Top Indian Songs of the week 12th November 2023

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Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 12th November 2023. 

1. Dil Baro

Singer, Composer: Junaid Ahmad

Lyrics: Sunayana Kachroo and Junaid Ahmad

Production & Arranged by: Junaid Ahmad

Language: Hindi

Genre: Light Music/Pop

The sound of the Rabab makes me feel like I have just met with God (Rabb) Himself. This young composer/producer, Junaid Ahmad from Kashmir shows his roots with the enchanting Rabab notes played played Sabyasachi Deb. Junaid was a finalist in an Indian music reality show called Big Golden Voice and one can easily fathom, why. He has written the melody and performed the soothing vocals. Sunayana Kachroo and Junaid have collaborated on the lyrics. 

The fact that he is trained in Indian classical music, comes to light through his performance, especially the mild ghamakas and aalaps. Mohit Dogra accompanies on acoustic guitars but the Sitar solo by Mehtab Ali Miazi along with the alaap by Junaid in the interlude. The song's pre-chorus segment feels a bit like Pritam's "Subhanallah". Raghav Sharma sizzles with the bass guitars and Keys. The change in the song's tempo is fantastic when we get to the chorus segment thanks to the bass, rhythms and fast-paced Rabab. 

The solo on the Sitar gets interesting having some fragments of Raag Yamunakalyani. The song continues to maintain its delicious melody in the stanza, and the song's overall tone creates an aura of travel and happiness. Mehtab is a star with his SItar solo that springs up again in the second interlude and the notes are very beautifully written when we get to the outro as he goes in Kashmiri " Baa balai chaanie deedar seet". This is where I sense the pathos of Raag Charukeshi. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Nicks Kukreja and Raghav Sharma. 

@junaidmusic_ @sunayanakachroo @ansha_mohan @nicks_kukreja29 @ebc_originals @deepak.v.rawat @artistefirst @rohitsobti1 @kalki_29dec @rackkeys 

2. Kaash

Composed and Performed by: Harry Arora

Written by: Jashar Singh & Harry Arora

Music Production by: Aditya Verma

Additional Production by: Swarup Chattopadhyay & Chaitanya Pandit

Language: Hindi

Genre: Rock Ballad

Earlier in the year I reviewed Harry Arora's EP "Girta Toot'ta DIl" and his song "You'll Leave Me Behind". The song is a roller-coaster ride and creates such raw emotions when we listen to it. Harry is a heavily talented vocalist and he did offer one of 2023's best vocal performances in the EP. Continuing from where he left off, Harry serenades us with this Hindi single, giving so much focus to every syllable and note. The slow acoustic guitars by Akash Ravi Chopra are mild without ever taking any attention away from Harry's singing. Pritul Chauhan does brilliantly on drums shifting from mild to heavy in various segments. 

I feel deeply disturbed hearing his vulnerable and valiant vocals and it is not just the singing, but the arrangements too that deserve praise. The song is produced by Aditya Verma with Swarup Chattopadhyay & Chaitanya Pandit on additional production. The piano and the strings section create beautiful additional layers but then the electric guitar by Austin Furtado in the interlude steals the thunder. We get a well-written stanza and I love the way the line is written "yeh man ka karaar jo har baar toote, pyaar mein hai kyun", both from a musical and lyrical perspective. Kudos to Jashar Singh & Harry Arora for the lyrics.  

A moment comes after 3.30-minute mark when the guitars fade and the drums vanish, here Harry hits the final nail on the coffin with his singing, and the engaging strings section does its bit. The song is recorded at Raag Sethi's Compass Box Studion, Ahmedabad and the tracks are mixed and mastered by Harry and Chaitanya. Austin and Pritul sizzle in the outro. 

@harrythisside @funkyouadi @saumyauniyal_ @pritul_chauhan @austin.furtado.3 @jashar.singh @akashravichopra @chaitanyaya @swarupchattopadhyay @compassboxstudio @dusky_dolphin_films @bluecassettestudios 

3. Woh Tara

Singers: Shannon Donald & Shashaa Tirupati

Music Composed & Produced by: Raghav & Arjun

Lyrics by: Raghav & Arjun

Language: English/Hindi

Genre: Light Music/Pop

The whole album is exceptional and probably the best Bollywood album of 2023 according to me. I have reviewed it on my Instagram #1minmusicreviews and in the last 4 years when I have done music reviews, the quality never turns out to be so good when various composers come together and create a movie. Raghav & Arjun have composed and produced this song with grace, style and substance.

