Top Indian Songs of the week 11th Sep 2022

This week I was quite impressed with some of the indie music, especially as I came across new bands and artists like ‘The Pariah Kite’, Sera Sanyal, Kukubh and this is what excites me to see fresh talent. However, we can never write off the seasoned stars like Amit Trivedi, Vidyasagar, and Shaan Rahman, who are all making comebacks to show that they have it in them even today. Brilliance also emerged from some usual suspects like Anupam Roy, Sagar Dhote, Kala Bhairava and Jakes Bejoy. I hope you enjoy this collection as much as I did. 

1. Rang

Vocals: Prachi Gole

Composition: Prachi Gole, Danish Abdi

Lyrics: Danish Abdi

Music Production: Varun Murali

A few weeks ago a young artist reached out to me by the name Prachi Gole. She was a budding singer and one half of a band called "The Pariah Kite". She came to know about me because I had reviewed a song produced by Varun Murali at The Red Music Box, and he also was a producer for "Pariah Kite"'s upcoming 5-track EP. I was polite thinking maybe ill listen to it leisurely. Since this was a new band with their debut EP, I had zero expectations. So began playing 'Rang', and things starts slowly, but like a masterpiece movie which has its slow moments only to spring upon a surprise, this song just shifted gears from neutral to 6 in 4 minutes. Prachi Gole shows that she is skilled and blessed with a phenomenal voice and more importantly she is putting that to great use. The guitars and percussions probably don't belong together in the same track owing to their relative disparity of style and genre but it works quite well. I can hear strings in the background and that tells me this band is not just about a facade, but a strong foundation as well. Danish Abdi is the co-composer and the duo is to be taken seriously if you call yourself a music lover. I love the arrangements and huge credit must go to the master producer Varun Murali. You can feel the superior quality in the background harmonies, Keys, rhythms etc. Abdi's lyrics are impactful and drive home the message without wasting even a syllable. The song is about the first stage of depression or heartbreak where we always live in denial. That is why the title 'Rang' is chosen and we can relate to how the lines are questioning versions of the truth. The album has 4 songs out and I am already in love with the other 3 songs as well. I strongly recommend you listen to their album called 'Zard' which talks about the 5 stages of heartbreak. This Prog-Rock band from Bengaluru has raised the bar, I have been listening on loop thanks to Prachi's precious talents as a vocalist. 

2. Viral Thodathe

Composed And Arranged By Vidya Sagar

Lyrics By Vinayak Sasikumar

Singer: Nakul Abhyankar

Language: Malayalam

Genre: Melody

When I keep saying that geniuses should know when to stop, I mean that most sensibly, not just for listeners but also for the performers. Vidya Sagar took a break from music composition and whether it was by choice or he just was not offered many in the last 10 years, I am not sure. When I heard this number I knew for certain that Vidya Sagar is back and after just a splendid song a couple of months ago called "Anandamo" featuring Abhay Jodhpurkar and Anwesshaa. I am glad to see Nakul Abhyankar get an opportunity in Malayalam, as the guy has a fantastic voice and I hope he makes it bigger across multiple languages and industries. His diction to me sounds perfect and the melody in the song is enriched even further by Nakul's singing. The Cochin Strings just hit the ball out of the park with such finesse on the violins, and it is Manonmani's Sarangi that just gives the stamp of Vidya Sagar's ingenuity. It is during this interlude that I sensed a hint of Raag Bihag. Nikhil plays the flute and all the fantastic programming is by Vishnu Shyam and only Vidya Sagar could have given us this rich music that takes us back to Maestro Ilaiyaraja's 1980s hits. The stanza is woven with such brilliant notes, and when the Pallavi starts again, Nikhil sizzles on the flute solo in the background. The second interlude feels like an entire Symphony Orchestra is employed and music like this isn't made often these days. Ganesan is on Rhythms, and it is M T Aditya Srinivasan who has mixed the track with assistance from Lokesh and Vivek Thomas has mastered it. S. Murugan is the recording engineer. There is also a hint of Raag Begada in my opinion. Whatever it is, this is one song to treasure and celebrate if you are a music lover. 

