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Sivaji – A.R.Rahman

Nothing great but good enough. Sahana is an exception. Other songs are catchy and enjoyable but definitely are forgettable inspite of its grand visuals. Rahman has tried to walk the middle path with Shankar’s commercial intentions overtaking Rahman’s classic instincts. Though I am happy with Rahman’s music as for a Rajini movie, I am slightly disappointed with his score as for a Shankar movie. It isn’t a surprise after watching the movie as it is more of a Rajini movie in Shankar style rather than a Shankar movie in Rajini style.

Ammuvaghiya Naan – Sabesh-Murali

‘Thavamai Thavamirunthu’ Sabesh-Murali has dished out a Panjamirutham again. Thanks to Karthik’s review without which I wouldn’t have bought this soundtrack. In ‘Unnai Charanadainthen’ song, in the last line of the charanam, Harish sings the lyrics in tune and as a counter part Kalyani sings the tune as a swaram, this kind of layering, I think we never have heard before. We have heard an instrument accompanying the vocals but not another vocal singing the swaram. It is these kinds of fresh techniques that increase our hopes on this composer duo.

Aadavaari Maatalukku Ardhaalu Verulae – Yuvan Shankar Raja

It is a very different soundtrack from Yuvan-Selva combo but definitely not their best. Good thing is that they have tried to bring together tollywoodish rhythms with Yuvan’s style of melodies. Songs with mostly simple and familiar rhythms, good melody and relatively minimal orchestration are easy on ears.

Jhoomo Re - Kailasa

I liked Kailasa and hence I like this album even more. The compositions are a unique pot pouri of Sufi, folk and soft rock. My pick is ‘Jaage Jaage’, a beautiful melody with every single instrument falling into at the right place. The variety in the songs provides enough scope for Kailash kher to prove his versatility. The technique of starting the song with just his voice and rhythm joining in later could be used less, because it becomes monotonous after a point even though the songs are very different from each other.

Jhoom Barabar jhoom – Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

Shankar – Ehsaan – Loy is repeating a ‘Kajra Re’ both in quality of the songs and its commercial success. The classical touches in compositions given by Shankar Mahadevan elevate the songs to higher levels from being just another foot-tapping dance number. The instrumental jam is an interesting track with a basic bhangra rhythm and all main themes of the soundtrack lining up one after the other with nice arrangement of instruments.

Cheeni Kum - Illayaraja

A big slap to all Indian composers who do the so-called remixes. The way he has brought in the new sound with soul of classics remaining intact is admirable. How could one think of ‘Kuzhaloothum’ song without those flute flourishes and yet make it equally appealing and admirable. But ‘Jaane do Na’ is the real big surprise for me. Though the original version of the song is good, not many would have placed that song is their list of IR’s classics but this rechristened version definitely would find a place in my list. After listening to this album, I want IR to do more of this kind of work along with his new projects. Infact, IR can release a separate album with such rechristened classics. I was so happy to see, ‘Cheeni Kum’ album listed top on sales for past two weeks in Music world, Chennai.

Ninaithalae – Vijay Antony

Though the soundtrack isn’t at par with K.M.Radhakrishnan’s classic score for the original ‘Anand’, Vijay Antony has given some feel good melodies with ‘Naanthaana’ being the pick of the album.

Urchaagam – Ranjit Barot

‘Well’come back Ranjit Barot. But I think Ranjit has forgotten that there are good Tamil singers. Have anyone heard the soundtrack of ‘Rasigarmandram’?


Pallikoodam – Baradwaj

The soundtrack depends a lot on the visuals with its situational songs. Yet, a Charanish ‘Manasu Marugudhey’ and Cheranish ‘Meendum Pallikku’ are impressive on very first listening.