Top Indian Songs of the week 23rd July 2023

Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 23rd July 2023. 

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1. Padminiye

Song Composed & Arranged by JAKES BEJOY 

Singer: SACHIN WARRIER

Lyrics: TITTO P THANKACHAN 

Music Producers: JAKES BEJOY, EDEN MICHEAL, EBIN PALLICHAN, PRAKASH ALEX

Language: Malayalam

Genre: Light Music/Electronic Pop

If Sachin Warrier can compose good music, like he has done recently for a Tamil movie album, he definitely can sing quite well too. Jakes Bejoy is the big facilitator with his fantastic composition and arrangements, but the quartet of Jakes, Eden Michael, Ebin Pallichan and Prakash Alex come to the fore and produce this magnificence. 

Josy Alappuzha's playful solo on the flute, along with the funky Keys make a grant start. Amidst all these Western influences sounding like an electronic pop song, we get glimpses of the local Kerala percussions like the Thavil, Chenda and a few more. The title line is just filled with poise and fun, and we have Jakes, Akhil J Chand, Aruna Mary George and Aavani Malhar on backing vocals which we can hear faintly are various instances. 

The Nadaswaram by Bala plays out the title line, and then Josy's flute comes and anoints the interlude. The stanza is just brilliant in composition as you will find yourself constantly being found out by Jakes' unpredictable set of notes. Daniel Joseph Antony and Maneeth Manoj excel in all the session arrangements with Akhil handling the Harmony arrangements. Titto P Thankachan is the lyricist, Midhun Anand is the mix/master engineer and we have Midhun, Daniel, Maneeth, Najid Nizarudheen, Vishnu Shankar, Hari Narayanan and John Gregory are the recording engineers. 

@jakes_bejoy @warriersach @saregamamalayalam @titto_p_thankachen @midhunanand_official @prakash_alex @ebin_pallichan @aavani_malhar @josy_alappuzha @maneethmanoj 

2. Mera Sukoon

Singer & Composer: Bhagyesh Hendre

Lyrics: Bhagyesh Hendre

Music Producer: Neil-Niraj

I heard this song while I was waiting to board a flight, and I got so caught up in the brilliant melody, that I played it on a loop over 3 times and missed my chance to board the flight for almost 15 minutes. Finally, when I drew enough utility and pleasure, I went to board my flight, ready to take off with my heart already flying miles into the air thanks to this amazing song produced by Neil-Niraj, and composed and performed by Bhagyesh Hendre.

Bhagyesh and Neil-Niraj are all making their debuts on this website and I cannot wait to hear more resulting from their collaboration in the future. The guitars that strum right away are played by Dhananjay Chhettri and we hear the soothing vocals of Bhagyesh. Ha has this tonality that resembles Sonu Nigam and Shaan, their best parts at least. The biggest merit of this song other than the singing and composition, is that guitar riff that stands out. 

We have the thumping rhythms and in the foreground the strings section in the interlude. For all the intensity in the interlude, the stanza is pleasant and filled with melodic richness. The arrangements are fantastic that get the electric guitar playing in the background. The musical team involves Sahil Vishwakarma, Ajith Aryan, Mehul Nikhare & Meet Gohil

@sochmusicindia @neilnirajmusic @ridzzthakkar @whodipesjbangera @iam_kanakharipriya @nirajmusic @_meeeett_ @dhananjaychhettri

3. Dhaage

Music Composed & Produced by: Salim Sulaiman

Lyrics: Kumaar

Singer: Lakhwinder Wadali 

Music Co-Produced: Raj Pandit, Muheet Bharti

Language: Hindi

Genre: Sufi/Qawwali

Some of the brightest talents are working on this Sufi-styled single with Salim-Sulaiman taking over the reins on composing and producing this piece. Their flair is written all over this song as we get some nice Keys and bass guitars in the background right from the start with Lakhwinder Wadali performing the lead vocals. Then after a few seconds and notes pass, he sings "khuda hee jaane usse kya maangata phirata hai", we get introduced to the traditional sounds of the Tabla and Harmonium. Naeem Sayyed plays the Tabla as well as the Dholak in the song. 

