Top Indian Songs of the week 25th February 2024

If you are a musician submit your new music here.

Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 25th February 2024.

1. Kuthanthram

Music Composer - Sushin Shyam

Rap - Vedan

Additional Music Production - Nivin Raphael

Language: Malayalam

Genre: Alt Hip Hip

Mood: Energetic

If you ask me to name some composers/producers in India whose music can make global popular music turn around and take heed, I would come up with names like AR Rahman, Santhosh Narayanan, Charan Raj to name a few. I would put the young Sushin Shyam in this category. He has made huge strides primarily in the Malayalam movie space.

This movie 'Manjummel Boys' is getting amazing reviews and I would be not in a position to comment on the BGM score, but the 1 song here is just stunning. It carries a tone similar to some of the Alt-pop music that he created for "Romancham" last year. This single is composed and produced by Sushin, with the additional production by Nivin Raphael. The female humming gives a beautiful Southern music flavour of the 1980s. 

The guitars are nothing short of stunning with bass by Aswin Lal giving it tremendous style. The keys and rhythms pile up on the song's immaculate grace and where Suchin sets himself apart is using a few more live instrumentals. Many producers would stick with the Hip Hop and keys and rhythm programming, but not this guy. He brings in the bazookas from the Brass section like the Trumpet and Flugel Horn by Rakesh MS and then the Saxophone and Trombone by Rahul Joshua Thomas

It is Allan Varghese who is playing the Piano and he is the man behind the Brass section arrangements. The song despite all these amazing elements, stands clearly on the shoulders of Vedan's phenomenal rapping. He will undoubtedly be one of the top 3 rappers in the nation and his energy, writing and delivery are unmatched. The mixing of the female humming with the EDM vibes is fantastic. Kudos to the chorus performed by Libin Scariya, Milan Joya and Sangeeth Suresh. 

The outro becomes majestic with the brass section, keys and rhythms. Varun Raj plays the electric guitar. The tracks are mixed by Abin Paul, and mastered by Dave Kutch and the recording engineers are Amrith Raghunathan, Amal S.E and Sibin Wilson at VTP Studios, Music. 

@sushintdt @vedanwithword @_chidambaram_ @soubinshahir @thinkmusicmalayalam @manjummelboysthemovie @thinkmusicofficial @sonic_island_studio @mixwithabin @libin_zakharia @nivin_raphael @wheresrjt @book__of_lenz

2. Janaabe Jaaniya

Singer: Javed Ali

Music Composer And Producer: Gulraj Singh

Lyrics: Manoj Yadav

Language: Hindi

Genre: Light Music/Pop

Mood: Romantic

Here comes an indie single that turned around my morning to glorious from just normal. I loved every note I heard and I only knew that it was Javed Ali on a high with his vocal prowess. Something about the melody and the production told me that this musician has to be special. When I look into the Spotify Credits, there it is, the brilliant Gulraj Singh. 

Two young musicians who I'll nominate as the greatest finds of 2023 are Jay Unnithan in Malayalam for his outstanding music for "Thrishanku" and Gulraj Singh for the Marathi movie "Unaad". The song here has some excellent writing, especially the melody, and Gulraj surprises us with his skill and commitment to creating something fresh. I did feel influences of Raag Bhimpalasi and Gulraj tells me it is fluid hence probably Mishra. 

The notes on the lines " tu jaane jaan meri, tu meri dhuniya" are just out of this world. The interlude has all these ethnic plucked instruments giving it a very folkish flavor. Tapas Roy is the exponent behind these instruments. Once the stanza begins we have to just forget the world around us and listen to the ghamakas that Javed Ali displays with such precision and he doesn't miss out on expressing the message of love. Shon Pinto can be heard playing the guitar in the background. It all ends with a magical line " saas saas mein, tu shumar hai, jeene ka tu dariya"

I also love the rhythm programming with some very Middle Eastern sounds emerging. Gulraj also brings in the Harmonium and the mild saxophone in the outro. Amey Londhe And Akshay Purandare are the recording engineers at Audio Garage Studios. The mix/master engineer is Ashish Saksena and the fantastic and heartfelt lyrics are penned by Manoj Yadav. The message of love is only partial if it is only Javed's voice and Gulraj's notes, Manoj completes it. 

