Isai Music Review

Movie: Isai

Cast: S.J.Suryah,Sulagna Panigrahi

Director: S.J.Suryah

Music director: S.J.Suryah 

It is S.J.Suryah who rules over here. He directs,composes and acts in the film. With a musical title like 'Isai', let's see how the songs have turned up.

1.HNY Puthandin-S.J.Suryah

The musical album kick starts with a party track that is high on energy. With techno beats, S.J.Suryah's digitalized voice and the backup vocals, this song is sure to make its way to the party floors. The electronic guitar is used very well in this tantalizing yet soft fast number. The track has an overall 80s feeling and sounds similar to Ilamai Idho Idho. An upbeat beginning!

2.Isai Veesi-Chinmayi Sripada

Wow! That's the only word I can say. This soft melody is mesmerizing right from the beginning and it instantly hooks you on. The slow laid back beats with dulcet guitar strums and birds chirping makes it overall scintillating. I am running out of words to describe Chinmayi's singing. She sings with elan and her whispery rendition is the highlight. And of course, the track is composed in my favorite raga Keeravani which makes it a haunting listen. Gives you goosebumps! Hit the repeat button!

 3.Atho Vaanile Nila-Karthik,Chinmayi,Deva

A retro duet that has foot tapping beats and minimal orchestration. S.J.Suryah must be applauded for weaving a simple yet catchy tune that will ask for a repeated listening. When it comes to antique compositions, Karthik voice suits the best. Chinmayi once again yields the megaphone and she is just awesome. Composer and gaana singer Deva's bit in the second interlude comes as a surprise.

4.Nee Poiya-Vijay Yesudhas

This pathos begins with slight piano notes that is taken over by the flute. And then begins the real magic when Vijay Yesudhas begins crooning. He brings out the gloominess and sounds like a lovelorn guy. This number is sure to find a special place in Tamil sad songs list. Hats off to S.J.Suryah for this endearing track!

5.Dirty Dancing-Shalini Singh

A song that falls into two categories: Hip hop and Kuthu. Though it seems to be upbeat, it gets repetitive and you will find yourself hitting the skip button. Maybe this number is the weakest in the album. Even Shalini Singh can't save the track from ending up as a mundane one.

6.Lip Lock Theme-Chinmayi

It's a beautiful theme backed up by Chinmayi's breezy vocals and lilting piano tones. It is short, sweet and enchanting to listen!

7.She Is His Piano Theme-Chinmayi

A piano theme composed in Keeravani raga. Of course, it is the instrumental version of Isai Veesi number. Chinmayi makes an appearance yet again and this time she is engaged with additional mild chorus. This theme is magical as long as it lasts!

8.Baby Theme-Chinmayi

The album comes to an ending with a short lullaby in the voice of Chinmayi. The slight beats,guitar strums and piano notes are lilting as usual.

Verdict:

Now we get to see S.J.Suryah's another dimension and he spells magic with his debut album. The songs are melodious and Chinmayi rules throughout the entire album. Kudos to S.J.Suryah!

Rating: ***

Picks:

Isai Veesi,Nee Poiya,Lip Lock Theme,She Is His Piano Theme

 

Anegan Music Review

Movie: Anegan

Cast: Dhanush,Karthik,Amyra Dastur

Director: K.V.Anand

Music director: Harris Jayaraj

K.V.Anand is back with his new venture 'Anegan' starring the talented Dhanush,evergreen Karthik and beautiful Amyra Dastur. And once again, Anand ropes in Harris Jayaraj to deliver some magical tunes. Has Harris done justice to the album? Let's find out!

1.Danga Maari Oodhari-Dhanush,Marana Gana Viji,Naveen Madhav

Wow! What a marana mass beginning to the album! This folk song is top notch in terms of composition. And Harris plays it well within his comfort zone. Dhanush excels with his Madras baasha rendition and Marana Gana Viji is equally powerful. Watch out for the rhythm change in the second interlude which makes the song all the more endearing. Definitely a chartbuster!

