Top Indian Songs of the week 8th December 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 8th December 2024

1. Mirage

Vocals, composition : Anjana Padmanabhan

Lyrics: Vicky Hajeri

Music arrangements: Siddhesh Srivastava 

Language: Hindi

Genre: Classical-fusion

Mood: Relaxing

I am listening to Anjana Padmanabhan and thanks to a Spotify Playlist called "TuneCore: New Music Friday India", I came across this song. Hrishikesh Majumdar plays the flute solo in the intro and we get a glimpse of this classical fusion track within seconds. Here to give a Western touch are Siddhesh Srivastava on keys, Samarth Talia on bass, Harshil Gandhi on drums and Anjana's fantastic aalaps and ghamakas take us deeper into Raag Jog. This is a melody written by Anjana and all the instrumental arrangments by Siddhesh make this one festive treat.

The swaras that Anjana delivers with break-neck speed, and the flute playing the same notes in the background is a highlight reel. The song deviates into another trajectory and probably moves away from Raag Jog when Anjana sings " Kaise Karoon". Manav Lakhani can be heard singing in the background as an additional vocalist. Kudos to Hrishkiesh who plays that breathtaking solo on the flute in the interlude and here we get the classical percussions like the Mridangam and Ghatam played by Ganesh Murli Iyer. This is a masterclass in singing, especially for youngsters looking for inspiration and wanting to perform as a classical vocalist, Anjana is immaculate. 

The outro with the Keys, flute, heavy drums, swaras and aalaap is a magical end to this inspiring track. The mixing and mastering is done by Prateek Kelkar. 

@anjanapadmanabhanofficial @ganeshmuraliiyer @samrthtalia @harshil.gandhi_music @siddhesh_62 @majumdar_hrishikesh

2. Dilshad

Vocals, Lyrics, Composition: Yawar Abdal

Music Producer: Akash Gupta

Additional Keys Production: Laksh Sharma

Language: Kashmiri

Genre: Folk-Pop

Mood: Pathos

Yawar Abdal is a fine artist and I am fond of his Kashmiri indie work, his vocals being the Unique Selling Point. The Accordion and then his touching humming already have transported me into a good place. The Kashmiri lyrics are resonant with Paradise and they sound like a mom's lullaby when Yawar sings along with the gentle acoustic guitars in the background. Indrajeeth Handque plays all the guitars and bass and the stunning music production is by Akash Gupta.

The female vocals now add fuel to the fire and when the lead vocalists perform together I am in tears, because of the fabulous notes written here. The strings section adds to the mild pathos and Akash is behind the synths, strings and horns programming. Indrajeeth stokes our deep emotions with his electric guitar solo in the interlude and Akash Gupta delivers a sensational performance on arrangements and production. Laksh Sharma handles all the additional key production with Akash on drums and percussion. This song will stay in my thoughts for a long time and although I don't understand a single word, the language of music does enough.  

The tracks are mixed and mastered by Laksh Sharma with vocals recorded at Crukces. Taha Firdous Shah does the translations.

@yawarabdal @akashdrums @indrajeeth_handque @lok__fi @crukces @tahafirdousshah

3. Dil Ye Uda

Music composition and Vocals: Shayok Banerjee

Lyrics: Anyaman Majumdar

Music Production/Arrangement: Pankaj 'Pikon' Paul

Language: Hindi

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Pathos

Well done Shayok Banerjee, for bringing something beautiful to the table. I am listening to his work for the very first time and it is impressive enough to be on this week's list. The Middle-eastern strokes are enticing thanks to Subham Kanjilal. We get a 2000s Bollywood tone in this song with vocals and composition by Shayok, and music production and arrangements by Pankaj 'Pikon' Paul. When he sings 'Dil Ye Uda', I can feel my heart soaring and body levitating. The melody might have come from the influences of Raag Pilu (Kaapi in Carnatic). The lyrics are written with an effective choice of words by Anyaman. 

Shayok's delivery, and use of mild vibratos are terrific and flawless. The interlude has some stunning guitars and strings playing a delightful melody with the appropriate Middle Eastern percussions. I hope you too are as intrigued as me when you listen to Shayok and this is an artist I will now keep on my radar. Kudos for the excellent writing and vocals and Pankaj Paul shines too on the arrangements. The outro on ethnic strings is a perfect example of how impactful the song is in totality. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Debojit Sengupta. I keep getting a mental recall of Sonu Nigam and Anu Malik's 'Chor Chori Jab Nazrein' 

@songshayok @subham_mando @pankajpikonpaul @anyamanm @debojitpolyphony

4. Mohobbat

Vocals: Aashee Dhiman

Composed, Produced: Shivam Sengupta and Anuj Danait

Lyrics: Anuj Danait

Language: Hindi

Genre: Tumri-fusion

Mood: Romantic

This is the second song from the "Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein 2" album. Kudos to the composers/producers Shivam Sengupta and Anuj Danait for their valiant effort. During a time when Bollywood music feels mundane and unoriginal, these guys are shining. Anuj writes the lyrics, while Shivam and Anuj write the ballad with such a gentle caressing warmth. Aashee Dhiman performs the lead vocals and when she delivers the lines there is honesty, beauty and innocence in her voice.