@gulraj_singh @manojyadavwrites @javedali4u @rivarora_ @vyrloriginals @ayaanzubair_12 @axe_mix @shonpinto1 @mandolintapas @audiomechanic @shirinsukeshwala @saugatoroychoudhury 

3. Rootho Na Aise

Singer/Composer/Lyricist - Deepanshi Nagar

Music Producer - Aviral Kumar

Language: Hindi

Genre: Semi-classical

Mood: Relaxed

Why and how did I miss this? I can keep beating myself over this. This amazing semi-classical fusion number set in Raag Yaman was sent to me by the artist Deepanshi Nagar, and I repent that I didn't discover it on my own back in December. This is my humble request to all you musicians, please submit your music on my website, the link is right at the top of the article. 

Deepanshi composes, writes lyrics and performs this beauty and the accompanying acoustic guitars are by Bhushan Chitnis. The heart beats incredibly faster when she says "Thodi der theher jao jao na" in Yaman scale. Bhushan also plays the Strokes and bass guitars for this one. The vocal harmonies in the background in the sthayi section itself are excellently done. Aviral Kumar has done the backing vocals and he is also the man behind this elegant production.

Momin Khan stings hard with the solo on the Sarangi and there is such deep emotion flowing when I hear this interlude. Deepanshi's voice is loaded with finesse and her delivery is masterful, keeping things like the classical ghamakas also in her mind and delivering them with subtle ingenuity. Momin once again makes a stunning solo in the outro. Arjit Shrivastava plays the Keys and handles the chord arrangments. Rupjit Das is the recording engineer at Playhead Studio and Rahul Agrawat is the mix/master engineer. The music is distributed by Global Music Junction, Warner Music India with the famous Merchant Records Label. 

@deepanshinagar @aviral_kumar @salimsulaimanmusic @mominkhanofficial @bhushan_bhu_chitnis @mixedbyrahul @rupjit_playheadstudio @shivansh.j @arjitshrivastava @warnermusicindia @merchant_records

4. Tu Jaane

Vocals - Jonita

Producer - Ariza

Songwriters - Jonita, Juan Ariza, Julia Gartha

Language: Hindi/English

Genre: Pop Fusion

Mood: Romantic

I have already featured this excellent EP by Jonita Gandhi. She rises above the crowd to show that she can not only sing but can write excellent music too. The EP "Love Like That" was given a 3.75/5 by me for some excellent collaboration, fusion and overall production. Vocally Jonta kills it like she always does and no points for guessing that. I had already featured the title song too in one of the weekly articles and it was the best of the lot for me with some sizzling vocals by Ali Sethi and groundbreaking pop-classical fusio. 

This song too takes a similar trajectory with the heavy pop influences and fusion bits. The lyrics too are a combination of English and Hindi lyrics and they work well for me. "Tere Saath, I'm at a loss, I talk to the wall, par koi sunta nahi ha" is stuff I can relate to with the colloquial nature of the lyrics. The tune and the lyrics are collaboratively written by Jonita, Juan Ariza and Julia Gartha. 

The singing is of the superlative degree as she sings " sab saamne hai, but you don't see a thing", her delivery breaks my heart, that is how effective she is with her delivery. The string instruments bring in some Middle Eastern flavour as well. The outro has this aalap by Jonita and then the humming pacifies things down. Jesse Ray Ernster is the mixing engineer and mastering is done by Gerhard Westphalen

@jonitamusic @juanarizamusic @juliangartha @jesseraymix @gerhardwesphalen

5. Raasta Sapnon Ka

Lyrics & Composition - Rajan Batra

Lead Vocals - Vidushi Sucharita Gupta, Rajan Batra

Music Production- Himonshu Parikh

Performed by Sucharita Gupta, The Yellow Diary

Language: Hindi

Genre: Tumri- Pop Fusion

Mood: Relaxed

The second version of "Equals" was released earlier this year and like the first 1 that I heard back in 2020, this too had some fantastic folk music and artists, intertwined with pop and other popular genres. I did like a few of them but my favorite was this featuring The Yellow Diary and Vidushi Sucharita Gupta. The highlights are as always, Rajan Batras most precious and unique voice, Vidushi Sucharita's vocals and Himoshu's production. JioCinema has episodes documenting these great collaborations. When I did see the one where TYD interacts with Vidushi Sucharita it was touching. 

I love it when Rajan ends the lines "yeh hai sawaal, yeh hai" and it is immediately followed by Sucharita's aalap. There is a beautiful motherly affection when she delivers the lines and the vocal harmony arrangements in the background work like icing on a cake. Members of the TYD band, come on board and delight us with live instrumentals like the cool bassist Stuart DaCosta, Harshvardhan Gadhvi as the guitarist and Sahil Shah as the drummer. 

