avam Music Review

Movie: Avam

Cast: Gaurav,Kavya Shetty

Director: Vijay Vilvakrish

Music director: Sundaramurthy KS

1.Thevaiya-MC Vickey

Spot on synthesizers, dubstep beats and the scatting rendition by MC Vickey makes this number a thematic one rather than a complete song. Though listeners will have a hard time in connecting with it, it is sure to excel along with the visuals.

2.Yaen Yennai-Shweta Mohan

With just the accompaniment of guitar strums, this breezy solo captures the listeners on the very first listen. Shweta Mohan's whispery rendition increases the romantic flavor of the song. The laidback tune and mild tabla beats make the number a noteworthy one!

3.Kaarirulae-Kamal Hassan

For a music aficionado, this song will sound as the work of an evergreen composer. With beautiful orchestration, double-bass drums, rock guitar strums and mellifluous violins amidst the raspy strings, this number is a definite gem in the album. This is Kamal Hassan's pinnacle of awesome renditions, I must say. The way in which the legend croons is something that cannot be explained in plain words. An out-of-the-world composition by Sundaramurthy KS!

4.Sana Sana-Sathya Prakash,Suchith Suresan

Compared to the previous numbers, this one scores two notches lower due to a cliched tune. The song paints an enjoyable mood with thumping beats, minimal orchestration and some easygoing rendition by Sathya Prakash and Suchith Suresan. But it fails to deliver what it has to.

5.Avam The Theme-Instrumental

A mindblowing fusion of classical veena and hard rock guitar strums. Sundaramurthy employs his innovative skills with this excellent piece of instrumental. Racy as well as pleasant to listen!

Verdict:

Avam is a contemporary soundtrack and it may not be instantly liked by casual listeners. But it proves the musical excellence of a debut composer!

Rating: ***1/2

Picks:

Yaen Yennai,Kaarirulae,Avam The Theme

Urumeen Music Review

Movie: Urumeen

Cast: Bobby Simha,Kalaiyarasan,Reshmi Menon,Sandra Amy

Director: Sakthivel Perumalsamy

Music director: Achu Rajamani

1.Baby Baby-Antony Daasan

This is a coming-of-the-age quirky track with gibberish and youth-friendly lyrics. It has all ingredients to turn into a peppy anthem for the youngsters. Anthony Daasan excels with his rustic vocals while the accompaniment of guitar strums all over makes the number a lively one. That said, a more innovative tune arrangement could have made the number even more engaging.

2.Hey Umayaal-Vijay Yesudhas

Here comes a breezy love number that is sure to turn into the next romantic hit of this season. With an amazing melodious tune, a blend of mandolin and guitar strums and simple rhythm, this track will make your heart beats race with passion and love. Vijay Yesudhas croons with elan, making his voice the cherry on top of the cake!

3.Siru Nadai-Karthik

If you had loved Achu's En Uyire from Maalai Pozhuthin Mayakathiley, you'd surely love this number too. It is divine to listen to this classically inclined love solo with an addictive violin interlude along with Karthik's honey-dipping voice. The mild beats place more emphasis on the vocals and other orchestration which is sure to captivate the listeners!

4.Yaadhum Oorae-Guna,Rohan Prakash,Kamalaja

Beginning with a popular phrase in Tamil language, this number is the experimental one of the album. Achu indulges some upbeat percussion sections and electrifying crescendos. The sultry vocals of Guna and Rohan Prakash are top class while Kamalaja's mellowed humming provides an effervescent atmosphere.

5.Siru Nadai (Reprise Version)-Roshini Suresh

Now is the time for the female counterpart to unleash her passion with this reprise version of the melodious Siru Nadai. Veena interludes bring out Achu's musical versatility in composing a same number into two beautiful versions. Roshini Suresh's vocals are so sweet that one can listen to her on repeat mode. Overloaded with love!

6.Hey Umayaal (Unplugged Version)-Achu,Kavya Ajith

Finger taps and Kavya Ajith's suppressed humming open this final track. Though it is a rehash of a previous number, it doesn't sound like one with Achu's brilliance in composing it in a different way. He yields the megaphone with ease while the mild piano notes flow with ease. Beautiful!

Verdict:

From the composer of the exuberant Maalai Pozhuthin Mayakathiley, comes another gem which is a musical shower.

Rating: ***3/4

Picks:

Hey Umayaal,Siru Nadai,Siru Nadai (Reprise Version),Hey Umayaal (Unplugged Version)

Orange Mittai Music Review

Movie: Orange Mittai

Cast: Vijay Sethupathi,Ramesh Tilak,Aashritha

Director: Biju Viswanath

Music director: Justin Prabhakaran

1.Straight Ah Poyee-Vijay Sethupathi

A catchy number that is sure to be a hit among Vijay Sethupathi fans. Being crooned by himself, this song is colorful and funky. The occasional dialogues in between, digitalized trumpet loops and rock guitar sections make this number even more lively. But the listeners cannot expect anything new out of the tune. A passable one.