The two lead vocalists are perfect for the job at hand, singing English and Hindi lyrics alternatively with Shannon Donald and Shashaa Tirupati impressing equally. Shannon is one of the best we have in India and it shows with her delivery what a brilliant performer she is. She reaches for the higher vocal registers with amazing ease. The flute, mild humming, rhythms, keys and strings section remind us of "Gopalan Hare" by AR Rahman from the movie 'Lagaan'. 

The stanza is beautiful thanks to Shahaa's ghamaka-filled singing and she elevates the song with such passionate and mellifluous vocals. Let us not forget to compliment the melody by Raghav-Arjun and the worthy contribution of Japjising Valecha on additional programming. The guitars and bass provide some fine layers and it is a spectacle to witness Shashaa and Shannon do their own thing with vocals. The former adds Indian classical ghamakas and expression, with Shannon showing Western Classical and Pop tendencies of gusto and grit in her delivery. 

The tracks are mixed and mastered by Prathamesh Dudhane, with recording engineers Krina Shah & Romy Italia at Bombay Live Studios. Romy and Yugam Sharma are the mix assistants. 

@raghavandarjun @shannondonaldmusic @sashasublime @prathmeshdudhane @bombay_live_studios @shah_krina_ @japjisinghv @viacom18 @theoutsiderfilms 

4. Moondance

Performed by Benny Dayal, Dhruv Visvanath

Written by Dhruv Visvanath

Produced by Dhruv Visvanath

Language: English

Genre: Indie Pop

Long back in 2019, when Dhruv released a song called "Dear Madeline" I called him our own Phil Collins, and after 4 years of music journalism, this seems closer to truth today. This song oozes of quality and as always his vocals and the strong guitars played by Dhruv are magnetic. When you get another performer of Benny Dayal's quality, the outcome is like one unbreakable batting partnership in cricketing terms. 

The interplay between the guitars and drums is. a prized moment and keeps the energy thumping. benny and Dhruv singing in unison works quite well for me and then when we get to the bridge section the layers of vocals, combined with Keys, guitars and drums reach a pinnacle. There are moments when the tune resembles "Barbie Girl" by Aqua. The song was written and produced by Dhruv Visvanath. Benny's ability to head into the falsetto zone is aptly used in the song here and every time we hot the chorus segment, the production hits a high and kudos to Dhruv for the arrangements and programming efficacy.

@bennydayalofficial @mrdhruvv

5. Until The Sun

Performed by Black Letters

Vocals, Produced by Sharath Narayan

Written by Akash Chacko, Harikiran Menon, Sarang Menon, Sharath Narayan

Language: English

Genre: Alt-Pop

I loved 'Simpler Times' by this Kochi/Bengaluru band and did feature it among India's best songs back in April 2023, and now they are back with an even more impactful song. The guitars and the 'salangai', what a brilliant combination. People who have heard music from the south will be able to recognise that dancing ornament called 'Salangai' worn by dancers on their feet. The band smartly uses it along with guitars played by Sharath Narayan and Sarang Menon. 

Sharath caresses us with his touching vocals, and the layers of guitars and bass are nothing short of brilliant. Harikiran Menon plays the bass and AKash Chacko is on the mild drums. The guitars vanish for a bit during the pre-chorus giving the vocals and drums space to shine. Then we hit the chorus with these fabulous lead guitar notes. We get a nice bridge section followed by the lead guitar interventions in the foreground and Sharath's alaap in the background. The production is engaging especially with the keyboard programming being solid towards the end. 

@blackletters @cosmastudio @unrealpi @justincolletti @stainedclassprod @oafrecords

6. Savera

Written, Composed and Performed by Samad Khan 

Produced by Bharath 

Language: Hindi

Genre: Electronic Pop

Samad Khan is being featured for the very first time and here he is giving us a breezy and enjoyable electronic pop number. The chorus lines "hone lagega dil mein savera, darne ki koi baat nahi" is just magical in terms of the composition and delivery. Samad has written, the melody, and lyrics and also performed the dreamy vocals. 

That is not all, as Bharath shines through in some brilliant production. The rhythms, keys, strings section in the background and the drop, with that inventive swara rendition and aalap. The stanza is funky and it has glimpses of the likable melody we hear in the sthayi segment. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Bhau. 

@bharath.mp3 @samadkhannn 

7. Ghule

Lead Vocals: Abby V, Sona Mohapatra

Composed & Produced by: Ricky Kej

Lyrics: Jyoti Venkatraman

Language: Hindi

Genre: Semi-classical Fusion

Rickey Kej is a multiple Grammy Winner from India, but this is the very first time I am featuring him for an Indian song and so it is kind of an honour. Ricky has composed and produced this semi-classical single with lyrics penned by Jyoti Venkatraman. The song has clear influences of Raag Panthuvarali in Carnatic or Raag Puriya Dhanashree in Hindustani, reminding us of AR Rahman's "Haye Rama yeh kya hua". Sona Mohapatra handles the vocals with ease as she has been doing over many years, and this semi-classical delivery is executed with perfection. 