The Tabla is introduced when the antara segment takes over. It is played by Shri Pankaj Rai, and Suciarita's singing and tone remind me of AR Rahman's "Lukka Chuppi". I do sense Raag Desh in bits and pieces. Dr. Saurabh Srivastav plays the Harmonium and after the end of this, we get the chorus section "rehna rehna rehna bharke" with the wonderful combined vocals. Rajan and Sucharita pen the lyrics, the Stereo and Dolby Atmos mix/master engineer is Sreejesh Nair and the recording engineer is Rishie Raaj Sachdeva at the Global Music Institute

@theyellowdiary @anhadfoundation @rajanbatra13 @himonshu @studirt @sahilplaysdrums @

6. Sadqay

Composers: Aashir Wajahat, NAYEL

Writers: Aashir Wajahat, NAYEL

Vocals: NAYEL, Neehal Naseem

Music Production: Sulaman Naseer

Language: Punjabi

Genre: Folk-Pop

Mood: Dance

It is one of those songs that has become a massive hit on IG reels. The song is not just about the instant popularity it does have, any elements that call for appreciation like the production, and arrangements. The melody and lyrics are written by Aashir Wajahat and NAYEL and I am featuring these artists for the very first time. It is obviously because the artists are from Pakistan

I have loved a song sometimes, unknowingly that it was created by Pakistani musicians, and like the previous times, I will continue to feature it. The singing by NAYEL and Neehal Haseem is outstanding and they get the pop elements spot on, singing with a lackadaisical yet likable attitude. The introduction of the Harmonium in the interlude is the highlight for me. The melody on the Harmonium is extremely catchy and kudos to Sulaman Nasser for producing this brilliantly. 

The acoustic and bass guitars play along with precision and intricate style. The humming by the backing vocalists in the outro is another fine segment in the song. Shiraz Uppal is the mix/master engineer and M.ZHE is also the co-composer of the song. 

@nayelwajaahat @neehalnaseem @sonymusicpakistan @aashirwajahat @sulamann @shirazuppal @

7. Roko Na Mujhe

Performed by Rudra

Written by Rudra

Language: Hindi

Genre: Rock

Mood: Energetic

This Chandigarh-bred rock band has played for brands like Coke Studio and Music Mojo, two of the strongest and most popular productions in the country, and their quality is evident here in this single. The band comprises Amazer Sanger on bass guitars, lead vocalist and frontman Gaurav Rudra, drummer and music producer Abhay Dohar and finally lead guitarist Pallav Mahanta. 

The Pianos lead the way and within seconds you realise that the song drags you deeper with its stunning arrangements. The lead guitars and drums are perfectly in sync, but the background humming that keeps coming intermittently is a solid attraction for me. Gaurav keeps the energy at a mid-level and it gives him more opportunity to move between emotions like a bit of inspiration and maybe periods of disdain.

When he sings "na mera jai aaj" you feel mild helplessness, while " phir bhi tu kahe, kya hai tere pass " is more of an expression of condescension. The lead guitar solo mid-way into the song is electric and sizzling with Pallav reaping the benefits. Gaurav explodes towards the later bits singing with such high intensity and the swaras that he sings so beautifully probably is Raag Hindolam, if I am not wrong. 

@rudratheband @gaurav_rudra @abhaydohar @thedancingbassman @pallav_mahanta 

8. Raave

Singer: Harish Sivaramakrishnan

Music Arranged, Programmed by: Mejjo Josseph

Lyricist: Arun Alat

Language: Malayalam

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Romantic

This is one solid combination with Mejjo Josseph on the composition and Harish Sivaramakrishnan on the vocals. Mejjo has been featured many times in the Malayalam movie space, but last year he gave us a few fantastic songs in Tollywood as well with the gem being "Yedha Pongenaa". 

This new song has some fantastic guitar strumming by Sandeep Mohan, who not only plays the bustling acoustic guitars in the intro but also plays the electric guitars and is the bassist. The heavy rhythm programming keeps the tempo upbeat and nothing speaks to us like the vocals of Harish who give us a romantic and vocal tone here. The stanza is beautifully written by Mejjo and Harish uses all his subtle ghamakas to elevate the song. 

The ending of the stanza has him reaching for the higher vocal registers and Harish delivers it like a walk in the park. It is just before the Pallavi begins, where I suspect I heard some elements of Nalinakanthi Ragam. Shiju Ediyatheril is the mix/master engineer at Audiogene Sound Studios and Sanjai Arakkal is the recording engineer. 

