Top Indian Songs of the week 21st July 2024

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Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 21st July 2024

1. Raise the Bar

Performed by Rahul Matthan, Thermal And A Quarter

Written by Bruce Lee Mani, Leslie Charles Premkumar, Rahul Matthan, Rajeev Rajagopal, Tony Jason Das

Language: English

Genre: Rock

Mood: Energetic

The TAAQ as they are known impressed me immensely back in 2019 when I just started out as a music journalist. I have been waiting far too long for something like this, and I am reminded of 'Jethrotul' and 'Dire Straits' and all these phenomenal rock bands, as Thermal And A Quarter sizzle on all aspects in this rock single. Bruce Lee Mani strikes you hard with his lead vocals and guitars and it hits like a wrist slap from his namesake martial arts legend. 

All the lead guitar interventions are by Tony Das, the drummer Rajeev, and bassist Leslie combined beautifully to raise the bar. The astounding lyrics are penned by Rahul Matthan. The song has not just some breathtaking live instrumentals, it also boasts a very enjoyable melody. The arrangements and production deserve a special mention for keeping things lively and fresh. At times I also feel a resemblance to AC/DC's "It's a long way to the top". As we get to the trilling outro I am mesmerised listening to "Get a good grip and remember to breathe, when you raise the bar" as every band member is performing at more than 100% of their potential 

@matthan @thermalandaquarter @lesliecharles @bruceleemani @tonyjdas @oafrecords @therealdeaconblues

2. Raahi Re

Music composed, Programmed and Arranged by Vivek Sagar

Lyrics by Kasarla Shyam

Vocals by Kapil Kapilan

Additional Vocals by 

Language: Telugu

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Romantic

Vivek Sagar is at times under-rated, or maybe there is a better word to express what I feel. He is never the first name that comes to mind when someone shouts Tollywood music, but I have always paid close attention to his work. This is a romantic track that gets a lot of positive energy from the brisk strumming of the acoustic guitars and Kapil Kapilan's lead vocals. Abhishai Jahudi is the bassist and we also have engaging keys and rhythm programming by Vivek Sagar. He handles all the arrangements other than writing the melody. Lyrics are penned by Kasala Shyam. 

I love the line in the pre-chorus just before the chorus segment of the song and this is where I felt a sense of Raag Shankarabharanam (Bilawal) or maybe some Raag Hamsadhwani. The interlude has this Westernised Sarangi played by Aslam Khan. The backing vocals by Shruthika Samudhrala come in and then the lead guitar solo too, adds style. Vivek Sagar showcases his wide-varied knowledge by including a Punjabi folk segment in the interlude. This segment was written and performed by Romi Kumar and produced by Juggy Gill. 

Credit must go to the strings section arrangements in the background as they decorate the song with lushness. It has been a while since I was so enamoured by Kapil, and I must thank Vivek for giving him a song the former deserves. The tracks are mixed, recorded and produced at Tapeloop with Sanjay Das as the mix/master engineer. 

@kapilkapilanmusic @oddphysce @aslamkhansarangi @chinttu_bassman @juggygillofficial @tapelooprecords @sanj_das @shruthika.samudhrala

3. Kismet

Written and Composed by Raman Negi

Performed by Raman Negi

Produced by Raman Negi, Gaurav Chintamani

Language: Hindi

Genre: Rock

Mood: Energetic

Raman Negi is one name I am not going to neglect by any stretch of my imagination. He used to be the frontman of the band Rock band "The Local Train", and Raman had a terrific album "Shaksiyat" released in 2022. This is another stunning single, and it is composed and written by Raman. The guitars are the driving force along with the steady beat of the drums. 

I love the line " Na fikar iss jahaan ki" and when we get to the humming, the adrenaline just rises in line with the rising intensity of Raman's vocals. The lead guitars are played by Raman and Shantanu Sudarshan is the energetic drummer. We have Gaurav Chintamani on bass guitars and the song has some admirable arrangements on production. It is Gaurav and Raman who have produced the song. I can feel the energy of the performance seeping through my veins and it is a combination of terrific guitars, drums and vocals. The melody has only a few lines that keep altering and repeating but the record keeps you hooked on, perfect for a long drive with the rolled-down windows. 

