Naanum Rowdy Dhaan Music Review

Movie: Naanum Rowdy Dhaan

Cast: Vijay Sethupathi,Nayanthara,Parthiban

Director: Vignesh Shivan

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

1.Thangamey-Anirudh Ravichander

A super cool solo number by Anirudh Ravichander opens this urban soundtrack. The young composer fuses a simple tune with excellent guitar orchestration and rock elements. The entire song has an overall sunny feel to it. Additionally the ecstatic violin solos by Anantha Krishnan stand out and provide a touch of naturalness to the optimistic progression. Anirudh rocks with an amazing start!

2.Neeyum Naanum-Anirudh Ravichander,Neeti Mohan

Anirudh churns out a scintillating melody that is sure to blow your mind away on the first listen. The Sarangi instrument plays a major part in this number, while the soft piano notes and the foot-tapping rhythm adds beauty to it. Neeti Mohan is the show-stealer with her honey-dipping voice sounding really sweet at many places while Anirudh's part too strikes a chord. Lovey-dovey all the way!

3.Naanum Rowdy Dhaan-Benny Dayal

The title track is lively, jubilant and enjoyable right from the word go. Vignesh Shivan's lyrics are quirky and modern, while Benny Dayal's peppy rendition elevates the mood of the track. Anirudh has the skill to weave a simple tune and add complexity to it by giving it a Jazzy feel. The vibrant chorus is an added advantage.

4.Yennai Maatrum Kadhale-Sid Sriram,Anirudh Ravichander

Personally I feel that this number reminds of the days when Yuvan Shankar Raja used to rule the music industry with trance-like melodies. Once again Anirudh experiments with his orchestration while Sid Sriram's soprano singing takes it to the next level. The fusion of the title track towards the end is an innovative thought by the composer. A fantastic composition!

5.Kannaane Kanne-Sean Roldan

This final song proves that Anirudh can also compose amazingly like Santhosh Narayanan. The latter's style of composition is evident throughout the number. Furthermore, Anirudh brings in a middle East flavor to the tune and fuses it with innovative folksy notes. Sean Roldan's strained vocals are a major plus to the number. Unconventional one this is!

Verdict:

After many albums which were abundant with repetitive tunes, Anirudh comes up with a groundbreaking album that is sure to top the charts and stay in the playlists for its refreshing feel and creativity!

Rating: ****

Picks:

Thangamey,Neeyum Naanum,Yennai Maatrum Kadhale,Kannaane Kanne

Shaandaar Music Review

Movie: Shaandaar

Cast: Shahid Kapoor,Alia Bhatt

Director: Vikas Bahl

Music director: Amit Trivedi

1.Shaam Shaandaar-Amit Trivedi

High energy techno beats, exhilarating acoustic arrangement and Amit Trivedi's optimistic vocals kickstart the title track of this album. This song has all the elements to become an instant hit with all the party-goers out there. Amit's composition is catchy and is sure to become a chartbuster!

2.Gulaabo-Vishal Dadlani,Anushka Mani

Here comes an upbeat track in Amit Trivedi's signature style. The coolness quotient of this number is retained till the end of the song and the funky usage of trumpets deserves a special mention. Vishal Dadlani has his way with the tune while Anushka Mani puts up rather an amazing show. Pucca Amit-ish peppy track!

3.Nazdeekiyaan-Nikhil Paul George,Neeti Mohan

How can a destination wedding movie be without a romantic duet? This scintillating ballad delivers the perfect mushy factor to the album. Neeti Mohan's suppressed singing along with Nikhil Paul George's strained vocals work in the favor of the song. A beautiful dreamy number from Amit!

4.Senti Wali Mental-Arijit Singh,Amit Trivedi,Swanand Kirkire,Neeti Mohan

Though this quirky number has shades of Amit's previous compositions, it is going to be the backbone of all the 'sangeet' ceremonies to come. With minimal orchestration and solely depending on the vocals, this fun-filled track takes you on an enjoyable ride. Arijit Singh does a commendable job while Neeti Mohan's rendition has classical touches. Traditionally modern!

5.Raitaa Phailgaya-Divya Kumar

There is that one mandatory disco song in every Bollywood album nowadays. This number caters well to the pulsating needs of the youngsters. Divya Kumar elevates the track with his contemporary voice while lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya are a definite hit.

Verdict:

When it is an Amit Trivedi's album, it is sure to be rocking. And it does just that. Simply Shaandaar!

