Top Indian Songs of the week 23rd June 2024

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Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 23rd June 2024

1. Bhairava Anthem

Singers: Vijaynarain, Diljit Dosanjh

Lyrics: Kumaar

Music: Santhosh Narayanan

Additional Music Production: 6091

Language: Hindi

Genre: Folk-EDM

Mood: Dance

It has been a very exciting time for music fans with the release date of Kalki 2898AD fast approaching. When this article had been published, the movie would have been released and I would have seen it too. The songs and scores by Santhosh Narayanan are the primary reasons for me to watch in the theatre on the very first day. The Bujji Theme was a terrific piece of synth Pop, Alt-Hip hop and a crafty violin solo. This is the Bhairava Theme and it is Punjabi Folk infused with EDM to energize every sinew and bone in our body. 

Of the many versions released, I loved the lyrical metering and singing in Hindi the most. The common thread between all versions is the Diljith DOsanj lines in Punjabi, but Vijaynarain throws a belter here as the lead vocalist. Kumaar writes the lyrics and I love the lines " Matlab ki duniya hai saari, main kyun loon kisi ki zimmedhari" which aptly tells the motto of the Prabhas' character Bhairava in the movie, and this is evident from the Trailer released 10 days ago. Vijayrarain has sung some terrific songs for Santhosh in Tamil, but this is a solid delivery in Hindi. The song has all the trademark traits of Santhosh;'s music like the heavy Brass section, the Siren, and some fantastic chorus lines. 

Babu, Ben and Vijay handle the Brass section and Karthik Vamsi ups the ante on the Indian percussions. This applies in the outro where the Punjabi folk percussions create the aura. One can feel the pulsating effect the singing and lines have like " Dil Yeh Mera aah, Befikra aa" with the ending grunts. Santhosh keeps things interesting and creative when the line repeats "Dil Yeh mera, Mast Maula", with the notes sounding different this time around. Ok, wait for it then comes the line " Punjabi aaye oye" and Diljith makes his entry in phenomenal style. The singing is energetic with loads of oomph as expected from the singer. Santhosh and Aditya Ravindran accompany in the additional vocals. 

The production by Santhosh is mindblowing and he is assisted by the talented indie producer 6091 on additional production. The chorus singers are Santosh Hariharan, Sreekanth Hariharan, Mayank Kapri, Sudharsan HemaRam and Manikandan Chembai, with the kids chorus comprising Sukhi, Rhea, Dhanya, Augustus, Ahana, Mithran, Krishaang, Shakti, Tara, Dhvani, Keerthana and Prarthana. The humming is another sensational bit that lifts spirits like an anthem and towards the outro Santhosh gets crazy and wild with the " tur tur tur" cries and rising brass section. The sessions are recorded by Karthik Manickavasakam, Santhosh, Rupendar Venkatesh, Joshua D. Fernandez and Rohit Shyam at Future Tense Studios, Chennai. 

@musicsanthosh @vijaynarain @diljithdosanjh @saregama_official @kalki2898ad @archanaaakhilrao @kumaarofficial @karthikmanickavasakam @rupendar_venkatesh @6091music @adityaravindran95 @sreekanthhariharan @santoshhariharanlive @pahadisingshere 

2.  Aasa Kooda

Music Composed and Produced by Sai Abhyankkar

Singers : Sai Abhyankkar, Sai Smriti 

Lyrics by Sathyan Ilanko

Language:

Genre: Pop

Mood: Romantic

2024's best Tamil song so far is 'Katchi Sera' composed, produced and performed by Sai Abhyankkar. I loved it and featured it on my website showering the artist and others involved with loads of praise. However, there was always a doubt at the back of my mind if Sai Abhyankkar would deliver another song of this quality or if he would end up being a one-hit writer. Those doubts and fears have vanished and it looks like this talented musician is making his mark. 

Within a few seconds, the song creates butterflies in my stomach and that is actually what the video depicts too, a butterfly in flight. Sai Abhyankkar is not just a skilled composer, it seems he has the knack to produce a song effectively and that is evident with the vocal harmonies in the intro. Srinidhi Premkumar, Faik, Shiva and Elisa are the backing vocalists and we are treated to 43 seconds of intro music that just grows and brightens the day. Keba Jeremiah and Robin Sebastian play the electric guitars, while Keba is the bassist as well. I was blown away by the Clarinet and Sax interventions in the intro played by Ashish. Viswas Hari plays the Mandolin. 