3. Woh Galiyaan 

Singer - Monali Thakur, Shashwat Singh

Composed By - Amit Trivedi

Lyrics - Kausar Munir

Language- Hindi

Genre- melody

Just like we saw Vidya Sagar displaying his potential after a break, here we have Amit Trivedi who I have been very critical of scoring a blinder. Like any profession, brief breaks can always inspire and help the performer rise higher, and Amit is in terrific form in this song for the album Shabaash Mithu'. Sadly, Monali Thakur doesn't sing many these days, but she grabs this chance quite well, singing with a wide vocal range and impeccable stability. The song is supposed to be like an anthem and so she delivers that oomph and attitude as well. The use of vocal harmonies helps in glorifying the spirit of the song. Shashwat Singh, another fine vocalist takes up the male lead vocals. The use of the flute and violins in the background is very effective and Kudos to Amit for some splendid arrangements and overall production. Kausar Munir is the lyricist who matches the song's intent with his words. The grand sounds of the flute, the strings section and Monali's vocals elevate the song by multiple notches. 

4. All we need is love

Singer - Shaan, Lopamudra

Composer - Sagar Dhote

Music Producer - Sagar Dhote

Lyrics - Aditya Kalway (Hindi), Nikhil Chinchankar (English)

Language: Hindi and English

Genre: Melody, Indie Pop

Can I just call him a sea of musical capabilities? Well, he is named Sagar, so technically that is allowed. He has to be one of the brightest young talents in Indian music and he never disappoints whether it is his composition or just production. Sagar Dhote is a fan of Santhosh Narayanan who to my mind is undoubtedly India's number 1 composer/producer, so I guess one can continue to expect unabating quality from him. The song opens with Lopamudra Bandyopadhyay's vocals and lyrics in English written by Nikhil Chinchankar. It sounds very much like an English pop song and as Shaan joins in as the male lead vocalist, it shines like a pleasant number helped along by Ankur Mukherjee's guitars. We hear some excellent strings in the background, arranged by Samarth Srinivasan. But just when the song turns on its head and the Hindi lyrics begin, that is when it starts sounding even more melodious. Lopamudra's singing is spotless as she reaches for the higher scales and even brings a mild vibrato at the end. Ankur plays the guitar, like a classic electric guitar (like the one played by Abhay Nayampally)or even a Mandolin ( modified and played by the genius Late U. Sreenivas). Aditya Kalway another proficient singer/composer has penned the Hindi lyrics for the song. The song soars into a territory where it just lifts your spirits, helped by the Keys and strings in the end. The track is mixed by Sagar, and mastered by Ajinkya Dhapare. 

5. Ki Mayay

Singer: Shreya Ghoshal

Music & Lyrics: Anupam Roy

Language: Bangla

Genre: Melody

We have another Anupam Roy score here and this is for a movie album. He gets the Diva, Shreya Ghoshal to do the lead vocals and it feels magical to hear her sing in her native tongue. It begins with the classic Shehnai, probably because it is a wedding scene for the song. Rahul Chatterjee is fantastic to get the Sitar solo on point, aided by Joydeep Nandi on Tabla, who also plays the Khol in the track. The instrumentalists are all part of the Anupam Roy band and that is why we also have Kaustuv Biswas on bass guitars. The song, I thought, does have fragments of Raag Charukeshi and though there is only one word I understood "Bhalobeshi", I could see my heart melt thanks to the vocals, score and arrangements.  Anupam says that the song is based on Raag Jaunpuri. The stanza is short and sweet but it is never short of the melodic quotient. I love the second interlude which has a jugalbandi between the Shehnai and Sitar. Shamik Chakravarthy does all the programming and arrangements, with Debojit Sengupta on mix and master duties. 

6. Pacman

Performed by Kukubh Mayank Sharma

Written by Kukubh Megwal

Produced by Kukubh Megwal

Genre: Rock

A video game that probably every kid born in the 1980s and 1990s played is the title and even inspiration behind this electric number. The song even begins with guitars and you wonder where this track is headed, just like life is threatening and dangerous while playing the 'Pacman'. Kukubh Megwal has performed, written, played the guitars and produced the number. If the rock Gods were listening, they would be proud and more importantly head-banging nonstop. I know one thing for sure, if I was playing Pac-man and listening to this song, I am destined to lose my focus and die out in the game. Mayank Sharma also has performed on this number and I am just glad I discovered this artist Kukubh, making my wait for the next single completely intolerable. 