Rating: ****

Picks:

Shaam Shaandaar,Gulaabo,Nazdeekiyaan,Senti Wali Mental

Tamilselvanum Thaniyar Anjalum Music Review

Movie: Tamilselvanum Thaniyar Anjalum Music Review

Cast: Jai,Yami Gautham

Director: Premsai

Music director: Karthik

1.Maya O Maya-Karthik

The opening track of this movie appears like a warm sunshine streak on a morning. The feel-good factor of this lovable song is abundant with Karthik crooning as well as composing it passionately. The rhythm arrangement provides a vibrant ambiance that will definitely hook on the listeners. A Karthik-sh winner on the way!

2.Venmegangal-Karthik,Megha,Sricharan Kasturirangan

Karthik comes up with yet another breezy number that spews radiance in every line. The Reggae style of composition works well in favor of the hummable tune. The guitar strums add a flavor of rock to the brilliant orchestration. Lyrics by Madan Karky speak about the color 'white' and the metaphors associated with it. Rap by Sricharan in the second interlude is the icing on the cake!

3.Kalakku-Baba Sehgal,Deepak,Karthik

A trance like party number is up next in the album. This one brings an innovative mix of singers like the powerful Baba Sehgal and the melodious Karthik. The number too is a fusion of a mystical atmosphere and high voltage guitar strums. This track will score well once the visuals are out.

Verdict:

Singer turned composer Karthik comes up with a short and sweet album for Premsai's movie. 

Rating: ***1/2

Picks:

Maya O Maya,Venmegangal

Eetti Music Review

Movie: Eetti

Cast: Adharvaa,Sri Divya

Director: Ravi Arasu

Music director: G.V.Prakash

1.Panjumittai-Hariharasudhan

With lively telephone rings in the prelude, this groovy number by G.V.Prakash is refreshing than other fast-paced songs by the composer. Interesting usage of flute and nadaswaram in the interludes makes this track a fusion of classical elements and peppy beats. Hariharasudhan does a fabulous job with his enthusiastic singing. A brilliant start!

2.Un Swaasam-G.V.Prakash,Maya,MC Vickey

One can say that G.V.Prakash is back in his form after listening to this number. This one is a breezy westernized melody that instantly hooks on to you on the very first listen. It is G.V.Prakash's effervescent vocals that provides the song an out-of-the-world feel. I wonder why isn't the voice of Maya not used often. Music directors, please take notice of this brilliant singer! Rap by MC Vickey in the first prelude adds spice to the song. Go for it!

3.Naan Pudicha Mosakkuttiye-G.V.Prakash,Shakthisree Gopalan

The album takes a different turn with this light folk duet. G.V.Prakash once again weaves magic with his innovative usage of instruments. The entire number is filled with dollops of thavil, nadaswaram and harmonium. G.V.Prakash and Shakthisree Gopalan create an aura of quintessential melody with their engaging vocals. Watch out for the vintage flute section by G.V.P in the second interlude.

4.Oru Thuli-Siddharth Mahadevan

An inspirational track is up next in the album. Though it is reminiscent of many such numbers, it provides temporary gush of energy with its electronic guitar riffs and racy rhythm. Siddharth Mahadevan's voice is powerful as well as catchy. Once again G.V.Prakash strikes with his signature flute section in the interlude.

5.Kuiyyo Muiyyo-KG Ranjith,Vandhana Srinivasan,Maalavika Sundar

The album turns to a fun-filled romantic number. What stands out in this number is the digital sequencing of various sounds. The harmonica throughout the song is something that deserves a special mention here. The singers KG Ranjith, Vandhana Srinivasan and Maalavika Sundar render their portions in a mellowed manner which makes the track an interesting one!

6.A Leap Of Faith-Instrumental

A thumping theme brings this soundtrack to a fitting finale. The guitar riffs and the sequencing are well tuned by G.V.Prakash.

Verdict:

Finally, G.V.Prakash wakes up from a deep slumber and delivers an engaging album that contains a few chartbusters. Hope he continues to do so!

Rating: ***3/4

Picks:

Panjumittai,Un Swaasam,Kuiyyo Muiyyo

Katti Batti Music Review

Movie: Katti Batti

Cast: Imran Khan,Kangana Ranaut

Director: Nikhil Advani

Music director: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

1.Sarfira-Siddharth Mahadevan,Neeti Mohan,Qaran Mehta

The most awaited album of the year begins on an ecstatic note with this joyful party number. SEL compose this colorful number on the lines of Koi Kahe (Dil Chahta Hai) and It's the time to disco (Kal Ho Naa Ho). Right from the energetic beats, the simple tune arrangement and the choice of singers, this song scores well, hitting the bull's eye. Chartbuster!

2.Sau Aasoon-Shankar Mahadevan,Rasika Shekhar

A typical SEL styled melodious pathos is up next. It is soulfully rendered by Shankar Mahadevan with his evergreen voice while Rasika Shekhar complements him well with her westernized tone. With guitar strums supporting the song amply, it becomes instantly addictive as soon as you plug into it. The poignant lyrics strike a chord with the listeners. Thumbs up!