The verse starts and we have Sai Smriti and Sai Abhyankkar in solid form taking up lead vocal responsibilities. The baritone style of delivery by Smriti is exciting to hear and she adds a few Carnatic-styled ghamakas too in between. The catchy chorus segment that goes " Nee pesa lighta aasa kooda, vaasam veesum" is a very infectious melody written brilliantly by Sai Abhyankkar. He proves the simplest adage that for a good song , the most important element is the melody. The song has a very beautiful and hummable melody and that is why I feel this song wins hearts again.

The interlude is a Jugalbandhi between the Sax and the Clarinet and things do get quite Jaazy and funky in this segment. The stanza continues to showcase a fine melody and there are influences of Shanmukhapriya Ragam according to me. Towards the end when we get to the chorus segment, there is the Nadaswaram by Parthiban and Trumpets by John, Henry Park, H. Warner & Ben. Sathyan Ilanko, the lyricist mixes fun and romance in apt words. 

There are so many layers and all the keys, synths and rhythms are programmed by Sai Bhyankkar delightfully. He arranges and produces the song masterfully and elements like the aalap by Sai Smriti in the background are great strokes. The tracks are mixed by Sai Abhyankkar at YOLO Records and mastered by Rupendar Venkatesh at Sai Dhwani Studios. Don't forget to have a blast watching the song video with some terrific moments of choreography by Anusha Viswanathan and The Dancers Club. Finally, I am also glad to see this lovely actress Preity Mukhundhan on screen, she is graceful and captivating, just like her presence in the new Tamil movie 'Star' alongside Kavin. 

@abhyankkar @smriti_ekaa @sathyan_ilanko @preity_mukhundhan @thejobharathwaj @sanika_banerjee_ @brinda.indu @thinkindiacollective @believemusicindia @tdc.thedancersclub @himani.grooves @dikshitaaaa.___ @kebajer @srinidhi_prem @robinsebastianmusic 

3. Yedha

Singers: Hemachandra, Damini Bhatla 

Lyrics: Koundinya Sista 

Music Composed, Arranged and Programmed by Varun Sanmitra 

Language: Telugu

Genre: Waltz/Light Music

Mood: Romantic

There is so much happening in the intro section, with superstar instrumentalist Sandilya Pisapati on Violins, we also hear the solo on the woodwinds. The Keys and rhythms also make a good accompaniment giving the texture of a Waltz dance routine. The song has a very likeable melody composed by Varun Sanmitra and to match up to that we have the impeccable production by Anurag Jalagam. Varun handles the arrangements and programming buts too and in effect, we get a wholesome record. 

Two lead vocalists in terrific form in the last couple of years come on board to lavish their sheen on the song. Hemachandra Vedala is the male lead vocalist and Damini Bhatla is the female lead. Hemachandra's mild vibrato is inducing love while Damini keeps things simple and shows some vulnerability of the protagonist. Here comes the interlude and the melody written here and executed by Sandilya is amazing like a breath of fresh air. Kudos to Varun too and we get a rock flavour here with the electric guitars and drums in the background. 

The song has a beautiful shift in energy after the interlude and when Damini sings the line "Kaalani kaina" the heart is filled with such goodness and joy and that impact is only possible thanks to the notes written by Varun and sung beautifully by Damini. The verse ends and lands into the Pallavi with some solid arrangements on the violin. Vivek Thomas is the mixing/mastering engineer and the recording transpired at Sounddockk. 

@daminibhatlach @vedalahemachandra @sandilya_pisapati @vivekthomasproductions @adityamusicindia @anuragjalagam @koundi.sista7 @sanmitra247365 @hcindiefied @green_crack_curls 

4. Harivaa Jhari

Original music and lyrics by Varijashree Venugopal

Produced by Michael League

Co-produced by Varijashree Venugopal and Pramath Kiran

Language: Kannada

Genre: Synth Pop Fusion

Mood: Contemplative

'Vari' , is the name of the album released by the brilliant musician Varijashree Venugopal. I was blown away and this would end up being one of the few albums released this year by an Indian artist that completely bends across genres and crosses that finishing line with a massive score of 4.25/5. I am willing to bet that this would be the best Indie album released by an Indian this year, Varijashree, who holds all the great gifts and fruits of classical Carnatic musical training combines that style with Jazz, folk etc thanks to her collaboration with Micahel League

