Top Indian Songs of the week 7th July 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 7th July 2024

1. Ta Takkara

Singer: Sanjith Hegde, Dhee

Lyrics: Kumaar

Song composed, orchestrated and programmed by Santhosh Narayanan

Additional Music Production: 6091

Language: Hindi

Genre: EDM-Folk

Mood: Dance

This song defines the mad genius of Santhosh Narayanan, as he shows he can do well under various styles and genres, and he never needs to conform to any set rules. I went into the theatre on the day of the release and when this song came out on the big screen I was bamboozled by its melody, singing, genre-bending style and the overall mood it created. I immediately was elated to hear Sanjith Hegde sizzle, because this would be his debut for Santhosh. Kumaar writes these amazing words and I love how in Hindi the ending words in verse are "Roobaroo" and "Junoon" so that he goes to do that vibrato with the "ooo ooo oo", while in other languages the ending sounds are different. Let's put our hands together for Santhosh on the amazing production, orchestration and arrangements, with 6091 once again working brilliantly on the additional production. 

Santhosh sings in the intro with the high-pitched humming along with the Santosh Hariharan, Sreekanth Hariharan, Mayank Kapri, Sudharsan HemaRam, and Manikandan Chembai in the additional chorus. We feel the impact of the keyboard and synth programming straight up as Sanjith takes us into the 'Complex' with his magical voice "kisne yeh sab mausam yeh roshni, rang zameen pe utaare". We get an unforgettable high with the folktronica mix of EDM sounds and the Shehnai by Rudresh Bhajantri. I love how the Piano plays with such vigour in the background in the 2nd verse, and the change in beats and tempo also produces a crazy effect on the listener. 

Santhosh has told in interviews that he was given a free hand to go crazy for this song, and it is written all over, especially when you hear it along with the grand visuals of the complex. If Sanjith wasn't enough on the arsenal, Dhee comes on board with that haunting humming in the interlude and it fits perfectly with the emotion of amazement as the protagonists gaze at the vast buildings and grand nightlife inside the complex. Manoj Kumar plays the solo violin and the strings section by Skopje Studio Orchestra, conducted by the brilliant Karthik Manickavasakam. 

The short post-chorus segment travels at a brisk pace in full-throttle EDM mode and then things gradually slow down to have the Buddhar Kalai Kuzhu perform the energizing beats. Karthik Vamsi plays the additional percussion. Santhosh gets down to business with his raw unhinged singing "ta takkara". The beats, Shehnai and the Piano come together in great style. The tracks are recorded by Santhosh, Rupendar Venkatesh, Pranav Muniraj, and Joshua D. Fernandez at Future Tense Studios, Chennai. The studio assistant is Jabaraj, the tracks are mixed and mastered by Santhosh, with Rupendar on the additional mix. The musicians' co-ordinator is Meenakshi Santhosh. 

Kudos to the excellent choir vocals by The Indian Choral Ensemble. They have been on fire in most of the songs for Kalki 2898 AD, and here too the impact of these collective voices is mesmerising. We have Aparna Harikumar, Alisha Mathew Thayil, Sushmita Narasimhan, Nidhi Saraogi, Vani Nandhini, Rutuja Pande, Shwetha Sugathan, Yazhini, Samanvitha Sasidaran, Amritha Rajesh Chelat as Sopranos. Nayansee Sharma, Geethu Nirmala, Fathima Henna, Megha Salila, Shruthi Parthasarathy, Shri Bhadra, Varsha R Mallya, Ananya A, Pavithra Chari and Kaaviya S performing as Altos. Akash V H, Sudarshan HemaRam, Keshav Vinod, Shivsundar R, Shridhar Ramesh, Manoj Krishna, Shibi Srinivas, Dhiyanathiru, Nikhilchandran D S, Arshith Kurian, Chirag Shetty, Manikandan Chembai, Joseph George, Ebenezer perform as Tenors. Regis Tony, Shyam Krishna, Prashanth Mohanasundaram, Cyril Solomon, Neeraj

Selvaganapathy and Soloman Ravindar sing as Basses. 