@mejjojosseph @hsrkofficial @arunalat @gibsandeep @shiju_ediyatheril @sanjaiarakkal 

9. Guzarish

Singers: Jonita Gandhi, Quincy Chett

Music Afzal Yusuff

Lyrics: Sheetal Kulkarni

Produced by: Jeetu Shankar

Language: Hindi

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Pathos

She is having a golden period, and rightly so, she deserves it! A phenomenal vocalist Jonita Gandhi after the earlier 'Tu Jaane' this week, she now sings for Afzal Yusuff's composition. Afzal has been featured by me more than a few times for his splendid compositions in Malayalam Indie projects. 

Here he attempts a Hindi song and, language is no bar when the melody flows like this. The Piano, and strings sections dominate throughout with the flute solo intervening at the right junctures. Jonita and Quincy Chett are the lead vocalists, and unlike her recent EP, Jonita gives a very non-experimental performance. The song demands a Bollywood-esque delivery steeped in emotions and that is what Jonita offers especially in the higher pitch. 

It is no mean feat to function in such varied styles but Jonita achieves it with ease. Complimenting the lead vocal role ably is Quincy and he too provides solidity, and when he sings " paas ham aa gaye " the heart melts thanks to his voice, and gentle ghamakas. Jeetu Shankar has produced the song with such precision and the interludes keep getting better with more instrumental interventions. This deep message of love and togetherness cannot be possible without Sheetal Kulkarni's words. 

@jonitamusic @afzalyusuff @jeetushankar @redribbonmusik @kulkarnisheetal10 

10. Life Is Certain

Performed by Parikrama

Written by Nitin Malik

Language: English

Genre: Rock

Mood: Energetic

I have been loving the music released by Parikrama the band, and they are well on their way to making 50 new songs over the next few years. I read that this has become the band's vision now. This is a source of great inspiration for anyone, considering the band already has legendary status and still they dream big. Nitin Malik the front-man sizzles on the vocals and writing. 

The bass guitars by Gaurav Balani and drums by Srijan Mahajan beat like the heart of this song, and the brain of the song is Nitin's seductive voice. It keeps the listener hooked all the way. We slowly hear fragments of the electric guitar solo by Saurabh Chaudhry playing in the background. The vocals are playful as he modulates without being monophonic like many rock genre songs. I love the writing that says "Life is certain, like you and me" which is against common opinion. The electric guitar solo is free-spirited and is face-melting good. Subir Malik is the Keyboardist. 

@parikramaindia @nitinmaliklive @subirmalik666 @saurabh_chaudhry @gauravbalani @pupstermusic @keshavdhar 

11. Haadaadu Haadu

Singers: Aishwarya Rangarajan, Mathews Manu

Composed Programmed and Arranged by: Mathews Manu

Lyrics: Yogaraj Bhat

Language: Kannada

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Pathos

The good period for Kannada film music is continuing and it is not by just a few composers, many of the younger breed of composers are also hitting it out of the park. This gentle and mellifluous melody is composed, programmed, arranged and produced by Mathews Manu. The lead vocalists are the phenomenal Aishwarya Rangarajan and Mathews himself.

The Sitar solo creates awe right at the intro stage, and we are treated to more goodness from Aishwarya. The Piano and the acoustic guitars catch up and create layers to their beautiful melody. She sings with such tenderness and vulnerability like an estranged lover. I feel like the melody has traces of Raag Kiravani. Godfrey Immanuel plays the acoustic and bass guitars. 

A simple Sitar-led interlude follows and the stanza is once again more exhibition of more vocal prowess, and Mathews compliments well on male lead vocals. I love the production and all the arrangements as they never overpower the vocals. A huge reason for the song's success and likability is the composition and the beautifully crafted stanza. Hariharan is the sound engineer ar 20db Studios, Chennai and Gopu Krishnan is the mix/master engineer.

@mathewsmanuofficial @jhankarmusic @yograjbhatofficial @aish_rangarajan @paavanaofficial @godfray_immanuel

12. Still Walking

Performed, written by Abhinav Saxena

Language: English

Genre: Alternative

Mood: Resurgent

This is one heck of a song, and it gets A+ for creativity. The amazing tone feels like sitting and listening to a spaghetti western musical. The haunting percussion feels like the final beats when a dead man is walking, and they perfectly match the title of the song that says " Still Walking". The trumpets by Simone Reeman slowly rise and take over our imagination. Amidst all this Abhinav sings away, describing the pain, frustration and agony he has been through. I feel his determination when he sings" Still Walking" 

The loud cries showcase that he is portraying his anger and exasperation, probably relief too that he is still walking. The arrangements and production are not run-of-the-mill that we come across every day. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Rohan Vengurlakar 

@abhinavsxna @rohan.vengurlekar