7. Marivil

Music - Shaan Rahman

Lyrics - Joe Paul

Singers - Sanah Moidutty, Harib Hussain

Genre: Melody

Language: Malayalam

I am a huge fan of Sanah Moidutty, and anyone in the industry should probably be a huge admirer of her voice which just sounds like a gift from the heavens. She and Harib Hussain are the lead vocalists in this catchy number once again composed and produced by Shaan Rahman who is making it a habit to be featured in these weekly charts. Like always Shaan depends on some fantastic synths, keyboard and rhythm programming. I must say that Harib impresses and it is difficult to shine when you are performing alongside Sanah. The Keys give a great layer with a flute intervention here and there, but there is so much only you can focus on when Sanah kills with her vocals. Joe Paul is the lyricist for the number. The outro is excellent with the flute, rhythms, keys and Sana singing an aalap and swaras. 

8. Baatein

Written, and performed by Harish Lakhmani & Siddharth Pathak (Harry & Sid)

Language: English

Genre: Alt-Rock

These two guys who are now a two-piece band were originally a part of a band called 'Wagah Road' that was formed back in 2011. Harish Lakhmani and Siddharth Pathak have written, composed and performed this impressive rock-styled number with some very apt guitars and drums. The singing is exactly what a rock song would demand and the texture of the vocals doesn't let you down as a music lover, even for a second. The acoustic guitar solo in the middle is beautiful, but the electric guitar solo towards the end takes away the cake. This is music that stays true to a genre and can make music lovers believe in the power of good music. The moments of silence when the guitars and drums take a brief pause are as precious and well-timed as their solid re-entry.  

9. Lehrein

Sung, composed & written: Shrinidhi Ghatate

Music Production: Rhythm Shaw

Genre: Indie pop

Language: Hindi

Back in 2019 when I was just beginning to explore new music all over India, I came across this album called 'Aayam' by Shrinidhi Ghatate. When there were so many musicians struggling to get a few consecutive hit singles, this artist gives a fantastic album with at least 5 or 6 memorable numbers. Shrinidhi continues form there in this new single written, sung and composed by her, with Rhythm Shaw, the guitarist producing it. I love the vocals as expected, but also the harmonies and arrangements. Rhythm's guitars can be heard in the background making quite an impression. The way the notes move into an unpredictable trajectory as she sings "jo bhee tha ab hai yaadon mein" stands out for me and once again the underlying spirit of the song changes as it goes "haalat badalange". Pankaj Porah mixes and masters the track and I cannot wait for the rest of the album to release. 

10. Nannu Nenu Adiga 

Singer: Inno Genga

Music: Kaala Bhairava

Lyricist: Krishna Madineni

The movie did quite well and got rave reviews for the concept and effort. Kaala Bhairava has been in the thick of things and he is one of the more dependable music composers in Tollywood. He gets this singer Inno Genga to perform the lead vocals and he has the exact tonality and texture as Anirudh, the Tamil composer/singer and maybe that is why the song sounds even better. Krishna Madineni is the lyricist. The song has some terrific sounds and arrangements and it ranges from the Synths to strings then notice a nice shift in rhythms in the anupallavi, where some traditional percussion is played. Siddharth S has programmed wonderfully with also doing the mixing. The Violin and Viola are played by Sandilya Pisapati and interestingly the opening has a strumming of a guitar-like sound, but that is Sandilya experimenting by plucking the Viola, kudos to the ingenuity. along with some pleasant acoustic guitars in the interlude. The track is mastered by Shadab Rayeen. Krishna Madineni is the lyricist. The outro is spectacular as well with the Violins and that shrill vulnerable humming. 