2.Roja Kadale-Shankar Mahadevan,Sunidhi Chauhan,Chinmayi Sripada

And here comes Harris Jayaraj's signature composition that joins the bandwagon of Hasili Fisili,Amali Thumali,Akila Akila,Lolita,Latchan Calorie,etc. There is a little bit of all the previous songs in this one. But apart the deja vu feeling, it's a candyfloss number that is sure to be liked by the romantics. Shankar Mahadevan surprises with his casual yet stunning rendition while it is Chinmayi's voice that comes as a refreshment in this breezy track. Though Sunidhi Chauhan's part is less, she makes quite an impact!

3.Aathadi Aathadi-Bhavatharini,Tippu,Dhanush,Abhay Jodhpurkar

A laid back composition that is on the lines of Innum konja neram from Mariyaan. With it's simple tune and less orchestration, Harris delivers a soft folk melody that is sure to linger in your ears for a long time. It is Bhavatharini who rules the song backed up by Tippu and others. The tabla in the second interlude wins a thumbs up. A surprise number by Harris that sounds Rahmanish!

4.YOLO (You Live Only Once)-Shail Hada,Ramya NSK,Richard,MC Vickey,Eden

Making use of a popular internet slang YOLO, Harris weaves a tune that integrates Caribbean beats and some funky singing by Shail Hada. C.S.Amudhan's gibberish lyrics never seem to be boring and peps up the tune even more. Ramya NSK makes a brief appearance in the second charanam with her effervescent voice. A sunny track that makes you go ga-ga!

5.Thodu Vaanam-Hariharan,Shakthisree Gopalan

How can a Harris Jayaraj album be without a lilting melody? And when it is Hariharan yielding the megaphone, it becomes classy and mellifluous. The loaded up orchestration in the second interlude comes as a refreshing change in the otherwise repetitive pattern. Shakthisree Gopalan is as awesome as always, though she gets less crooning space. Highlight of the album!

6.Deivangal Ingae-Sriram Parthasarathy

Yet another Harris melody with Kabilan Vairamuthu's exhilirating lyrics that uses some rare Tamil words from Sangam literature. The chorus and bells give us a spiritual feeling with Sriram Parthasarathy rendering the gamakas flawlessly. Though not laudable like the other tracks, this one is short and sweet!

Verdict:

Yes, Harris Jayaraj is back! After some not-so-good albums like Idhu Kathirvelan Kaadhal and Yaan, he proves his mettle with Anegan. The tunes are breezy, though they give a heard before feeling. This soundtrack is sure to stay for a tad longer in your playlists!

Rating: ***1/2

Picks: 

Danga Maari Oodhari,Roja Kadale,Thodu Vaanam

Kaththi music review

Movie: Kaththi

Cast: Vijay,Samantha

Director: A.R.Murugadoss

Music director: Anirudh Ravichander

1.Pakkam Vanthu-Hip Hop Tamizha Aadhi,Anirudh Ravichander

Well, if it's hip hop tamizha, then its sure to be a hip hop track. An energetic party number that is sure to rock the dance floors in the coming days. Embedded with gibberish lyrics and slight folk beats, this song gets interesting with Anirudh's soulful rendering in the 'Manamey manamey' line. A rocking pub song!

2.Paalam-Shankar Mahadevan,Shwetha Mohan

Right from the beginning of this song, there is grandness written all over it. A carnatic folk song that turns even more beautiful in the powerful voice of Shankar Mahadevan. And of course, Shwetha Mohan excels in this number with her sweet voice. The chorus is an added advantage which brings out the celebratory mood of this track. The rhythm turns faster towards the end which gives this song a grand finishing.

 3.Kaththi Theme-Anirudh Ravichander

Anirudh brings out a theme that is high on energy. There are the sounds of knives clashing which makes the theme stay true to the movie's title. The major instrument used in this track is the Urumi melam along with digitalized Santoor and Bagpipers.

