Thimuru Music Review

Thimuru

He is the latest sensation in Kollywood. With his tunes topping all charts and his movies making it big.

Yuvan Shankar Raja has already proved his mettle. Adding one more to his latest hits is Thimiru. It has a mix of racy, soft and peppy tunes. The highlight being a song sung by Gangai Amaran.

Thimiru starring Vishal, Reema Sen and Shriya Reddy is directed by debutant Tharun Gopi.

The other talking point of the album is that Yuvan recorded the songs in a studio in Bangkok.

Hitherto Yuvan was seen as a music-composer who can come up with classy stuff. In Thimiru, he has gone ahead to prove that he can also score music for the front-benchers.
Kattiko Rappa (Kunal Shreya Ghoshal)

A foot-tapping number. With brisk music and a peppy chorus accompanying, the song is sure to make it big. Shreya Ghosal with her brisk voice injects life into the song. Yuvan has used additional percussions well.

Thithikura Vayasu (Anupama)

A melody inspired accompanied by western music. Anupama, known for such songs, has done her best here too. Soft beats accompanying the lyric gives the song the right lift. The catchy English lyrics used in between as chorus in the song is another highlight.

Mana Madurai (Shankar Mahadevan)

Yuvan Shankar has given an earthy and a peppy tune inspired by folksy tradition. A perfect mass song with brisk music sure to make it to the top of the audiocharts. Who else but Shankar Mahadevan can render such high voltage song. Yuvan has made the right choice.
Money Money (Anuska)

A hip-hop kind of number. Singing in an Anglican slang is Anuska for the number. However the song reminds one of Yuvan's earlier tunes. The trumpets and the drums are used to the maximum. A rap in between is also catchy.

Opuranae (Gangai Amaran)

The pick of the album. A musician and singer himself Gangai Amaran has sung the song which sticks to our lips instantly. A typical 'dappanguthu' number, Yuvan has again proved his mettle in coming up with a tune that front-benchers would love. Shades of his father Illayaraja's works in early 80's could be seen. Yet, the rocking song of the album.

Pudhupettai Music Review

Pudhupettai

When Director Selvaraghavan and music-composer Yuvanshankar Raja team up, they are known to deliver the best. Their Kadhal Kondein and 7G Rainbow Colony are a pointer to it. Now they join hands again for Pudhupettai, which is said to be about the lives of underworld dons in a city like Chennai.

Interestingly,Yuvanshankar with Chapraya Symphony Orchestra composed the songs in Bangkok there.

He has come up with some brilliant compositions. The album consists of songs and instrumentals, each carrying a header specifying different moods of the film.

Songs like the one rendered by Kamal Haasan and other by Dhanush along with chorus are no doubt going to be straight away hits. The instrumentals are also soul-stirring and at time very emotional.

Yuvanshankar has certainly joined the big league with his compositions in Puthupettai.

Pudhupettai Main Theme: Survival of the fittest

This being the main theme number of the movie, it has to be attractive as well as catchy. Keeping this in mind, Yuvan has come up with this excellent instrumental exploration (symphony). The violin ensemble is mellifluous as well as gritty. It evolves the theme and firmly underscores that Yuvan is his father’s son.

Peek Into Assassin's Life: Neruppu Vaayinil (Kamal Hassan)

Kamal Haasan is one artiste who always strives for excellence - be it on the screen or behind. A good singer, Kamal Haasan has lent his voice for the song, which suits the mood and theme of the number. A peppy and a brisk song, according to director Selvaraghavan, is about the life of an assassin. A touch of Brazilian samba by Yuvan with Kamal Haasan's voice flowing sweet makes the song stick to our hearts.

Our Story: Enga Yeriya (Dhanush, Rap Premji and Yuvan Shankar Raja)

What can a local rowdy or a dada singh? A rustic, straight from the heart number? It is exactly what Yuvan has tried to come up. The song has been penned as if a local goon is describing his prowess in his locality. Begins with traditional tharai and thapattai, but goes on to get typical Yuvan's touch with peppy western stuff overtaking it.

Though Dhanush's voice is far from covincing, the lyrics of Na Muthukumar covers it up. It brings the life in a slum before our eyes. Yuvan and Premji render rap in between.

Selling Dope: The Beginning (Instrumental)

An excellent symphonic composition by Yuvan. Taking a leaf out of his father’s book, the young Yuvan has come up with soft and a slow melodious composition with violins and a lone trumpet providing the listeners a different feeling. Hats off to Yuvan for his excellent stuff.

It all comes down to this: Oru Naalil (Yuvanshankar Raja)

Yuvan leaves his magic all through the album coming up with some stunning and original orchestral magic. Adding more, he takes to crooning. Rendering this melodious number with elan, he has seemingly tried to fuse Eric Clapton kind of music with that of Ilayaraja. The soft touch of bows on the strings of the violins sure to entice the listeners.