@negiraman @gaurav_chintamani @shantanusudarshan

4. Sukoon

Written, Composed and Performed by gini

Producer, mix/master: Aditya Shukla 

Language: Hindi

Genre: Soft Rock

Mood: Contemplative

The foot tapping begins straightaway when we hit the intro and gini strums the acoustic guitar. The pre-chorus is good with a gentle and warm melody, but the real segment that makes me take notice is the chorus where the notes just pull me like a pair of magnetic bars and she goes "Kya yeh hai sukoon". The song is written, composed and performed by gini and I couldn't wait to congratulate her over IG. 

The humming in the interlude is simple yet striking and the melody is exactly the same as the chorus that goes " tu ru ru, ruru". There is another layer of vocals in the background and this arrangement is worthy of my attention. Aditya Shukla is the music producer and kudos to him for getting these elements spot on. The verse begins and the sexy electric guitars by Dhananjay Chhetri are so enticing. They are played at the perfect decibel level, without intruding or removing the thunder from gini. The "kya hai sukoon" line here sounds so impeccable thanks to the electric guitar and harmonies performing the same notes. She just then flies away into the higher vocal registers. 

The production is absorbing with all the Keys, strings section and arrangements of guitars. The recording engineers are Adhithya Sivakumar and Hersh Desai at Island City Studio. Abhishek Gautam has done the Spatial Mixing. 

@this.is.gini @raghavmeattle @ethand10s @bunnssss_ @doie_music @kankaria_bhavna @yuvrajaago @aarav.ramnani @sidakuppal @i.ompatil @sakshamkumar_ @molfamusic @mix.abhishek @hersh.desai.9 @adhithya.sivakumar @studioislandcity @adityashukla.02

5. Let It Slide

Written & Composed: Neel Adhikari

Vocals, Guitar, Ukelele: Neel Adhikari

Language: English

Genre:

Mood:

I was never aware of this show called "Little Things" and when I heard the EP on Apple Music one fine day, I was drawn to it like an ant to sugar. The songs are written and composed by Neel Adhikari, no wonder. He is a musician I respect immensely ever since I heard "The Same" from 'Modern Love Mumbai". I have featured this amazing and honest musician a few times and this is another inspirational EP once again. I will be talking about two songs I loved the most in this 4-track EP, and my favourites are 'Let it slide' and 'Knowing who we are'. 

Neel strikes you straightaway with the acoustic guitar and Ukulele, and soon enough he embellishes with her stylish vocals. The writing is catchy and relevant as he gives his words of wisdom in, " It's not that I don't get it, It's just that I won't let it affect me, and Even when it doesn't, I have to make it work, So let me". The baritone singing is cool and touches you in a deep sense. The song conquers me when we hear the chorus line " Let it Slide, your hands are tied" in the high vocal register almost in falsetto mode. The vocal harmonies are supremely executed and arranged. 

Kudos to Sanjay Das who sizzles in every way possible on the Piano and synths that take us back to the dreamy 1990s, and he is the music producer on fire. Satyajit Chatterji is on the electric guitar. The tracks are mixed by Sanjay and mastered by Matt Jeffries. The other song I love is "Knowing Who We Are". This too is composed and written by Neel, and he goes on to produce the song himself along with playing the Guitars and Ukulele. This song has some very enticing rhythms and Sanjay Das also joins in the production along with creating the super synths. 

The disco-style electric guitar riffs are played by Subhodip Banerjee and here the accompanying drums by Avinash Chordia and bass guitars by Roheet Mukherjee are a time capsule to take us back to the 1980s. The song's string points are the chorus of singers like Kate, PD, Satyajit, Kay and Suyasha, along with some very peppy instrumental arrangements. 

@philtersoupmusic @vijaybasrur @suyasha @avinashchordia84 @kaydlims @ramprasadsundar @davidde11 @ruchirarun @awal @rooheetmukherjee89 @satyajitchatterji 

6. Can’t Break A Broken Heart 

Performed by The Sylvester Trio

Written by Sylvester Pradeep

Produced by Ritwik Bhattacharya, Aadarsh Subramaniam

Language: English

Genre: Rock

Mood: Energetic

This Indie Rock Band from Bengaluru has had some transformations over the last decade since its formation back in 2013. They are currently Sylvester Pradeep, Joel Rozario and Prashanth Gnanamuthu. This double-ticked every box possible to make it into this week's best of Indian music. Sylvester Pradeep is in terrific form here with the lead vocals and this uber-cool delivery is the first point of attraction. He also writes the lyrics and composes the melody. 