Michael produces the songs and we have Varijashree and Paramath Kiran also on co-producing roles. She starts off in that mysterious and haunting delivery style, but the vocal harmonies which have a more Western tone keep things tight and engaging right through. Once we hit the chorus segment the song takes off and flies away. Dakshinamurthy's Nadaswaram stands tall playing in the background in this segment. League handles synths and a few percussion instruments like the Bendir, Surto etc. Throughout the album, two things stand out as phenomenal viz. 1. vocal harmonies 2. synths and production. 

The heavy percussions also involve the Dollu by Boodyappa H K, Raghavendra H M, Dinesh, Prakasha, Yogamurty, Ranjith, Srinivasa, the Thavil by Raja K. We can also hear the Ghungroo and Morsing, which is played by co-producer Pramath Kiran. There is a cloud of poise and mystery when the synths and vocal harmonies combine. The interlude is dominated by the Nadaswaram and here we get pure Carnatic flavors. The tracks are mixed by Nic Hard at Estudi Vint in Els Prats de Rei, Catalonia, Spain, and mastered by Dave McNair in North Carolina, USA. I urge you all to go and listen to the album 'Vari' right away. 

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@varijashree @pramathkiran @michaelleagueplaysmusic @nic.hard @groundupmusicny @mcsnare @juanospinamusic @____magdalini @misslucywoodward @adrianaospinamusic @silviaospina.art 

5. Neelorpam

Composed, Arranged & Programmed by Anirudh Ravichander

Lyrics - Thamarai

Vocals - Abby V & Shruthika Samudhrala

Language: Tamil

Genre: Ligh Music

Mood: Romantic

Finally, Anirudh delivers an enjoyable song, after slogging with massy and loud EDM overloads. I wish and hope there is more of this that he has to offer to us now. In the album "Indian 2" this is the only enjoyable song with a fantastic melody that probably sounds like Raag Desh to me. Abby V who is a fine talent, comes on board as the male lead vocalist. He gives life to the song with his Carnatic-styled delivery and excels in all the ghamakas. He is accompanied by a very able Shruthika Samudhrala, and this is one vocalist I will love to track in the future. The song gets a soul thanks to Thamarai's romantic lyrics. 

I love it when Abby sings "ithai meeri pugaargal illai" with a heavy ghamaka on the second word. Anirudh composes, arranges and programs this eloquence. The additional rhythm and keyboard programming roles are filled in by Shashank Vijay and Arish respectively. Amalraj plays such a significant role in the song playing multiple instruments like the Electric, Acoustic guitar, Dobro Guitar, Charango, Ukulele, Violin, Violas,Ghunzheng and Harp. Apparently, the man can play over 40 instruments, phew! The melody in the interlude is something that many songs in India are missing these days, so kudos to Anirudh for that. The indomitable Pratik Shrivastava sizzles on the Sarod solo and that is followed by a western piece on the Saxophone by Basanth Muralikrishnan. 

The stanza is the segment that fills the heart with joy because the melody written here by Anirudh is wholesome and inspiring, and Shruthika delivers like a seasoned campaigner. The parts with the Sax are like an ode to AR Rahman's 'Duet'. Anirudh goes further and creates a brief bridge section other than the stanza, and this song gives me hope that there is still gas left in his tank. The tracks are mixed Vinay Sridhar & Srinivasan M at Albuquerque Records, Chennai, and mastered by Luca Pretolesi at Studio DMI, Las Vegas. 

@abbyvofficial @shanmughamshankar @anirudhofficial @shruthika.samudhrala @kavignarthamarai @sarodpratik @basnathermath @shankstep @ra_amalraj @vinhariharan

6. Naina

Performed by Sharad Eishita (SE)

Written by Eishita Chaturvedi, Sharad Joshi

Produced by Sharad Joshi

Language: Hindi

Genre: Semi-classical/Electronic Pop fusion 

Mood: Contemplative

It begins and I am immediately sensing Raag Jog, but apparently has more of a Raag Asavari flavour. It takes a couple of seconds to impress me when the music is this good. Eishita Chaturvedi haunts me with that brief aalap, and the simultaneous entry of EDM riffs is just a brilliant combination. The song is written by Sharad Joshi and Eishita and the duo call themselves Sharad Eishita (SE). I have been following their recent work and have also taken a liking for the same. 