2.Theeraadhae Aasaigal-Karthik

An exhilarating composition that oozes with melody, accompanied by hard rock guitar strums. It has been a long time since we have listened to refreshing inspirational songs. This song proves to be an epitome of such numbers with excellent violin and flute sections in the interlude. Karthik's melodious voice tells us that he would continue to rule the music industry with his vocals. Mellifluous!

3.Orae Oru Oorula-Vijay Sethupathi

Yet another funky number in the voice of Vijay Sethupathi. You can find traces of the previous number like the playful trumpet section, narration with punch dialogues and guitar strums. Otherwise it is an out and out enjoyable track that would become a chartbuster soon.

4.Payanangal Thodarudhae-Naresh Iyer,Padmalatha

A meditative song that has soul-stirring factor in high quantities. Justin Prabhakaran weaves a heavenly tune that will take the listeners into a trance. The entire aura of the song is one which can be experienced during serene nights. String sections, mellowed guitar strums and mild tabla beats add to the beauty of this scintillating melody. Effervescent vocals of Naresh Iyer and Padmalatha is the icing on the cake. Must listen!

Verdict:

A good short soundtrack from Justin Prabhakaran. He has a long way to go!

Rating: ***

Picks:

Theeraadhae Aasaigal,Payanangal Thodarudhae

Papanasam Music Review

Movie: Papanasam

Cast: Kamal Hassan,Gautami Tadimalla

Director: Jeethu Joseph

Music director: M.Ghibran

1.Yeya En Kottikkaaraa-Sundar Narayan Rao,Malavika Anilkumar

A heartwarming song with simple elements that engages the listener on the very first listen. Ghibran weaves a euphoric arrangement with Ghatam beats, symphonic sounds, Kanjira sections and flute loops. Malavika Anilkumar's relaxed singing complements well with Sundar Narayanan's soprano notes. The lyrics which speak about undying love and family bonding increases the feel-good factor. A definite treat!

2.Vinaa Vinaa-Hariharan

When Ghibran teams up with the evergreen Hariharan, it is sure to be one heaven of a number. The singer's vocals are unadulterated and he creates the entire pathos mood of the song just with his rendition. Ghibran's excellence is visible in his string sections which paint a gloomy shade. The prelude and interludes are haunting, with the second interlude having hard rock accompaniment. Pure magic!

3.Papanasam Theme-Instrumental

Ghibran's love for strings continue with this exuberant theme. Violins, enthralling symphony and laidback piano notes generate a beautiful atmosphere.

4.Kill For Life-Instrumental

An eerie prelude invites the listeners to an addictive sequencing of symphony and magnificent string sections. Excellent situational theme!

5.The Bond Of Family-Instrumental

This one indulges Yeya En Kottikkaaraa in a tranquil manner, accompanied with Ghibran's signature string orchestration.

6.A Sinking Car-Instrumental

Another mindblowing situational theme which creates an atmosphere of suspense and thrill. The melange of sounds are something new to listen for.

7.The Police Investigation-Instrumental

Consisting of a Hollywood type soundscape, this theme is sure to enchant the listeners with Ghibran's extraordinary symphonic arrangement. The progression of notes to crescendo towards the end is brilliant!

8.This Is Me-Suyambulingam - Instrumental

The album arrives to a grand finale with this highly engaging piece of instrumental, replenished with majestic orchestration.

Verdict:

With just two vocal tracks and the rest being instrumentals, Ghibran delivers a mystical soundtrack that is sure to be in his quintessential list.

Rating: ***3/4

Picks:

Yeya En Kottikkaaraa,Vinaa Vinaa,Kill For Life,The Police Investigation

Rajini Murugan Music Review

Movie: Rajini Murugan

Cast: Sivakarthikeyan,Keerthi Suresh,Soori

Director: Ponram

Music director: D.Imman

1.Rajini Murugan-Sivakarthikeyan

This highly energetic title track is sure to receive whistles from all around the theater. This is what we call as a theri mass number. With rollicking band music, trumpets, gunshots, applause sounds, lively chorus and quirky lyrics, this one is a chartbuster material. Sivakarthikeyan croons the number with an easygoing attitude which makes it enjoyable to listen. A special mention for the usage of Veena in the second interlude. Peppy and foot-tapping!

2.Un Mele Oru Kannu-Jithin Raj,Mahalakshmi Iyer

Another Paakatha Paakatha type of melodious duet with abundant amount of Imman's signature style. What works in this song is its simplicity. Be it the engaging rhythm or the exhilarating interludes, everything works in the favor of this romantic number. Jithin Raj is a promising find as he renders his lines with perfection. It is refreshing to listen to Mahalakshmi Iyer's much-loved voice after a long time. Beautiful composition!