The acoustic guitar and bass guitar combine to provide the background colouration. I do sense some Raag Bilawal in the melody and as I keep thinking about this, Yadnesh Raikar comes and sweeps me off my feet with the violin solo. The song written for this interlude piece is poignant and played with class by Yadnesh. The melody in the stanza continues to impress and here we have some excellent vocal harmonies arranged as well. Aashee's singing has be appreciated as she adds the right amount of ghamakas when needed. 

@shivaminsanegupta @anujdanait @yadneshraikar_violin @aasheedhiman 

5. Kaalam Thelinju

Lyrics: Prabha Varma, Kunwar Juneja(Punjabi Lyrics)

Music: M Jayachandran

Singers: Kapil Kapilan,Nikhil Raj,Jaswinder Singh Sangha

Language: Malayalam/Punjabi

Genre: Folk

Mood: Dance

M Jayachandran shows his mettle here. This is a Malayalam movie song but it shines as a Punjabi folk number and it is all thanks to the diverse talents of M Jayachandran and a composer and producer. Jaswinder Singh Sangha sings the terrific chest-thumping Punjabi lines written by Kunwar Juneja. It feels like a bit of 'Rang De Basanti' title track. The folish percussion and ethnic strings make it authentic and raw. The Malayalam lines are performed by Kapil Kapilan and Nikhil Raj without any alterations to the arrangements, or production style. 

The interlude has this nice melody written and performed on Horns and the introduction of some hip-hop lines in the stanza makes it a very intriguing and creative record. Anurag plays the guitars, Mithun Ashokan is the keyboardist and all the assistance on music is provided by Nikhil Raj. The recording engineers are Akshay Kakkoth & Vishnu Shankar & at Sound Town Studios. The mixing and mastering is by Hari Shankar V at Aural Alchemy Productions. The Malayalam lyrics are penned by Prabha Varma. 

@kapilkapilanmusic @mjayachandranmusiczone @anuragrajeevnayan @akshay_kakkoth @iamharishankarv

6. Sidra

Composed, Written, Produced and Performed by Keshuv Huria

Language: Hindi

Genre: Ballad Pop

Mood: Pathos

Keshuv Huria knows his strengths all too well, and when he sticks close to the knitting. Blessed with an affecting voice and excellent skills in writing melodies Keshuv creates one more deep, emotional ballad that is bound to leave you with a heavier heart. Keshuv wrote the melody and lyrics and also performed the lead vocals and produced the song. The guitars flow like a stream of water and the Sarangi is subtle in intent and function. Collectively whether it is the melody, Keshuv's delivery or the gentle arrangments, they all work and create an enjoyable melancholy. 

Maybe the title chosen itself conveys everything, 'Sidra' is an Arabic name, but in Latin it means 'like a star'. This song too feels like having a glimpse of something heavenly and beyond reach like a star. The introduction of the drums is one of the highlights of the song and the chorus segment with drums and the Sarangi work like magic. The melody may have some influences of Raag Desh in my opinion and limited knowledge. The humming in the interlude that pauses for a bit and once again starts is delightful. Sidra also has many meanings in Arabic and all have something to do with Paradise and heaven. Whichever way we see it, the title fits the song perfectly. 

At the end of the verse we get this line " kaash woh bhi jaan leta" followed by the "ooo... oo ...oo" humming and these elements as a producer make Keshuv a shining 'sidra' among young musicians. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Sujith Hydher at Octaves Studio, Chennai. The recording engineer is Mrinal Das at Playhead Studio, Mumbai.

@firstwav @i_shub_ @simrann0713 @sujithhyder @studiooctaves @mrinal.das.334 @playheadstudio @shashwata_moitra 

7. My favourite

Performed by Tarang Joseph

Written by Thomas Tarang Joseph

Produced by Amrith Raghunathan

Language: English

Genre: Disco-pop

Mood: Dance/Romantic

A fantastic artist is Tarang Joseph and he has released a new EP 'Liquid Sunshine'. I love this single and hope to feature a full EP review soon of this release by Tarang. His music speaks to me thanks to the writing, vocals and eclectic production and this Disco-Pop style deserves a place in the week's best Indian tracks. Feel the keys play some zany notes reminding us of 1990s pop and when Tarang starts singing I feel like I am listening to the magnetic George Michael and his duo 'WHAM'. I just cannot resist the grooviness in this song and anyone listening would just want to dance their worries off. 

The guitars by Adesh Vinod, bass by Surya and drums by Shourjo are sonically funky and upbeat. Credits must go to Amrith Raghunathan for the terrific production and the 4 notes on guitars and keys when he finishes singing " I'll give my life to hear you once again" in the pre-chorus segment is pure magic and bliss. This is where a song can be fresh and creative and Tarang shines as the composer and Amrith as the producer. Kudos to the vocal supervisor Mahesh Raghunandhan. The artwork is by Sahana and the mastering of tracks of Stuart G Hawkes. 