The keys come in and punch just a note, and with the rhythms upping the tempo, I am already in trance mode. By the time Eishita sings "Ab darmiyaan" I am lost and figuring out how to escape the mesmerism and write this review. The lyrics are written by Eishita while Sharad writes the melody, and handles the production and mastering of the tracks. The interlude has this faint Sarangi playing and despite being dominated by the heavy synths and keys, it still touches the heart. 

The verses are short but the record stands out from an overall likability and quality. Sharad also joins in backing vocals towards the outro. The creative and technical team involves Jeeta Shah Kothari, Ziddart, Tavishee and Devika Chaturvedi. 

@se.sharad.eishita @human_on_a_mission @sharadmakesmusic @tavisheebanerjee @26.devika @zzidart @studio.jeeta @firstwav

7. Njanum Neeyum

Vocals by Kapil Kapilan, Sanah Moidutty

Music by Ranjin Raj

Written by East Coast Vijayan

Language: Malayalam

Genre: Pop

Mood: Romantic

The Raag Abheri is probably the core of this beautiful romantic melody composed by Ranjin Raj. I have featured Ranjin quite a few times and he is one of the premier composers in the Mollywood space, proving here too that he is holding on to his well-deserved space. When you get two powerhouse performers like Kapil Kapilan and Sanah Moidutty, the song's output is taken care of. With just a mild humming by Sanah and a gentle alaap by Kapil, we are enslaved by their magic. 

The nice rhythm programming is suddenly accompanied, by the Piano, Violin and woodwinds by Kamalakar making the arrangements get a solid facelift. Sanah is in prime form and is at the top of her game now. The solo violin by Embar Kannan, creates a wonderful phase in the interlude and we get a standard stanza which follows the scale of Abheri. Ranjin Raj shows some solidity in the production making this a very appealing love song that stays in your head for a long time. Pay attention to the Violin and woodwinds in action and they make the outro quite enthralling. 

@ranjin__raj @eastcoastvijayan @sanah_moidutty @kapilkapilanmusic

8. Nadi Ka Rasta

Written/Composed/Produced By The Lost Symbols

Songwriter/Vocals: Aman Raj

Language: Hindi

Genre: Rock

Mood: Energetic

This rock band has made it kind of a habit to get featured on my website. They are back again with a phenomenal number that takes its time to move from 0-100. It feels like a rock ballad that is heavy on the acoustic guitars and vulnerable vocals. Aman Raj is the frontman , on lead vocals and he is also the songwriter. The acoustic guitars are played by Jubin Choudhary. We keep swaying our heads and then just when an interlude gets over, Arun Singh Naruka and Ravneet Singh make their entries on drums and bass guitars, solidifying the impact the song would go on to have. 

Gunjan Soral explodes with the electric guitar solo and we can feel our soul leaving the body and getting transported to a higher and enigmatic destination. The interlocking riffs on acoustic and electric guitars with rising intensity on the latter is a beautiful and intense segment, and from there on the song shines as this reverberating rock single, like a river that is no longer calm, but ferocious and determined to join the seas. The string section arrangements followed by the humming just before the outro is easily the highlight of the song. The tracks are mixed, mastered and recorded by Gunjan at Underroot Studios

@thelostsymbols @amanrajmusic @gunjansoral @ravneetdemigod @choudhary_jubin @arun.singhnaruka

9. Pande

Composed & Produced: Matadoria

Lyrics: Shiyaz Muhammed

Vocal: Asvin Gopinath

Language: Malayalam

Genre: Folk Rock

Mood: Energetic

Kerala has been at the crux of folkish rock in India and here is another prime example of an energetic single coming from a band called 'Matadoria'. This is the first time I am listening to the band and their quality of music has already piqued my interest. This is part of the Kappa Originals project and when it all begins, you realise in 10 seconds that the intro was just the calm before the storm. Asvin Gopinath sends chills down my spine after he starts singing the opening lines in a higher scale. 