There are heavy synths and keys and we have Gopu and Ricky on the keyboard programming. Abby V adds a jewel to the crown with his impeccable classical singing, with the Tanam rendition. Karthik K plays the percussion and the stylish bass guitars are by Dominic D'Cruz. Amidst all these excellent arrangements and live instrumental performances, the lead vocalists especially Abby stand out with the free-style aalap and Tanam delivery from the 3rd minute onward, acting as an interlude. Vanil Veigas and Ricky are the mix/master engineers with Amey Wadibhasme recording Sona's vocals. I'll be eager to listen to the rest of the songs from Abby V and Ricky Kej's album "Aarambh". 

@rickykej @abbyvofficial @sonamohapatra @sufiscore @domjdcruz 

8. Remain A Memory

Song written by Vishal Naidu & Aditya Ramesh

Engineered and produced by Vishal Naidu 

Language: English

Genre: Alt-Rock

There is always a smile on my face when I write about newcomers. It is hardly a contribution by me, but when I feature a debut single by an artist, I feel like my time and efforts are worth it. This duo from Bengaluru is an Alt-Rock act and we have Vishal Naidu and Aditya Ramesh deservedly making their way into this week's top 15 from songs released across India. 

The strumming hits me hard with both Aditya and Vishal playing guitars, and then Vishal's vocals take the song forward. These guys are on the spot with the drums by Mike Langford and bass guitars by Aditya, but a good rock song is not just about the decibels and intensity, but also the underlying melody. That is why Metallers like Metallica, Guns N' Roses sustained and elevated music for so long. The lines " Have you seen this side of me, Wailing through these eyes. I feel so empty" especially the ending words are beautiful from a musical note perspective. 

Vishal also plays bass guitars and handles the keyboard programming and synths. The song begins to mesmerise with some sensational guitars and drums showcasing India's talent to the world. The electric guitar solo amps up the energy and drops like an icing on this delicious cake. The tracks are mixed by Mike Langford and mastered by Peter Letros. Sarah Lyons does the intro audio. 

@vishalnaidu97 @_ramu97 @fallenlettersband 

9. Baaki

Performed by Shalmali Kholgade, Rajan Batra 

Composed by Shalmali Kholgade, Rajan Batra

Written by Rajan Batra

Language: Hindi

Genre: Indie Pop

Astronomical artists are here and don't expect anything less than a heavenly performance. We have Shalmali Kholgade and Rajan Batra (frontman of The Yellow Diary) collaborating with writing the melody and vocals. If Rajan's unique style draws you close, makes you close your eyelids and brings a smile, Shalmali makes you sway your head and tap your feet. In all, our whole body surrenders to their supremacy. Rajan writes the lyrics. 

Shalmali and Roland Ferndandes play the acoustic guitars with adequate style and Roland's bass guitars oozes funk and groove. The way the two vocalists engage in that freestyle aalap in the interlude is beyond compare. It is not overdone but done with subtlety and class. Farhan Shaikh is the recording engineer at Chordfather Productions, and we have Shadab Rayeen as the mix/master engineer at New Edge along with mix assistants Pukhraj, Anup and Ehsan. 

@shalmiaow @rajanbatra13 @rolanfernandes25 @themediatronic @shadabrayeen @chordfatherproductions 

10. Dil Hi To Hai

Performed by Kanishk Seth, Khwaab

Written by Khwaab

Produced by Khwaab

Language: Hindi

Genre: 

Just read the names of the musicians involved in the song and that should act like an electromagnetic impulse big enough to make the earth shake. Kanishk Seth is a fabulous producer/composer who understands how to create music that can be liked by the young and old. Now to this when you add Khwaab's writing and production brains, we get a bomb. The Sarod riffs are magical and come out as a very inventive layer, instead of the usual guitar riffs we keep hearing. Take a bow, you beauty called Rohan Prasanna. 

The song is written and produced by Khwaab and he gets the marching beats along with the Keys, synths and strings section fusing to perfection. The interlude is transcendental with the fast-paced Sarod in the foreground along with some synths creating a lasting impact. This is what dreams are made of. 