Salim-Sulaiman are experts in such fusion and they do it better than most. The song is co-produced by two more close associates of the brother duo, viz. Raj Pandit and Muheet Bharti. The chorus feels energetic thanks to the backing vocals of Raj Pandit, Muheet Bharti, Aditya Kalway and Shivansh Jindal. Muheet plays the Harmonium and being the multi-instrumentalist that he is, he also plays the Mandolin, Bouzouki and guitars. The lyrics are penned by Kumaar 

The stanza starts with some restraint and the absence of percussion makes it calmer with the introduction of the strings section in the background, and that faint Sarangi. The recording engineers are Raj and Muheet with Aftab Khan on mix/master with assistance from Vatsal Chevli. 

@salimsulaimanmusic @lakhwinderwadaliofficial @shivansh.j @merchant_records @kumaarofficial @muheet_bharti @adityakalway @rajpandit17 @mixedbyaftab 

4. Chal Bhool Jaa

Singers - Garvit Soni, Priyansh Srivastava

Composers - Garvit-Priyansh

Lyrics- Priyansh Srivastava 

Music Arrangements - Garvit Soni

Language: Hindi

Genre: Pop-Classical

There are some names one can always trust and so when it comes to dependable music composition I like Garvit Soni and Priyansh Srivastava the duo. This is another melodious number with the duo also playing lead vocalists. The lyrics are written by Priyansh and Garvit comes in and does all the fabulous arrangements. 

I love how the vocals, as well as the composition, bring elements of Indian classical music into the fray, and here I do sense some Raag Desh. The way the guitars and drums combine is fantastic and they add the pop flavor. The guitar interventions are supremely enjoyable thanks to Aditya Kulkarni and Priyansh. The song is short in terms of duration, but never short in quality. The interplay of the drums and guitars during the title line when the vocals break the line "un baton ko"

@garvitxpriyansh @garvitsoni_ @tunesofaditya @priyanshhhsrivastava

5. Teri Main Hogayi

Singer/Lyrics/Composer: Jass Manak

Music: Sharry Nexus

Language: Hindi

Genre: Indie Pop/Semi-Classical

This is a single from a new Punjabi movie "Tufang" and I was mighty impressed with the song. The simple yet striking melody composed by Jass Manak and the enticing solo Violin that keeps playing often is the song's strong points. The Violin is so stylishly played and also has a very classical Indian touch as well. It probably has influences of Raag Hamsadhwani or Yamunakalyani. 

Jass has this magnetic voice and he touches your most vulnerable side as a music lover. The combination of the Violin with the Keys and rhythms works like a perfect recipe. Another master stroke is from Sharry Nexus who has produced, programmed and arranged for this song. The song is simple in structure as well but the production makes up for that. Sameer Charegaonka is the mix/master engineer. 

@jassmanak @sharrynexusofficial @geetmp3 

6. Because Because Because

Songwriters: Nikhil D’souza, Jamie Hartman, Jeff Cohen

Produced by Jamie Hartman. 

Additional production by Martin Terefe

Language:

Genre: Alt-Pop

Nikhil D'souza is one of the finest singer-songwriters in the country today and he proves time and again. This is one fine pop number that reminds me of greats like Sting. Nikhil is the lead vocalist but he gets Jamie Hartman and Jeff Cohen on board as the collaborative songwriters. The guitars are impactful right from the beginning, and Nikhil's voice brings in elements of vulnerability and evokes all the right emotions. 

The drums and lead guitars are enough to be the perfect support system for the song's melody and vocals. Jamie is the producer with additional production by Martin Terefe. We get some reverberating drums by Kristoffer Sonne and that gets the listener all charged up. Oskar Winberg is the sound engineer, and the tracks are mixed by Ash Howes and mastered by Brian Lucey. 

@nikhilmusic @bensbrother1 @jeffcohenmusic @martinterefe

7. Saavira Saavira 

Performed by Manasa Holla

Written by Manasa Holla

Lyrics: K Kalyan,

Language: Kannada

Genre: Light Music

Manasa Holla weaves a beautiful melody here that represents many decades of fantastic light music coming from South Indian musicians. Manasa has composed and sung this beauty with K Kalyan's lyrics. I do sense some influences of Raag Hindolam and Raag Suddha Dhanyasi in the mix here. The Keyboards and rhythms are up to the task of generating enough interest in the song. 

A flute solo comes in the interlude, followed by the Santoor and Strings. Once the stanza begins we are bombarded with some fantastic strings section in the background. The singing is pitch-perfect and evokes all the emotions that the song's message, lyrics and tonalities intend. A good stanza complements this melodious song. When I spoke to Manasa, I found out that this song was released back in 2017 on YT, but did not find any takers on any of the streaming apps. Better late than never I guess. 