Prashanth gives every ounce of style to the song with the bass guitars and when we get to the line " Show me who you are" I am sold. The energy and gusto of a rock song come from the drums and rightly so Joel Rozario provides that. Both Joel and Prashanth handle the vocal and instrumental arrangements. The writing is so relevant and it will tend to heal you with words like " Someday you will get better" and "You can't break a broken heart". There are some intense electric guitar layers and harmonies too and kudos to Ritwik Bhattacharya and Aadarsh Subramaniam who have produced the song. 

In the most unexpected fashion at 3.22 on the song, we get a brilliant manoeuvre with the song moving from hell-raising to heart-warming in the bridge section. Aadarsh is on the keys and synths and all the mixing and mastering is done by Aadarsh. The outro is something that steals the show with "Show me who you are" performed on multiple vocal layers. Kishore Amruth does the artwork for the cover and Paul Daniel is the recording engineer. 

@thesylvestertrio @ritwikbhattacharya @iampauldaniel @kishoreamruth @owl_joel_son @sylvester_pradeep @aadarsh_s @ruddymeister @prashanthgnanamuthu

7. Kabhi Sunlo

Performed by Nishi Chauhan

Written by Nishi Chauhan

Producer : Gaurav Chintamani

Language: Hindi

Genre: Soft Rock

Mood: Pathos

There are a few musicians who impress at the very first attempt, Nishi Chauham is one of them. Her single, 'Tu Jab Aayega' broke me up thanks to the mild pathos, the voice tonality, the single style and the gloomy yet shining melody. I featured it among the best Hindie songs of 2023. The wait is over as she smashes her way back into my playlist with another pathos-inducing Soft Rock single. 

Her singing is beautiful with a stylish delivery and diction of the Hindi words that works for me. The song is written and performed by Nishi but the music production credits go to the Gaurav Chintamani. The bass by Gaurav and lead guitars by Vinod keep playing and the constant presence of the former and the interventions of the latter are like a crunch in a salad, they just make it more palatable. The strings section in the background is excellently arranged and they have a story of their own to tell, so as a music love please "kabhi suno unki baat ko". Shantanu Sudharshan keeps up the energy with the drums. 

There were moments when I felt a certain resemblance to last year's winner of Oscar for Best Song ' What was I Made For' by Billie Eilish. Although, in my honest opinion this by Nishi and Gaurav is a better record, thanks to some excellent vocals, arrangements and production. Interestingly, on her IG page, Nishi thanked Aditya Shukla for being her 'Finneas'. Freakish Coincidence? For those who might not be aware Finneas is the music producer for the songs of Billy Eilish. He is also Billy's brother. 

The solo on the electric guitar is something that soars and at the end of it we get a beautiful bridge section with good writing "kabhi poocho unso zara, kyun seh rahe ho". Such an important message! The outro has Aditya joining in and singing the chorus lines. 

@nishisinghchauhan @adityashukla.02 @mcgilheri @shantanusudarshan @gaurav_chintamani 

8. Duur Hue

Composer: Ram Sampath

Lyricist: Puneet Krishna

Vocals: Shreya Ghoshal

Language: Hindi

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Pathos

This is the only song that struck me from the new album of the Netflix series 'Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper'. The opening flute solo is a calming presence and the melody that plays out on Keys even before Shreya Ghoshal starts singing is beautifully written. Ram Sampath is the composer for this enriching experience of a tune and Puneet Krishna pens the lyrics. 

Shreya then begins to do what she does best, with that sensitive and emotionally apt delivery. One can feel the sadness and longing when she sings " Tum humse duur hue, hum yumse duur hue". Once again the the melody in the interlude on the flute solo, accompanied by vocal harmonies creates all the awe for me. The stanza is short and carries most the melody already written in the song's sthayi and antara sections. I love how Ram creates a bridge section too and it just offers more for the listener to adore and enjoy. 

@ramsampathofficial @omgrownindia @shreyaghoshal 

9. Ishq Mein Tumhare

Singer, Composer, Lyrics - Shaswat Misshra

Music Production & Mix - Abhinandan Chakravarti

Language: Hindi

Genre: Pop

Mood: Pathos

Out of nowhere, I came across this wonderful pop single from Shaswat Misshra. Shaswat is the man behind the melody, lyrics and lead vocals as well. The acoustic guitars keep painting the song with a romantic brush. The song however makes a launch into the chorus segment as he starts singing "Bheege saare" and this is when the introduction of the Tabla works like magic. There could be influences of Raag Shanmukhapriya in the melody. 