4.Selfie Pulla-Vijay,Sunidhi Chauhan

A tailor made track for Vijay that completely satisfies all the requirements needed for a peppy number. This song is going out to be the chartbuster of the year as it has been loaded with oodles of energy and some powerful rendition by Vijay and Sunidhi Chauhan. With lyrics like 'Facebook' 'Instagram' and 'Selfie', this one is a uber cool modern number that is sure to be enjoyed by all the youngsters!

5.Bad Eyes Theme-Anirudh Ravichander

This theme has been composed with lots of flute loops, Sitar and bhols that turns extraordinary with the water splashed in the background. Anirudh does a great job in bringing out this theme.

6.Yaar Petra Magano-K.J.Yesudhas

A sentimental piece in the evergreen voice of legendary singer is something special in this generation. Anirudh makes this pathos as soul stirring as possible. The guitar strums give it a contemporary touch that saves the song from turning out be a complete 80s number. The occasional humming by Anirudh adds spice to the mellifluous number. Classic in all the ways!

7.Aathi Ena Nee-Vishal Dadlani,Anirudh

 And here comes the signature track of Anirudh! This one is the highlight of the entire album. A groovy R&B number that instantly hooks you on. Vishal's voice flows fluently along with the simple rhythm of this song. With no much instrumentation, this number excels with its overall simplicity and the romantic feel that it carries along. A soulful modern number!

Verdict:

Anirudh once again proves that he is a youth-friendly composer. With tracks that are peppy and catchy, this album is sure to stay on the charts for a long time.

Rating: ***1/2

Picks:

Pakkam Vanthu,Selfie Pulla,Aathi Ena Nee

I music review

Movie: I

Cast: Vikram,Amy Jackson,Upen Patel

Director: Shankar

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Well, I am back with yet another Rahman album for review. Shankar-Rahman combo have been one of the best right from the 90s. Let's see how the songs have turned up.

 

1.Mersalaayitten-Anirudh Ravichander,Neeti Mohan

The epic album begins with this techno-ish number which has 'Chennai baasha' lyrics by Kabilan. Rahman has composed one sort of a track that leaves you in a trance after it ends. It gives you an overall ethereal feeling and the repetitive 'Mersalaayitten' is pleasing to the ears. Anirudh has done a fabulous job with his freestyle rendition and Neeti Mohan sparkles with her cameo. The violin in the interlude carries Rahman's signature all over. Splendid start to the soundtrack!

2.Ennodu Nee Irundhaal-Sid Sriram,Sunitha Sarathy

Sid Sriram who enthralled us with his 'Adiye' is back with this beautiful slow rock number. The track's mellowed beginning paves way for Sid to take over with complete energy. The haunting chorus, soft beats and the flute in the interlude turn the number into an unimaginable one that only Rahman can compose. Sunitha Sarathy makes a dashing entry in the last part. Though short, her rendition leaves you wanting for more. This song will definitely blow your soul away!

3.Ladio-Nikita Gandhi

A club song that has an international appeal and is sure to rock the dance floors soon. It seems like an intro song for the lead lady. The transition of rhythm in the interlude adds spice to the track. Madhan Karky peeps in with his gibberish yet extraordinary lyrics, applying all the techniques of lyric engineering. Nikita Gandhi croons this energetic number with an abundant amount of zeal in her voice.

4.Pookkalae Sattru Oyivedungal-Haricharan,Shreya Ghoshal

And here comes the fantastic track of the album! Right from the beginning, this romantic number sweeps your feet away. Rahman has kept the tune as simple as possible with the only support being the singers and the instrumentation. Usually, Rahman's songs need time to grow on you but this one instantly hooks on to you in the first listen. Haricharan is Rahman's new found sensation who makes an appearance in almost all of his albums nowadays. And he keeps on adding feathers to his cap with chartbusters! No words to say about Shreya Ghoshal as she is wonderful as ever. Karky has yet again proved that he is an eclectic lyricist as he makes the usage of the syllable 'I' in different ways. Chartbuster for sure!

