Top Indian songs of the week 23rd Oct 2022

This is the week's best of Indian music across languages and states, covering more than 350 song releases from movie albums and the independent space

1. Pari
Composer: Gaurav Chatterji
Lyrics: Hussain Haidry
Vocals: Neeti Mohan
Music Production: Gaurav Chatterji, Ashish Zachariah
Language: Hindi
Genre: Melody
Cameos are never to be underrated. They are solid performances that turn around the outcome of an event single-handedly despite never getting the original shining limelight. Gaurav Chatterji to me is one of those unsung heroes who keep playing memorable cameos in Bollywood, and I sincerely hope he gets opportunities elsewhere in India where music composers are worshipped and celebrated. I did feature him in movies like 'Ginny Weds Sunny' where all the media focussed on 3 mediocre songs, but his two songs were fabulous. Even in a movie on Amazon Prime last year called "Jalsa" which was appreciated for the acting performances his music deserved more attention. Now in an Anurag Kashyap direction starring Tapsee Pannu, one can understand why this amazing song got hidden in the rubble of reviews, praise and criticism. The moment I heard this, I knew it was of supreme quality good enough to bag the number 1 spot in India. It starts like a run-of-the-mill number, but once you hit the 45-second mark and Neeti Mohan launches off into orbit with "Zidd hai meri". The guitars are fabulous to even say the least thanks to some phenomenal talents like Hrishi Giridhar and Ashish Zachariah with the former on acoustic and electric guitars, and the latter on nylon and acoustic guitars. The Ronroco is an instrument that looks like a guitar, but to me, it sounded like a Sarod and Tapas Roy enchants you with it in the interlude. The stanza is mesmerising and every cell in your body feels the magic of great music thanks to some amazing strings in the background. The strings are recorded by Roni Seiler and right through we have bass guitars played by Sajal Sharma. I have closed my eyes and nodded with every note and it is all because of the fantastic composition and arrangements by Gaurav. Can you imagine despite Neeti Mohan's steamy vocals, especially when she lands the low-scale notes in the stanza, the mind and ears still focus on all the live instruments around? This is because of the quality of the song, something that an AR Rahman or Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy would be proud of. Gaurav uses the keys in the second interlude predominantly and the bass guitars too come to be noticed more in the stanzas. Gaurav also performs as a backing vocalist in the song. The track is mixed by Alok Punjani, and mastered by Donal Whelan, with Jose Das as the studio assistant.

2. Straight out the mud
Performed by Ruby Velle
Written by Ruby Velle, Rune Westberg
Produced by Rune Westberg, Ruby Velle
Language: English
Genre: Jazz/Blues
This Canadian/American musician establishes her Indian roots with a very deeply religious and more accurately philosophical single. I couldn't think of anything positive when I heard the title, but when I read the message I was pleasantly taken aback. Based on Buddhist teachings the message is clear " The mud is needed for the lotus to grow". I m never a guy who pays too much focus on the lyrics, but this is gold. Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics keep performing together in the US as a band that was formed by Ruby, but this is her solo effort as she writes, produces and performs along with Grammy winner Rune Westberg. The guitars and the Jazzy soulful vocals of Ruby keep me glued, reminding me of greats like Tina Turner. The gospel-like harmonies work terrifically in the background, and when you hear them along with the Horns section, you feel inspired and satisfied listening to this beauty. Vocally, this is a supreme performance by Ruby and I have never heard such strong vocals other than Samantha Noella and Vivienne Pocha, up until now.

3. Colour
Performed by Vineeth Vincent
Written by Vineeth Vincent
Produced by John Israel
Language: English
Genre: Soft Rock
I have been transported to the 1990s thanks to this number written and performed by Vineeth Vincent, and that was a great time for music. Some of the best music came from Sting, U2, Bryan Adams and this song belonged to that genre of Soft Rock. Just like a lot of these great artists Vineeth also makes sure the song has some very intriguing and relevant lyrics. The electric guitars by John and drums provide for some solid instrumentals and just when things get heated up, there is a pause and all we have is the engaging vocals of Vineeth. The backing vocals humming along in the background also work beautifully in creating an impact. John Israel produces this track brilliantly and also mixes, while Alex Solano does the mastering.