@kalki2898ad @musicsanthosh @pranavbalu @rupendar_vankatesh @kumaarofficial @manojviolinist @kalyaninair86 @karthikmanickavasakam @theindianchoralensemble @adityaravindran95 @meenakshi_santhoshnarayanan @sarathsantoshofficial @sreekanthhariharan @santoshhariharanlive @pahadisingshere @shenbagarajg @jithinrajofficial @sarthak_kalyani @manikandanl @vaidhya_rajesh

2. Mausam

Composition: Anirudh Varma, Divyam Sodhi, Kavya Singh

Lyrics: Likhari

Piano / Keys / Arrangement: Anirudh Varma

Vocals: Divyam Sodhi, Kavya Singh

Language:

Genre: Classical Pop Fusion

Mood: Tranquil

Anirudh Varma is a consistent creator of delectable fusion music with all the stresses on a classical Hindustani core and savvy production elements on the peripherals. The sarod by Rohan Prasanna conquers you straightaway as the riff continues well past the intro. Divyam Sodhi and Kavya Singh are two fabulous singers, who not only are blessed with great voices but also ensure their styles are expressive and impactful. If I am not wrong, the melody bears shades of Raag Yaman, and the ghamaka in the line "Mausam badalta jaaye" is just a sample of his abilities. Madhur Chaudhury can be heard on the bass guitars along with Varun Rajasekharan's Ghatam. 

Shrikant Biswakarma on acoustic guitars partners with Rohan in the interlude, as Suyash Gabriel mildly plays the drums. It is now Kavya's turn to showcase her skills with the aalap and improvisation with just one word "Balma". The trio of Anirudh, Divyam and Kavya compose the melody. Right through we feel the comfort of the Piano played by Anirudh, who is also the keyboardist. I just feel a strong bond with the song when Likaris lyrics are sung " Itni si dil mein, yaad hai kitni, ambar jitni, samandhar jitni", deep and thoughtful. Saptak Sharma plays the Tabla, the tracks are mixed by Anirudh, and mastered by Shawn Hatfield (Audible Oddities, USA). The recording 

@anirudhvarmaofficial @vroonr @vrinda.dance @rohanprasanna @suyashgabriel @strings_of_karma @kavyasinghmusic @likhari_ @basskarmadhur @saptak_sharma @divyamsodhi 

3. Noorazhake

Music composed, arranged, and produced by Varkey

Lyrics: Madhu Rajagopal

Singer: Radhakrishnan M

Qawwali Vocals, Vocal Production: Sidharth Sudheer, Anoop Mohandas, Varkey

Language: Malayalam

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Happy

It has been a while since we featured Varkey in these weeklies, but whenever he does get featured it is for something remarkable like this single from 'Jamalante Punchiri'. I feel there is some similarity to "En Veetu Thottathil" by AR Rahman and maybe hence some influences of Raag Neelambari. Varkey has produced the song as well along with the composition, and arrangements. Sreesankar P plays the Ukulele and Banjo with Rony George playing the guitars. Varun Kumar sets the tone with his tranquil flute solo in the intro. 

The "Aari raariram raaraarro" is simply outstanding as the interlude on harmonies that comes in. Siddharth Sudheer, Anoop Mohandas and Varkye perform the additional vocals. The lead vocals by Radhakrishnan M are soothing. When we get to the stanza the accompanying vocalists perform the moving Qawwali vocals and they also do the vocal production. The introduction of the Tabla and the Harmonium add veracity and here there are fragments of Raag Keeravani, Raag Pilu (Kaapi) and maybe some Patdeep (Gowrimanohari) too that I can hear. Dileep CK plays the Tabla and Percussion. This segment in the stanza just keeps getting incredibly melodious. 

The production supervision team consists of Anoop Mohandas, Sooraj Santhosh and Krishna Sadasivan with Krishna on mixing and mastering as well. Kudos to Madhu Rajagopal for the lyrics. 