3.Aavi Parakkum Teakadai-Badava Gopi,V.M.Mahalingam

The major attraction of this simple folk song is its lyrics which compares a tea shop with the girl whom the lead character loves. You can find various sounds like the tinkle of glass, mild EDM touch in the interlude, ebullient violin section in the second interlude, usage of 'Boost is the secret of my energy' catchphrase and other gimmicks that glorify the tea shop in the movie. The singers have done a fabulous job in their respective renditions.

4.Yennamma Ipadi Panreengalaema-D.Imman

Here comes the next viral song of this year. Zeroing in on the popular slogan 'Yennamma ipadi panreengalaema', Imman weaves a peppy tune that is sure to hit the bull's eye on the very first listen. The recurrent guitar strums and the easily accessible rhythm provide a dynamic atmosphere to the entire song. Innovative lyrics by  Yugabharathi has been rendered in a clean manner by Imman. Sivakarthikeyan's intro speech is sure to evoke guffaws in the theater. Sureshot winner!

5.Jigiru Jigiru-Diwakar,Kalpana Raghavendhar

The setting of the song indicates that it would be a rain dance song with some heavy steps. Though you can find that Imman has been composing such stereotyped songs for a long time, you can never deny the fact that these songs are the need of the hour. Despite the heard-before-feel, singers Diwakar and Kalpana stay hell-bent in delivering their parts flawlessly.

6.Yennamma Ipadi Panreengalaema (Imman Mix)-D.Imman,Aaryan Dinesh Kanagarathnam

This is Imman's way of introducing one of the popular folk numbers of the album to the pubs and dance floors. With overloaded rap, EDM and digitally sequenced sounds, this number feels out of place. The album could have fared well even without this one.

Verdict:

The trio Ponram-Imman-Sivakarthikeyan deliver yet another bombastic treat with this soundtrack. Strictly commercial!

Rating: ***

Picks:

Rajini Murugan,Un Mele Oru Kannu,Yennamma Ipadi Panreengalaema

Indru Netru Naalai Music Review

Movie: Indru Netru Naalai

Cast: Vishnu Vishal,Mia George,Jayaprakash,Karunakaran

Director: Ravi Kumar

Music director: Hip Hop Tamizha Adhi

1.Iphone 6 Nee Yendral-Hip Hop Tamizha Adhi

Bouncy rhythms, dubstep interspersed with mridangam beats and Hip Hop Tamizha Adhi's jaunty vocals create a number that is breezy as well as catchy. The digital sequencing and enhanced Nadhaswaram loops have added enough peppiness to the number. But the number provides a deja-vu feel and you can easily relate to Adhi's previous tunes.

2.Kadhale Kadhale-Shankar Mahadevan,Padmalatha

The prelude consisting of a melange of classical flute and lively guitar strums sets the tone for this scintillating melody. And once again it is the flute section in the interlude which makes the number a pleasant listen. Shankar Mahadevan's unadulterated voice is pitch perfect and Padmalatha's classically inclined rendition is something to applaud for. This number is sure to linger in the minds of the listeners for a long time. Addictive duet!

3.Naane Thaan Raja-Anthony Daasan

Here comes the signature track of Hip Hop Adhi. This number solely depends on the digitally sequenced Nadhaswaram sections and Anthony Daasan's natural rustic vocals. But there is nothing new to listen for. It might become a chartbuster just for its foot-tapping rhythm, as youngsters go ga-ga over such numbers. Lyrics are in tune with the genre of the movie.

4.Indru Netru Naalai-Shankar Mahadevan,Aalaap Raju

Melancholic violin, dulcet piano notes and an ethereal string section invite the listeners to a 03:18 minutes of heavenly listen. The trance rhythm provides a divine aura around the song from which a listener can never deviate. Shankar Mahadevan's strong rendition is gracefully supported by Aalaap Raju's subtle voice. The interlude with traditional sounds of Sitar and Saarangi is one of the highlights of this alluring number. Strikes a chord!

5.The Conquest Of Time (Theme)-Instrumental

A potpourri of sounds makes this theme stand out from rest of the album. The symphonic arrangement, addictive humming by Aadhi and the tinkling bell sounds form a perfect theme for this science fiction movie. Enchanting!

Verdict:

Hip Hop Tamizha Adhi's second album scores well with a cacophony of genres and catchy tunes. Being a science fiction movie, this soundtrack stays true to it!

Rating: ***1/2

Picks:

Kadhale Kadhale,Indru Netru Naalai,The Conquest of Time (Theme)