5.Aila Aila-Aditya Rao,Natalie Di Luccio

Well, Rahman gets into a global mode with this rocking number. The opening itself gives you an outline of the entire song. It's difficult to categorize this track as the beats sway from samba to that of desi in the second interlude. Natalie Di Luccio, the Canadian singer, croons the Opera parts of the song with ease while Aditya Rao sings like an experienced singer. This is one of the next generation numbers which Rahman introduces with this album.

6.Ennodu Nee Irundhaal (Reprise)-Chinmayi,Sid Sriram

The reprise version of the mindblowing song is exquisite in all the ways. Rahman feeds soft guitar strums to complement Chinmayi's honey-dipping voice. Her whispery rendition serves as an icing on the top of the cake. Sid Sriram makes a late appearance giving the much needed perfect completion for this love ballad. Another gem from Rahman!

7.Mersalaayitten (Remix)-Anirudh Ravichander,Neeti Mohan

A foot-tapping remix of the original version. This one will also find a place in the dance floors as it is overloaded with techno beats and much more digitalization of the orchestration. Addictive on the whole!

Verdict:

Well, you have been missing that 'Rahman' right? Yes, he is back with Shankar's I. Each and every song is precious in it's own manner. With the onset of 90s, Rahman introduced a new sound to the music industry. Then in the 2000s he added the second dimension to Indian music. And with this album, Rahman adds the third dimension by moving on to next gen music!

Rating: *****

Picks:

All songs

Kaaviya Thalaivan music review

Movie: Kaaviya Thalaivan

Cast: Siddharth,Prithviraj,Vedhika

Director: G.Vasantabalan

Music director: A.R.Rahman

Here is the music review of one of the most awaited albums of the year, composed by the Mozart of Madras.

1.Vaanga Makka Vaanga-Haricharan,Dr.Narayanan

The album kick starts with a street play type of song that brings out the true soul of traditional dramas. Haricharan's tell tale voice modulation works out well over here. The usage of classical instruments serves as an icing on top of the cake. Only A.R.Rahman knows how to compose such innovative tunes!

2.Aye Mr.Minor!-Haricharan,Shashaa Tirupati

A.R.Rahman does another "Hello Mister Edhirkatchi" number. With a foot tapping construction, this song takes us to the rock n roll era of the 70s and 80s. The mandolin in the interlude deserves a special mention here. A groovy duet that is sure to hook you on instantly. Haricharan weaves magic with his voice and Shashaa brings out the seductive mood of the song. One of the highlights of the album!

3.Yaarumilla-Shweta Mohan,Srinivas

And here comes the Rahmanish melody that is breezy and soul stirring. Shweta's honey dipping voice brings out the vintage feeling of this evergreen gem. The song can be played repeatedly just to listen to her voice. And of course, how can I forget the awesome instrumentation in the second interlude? It's Rahman at his best once again! With beautiful lyrics, this song would stay on the charts for a long time.

4.Sandi Kuthirai-Haricharan

Haricharan gets a hat-trick with this quirky composition. It's a comical song which is on the lines of "Vishwanathan velai venum" type of songs. A.R.Rahman makes the best use of trumpet,mouth organ and xylophone in a funny way. The occasional laughter sounds peps up the fun quotient of the song. This number can remain as one of those classic jazz numbers that ruled during the 70s.

5.Sollividu Sollividu-Mukesh

It's a situational number that sets up the mood on a battle field. Mukesh enthralls us with his powerful rendition. The lyrics speak about war and it's consequences. It's like listening to a part of Mahabharatha in the form of a song. Partially sounding like a devotional number, this epic track stands out in the entire album.

6.Thiruppugazh-Vani Jayaram

A.R.Rahman ropes in the evergreen vocalist Vani Jayaram to croon this spiritual number. She just captures us with her sweet voice which is as fresh as ever. This track leaves us wanting for more as it is a short one!