4. Patriot
Sung, Composed & Produced by Arijit Singh
Lyrics: Arijit Singh
Language: Hindi
Genre: Indie-pop/ electronic pop
It is generally a problem in sports especially when a player is also the captain on the field. The captain is supposed to take the best decision in the interest of the team, but his/her decision is mired by an excess of self-confidence, a situation seen where bowler-captains tend to give themselves more overs than needed. Enough of the analogies, I am telling that Arijit Singh over the last couple of years has excelled even vocally more so in his scores than of an outsider. I do rate him quite high as a composer and just listen to some of his singles released in 2021 and the score of the Netflix movie 'Pagglait'. Arijit has composed, produced, written and performed with his usual team of rocking musicians like Aditya Benia on guitars, Zafar Iqbal Ansari (ZIA) on programming and Sunny M.R. on music production, mixing and mastering. Unlike the usual patriotic songs, which are jarring and jingoist in tone, this is a pleasant and inspiring number that makes you want to love the nation you belong to. Kudos to Arijit for also being on point lyrically. The electronic pop tone is also something that will keep the music listeners of today get hooked on to.

5. Always Be
Written by Abdon Mech
Performed by Abdon Mech and Zuchobeni Tungoe
Music Producer: Kevi Pucho
Language: English
Genre: Indie Pop
Abdon Mech, the Nagaland-based singer-songwriter has been around and has also been featured by me for a beautiful song called "Come my way". This is an even better single written and performed by the artist featuring another lead female vocalist called Zuchobeni Tungoe. The guitars and vocals represent something that we would have heard in some extremely pleasant Country/pop singles released by musicians in America. I love the vocal texture of Abdon, and it is not only the guitars but the Piano, and the background strings that define the number in the initial stages. The rhythms just start to hit you but what amazes me is the voice of Zuchobeni which sounds pristine. The two lead vocalists combine to sing in harmony and the song gets some wonderful treatment in its production thanks to the work of Kevi Pucho. The vocals also follow two different trajectories with different scales, and one adds more elements of vibrato. Even an element of lag is introduced creating such wonderful colour to the performance.

6. Rakh Lo
Singer - Abhay Jodhpurkar
Lyricist - Gilbert
Composer - Anshul Sharma
Music Arrangers - Anshul Sharma & Harshit Lakra
Language: Hindi
Genre: Melody
By his standards, Abhay Jodhpurkar has been away from the action for quite a while, and the period we are talking about is maybe 3 weeks. That is how consistently good and chart-topping his musical projects are and this one is a vocal lead performance for Anshul Sharma, a composer. This is a semi-classical number and it takes just a few seconds to figure this out thanks to the heart-warming Sarangi by Shahrukh Khan and the elaborate aalap by Abhay. Sid Paul plays the guitars and we have the Keys and bass guitars as well to add the western influence musically. To my limited knowledge, I believe there is Raag Bilaval ( Shankarabharanam in Carnatic) hidden here in these notes. Anshul and Harshit Lakra do a fabulous job on arrangements because every element comes and goes at the perfect time, like the Keys, guitars, Tabla and Dholak(played by Prashant Sonagra). There is a point where one just doesn't know what to focus on, whether the astounding vocals of Abhay or the interplay of guitars, Sarangi and Tabla in the background. The stanza is rich in melody and that is a rarity because composers generally settle for a string few lines and then keep a very minimal stanza or bridge section these days. The bass, Sarangi and Tabla definitely need a special standing ovation for their constant contribution to making this song sound incredible. Bhaskar Sarma is the sound engineer who does all the recording of vocals and instruments, and he also mixes and masters the track. The lyrics are penned with a fine touch of emotion by Gilbert.