Amal Raj BS on drums and Melwin Mendez on electric guitars are exceptional and they take brief pauses in between and when they get back on board, the impact is phenomenal. The melody reminds me of a lot of Kerala's folk music tonality, but there could be influences of Abheri Ragam. Asvin plays the acoustic guitars and the bassist is Athul Prabhakar. The verse allows the vocals and acoustic guitar to shine. Shiyaz Muhammed is on the keys and the song's programming is done by Rohan Paul. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Deepak SR. 

@matadoria.official @shiyaz.mhmd @kappaoriginalsofficial @asvin_gopinath_official @mendez_matadoria

10. Khaali Khaali

Singer: Samad Khan

Composer - Khwaab (Nishant Nagar), Divyam Sodhi

Lyrics - Aaghaz 

Music Production: Khwaab, Bharath

Additional Production: Samad Khan

Language: Hindi

Genre: Semi-classical-Pop fusion

Mood: Trippy/Dance

This looks like a week with some terrific electronic pop-classical fusion, and this song probably has influences of Raag Bhimpalasi in the melody. Stalwarts like Khwaab(Nishant Nagar) and Divyam Sodhi come together and compose the melody. These two have worked together in some terrific singles and this one is just a continuation of their dominance and excellence I guess. Samad Khan is the vocalist and he sizzles straight up with the pre-chorus lines. The pop texture gets infused beautifully with some keys and rhythm programming and it gets the heart racing. 

The production is by Khwaab and Bharath with Samad involved in the additional production. The vocal harmonies add some fillip when Samd sings " Bechaare, kahaan yeh ghum gaye". The melody moves along with some unexpected chord progression just as we head to the chorus segment, and here Samad kills it with his delivery that aligns with a classical Hindustani style. The song is short but it packs a punch with some guitar sounds too engraved in the mix. Vivek Thomas is the mix/master engineer. 

@samadkhannn @shivanisingss @firstwav @khwaab.music @divyamsodhi @raghavmeattle @bharath.mp3 @

11. Kya Hua

Composed by Vishal Mishra 

Lyrics by Vishal Mishra

Singer: Vishal Mishra 

Music Production: Vishal Mishra & Bixal

Language: Hindi

Genre: Rock 

Mood: Pathos

I am relieved and glad that Vishal Mishra finally breaks the deadlock. This is a song from a new movie album called "Blackout" and this stands out in the album. His compositions and songs for movies like " Mr. and Mrs. Mahi" and "Savi" were quite disappointing. 'Kya Hua' is a straight-up rock ballad that titillates my earbuds from the start. I start thinking of the great ballads by Metal bands like 'Metallica' and their song 'Nothing Else Matters'. Ritaprabha Ray strikes with the electric guitars and Vishal is on the acoustic guitars. 

They might be mild but the strumming by Ritaprabha is so memerising and hypnotic. Added to this the tone of Visal's vocals makes things mysterious like walking on the stairway to heaven. It gets on your nerves in the best way possible hearing the humming and the accompanying guitars and drums. Ritaprabha is on an absolute high and decimates the listener with his strumming. Vishal is not far behind with his alternating tones and modulations. 

Bixal has co-produced the song and also done backing vocals. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Trihangku Lahkar at VM Studio, the recording engineer is also Trihangku. The music assistants are Kumar Gaurav Singh, Trihangku Lahkar & Bixal and the lyrics are penned by Vishal. 

@vishalmishraofficial @ritaprabharay @bixal__purplehaze @trihangkulahkar @kumargauravsing

12. Padhe Padhe

Music by Judah Sandh

Vocals: Sanjith Hegde

Written by Pramod Maravanthe

Language: Kannada

Genre: Pop/Light Music

Mood: Romantic 

Judah Sandhy and Sanjith Hegde combine beautifully in this pop and light music single. After the guitars and flute peek into the intro, we can only feel lighter in the heart thanks to Sanjith's vocals. The melody is beautiful and it is accompanied by some very able production. Pramod Maravanthe has written the lyrics and the music is composed by the dependable Judah. The way the song's sound design alters between a light music entity and a Western pop is admirable. 

The interlude is laden with goodness thanks to the flute solo and the swaras sung by Sanjith. Once we get to the stanza, it is time for Sanjith to showcase his wide vocal range. He starts in that tenor-baritone corridor and I love the finger flicks which- are used as rhythms to keep things gentle and allow the listener to focus on the vocals and melody. It is a memorable love song that deserves appreciation for the whole team. 

@judahsandhy @sanjithhegde