@speedysahana @tarangjoseph @surya.k_music @shourjo17 @doc.awes @daniel.abruham @_mr.pluto__ @maheshmusic @rewirethevoice @stuartghawkes @horusmusicindia

8. NaaNaa Hyraanaa

Music programmed & Arranged by - Thaman S 

Vocals - Karthik, Shreya Ghoshal 

Lyrics: Saraswathi Puthra Rama Jogayya Sastry

Additional Programming - Sidhanth Mishra 

Language: Telugu

Genre: Light Music/Pop

Mood: Romantic

It has been a while since a Thaman song has interested me, and although the composer still follows a well-known and typical framework of his, this song is still quite catchy and lopp-worthy. The song has some lavish programming with Thaman taking charge and the talented Sidhant Mishra on additional programming. Karthik and Shreya Ghoshal are the lead vocalists and they give the song a considerable upliftment with their expressive delivery. Is there some Raag Anandhabhairavi in the melody? Maybe. The lyrics are penned by Saraswathi Puthra Rama Jogayya Sastry. We get the live percussions by Anandan Sivamani, acoustic drums, rhythms by Thaman and other Beat EDM works to give the song adequate rhythm and energy. 

The introduction of the Live Tabla by Madhu, Thamania and Haritha's Veena gives a classical touch to the song in the interlude. Subhani and Subashree play the Mandolin and Guitars and the Violin is played by Sandilya Pisapati. The engineers are Shashank Alamuru Hari S R & Osho V. Kudos to the beautiful chorus of female vocalists viz. Adviteeya Vojjala, Sruthi Ranjani, Manisha Eerabathini, Sahithi Chaganti, Reshma, Deepthi, Pooja V, Shilvi Sharon, Sancin, Kumuthini, Aparna, Sai Bruntha and Pavithra Chari. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Shadab Rayeen @ New Edge ( Mumbai ) & New Edge ( CaL) 

@musicthaman @shreyaghoshal @karthikmusicexp @saregamatelugu @

9. Chameli

Performed by Swanand Kirkire, Chinmayi Tripathi & Joell

Lyrics by Swanand Kirkire

Composed by Chinmayi Tripathi

Language: Hindi

Genre: Light Music/ Pop

Mood: Romantic

Joell and Chinmayi Tripathi have collaborated many times in the past and given us enjoyable singles, they have been featured by me as well. Here comes another pleasant number with Swananand Kirkire writing the lyrics and performing the lead vocals along with Chinmayi. The whistle in the intro feels like notes I have heard before and it is very similar to the intro we know from AR Rahman's "Choti si Aasha". Nevertheless, we hear a soothing composition with Chinmayi taking up the mantle of writing the melody. The song is produced by the talented Joell.

The pathos is conveyed with that beautiful subdued delivery by Swanand and Chinmayi. The production is mild with guitars, whistles, bass and rhythms driving the song forward. The most impactful segment for me was the Sanchari with the introduction of the Tabla, and Swanand moving into the higher vocal registers. The sound of the Sitar as an intervention in the background gives a very classical flavour to the song. The outro with the "tera haat mere haaton mein" sung by both the leads gives me a picture of two lovers walking on the beach shore as the sun sets down giving the crimson skies. Is there some influence of Raag Desh? Maybe. The tracks are mixed by Bashab Bhattacharjee and mastered by Francis Gorini.

@joellmukherji @chinmayitripathi @audiobybashab @firstwav 

10. Sadhaa

Vocals: Padmaja Sreenivasan

Composition: Prasad K Shetty 

Lyrics: Keshav Moorthy

Produced by Picture Shop, Magesh Ravindran, Kubendran

Language: Kannada

Genre: Light Music

Mood: Romantic

I did start saying left and right to the Piano and rhythm guitars in the intro, and then Padamaja Sreenivasan rocked me on the cradle of love with her lead vocals. The melody is written by Prasad Shetty and the lyrics are penned by Keshav Moorthy. She sings the anupallavi "garigedaride jeeva" with the heavy Piano notes in the background and this is my favourite part of the song where the melody is beautiful. Prasad is the programmer on Keyboards along with Immanuel Roberts, Bharath AAseevagan, Eswar Chand and Shakthikanth Karthik. 

The fabulous guitar notes in the background are thanks to Richard Paul who is also the bassist. Babu T plays the Violin, Viola and ethnic strings constantly. The melody saddens you with the notes that bring about the heaviness of the heart. The horns section is played by Oscar Weltha and Trumpet Babu. The Kids singing the chorus are Asher Crasta and Sweya Shinoy and the adult chorus singers are Eswar, Sandeep Ballal, Nandini Ganiga, Mallika Matti, Shanthi Shenoy, Swathi Rao, and Vidhya Suvarna. The tracks are mixed by Prasad K Shetty and mastered by Aswin George John. 

@prk.audio @immanuelroberts @bharathaaseevagan @eswarchandmusic @ric_paull @sandeeprballal @prasanna_shetty_official @aswin_george_john @padmaja.07