7. Sing Myself to sleep
Artist - Jehaan
Songwriter & Composer - Jehaan
Track Production, Mix & Master - Simon Reid Music
Language: English
Genre: Indie Pop
This kid is just 15, and if you listen to him sing and write you won't believe his age. This is his second single and I have featured him last year for his debut in 2021 and it just keeps getting better. The strong Pianos along with Jehaan's very mature voice get the song going. There is a very lovable underlying tune and melody, and that is good enough to get this song in the weekly charts. As we move forward the layers of guitars, rhythms and even a mild layer of strings in the background make it even more worthy. The song is something that feels like a classic 90's pop hit track. Jehaan leaves no stone unturned, as he keeps a small bridge section and I just wonder what he is gonna do as keeps learning more. Just cherish this 15-year wonder kid. Simon Reid is the reason we have a wonderful production available and he also does the mix and master for the track.

8. Neetho unte chalu
Singer: Mohana Bhogaraju, Sandilya Pisapati
Music: M.M. Keeravani
Lyrics: M.M. Keeravani
Language: Telugu
Genre: Melody
A young musician called Chirantann Bhatt got featured last week for two excellent songs in a Telugu feature film. In a music industry dominated by a handful of musicians, it was great to see a newcomer grab the opportunity after a stint last year with some Bollywood projects. Anyway, MM Keerevani did the BGM score for the movie "Bimbisara" but the legend is not going to go away without delivering a great song himself. Some spectacular synths and keyboard programming grab your attention along with well-executed and arranged vocal harmonies. Sandilya Pisapati the master violinist plays a captivating solo in the interlude and one can hear some solid basslines as well. MM Keeravani, Sandilya and Mohana Bhogaraju perform the number and in all fairness, there are moments in the stanza that you are reminded of Keervani's classic hit "Tu mile", maybe because of the influence of Raag Bhimpalasi (Ragam Abheri in Carnatic). The guitars, strokes, and flute all make up the second interlude.

9. Alfaaz
Performed by Rohit Vasudevan Diaries
Written by Rohit Vasudevan Diaries, Shama Patel
This singer-songwriter was part of the top 24 at the NEXA Music platform, and he and his band members at Rohit Vasudevan Diaries come up with a poignant piece here. It is pure divinity and tranquillity when you hear the Bansuri like this played in a couple of layers in different scales and this is the kind of start that makes you eagerly wait for what more the song can offer. Rohit performs the lead vocals with that laidback attitude, letting the voice mildly breach a falsetto zone too. The presence of the acoustic guitars gets the mild feeling of love and romance flow, and then the live instrumental and vocal support gains strength. Amit Gadgil plays the bass guitars and we can observe the competent Keyboards too. It is Saket Rao and Saurabh Lodha on drums with Saurabh also handling the programming and mixing while Ronak Runwal does the mastering. The hero of this project is the Bansuri player Khsitij Saxena. Let us raise our hands and clap for Zion Mathew who plays the Keys and also does the soothing harmonies in the background.

10. Kal Kisne Dekha
Written and Performed by Aman Sagar, Mohak, Alf4zi
Produced by Aman Sagar
Language: Hindi
Genre: Indie pop/ Dance-pop/Rap
You know what to expect when a song is produced by Aman Sagar, and it is going to be a difficult proposition to get disappointed. The song is a mix of a few genres, and what we hear predominantly, in the beginning, is the rap bits but nothing is just pedestrian about the number. We hear elements of the brass section, maybe trumpets, bass guitars and acoustic guitars sounding like funky pop. You will be amazed to hear the Sitar in the background as well, but then the song is just a fun track with good vocal performances and excellent arrangements and programming. The song is written and performed by Aman, Mohan and Alf4zi. Production credits have Aman's name written all of the song as it oozes a certain high quality, and he also mixes and masters the track.