Going thru emotions!:Prelude

It's yet again the Chapraya Music Symphony who in tandem with Yuvan provides a treat to our ears. Seemingly has music composed keeping mind the four seasons (Vivaldi?). Picks up momentum as it progresses.
Night life: Varriyaa (Chorus)

As the title suggests, it is a song about night life in Chennai city as visualized by a local goon. Hence it is hard-hitting and has a quaint local flavor all through. Use of percussion instruments at appropriate places coupled with good chorus makes it a song worth listening.

Clash of the titans: The war cry

A musical composition setting one's mind to visualize the battlefield. Yuvan has given right western touch with violins creating the sounds of war and the emotions in the battle fields in our minds. The kind of music will even do a Hollywood flick proud.
Oru Naalil: Composer's Dream Mix (D J Rafiq)

A brisk number to end the album --- Foot-tapping and also reminding the late 1970's stuff of the western world. With shrewd use of western instruments giving Indian sounds, the song is certain to find its place in dance-floors right away

Azhagai Irukkirai Bayamai Irukkirathu Music Review

Azhagai Irukkirai Bayamai Irukkirathu

Growing in stature is Yuvan Shankar Raja. This young music composer is the man of the moment in Tamil. In AIBI he does his reputation no harm.

Quite interestingly, in AIBI, he has tried different styles --- and entire gamut, actually, which sit well on the songs.

The album has five numbers and a couple of them are sure rockers as Yuvan has used his youthful verve and his natural feel for rhythms brilliantly.

Unlike his earlier albums, Yuvan seems to have taken earnest interest and sung four of the five himself.

In the company of a set of young singers accompanied by foot-tapping music, he has again proved why he is the sought-after today.

AIBI is being produced by Cheran and directed by cinematographer Vijay Milton.

The movie stars Bharath, Mallika Kapoor and Arun Kumar in the lead roles.

Kanavae (Yuvan Shankar Raja, Bhavadharani )

Yuvan in the company of his sister Bhavadharini has sung this soft number. More a pathos song, which dwells on the love lost, it has heavy beats. Yuvan Shankar has tried out a huskier voice. A song quite typical to Yuvan's earlier scores. Bhavadharini chips in with her best. The sister-brother combo is strangely subdued. The natural mixing is missing. But the song’s tune stands scrutiny.

Elaiudhir Kaalam (Bhavadharani, Boby, Reeta, Reshmi, Ranjith, Naveen )

Inspired by Broadway Opera style, Yuvan begins with a good chorus. Host of singers come together in natural profusion. Refreshing beats are the catchy aspects of this number. Yuvan has used the guitar and drums quite intelligently proving that as a music composer he has matured a lot and studied the pulse of his fans quite well.

Kaadhalai (Bharath, Devan, Premji, Ranjith, Suchireeta, Pushpavanam Kuppuswamy, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Paravai Muniyamma, Sujatha, Naveen )

Can you imagine a song featuring 10 singers? Yuvan seems to have taken a gamble in this song and it has paid off. Toeing a line between the rural and western music, Yuvan has brought together singers of different styles on one platform. Again a romantic song, the song stands out from others in the album for it has good orchestration. Trying out different instruments, he has brought out new sounds in this song, which can neither be classified a melody nor a cracker. All same, hummable!

Odivaa Kaadhalae (Karthik, Yuvan Shankar Raja )

A romantic number that begins very slowly gains momentum as it progresses. Giving more thrust on the lyrics, Yuvan has underplayed the instrumentation. Karthik in the company of Yuvan himself dazzles. Though certainly not in the league of songs composed by Yuvan earlier, it stands out for its good lyrics and peppy beats, especially towards the end. It is sure to catch the attention of youths. Even more sure to find a place in the dance floors.

Orampo Naina (Premji, Yuvan Shankar Raja )

The pick of the album. After the likes of Pettai Rap and O Podu, it's now Yuvan Shankar's turn to come out with a song that has shades of 'local rap'. And he leaves his identity by fusing it with a musical symphony. Use of violins, trumpets and drums besides a good chorus for typical 'Chennai lyrics' is sure to take the songs close to the listeners.

Pattiyal Music Review

Pattiyal Music Review

Fresh from the success of Arindhum Ariyamalum, Vishnuvardhan is directing Pattiyal, which stars two young guns Arya and Bharath in the lead roles. Giving them company are Pooja and Padmapriya.

Yuvanshankar whose tunes in Arindhum Ariyalamum were a crucial factor in the movie's success has yet again come up with another rocking show.

The highlight is a racy song sung by Ilayaraja, where Yuvan has taken few samples from the yesteryear hit song Adaludan Padalai set to tunes by M S Viswanathan then.