3.Lip To Lip-Nikhil D'Souza,Ritu Pathak

Funkiness is spread all over this quirky number which is sure to grow on youngsters. Lyrics by Kumaar revolves around kissing and it has lips all over it...err...it has loveliness all over it. A Punjabi flavor is added to the track with the vocals of Nikhil D'Souza and Ritu Pathak and the desi saxophone interludes Despite the audacious lyrics, this number has the hunch to become the next anthem for all the romantics out there!

4.Ove Janiya-Mohan Kannan

SEL put us into a trance with this mellifluously composed song. Though it is ultimately slow, dulcet guitar strums and mellowed rhythm makes it for a pleasant listen. Mohan Kannan's vocals are top class and he takes the listeners to a different world with his rendition. This number proves that SEL are the best when it comes to heartrending melodies. Classic!

5.Jaago Mohan Pyaare-Siddharth Basrur,Digvijay Singh Pariyar,Raman Mahadevan,Rasika Shekhar

This number is partly a bhajan and partly a rock number. With hoarse vocals of Siddharth Basrur, Digvijay Singh Parivar, Raman Mahadevan and Rasika Shekhar, this song is spot on in terms of rhythm and chord progression. But it sounds too blaring at moments which the lessen the impact of the vocals. However, the interesting usage of sitar is to be appreciated.

6.Ove Janiya (Reprise)-Sayani Palit

The final number is a rehash of the original number, with a few modulations in terms of the accompaniments. Sayani Palit's classically inclined honey-dipping voice is amply supported by the heavenly piano notes. The mood of the song provides a sense of tranquility overall. Suitable for unplugged lovers.

Verdict:

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy are back with yet another chartbuster album after their runaway hit Dil Dhadakne Do. The album consists of a melange of sounds for lovers of all genres of music.

Rating: ***3/4

Picks:

Sarfira,Sau Aasoon,Lip To Lip,Ove Janiya

Bhaag Johnny Music Review

Movie: Bhaag Johnny

Cast: Kunal Khemu,Zoa Morani

Director: Shivam Nair

Music director: Devi Sri Prasad,Mithoon,Arko Pravo Mukherjee,Yo Yo Honey Singh

1.Daddy Mummy-M.M.Manasi,Devi Sri Prasad

For all South Indians, this number will be a familiar one. This is a recreation of Aakalesthe from Shankar Dada Zindabad and Daddy Mummy from Villu. DSP has retained the original in every fiber of this song and doesn't deviate too much to make it look unconvincing. M.M.Manasi renders with top class energy while DSP quips in occasionally with his hoarse voice. Chartbuster like the original!

2.Iss Qadar Pyar Hai-Ankit Tiwari

As the name suggests, this soft romantic number is a rehash of Sonu Nigam's Iss Qadar Pyaar Hai from Deewana album. A word of caution for those who have listened to the original: this is going to mildly disappoint you, if not completely. But for those who listen it as a fresh number, it is sure to strike a chord with its beautiful arrangement of guitar strums and the mesmerizing voice of Ankit Tiwari. Composer Arko has decently composed this number, retaining a few touches from the original which was composed by Sajid-Wajid.

3.Aankhon Aankhon-Yo Yo Honey Singh

A catchy number from Yo Yo Honey Singh is up next. Though the number is overall foot-tapping, it is not addictive enough to become a chartbuster. We have heard many more high on energy compositions from him. This just doesn't join the bandwagon of his rocking songs. Even his voice doesn't provide relief to the vapid tune.

4.Kinna Sona-Sunil Kamath

Mithoon takes over the album with his excellent composition skills. This Sufi pop is sure to sweep your feet away. With mild tabla beats, ample orchestration and Sunil Kamath's mellifluous voice, this number is instantly engaging. The Punjabi lyrics are a treat for the romantics. Plug on your headphones on a lovey-dovey evening and go on a wonderful sojourn with this melodious track. Pick of the album!

5.Meri Zindagi-Rahul Vaidya

The album arrives to a finale with this ultimately slow love track. It is crooned by Indian Idol finalist Rahul Vaidya with his honey-dipping vocals. But it isn't enough to salvage the bland tune arrangement which is dead slow and sounds stereotyped. One can only wince in their places, while patiently waiting for the number to come to an end. A notable aspect of the song is the flute section in the first interlude.

Verdict:

This multi-composer album falls somewhere between being good and being bad. A couple of listenable numbers saves it from ending up as a dud.

Rating: **3/4

Picks:

Daddy Mummy,Kinna Sona