@hollamanasa 

8. Morom Enekuwai Jodi

Singer - Himangshu Jaan Sarma

Lyricists - Himangshu Jaan Sarma, Rajraktim Konwar, Jutimala Buragohain 

Composers - Himangshu Jaan Sarma & Rajraktim Konwar 

Music - Paul Mahanta 

Additional Music - Priyam Gogoi 

Language: Assamese

Genre: Light Music

Out of nowhere, I heard this Assamese song and like many amazing ones over the years, this one too has this faint touch of Raag Hamsadhwani that makes it sound chirpy and happy. Pradip Deka's woodwind makes beautiful headway at the start. Himangshu Jaan Sarma has an extremely lovable voice and it suits this romantic setup. He not only has performed vocally but also written and composed along with Rajraktim Konwar. 

The song's lyrics have Jutimala Buragohain contributing as well. we do hear the Piano and some Keys and it is Paul Mahanta's production and arrangements that bring about this eloquent sound design. The interlude has a combination of a touching aalaap in the male voice, along with a Shehani which probably is programmed. Shiva Damai's acoustic guitar is a constant presence and it becomes one of the crucial elements just like the flute. Kostav Saikia is the mix/master engineer. This melodious song sticks to the heart and singing is as impactful as the melody itself. 

@himangshu_jaan_sarma @_.paul_.27 @rajraktim_

9. Rahe Na Kyun

Singer: Rekha Bhardwaj

Music: Suhit Abhyankar

Lyrics: Manoj Yadav

Language: Hindi

Genre: Lullaby

It feels so nice when a movie album comes along and surprises you with good music. That is how I felt when I listened to "Tarla" that got released on Zee5. Suhit Abhyankar is the music composer and this particular song was my favourite from the EP. The song has two versions, one sung by the legendary Rekha Bharadwaj and one by the composer Suhit himself. 

Shomu Seal's guitars are helping the slow melody along, and that faint Israaj by Arshad Khan intervenes to bring in the gentle pathos. Leave it to Rekha to elevate the song with her voice and delivery and the mild vibrato. She is such an expert at never overdoing it. The Israaj now takes over the interlude and also starts intervening in the stanza along with the gloomy lyrics written by Manoj Yadav. Amey Thakurdesai plays the Tabla. 

The tracks are mixed and mastered by Vijay Dalal, with recording engineers Pankaj Bora, Pranjal Bora and Alok Punjani. 

@suhit_abhyankar @thakurdesaiamey @rekha_bhardwaj @manojyadavwrites @zeemusiccompany @ashwinyiyertiwari @shomu_seal @imarshadesrajplayer 

10. Maani Ja

Vocals by Madhushree

Written by Rahul Jain, Soham Naik

Produced by Rahul Jain

Language: Gujarati

Genre: Indie Pop

This is only the second time in 2023 that I am featuring a Gujarati song and this has a very peppy pop flavour to it thanks to the vocals and production. Madhushree is the vocalist and the song is produced by Rahul Jain. 

There are two very recognisable layers of guitars, one being the louder acoustic version and the other being the feeble electric guitar in the background. The interlude is a mix of some Westernised free-style aalap, and some tangy acoustic guitar. The second interlude on the strings section sounds even grander. Soham Naik is the lyrcist. 

@rahuljainofficiall @iamsohamnaik

11. Dosthulam

Song Composed and Additional Arrangements by Kalyan Nayak

Singer - Kaala Bhairava

Lyrics : Koti Mamidala, Kalyan Nayak 

Arranged by Jonathan Joseph, Sampath Kumar Penumaka

Language: Telugu

Genre: Light Music/Folk

The song feels like an older 90s and early 2000s melody, thanks to the richness of the tune. Kaala Bhairava's vocals are not ideal for a love song, but his rustic and raw tone does have its merits. I particularly love it in the stanza. Kalyan Nayak composes, this very heartwarming song and he also writes the lyrics along with Koti Mamidala.

The best parts are the strings section by Kochi Strings which play out beautifully in the stanza, and Manonmani's Sarangi comes and goes in the background. Josy Alappuzha's flute solo also intervenes memorably. Jonathan Joseph and Sampath Kumar Penumaka handle all the brilliant arrangements with Kalyan performing the additional arrangements. The use of folk percussions, played by Aravindh S Krishna, along with the strings, flute and Sarangi adds a rural flavour to the song. I am reminded of AR Rahman's "pennalla pennalla oothaapoo". 