11. Dream
Vocals/Composition: Anula Namshum
Language: English
Genre: Indie pop
The sun rises in India and the very first rays fall on Arunachal Pradesh. There must be something really special happening here, and in the whole of NE India, as the musical talent and beauty of it will make even the sun cover itself in shame. Anula Namshum from Arunachal Pradesh, launches her debut single and after this, her Instagram handle 'anulawho' will no longer make sense, as the country will know exactly who she is. She composes and sings this touching soft melody and it is the intended vulnerability in his vocals that works the best for me. Lemuel Mazumder plays the Keyboards and Kalimba as well as the guitars. Nisham Pul is the other musician who has worked on arrangements along with Lemuel, and Nisham also plays the guitars, and bass and does backup vocals. The established Takar Nabam gets himself involved in this project and maybe other than his expertise and words of wisdom, he plays the Synths for the track. The mild drums by Teji Toko keep the tempo of the track slow and there is a melodic resemblance to "Show me the meaning of being lonely" by Backstreet Boys in a mild sense. The track is mixed and mastered by Haggai Rongmei with Takar and Tania David as recording engineers.

12. Trampoline
Performed by: Kowshik Saha
Lyricist: Spencer Ernst, Chelsea Lee, Maxwell Ernst
Music Producer: Kowshik Saha
Just as I decide to review this interesting EDM-heavy number called "Trampoline", I realise his all-new album with his name is out as well. Kowshik has produced and performed it to perfection with lyrics by Spencer Ernst, Chelsea Lee and Maxwell Ernst. The Keyboards and synths set up the stage, but it is Kowshik's vocal range, use of falsetto and texture that work effectively. The whistle, and the rhythm programming too create delicate but necessary layers to the tune.

13. Nee
Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab
Vocals: Sid Sriram
Lyricist: Kaithapram
Language: Malayalam
Genre: Melody
The movie got some backlash for not being as progressive and open as it claimed to be. Well, I am not one to comment on it as I have neither seen nor am well-versed to comment on it. The music however is my forte and the moment it had Hridayam-fame Hesham Abdul Wahab, I want to check in on all the songs. This was my favourite number from the album with lyrics by Kaithapram and lead vocals by Sid Sriram. A beautiful female humming invites us into the song, and then Sid does what he does best. The interludes have the Veena solo, and more of the female humming adding a classical touch to the song. The song is simple but the strings, guitars and basslines and don't forget the flute, create a lasting impression. I am happy Sid did not go overboard

14. Kho Gaya
Singers: Anurupa Roy and Jayant Sankla
Production: Piyush Sachdeva
Lyrics: Anurupa Roy and Piyush Sachdeva
Language: Hindi
Genre: Dance-pop
The duo featuring Piyush Sachdeva and Anurupa Roy have been making some good music, but nothing has impressed me as much as this number here. The duo have written and performed while Piyush handles the production. The song has heavy synths and keyboard programming and it has a nice flavour that reminds us of dance-pop numbers we have been used to from the Vishal-Shekhar, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy era. Anurupa Roy has this stylish and glamorous voice that she puts to great use, while Piyush too makes his presence felt with some pitch-perfect singing. The hook on keyboards that comes ion the first and outro is quite catchy and the duo have created an enjoyable number that is as good in whole as its parts.

15. Thinking you
Singer, Composer, Lyrics – Mayank Katyal
Beat Producer - Mantra
We end this week with a very upbeat, and groovy piece of music that is bound to captivate youngsters. The heavy EDM influence is unmistakable but the core goodness comes from the hummable tune. Mayank Katyal has written, composed and performed and he gets all these components right and that is why the song ends up on our list for this week. The shift in rhythms and beats creates that unpredictability element which makes the song never go through a moment of dullness. Himanshu Tamar has mixed and mastered the track.