@khwaab.music @seth_kanishk @raghavmeattle @firstwav @rahulshah.wav

11. Tu

Composed and sung by Prateeksha Srivastava

Lyrics by Shayra Apoorva

Music produced by A$AD

Language: Hindi

Genre: Semi-classical Pop fusion

Prateeksha Srivastava impresses every single time and in a tough world like today, it is not easy to create original music in regular intervals, especially with songs that combine style and substance. Prateeksha has composed the melody, which even on a standalone basis can soothe the heart. Her singing elevates it along with Shayra Apoorva's heartfelt lyrics. There are shades of Raag Hamsadhwani in the tune, I believe.

A$AD engages us with his solid production and that can be felt with the rhythms and keys. Some modern electronic elements have been added to suit the modern tastes of EDM fans. The Piano riffs and Prateeksha's classically-tilting vocals stand out for me. Hamish Taneja is the mix/master engineer. The song's message is summed up beautifully by Shayra's words " Dekho na, hum dono milke bhi, mil na paaye"

@officialprateeksha @asadmusic106 @shayra22 

12. Zahir Si Baat Hai

Performed by Vineet Wunnava Mohanty

Written by Vineet Wunnava

Produced by Siddhant Mishra

Language: Hindi

Genre: Indie Pop

This single by Vineet Wunnava Mohanty comes as a pleasant surprise and reminds me of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's title song from the album "Taare Zameen Par". The Piano leads the way along with the acoustic guitars. Vineet writes the melody, and lyrics and performs the vocals with such poise and elegance. 

My favourite is the chorus segment with a beautifully written melody at this juncture. The layers of vocals are well arranged and so is the acoustic guitar interlude by Jobin David. Kudos to Siddhant Mishra who has produced this song, and is seeing his stock price rising in my books. The song works for me because it does possess a very likeable and hummable melody. Ajinkya DHapare is the mix/master engineer with mix assistance from Virat Bhushetty. 

@_vineet_wunnava_mohanty_ @siddhant581 @jobindavid @ajinkyadhapare @virat_bhushetty 

13. Khuda Na Kare

Singer/Composer/Lyrics - Shivi R Kashyap 

Produced By - Gurinder Seagal

Music Produced by - Codie

Language: Hindi

Genre: Indie Pop

This is a debut on my weekly rankings and website for Shivi R Kashyap and it is a fantastic song for sure. The acoustic guitar thrills right from the start, and you are dragged in to pay attention. Shivi makes her foray with that tantalising voice like it is meant to haunt and stimulate us at the same time. The song has a very AR Rahman-esque tone thanks to the rhythms and keys. Codie has taken over the song's production, so he is to be credited with all the arrangements and programming. 

The song itself reminds me of "Tu Mile" by MM Kreem, and Shivi has a great impact on the listener through the writing and vocals. 

@shivi_r_kashyap @codieworldwide @sound.ofmountains @brosrecordsofficial

 14. Changing Homes

Performed by Ramyaa Hariharan

Written by Ramyaa Hariharan

Produced by Ashish Kujur

Language: English

Genre: Indie Pop

The title seems to be talking about a subject we all have been through at some point in our lives. Ramya Hariharan, a Bengaluru- based Singer-Songwriter has penned the lyrics and composed the melody. She also gives this heartfelt and expressive vocal performance, feeling the pain. The line " Change is not my cup of tea, now it's my friend anxiety" says it all. The song is produced by Ashish Kujur and he gets everything right in terms of the arrangements.

The mild acoustic guitar generates the warmth and the Pianos create the gravity of the scenario while the strings section in the background drives the feeling of pathos. I also like the electric guitar interlude. So overall full marks to Ashish. Ramya's vocal tone and delivery style remind me of the fabulous Anoushka Maskey. The pianos are playful in the outro and so is Ramya's humming. Her training in Carnatic music comes through. 

@ramyaasings @shamik.kotian @graysparkaudio @heels_on_wheelssss @madverse.music @ashishkujurmusic 

15. Dur Pahar

Vocals, Guitar: NiiL 

Written by NiiL Borgohain

Language: Assamese

Genre: Folk-Rock

This Assamese Alt-Rock song is a fitting end to the list this week. Usually, we get a lot of gentle pop from this state, but to get something like Folk/Rock or Alt-Rock is very nice and welcome. NiiL is the vocalist and also plays the guitars, but some of the extended guitar support comes from Ronojoy Barooah. The layers of acoustic and electric guitars make it an enjoyable rock song. Simanta Chetia is the bassist and the drummer who keeps things charged up is Angaraag Phookan. 

The song is simple and short but it does engage the listener thanks to the vocals and production. Angaraag is also the recording and mixing engineer. Jonahlevrai has mastered the tracks. 

@niil.official