Siru thodudhaliley: Laadam (Tamil OST), Dharan
Dharan is back, but this is not one of his best soundtracks. Still, this particular track definitely makes the cut for its unconventional structure and vocals!
Maa: Dasvidaniya (Hindi OST), Kailesh Kher, Naresh & Paresh Kamath
Absolutely lovely and heartfelt. Kailash’s vocals are beautiful and every single person I know who has heard this song specially likes the part where Kailash goes ‘Mummma’ 🙂
Kanaa kaangiren: Aanandha Thaandavam (Tamil OST), GV Prakash Kumar
I love this entire soundtrack – one of GVP’s best. Kanaa kaangiren is my pick of the soundtrack for its intelligent use of singers and a lilting tune.
Where is the party?: Silambaattam (Tamil OST), Yuvan Shankar Raja
Truly rocking song with effortless singing and an addictive rhythm. The strange thing is that it is based on a terribly popular Tamil folk song and kudos to Yuvan to bring a drunken flavor to that much loved song!
Tu muskura & Manmohini: Yuvvraaj (Hindi OST), A R Rahman
Tu muskura seriously lingers long after its over – the vocals are haunting as is the antara which hits the high notes gorgeously. Manmohini is another stunner in this soundtrack – short but highly infectious!
Kodu kodu: Sangama (Kannada OST), Devi Sri Prasad
Devi scores a neat, sensual number here. Its a tad predictable but hits all the right spots, particularly the smart use of the ‘Nama’ chorus.
Guzarish: Ghajini (Hindi OST), A R Rahman
The best of what Ghajini offers, if I may say so. The lazy antara-mukhda bridge or the lack of it really gets on my nerves, but the song works, despite that.
Vizhiyil vizhiyil & Thajam thajam: Mahesh, Saranya matrum palar (Tamil OST), Vidyasagar
While the former has Vidyasagar’s famed use of violins (with a tinge of middle east?), the latter’s carnatic medley is stunning, in Binny’s enthusiastic vocals. The lyrics are downright sappy but the tune manages to impress nevertheless.
Zhala menu zhala: Khallballi (Hindi OST), Sajid Wajid
One rocking Marathi-Hindi number, after Dhagala lagli. Extremely catchy and sung with so much verve by Sajid – very danceable!
Ehsaan: Dil Kabaddi (Hindi OST), Sachin Gupta
Very listenable, well arranged track sung confidently by Sachin himself. The backgrounds probably make the song better, beyond its simple tune.
O…Saaya: Slumdog Millionaire (English OST), A R Rahman
My pick of this soundtrack. The initial train-like sound almost feels like Keralite percussion – what energy! Rahman’s vocals are fabulous and M.I.A contributes well too, except for that cheesy ek, do, teen chorus!