@varkeyhere @soorajsanthosh 

4. Broken Star

Lyrics, composition, vocals, rhythm guitars – Joerocks

Co-composer and lead guitar – Shailendra Wakhlu

Language: English

Genre: Rock

Mood: Energetic

Pure rock music doesn't come and go that often in our homeland, and when it does it might not stick deep in our hearts. This 'Broken Star' is shining like one undying star in the dark skies. Joerocks has penned the lyrics but the standout elements are the composition and vocals for me. He oozes great style and purpose with his sure and strong delivery. The accompanying live instruments are undeniable highlights with Sarthak Bhayana having machine limbs for arms on the drums and Himangshu Yadav in pulverizing form on the bass guitar. 

Joerocks doubles up as the rhythm guitarist along with his vocals, but the lead guitars by Shailendra Wakhlu hold the fortress at most times. Shailendra sets the systems on fire with his solo and interventions right through. I am reminded of some work by 'Men at Work' as Joerocks and his team just deliver some face-melting rock of the highest quality. The interlude is a welcome breather with the lead, bass guitars and drums taking things slow and steady. Closer to the 4th minute the electric guitar solo is something to treasure and pay repeatedly, like a broken record. The recording, mixing and mastering engineer is Jonty Indra at Baa Baa Blacksheep Records. 

@joerocks_aka_gurpreet @swakhlu

5. Aaruyire

Composed, Arranged, Produced by Prasanna Suresh

Sung by Shakthisree Gopalan, Prasanna Suresh

Lyrics by Vignesh Ramakrishna

Language: Tamil

Genre: Pop Ballad

Mood: Romantic

Prasanna Suresh does the foremost thing brilliantly here, picking Shakthisree Gopalan for the lead vocals. She is an ideal choice for a romantic pop ballad of this nature and her baritonish vocals are perfect to deliver any message that borders on the excruciating pain and agony of love. The Piano just presents itself in the intro, and when Shakthisree stuns you with her vocals, we get the influx of keys and rhythms that takes into an ARRahmanesque production. Kudos to Prasanna Suresh for the valiant arrangements and programming. 

The EDM influences elevate and make the song very catchy in the interlude. The stanza is where I bought into the song even more, as Prasanna tantalizingly performs the vocals. The tempo drops and we get the Tabla, guitars and the keys mixing in to give a great concoction. The sound of the NAdaswaram and Mridangam in the second interlude gives a beautiful southern touch. The slide guitars are played by Amritanshu Dutta, and it is Rupendar Venkatesh and Outfly on mixing and mastering. The excellent lyrics that speak volumes about love and endearment are written by Vignesh Ramakrishna and well done Prasanna on the composition because the melody in this song is as sweet as pure nectar. 

@shakthisreegopalan @vigneshramakrishnalyricist @amritanshudutta @officialprasannasuresh @outflymusic @rupendar_venkatesh

6. Ud Jayega Hans Akela

Singer: Divya Kumar

Music and Lyrics: Ravi Ra

Language: Hindi

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Lullaby

I will be featuring the full album review of "Kota Factory Season 3" on my IG page this week. It is an exceptional collection of work especially when it comes to original background scores. Kudos to Simran Hora, Arpit Mehta, Ravi Ra and the entire team of musicians on the same. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the series on Netflix, and the music was apt and solidified the experience. This song is the best single in the album and it is Divya Kumar's vocals that do the trick. 

The acoustic guitar layers are multifold and along with the Piano and the strings section (the heavy cello) we are introduced to this moving single. The humming by Divya Kumar makes this feel like one heartwarming lullaby. Divya has altered his style in this song because usually he is asked to perform high-octane anthems and dance numbers where his energy shoots through the roof. Here the delivery is calm, composed and meant to provide solace. Ravi Ra has ensured the melody and tempo are perfectly aligned with the. The heart soars when Divya sings "Udd Jaayega" and the accompanying harmonies and strings section elevates the feeling and experience. 

@simranhora @ravira.ko.sun @aslidivyakumar @shubhanshu_beyondhorizon @prasad_loud @theviralfever @priyanshu_music @pratishmehta_

7. 2008

Songwriting: Aaditya Laddha, Aaina Padiath

Production: Aaditya Laddha

Language: English

Genre: Pop

Mood: Groovy

Aaina reached out to me, sending her latest song and I feel nothing but admiration for this funky Pop single. The single is written by Aaina Padiath and Aaditya Laddha, with the latter working on the musical production. The vocals by Aaina are scintillating and that is the primary reason I fell in love with the song. She carries great attitude and gusto while performing her lines and the Keys, bass guitars and rhythms keep me hooked. The Jazzy vocals are right up there among the best I have heard from anyone in the last year or so. 