7.Alli Arjuna-Haricharan,Bela Shende

When was the last time you have heard a 10 minute long song? Maybe way back in the 70s or 80s. But only A.R.Rahman can recreate such magic of long songs. This number is a montage song which consists of eight bit sections. And each section has a beauty of it's own. Well, it's Haricharan who yields the megaphone yet again with ease. Bela Shende's soulful rendering makes this track even more beautiful.

Verdict:

Well, it's A.R.Rahman and what else can you expect? This soundtrack is no exception. With all it's grandeur, this album is sure to stay as one of Rahman's classical gems. There is no doubt that he is the God of Music. He is versatile and he proves it yet again.

Rating: ****

Picks:

Vaanga Makka Vaanga,Aye Mr.Minor!,Yaarumilla,Sandi Kuthirai

Amara Kaaviyam music review

Movie: Amara Kaaviyam

Cast: Sathya,Mia George

Director: Jeeva Shankar

Music director: M.Ghibran

1.Saridhaana Saridhaana-Yazin Nizar,Thomas Andrews,M.Ghibran

The soundtrack kickstarts with a groovy number which speaks about the confusions faced by a teenager. The fast paced track is endearing with it's touch of melody at places. The nadaswaram loops in the interlude are an added advantage. But the song takes time to grow on you. Yazin Nizar blows you away with his singing. He is the perfect choice for this song. A good beginning by Ghibran!

2.Edhedho Ennamvandhu-Haricharan,Padmalatha

Up next is a beautiful melody rendered flawlessly in the sweet voices of Haricharan and Padmalatha. The orchestration is a perfect blend of classical and modern instruments. The entire song oozes with melody and makes for a wonderful love ballad. The background change in the second interlude takes this song to a fantasy world. An abundant amount of Sufi touch works in the favor of the number. Sweet and cute on the whole!

3.Mounam Pesum-K.S.Chitra,Sowmya Mahadevan

Ghibran ropes in the legendary singer Chitra to croon this number. And what we get to listen is a perfect hi-five melody that is sure to be termed as a classic in this album. Beginning with mellowed piano notes, the song moves in a complete trance with Chitra's whispery modulations. Ghibran deserves a special applause for his interlude arrangements as they make the number even more ecstatic. Sowmya Mahadevan stands out with her lines eventhough she may have less rendition space.

4.Dheva Dhevadhai-K.G.Ranjith,Madhu Iyer

Ghibran does not run out of melodies I think so as he composes a masterpiece duet with this number which is instantly likeable. And of course, here also the orchestration and the interlude arrangement stand out. A mysterious haunting string of melody flows through the entire song. K.G.Ranjith makes a strong comeback with his lilting voice and Madhu Iyer complements him well with her effervescent singing. Highlight of the album!

5.Dhagam Theera-Padmalatha,Yazin Nizar

Here comes a dreamy number that is perfect for a girl who has fallen head over heels in love with her man. With it's exotic arrangements, the song has been composed in Amruthavarshini raga which is considered to bring showers of rain. Of course, this number can be heard on a beautiful rainy evening. Padmalatha showcases her unique skills with this number accompanied by Yazin Nizar who weaves magic with the 'Vasagi vasagi' line.

6.Edhedho Ennamvandhu (Solo)-Sundar Narayan Rao

Ghibran's favorite Sundar Narayan Rao croons the second version of the melodious number. Though his singing sounds to be forced, he turns out to be the perfect choice as he can carry off the Sufi influence with ease. Makes for a good listen!

Verdict:

M.Ghibran proves his mettle once again after his outstanding Thirumanam Ennum Nikkah. His melodies are timeless and remind us of the bygone era of good music. He is the perfect descendant for the legend A.R.Rahman as his compositions have that magical touch of ARR. 

Rating: ****

Picks:

Edhedho Ennamvandhu,Mounam Pesum,Dhagam Theera,Dheva Dhevathai