Yuvanshankar himself has rendered his voice for a couple of songs. On the whole one gets a fresh feel after listening to these numbers. Vishnu and Yuvan's magic seems to have on work again.

Dei Namma (Vijay Yesudas)

A perfect beginning to the album. Yuvan's racy numbers have good orchestration. Dei Namma is no exception. Vijay Yesudas, who usually sings well within himself, reaches for new frontiers here. He adds pep with his voice. Handled the western beats with elegance, Yuvan certainly shows how to attract the youth set.

Yedhedho (Yuvanshankar, Raja, Shwetha)

Deciding to sing the song himself besides composing it seemingly leaves Yuvanshankar in a relaxed zone. His composed voice, given an able support by Shwetha, is the highlight. Yuvan's harmony is amazing. Seems to have learnt the lessons well from his dad. Yuvan has taken caution to ensure that music doesn't dominate the lyrics of Pa Vijay here.

Poga Poga (Haricharan, Vijay, Saindhavi and Harini Sudhakar)

Known for coming up with foot-tapping numbers mixing the contemporary film music with rap, Yuvan yet again shows his class. Begins with an enchanting rap, the song with youthful voices, has a charming ditty to it. The fresh voices carry the tune forward.. The use of the additional keyboards gives the desired effect. Sure to top the audio charts.

Namma Katulae (Ilayaraja, Roshini)

Perhaps the pick of the album, rendered inimitably by Ilayaraja himself. An enthusiastic and a brisk tune with use of instruments like Thavuil in between, the song is sure to go down well with the masses. Yuvan deserves a pat for mixing Adaludan Padal song from Kudi Irunda Kovil well here. Ilayaraja walks away with the show with aplomb.

Kannai Vittu (Yuvan Shankar, Premji)

Director Vishnuvardhan has a liking for brisk numbers but with different sounds. Having worked with him in Arindhum Ariyamalum, Yuvan seems to have developed a good rapport, understanding his likes and dislikes. He has given the same here. The racy song with peppy beats. The combo Yuvan of Premji in vocals show a rare understanding and are absolutely in sync.

Pattityal is another rocking hit from Yuvan.

Kalvanin Kadhali Music Review

Kalvanin Kadhali

Yuvan keeps up his success trend of this year and Kalvanin is another interesting album. It has five songs and the choice of singers is quite interesting.


1) Eno Kangal: (Sadhana Sargam, Yuvan Shankar Raja)

A romantic duet! It qualifies as the topper of the album. The track has melody which reminds us of the Manmadhane song from Manmadhan. Sadhana Sargam is the right pick for the song and Yuvan’s support is excellent.
2) Ivan Kattil: (Aandal, Clinton, Mova)

A westernized song! These types of songs are very common in Yuvan’s compositions. The song has also got English lyrics which make it sound hip. The percussion is strong and the bass effects have been worked out nicely for this song. Clinton’s lively voice is a big plus for the song.


3) Uyir Piriyum: (Ranjith)

A caressing song! It makes one forget the worries and listen to in a contemplative mood. The song has an interesting tempo and the lyrics are beautiful. Ranjith adds dignity to the song with his soothing voice.

4) Kudakuli: (Anuksha, Premji)

A rap number! The song seems to be for an item. The voice of the female singer Anuksha is very unique and she has a promising future ahead. Premji has played the perfect foil with his underplayed singing. These type of songs are not exactly challenging to a person of Yuvan’s caliber. There is nothing special about the music for this song. He has tried a bit of re-mix which is novel to Tamil cinema.
5) Tajmahal: (Madhumitha, Vijay Yesudoss)

A classical based melody! Vijay Yesudoss has rendered his voice with the correct modulation and the right feel for the song. Madhumitha has done well too. The orchestration is simply superb and Yuvan has to be commended for his intuitive understanding of music.

On the whole, the music has played good support to the movie and it is for the audience to decide.

Arinthum Ariyamalum Music Review

Arinthum Ariyamalum

1, Konjam Konjam
Maheeva, Kammat.

YSR is perhaps second only to ARR, in using new and fresh singers and the tradition continues in AA as well. Its logical to assume that the job is half-done when we hear a different voice in each film; a fresh tone augments the enjoying process of a song. Here, Maheeva croons sensually to the accompaniment of Kammat and chorus; setting the mood for a slow romantic number right away; it slowly grows on you and the lovely flute bits and Spanish interludes nicely complement the song. Great number overall.

2, Yen Kannodu
Yuvan Shankar Raja, Nithis Gopalan
...Starting off rite away with Arabic phrases, this number bears strong resemblances to YSR's earlier techno-scores like 18 vayadhil The violin bits
preceding the paragraphs and the accompanying music in the 2nd paragraphs are nicely orchestrated, overall giving the song the impression of a fast peppy instrumental with intermitting lyrics.