Crisbin Netto plays the guitars and the tracks are mixed and mastered by Vivek Thomas. The bass guitars, flute solo and strings section are masterful towards the closing outro. 

@kalyannayak_official @manonmanisarangi @vivekthomasproductions @kaalabhairava7 @musicproducer.jo @josy_alappuzha @arvd.the.storyteller

12. Differences

Composition, Lyrics, Vocal Performance: Shreya Bajpai 

Music Production, Mixing, Lyrics: Carl Broaden

Language: English

Genre: Pop/Cabaret

The song feels like 80s disco with the strong sound of guitars and vocals that reminds us of a Cabaret performance by Shreya Bajpai. Shreya has composed the melody, written the lyrics along with Carl, and sung the lead. The singing is stylish with some very able improvisations in the vocals. She does some excellent scat-singing styled innovative stuff with her vocals, and the way Sreya manages to pull off the falsetto so convincingly is a highlight. 

It is Carl Broaden who handles the music production, so he is responsible for the arrangements and programming which sound stellar. The tracks are mixed by Carl with mixing by Archit Vashisht.

@shreyabajpaimusic @shrutiii_bajpai @carlb1hunit @psyaprod 

13. Moromor Abhimaan

Vocal: Nikhita Sarma

Lyric & Composition: Pranab Priyankush Baruah

Music Production: BiXal

Language: Assamese

Genre: Indie Pop

This is a melodious song that treads along the style that we have come to know from Assam over the years. Pranab Priyankush Baruah has written and composed a tune that feels like sweet nectar and to top things off, Nikhita Sharma sings it like a dream. 

The solo on the Flute, by Rupankar Das, and multiple layers of the same instrument create a mix of pathos, longing and love and then the stanza is an extension of the song's Sthayi. Bhaskar Saikia plays the acoustic guitars, and Bedabrat M Baruah is the bassist. BiXal is the producer and he introduces some fantastic elements, like the mild Tabla and Harmonium towards the outro, giving a very classical flavour to the song. Some fragments make me wonder if the song has Raag Bihag influences. Trihangku Lahkar is the mix/master engineer and Dipankar Baishya is the recording engineer. 

@bixal__purplehaze @nikhitasarma @ppbpurplehaze @bhaskar0707 @purplehaze_bones @trihangku

14. Rabid

Performed by BeaturtLe

Written by BISHALJIT SARKAR

Language: Bangla

Genre: Hip-Hop

This truly blew my mind away, because it sounded super fun and innovative and I had an infusion of energy when I heard it. It begins with a dialogue between a male and female lead in some old Bangla classic I think and BeaturtLe a.k.a. Bishlajit Sarkar makes this amazing sound with his voice, trying to push the listener on. 

I am a fan of Hip-Hop, and sadly not many artists create magic in this genre in India. I loved this to shreds and might just keep my eyes and ears open for this star in the future. BeaturtLe calls himself a Beatboxer, Looper Singer and Rapper, and when I look at his Instagram profile, I realise he has been a semifinalist at Indian Beatbox Championship in 2018. No wonder he creates vocal sounds that create awe. He combines both English and Bangla while rapping, but I just love the Bangla more as it resonates more and beats harder. The sound of the folkish instrument, and all the keys, synths and rhythms are energy-inducing. 

@thisisbeaturtle 

15. Time Machine

Music - Nabarun Bose

Singer - Lagnajita Chakraborty

Lyrics - Akash Chakrabarty

Arranger/Programmers - Neelavo Bhattacharjee And Nabarun Bose

Language: Bangla

Genre: Alt-Rock

To round off things this week, we have this Alt-Rock song that just transports us to a better place, dreamy and floating above the ground. Nabarun Bose composes this enchanting tune and he also arranges and programs along with Neelavo Bhattacharjee.

The keys are there to be heard every step of the way and they give us a Coldplay-esque ambient sound, and the electric guitar solo is a clinching moment when it plays in the interlude. We have the legendary Bodhisattwa Ghosh on guitars. Akash Chakraborty's lyrics are beautiful, and one can identify how apt the title is, 'Time Machine' since we are moving back in Time to the 1990s and 2000s, an era of great global music. Lagnatjita's vocals evoke the untarnished innocence of a young girl and I find it suitable for this song. Debojit Sengupta is the recording engineer. 

@lagnajitaofficial @kolorobix @bodhi.guitar