11. Love is Just a Name

Performed by Citizen Koi, Shreya Bhattacharya, Sudan

Written by Hayden Scott

Produced by Sudan, Hayden Scott

Language: English

Genre: Alt-pop, Synth-pop

I have featured the producer Sudan for a few songs where he has worked along with Sidharth Bendi and all have been splendid numbers. He is also one half of the band 'Khoya Firdaus' and he has performed and produced this number as well. Hayden Scott a.k.a. Citizen Koi other than producing and writing, gets vocalist Shreya Bhattacharya to perform on this one. The influence of Lo-fi and techno sounds makes it very relevant today. The vocals of Shreya stick to your mind as she improvises with those mild vibratos and delivers with incredible style. If the harmonies in the background make the song smooth, the outro featured a guitar solo that amps up the interest and likability of the track. 

12. Built To Fall Apart

Performed by Sera Sanyal

Written by Sera Sanyal

Language: English

Genre: Indie pop

Sera Sanyal goes solo in this Piano-laden number, and right from the beginning, the focus is all on the Keys. The introduction of the finger-snapping is very creative and pleasant, and Sera starts to impress with her vocals. The bass guitars and rhythms add beautifully, especially the notes on the bass keep drawing me closer to the song. I love the message and the lyrics of the number especially the title which is a happier version of "destined to doom". I would love to hear more from Sera in the future and I am sure she will only head up that ladder both as a singer and songwriter. 

13. Naya Ehsaas

Vocals/Lyrics/Composition: Aseem Sharma

Music Production/ Mix : Udit Saxena

Language: Hindi

Genre: Indie Pop, Fusion

Aseem Sharma is one of the singer-composers who keeps silently coming up with very enjoyable and original music. This one too has all the facade of an indie pop song, but there is a classical undertone to it and in my opinion, it has influences from Raag Yaman. Aseem's delivery style is reflective of these elements and the soft and tender vocals make this a very enjoyable number. The line "mujhe uski chaandni mein rehna hai" is my favourite musically. Udit Saxena has teamed up with Aseem on various projects and he has produced and mixed the track. The song rests on the shoulders of some excellent keyboard and rhythm programming that gives the song an Alt-pop texture. Aseem has penned, sung and composed the tune and Graeme Durham masters the track.

14. Neeyonnoralil

Music Composed and Arranged by JAKES BEJOY

Singer: Vijay Yesudas

Lyrics: Jyotish T Kasi

Music Producers: Jakes Bejoy, Antony, Abjaksh S, Glady Abraham

The solo violin is brief, but a noticeable curtain raiser for the show to begin and it is played by Raaghavendra. It is then a Vijay Yesudas special and we get a glimpse of his father's mesmeric voice. I have always claimed that Vijay probably should be singing much more than the opportunities he is getting. Jyotish T Kasi writes the heartening words and we have the support of some solid programming and violin interventions to help the song move forward. Jakes Bejoy is the composer and arranger for this and he along with Antony, Abjaksh and Glady Abraham produce the number. It is almost missable but a very brief Carnatic aalap ends the interlude, Daniel Joseph Antony has gotten the session prepared and arranged for it, with assistance by Maneeth Manoj. The recording engineers are Daniel, Jisto George and Midhun Manoj. The stanza has a change of percussion, as we move from programmed rhythms to the Tabla. It is again a nice feeling to have a song with two stanzas separated by 2 different interludes. It is during the closing stages of the stanza that I am tempted to think if there is some Raag Kalyani (Yaman) influence. The track is mixed and mastered by Sujith Hyder 

15. Taash

Performed by - Abhijay Sharma

Music - Abhijay Sharma

Composed by - Abhijay Sharma

Written by - ReVo LEKHAK

Genre: Indie pop/ Lo-fi

Language: Hindi

Abhijay Sharma composes, produced and performed this track and this is the second time that I am featuring this young artist. It was 'Sajda' a few months ago and this time Abhijay impresses even more with his tantalising vocals. ReVo LEKHAK is the lyricist and he discusses some of the dilemmas that the protagonist is facing. "Taash chunu yaa tere baatein chunu" Abhijay starts singing. The strength in his vocals and the impressive improvisations to the notes he brings on board are extremely likeable. I just wish this was a longer song with an antara as well. The track is mixed and mastered by Abhijay with album art by Harsh Kandpal. This is a project by The Shastras Music.