The finger flicks are just perfectly suited for the song, and when the male lead vocalist joins the party, we are just treated to some divine pleasure like the lyrics say "Your silhouette is so divine". The vocal harmonies are well arranged as well. Aaditya does the mixing and mastering. The art work is done by Shashwat Pattu. 

@aadityaaaladdha @aainapadiath @alif_laila_for_real 

8. Laage Na

Singer: Parth Srivastava, Garvit Soni

Music Director: Parth Srivastava

Lyrics: Parth Srivastava

Music arranged by: Garvit Soni

Language: Hindi

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Romantic

This is my favourite song in Parth Srivastava's new EP called " Savera", and it has some excellent arrangements and production combined with a simple and striking melody. There could be traces of Raag Bilawal in the melody. Parth combines with the brilliant Garvoit Soni to create this mellifluous melody. Both these gentlemen perform the vocals and take turns serenading us. and while Parth writes the lyrics, Garvit handles the arrangements. 

The interlude is covered with the delicate flute solo thanks to Vivek Dewangan and the introduction of the Tabla makes things sound more charming. Maitreya Kulkarni plays the Tabla and when we get to the stanza, we also hear some influences of Raag Desh in my opinion. The alternating vocals along with the flute interventions and the Tabla and strings section arrangments give us everything our heart dearly wants this monsoon season. 

@srivastavaparth @garvitsoni_ @vivekdewanganflute 

9. Kis Ko Kahu

Song by: Ehsaasband

Lyrics & Composition: Raj Shah

Language: Hindi

Genre: Rock

Mood: Pathos

I have featured Ehsaas Band, and the soft rock style here is just gentle and gorgeous. The song is written by Raj Shah, both from a lyrics and melody standpoint, and his lead vocals for this song turns the magic along with the guitar riffs in the intro. The message of the song is important and deep and it is dedicated to a close friend of the band members who suffered immensely from domestic violence. 

Parth Bhavsar plays the stunning drums, that give the song's purpose and unstoppable heartbeat. The moment to celebrate and cherish is the electric guitar solo by Nandan Joshi, which is sharp and face-melting. Adit Trivedi is the bassist adding that groovy texture. I cannot tell enough of how much I love the drumming in this song, where not one second is predictable and run-of-the-mill. The melody is simple, but all others compensate for that simplicity. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Protyay Chakraborty at Raag Sethi's Compass Box Studios in Ahmedabad. 

@yatha_ap @nandan_ehsaas @raj_ehsaas @harsh237 @parth_p_bhavsar @suryanshishah_1408 @viraj_bajanewala @aadiii_hk 

10. Main Chalta Hi Raha

Songwriter/Composer - Aditya Jayan

Music Producer - Abhishek Pawar

Performed by - Aditya Jayan , Krishna Priya, Kshitij , Aryan Matta

Language: Hindi

Genre: Rock

Mood: Ballad

Aditya Jayan is someone I have not featured before, yet he sprung a surprise with this rock ballad. It was high on the melody, and overall production as well. Aditya has composed the melody and written the lyrics, with Abhishek Pawar on production. The guitar melody riff that comes just after the verse is a stunning segment. Aditya has it going quite well on vocals with that lackadaisical attitude in his tone. 

Aryan Matta is the drummer, Krishnapariya is the lead guitarist and Kshitij is the bassist. We break for the interlude after the chorus segment and here we have Krishnapriya striking hard on her guitar strumming, with a sustainable layer of support on drums and bass. The chorus line is the best part of the song and when it is followed by the humming we get sucked in deeper. The instrumentals are a big plus for any rock single, and Krirhnapriya, Kshitij and Aryann combine with such finesse all along. Abhishek Pawar is the mix/master engineer. 

@abhi_sjek_pawar @aryannmattaa @krishnapriya_guitarist @kshitiijj_14