Shaswat composes a very delightful melody here, and it would be incomplete without the arrangements and production of Abhinandan Chakravarti. The combination of the Tabla and Harmonium is a match made in heaven and the Sarangi in the interlude is the icing on the cake. The melody continues to haunt thanks to the touching vocal delivery of Shaswat and the solo woodwinds in the background. 

@shaswatmisshra @a_b_hi_n_andan 

10. Amar Shawhor

Written, Composed & Sung by Anupam Roy

Produced by The Anupam Roy Band

Arranged and Performed by The Anupam Roy Band

Language: Bangla

Genre: Alt-Rock

Mood: Energetic

Anupam Roy creates a wonderful Alt-Rock soundscape for the EP "Ebar Morle Gachh Hawbo", and although I did like a couple of songs at least, this one stands out for me. Anupam is the hero with his lead vocals and the excellent composition of the tune. He has also written the lyrics of the song. The supporting cast of The Anupam Roy Band plays an undeniable role in the beautiful outcome. We have the lead guitars by Rishabh Ray who also plays the acoustic guitar, and he is accompanied by Kaustav Biswas on bass and Sandipan Parial on drums. Together these guys create the lush Alt-rock sound. The band is responsible for the music production and it elevates the sound design with some impeccable programming and arrangements. 

My favorite part of the song is the pre-chorus which oozes of quality in the writing. The vocal harmonies, involving Amrita, Sanchita & Tiasa, that constantly accompany are excellently arranged and deserve a big round of appreciation for the execution too. The chorus segment is when the harmonies give such a warm and stylish coat to the song. Nabarun Bose is the keyboardist and we have Shomi Chatterjee as the additional producer. The electric guitar solo by Rishabh in the interlude is stunning and the outro is where we get a clean lasting finish on the Keys and guitars. The tracks are mixed by Shomi Chatterjee and mastered by Donal Whelan (UK)

@tarbindia @aroyfloyd @kaustavbiswas @sandipanparial @kolorobix

11. Aazhithiramaala

Music Composed, Programmed & Produced by Rahul Raj

Lyrics by BK Harinarayanan

Vocals - Hesham Abdul Wahab, Sruthy Sivadas

Language: Malayalam

Genre: Pop

Mood: Romantic

Indian movie music in the Pop genre is quite different especially in south Indian languages, because the melody has this very pleasant nature to it along with some semi-classical notes stitched together. Rahul Raj has composed, programmed and produced the song. The lead vocals by Hesham Abdul Wahab and Sruthy Sivadas are like a breezy walk in the clouds. 

The keys and rhythms are constantly elevating the texture and sound design of the song. The singing styles are also very Western in terms of the delivery. The saxophone solo in the interlude is a catchy segment and sticks to the mind for a long. BK Harinarayanan is the lyricist, and the tracks are mixed and mastered by Vivek Thomas at VTP Studios. The recording engineer is Sibin Wilson and he is also the mix assistant. 

@rahulrajmusic @vtp_studios @pushpakavimanam_movie @siju_wilson @harinarayananan.b.k @sruthy_sivadaas @heshamabdulwahab

12. Kahaan

Performed by Divyanshu Mayal

Written by Divyanshu Mayal

Produced by Nishant Nagar(Khwaab)

Language: Hindi

Genre: Pop

Mood: Pathos

Time and again I have said that, for me, the melody is the most important element, and also the toughest to crack. This is where a musician can create something new and everlasting if a song can be performed and can captivate you even without a single aid on instrumentals and programming chops. The "kahaan tu milegi, mujhe yeh bata" is the most sumptuous line of the song. Divyanshu Mayal has written, composed, and performed the lead vocals for this one.

I love the accompanying acoustic guitars by Timothy Thampy that keep backing the vocal performance and give the song the colour of a romantic pop single. However, the lyrics and tone align with mild pathos. The keys provide some additional armour to the song, and this is where the brilliant Khwaab comes in. Nishant Nagar a.k.a. Khwaab is the music producer of the song and he gives some essential makeover for this simple yet soothing melody. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Sujal Verma, with Prasad Patil as the recording engineer. 

@diiivyanshuuu @khwaab.music @timothythampy @sujalmixes @prasadpatilmusic @shirsendu_adak