3, Thee Pidika
Anushka, Premji
...The Sound engineering in this song grabs one's attention rite away..listen carefully to hear the sound of the needle constantly creaking on the gramophone record playing the old track...starting out with an oldie Kaamamum Kobamum Ullam
Nerambavae; the blend into the husky vocals of Anushka seems a bit forced; and piques one's curiosity as to why the old number is used. That I guess will have to wait for the movie's release. The English lyrics give the impression of a hot

sexy number, and the dhabban - kuthu beats that remix the old number are instantly foot-tapping. Overall, a song that covers many generations in one mix.

4, Yela Yela
Ranjith, Sujatha
...This number starts out sounding exactly like ARR's Cyclist Rhythm from Meenaxii, and then transforms into a folks song with nice beats; but overall does not impress a lot. It sure carries some creative use of instruments though, and would perhaps sound better with imaginative choreography and picturization.

5, Sil Sil
Sathyan, Chinmayee
...This catchy number completes the already impressive album. Again set to folk beats, and starting intuitively with raindrops in the background, this song is foot-tapping as well, and the chorus of the children is very pleasing.

Daas Music Review

Daas

Yuvan Shankar Raja, the sought after music composer with successive hits these days, has scored six numbers for Daas. He comes up with brilliant orchestrations and memorable melodies suggesting that he is still in his form.

1. Yennoda Raasi (Venkat Prabhu)

Music-director Gangai Amaran's son Venkat Prabhu proves that he is not just a good actor alone but also a good singer. In an essentially peppy 'dappanguthu' song. Yuvan Shankar Raja has tried few different sounds. Thanks to Venkat's elegant rendering, the song seems to sail through.

2. Saami Kittay (Hariharan, Shreya Ghoshal)

Shreya Ghosal is like a batsman who is in prime form. Nothing can seem to go wrong with her these days. Though a singer from North India, her pronunciation of the Tamil lyrics deserves a mention. In the company of Hariharan, whose mesmerizing voice suits melodies, she gives her best. A soft song with minimal orchestration, just wafts across like an epiphany on gossamer wings.

3. Nee Enthan (Karthik)

Any music album in Tamil is incomplete these days without a peppy western tune. Though Karthik does give his best, unfortunately a feeling of oft-heard-before cannot be denied.

4. Shaheeba Shaheeba (Hariharan, Sujatha)

Hariharan combines with Sujatha for this westernized slow number. With complex orchestration not suiting the lyrics, the song comes a cropper. But Hari and Sujatha, as is their wont, give their best.

5. Vaa Vaa (Shankar Mahadevan, Mahalakshmi Iyer)

A typical ganaa number sung by energetic Shankar Mahadevan. Alas, the song is a perfect rehash of a famous song that came a few years ago. Not just the tune but also the rhythm and lyrics at few places remind one of the original song. But the energy and vibrancy in the number cannot be disputed.

6. Sakka Podu (Kay Kay, Sadhana Sargam)

A rural song. Sadhana Sargam, with her sheer elegance and ease, adds pep to the number. The thavil and the dollakku are used effectively in the song. The pick of the album, the song starts to flows smoothly right from the word go

Kanda Naal Mudhal Music Review

Kanda Naal Mudhal

If ancient Rome had its triumvirate, modern-day Tamil music industry has its musical trio. The first of them, Ilayaraja, has spread his wings far and wide and today mesmerises audiences across the globe. The second, A.R. Rahman, was an Ilayaraja acolyte with his own international audiences and appeal.

The third had risen over the years from being his famous father's not-so-famous son to being placed third in the musical rankings. Yuvan Shankar Raja, however, has now come out with "Kanda Naal Mudhal", an album that may place him right below the maestro himself.

The first track, "Kanda Naal Mudhal", sets the album off on a ripping start. It hits the spot as accurately as a Glen McGrath delivery. Or, shall we say that Yuvan gauges the pulse of the listener as well as Warne has understood the English batsmen?

The song has a strong Carnatic tinge. The only gripe that anyone can have with it is that Subiksha's vocals just fail to do justice to it.

The next two tracks, "Pani Thuli" and "Erimalai Naane", are reminiscent of the timeless melodies that his illustrious father once mesmerized the masses with. And thankfully, this time around, K.K. Shreya Ghoshal and the indisputably talented Shankar Mahadevan have done a great job.

Yuvan continues the good work with "Merke Merke", a melodious duet that will definitely remain in this reviewer's memory for a long time.

Yuvan has proven repeatedly that he is a master of melody - some of his songs are even more melodious than Rahman's. But, with the last track in the album, "Pushing it Hard", he proves that he can get his listeners grooving to some slick hip-hop with equal ease.

Move over, Harris Jayaraj, Yuvan's arrived!