Kadhali - Keethan, Jimmy Francis John, Shravan Sridhar
Performed by: Keethan, Jimmy Francis John & Shravan Sridhar
Written by: Keethan & Santhana Bharathy
"Kadhali" the Tamil version of Keethan's song 'Sakhi,' sung by Vineet Srinivasan. Keethan has a knack for making his songs sound beautiful in every language, and this track is no exception. Just like his previous works, this composition is stunning—'Vaan' still remains my favorite.
Jimmy Francis delivers a wonderful vocal performance, especially on the line 'kaatihrupen' which beautifully transitions into the story and seamlessly connects to the chorus. The muffled mridangam adds an ambient touch, giving it a unique sound I haven't heard before—very interesting.
Shravan Sridhar enhances the song with a delicately played solo, followed by a sitar segment that adds to the charm. It's a beautiful blend of classical and new age vibes, with great production and mixing. This is one song that stays with you. This is a must-listen track that is so pure.
@keethanmusic @jimmy_francis_john @shravansridhar
I Dont Know How I Feel - Kiran Surath N
Performed by: Kiran Surath N
Written by: Sree Hari
"I Dont Know How I Feel" sounds like a cool song sung by your weirdly interesting friend, presented by Kiran, a new-age musician with a strong belief in old-school approaches. Right from the first bar, you're hit with a synth bass and a lot of analog synth sounds.
Kiran presents the song with layered vocals, balancing dry and wet layers perfectly. His voice is interestingly youthful, relatable, and honest. There's a push-pull swing between the rhythm and vocals, which adds an interesting dynamic. When I told Kiran that I enjoyed this aspect of the song, he was so excited that I noticed and appreciated such a small detail.
The best part is the absence of unnecessary effects—it's all about the instrumental layers. The production is very organic, which is refreshing in today's heavily processed music scene. The mix is almost dry, keeping the sounds raw and authentic. I particularly liked the detuned synth lead instrument, reminiscent of the nadaswaram Kiran used in "Hey Siri."
It took a couple of listens to fully appreciate, but once you do, it really sticks with you.
@kiransurathn
Poi Kadhal - Krithika Nelson & Umashankar Kannaiyan
Performed by: Krithika Nelson & Umashankar Kannaiyan
Written by: Krithika Nelson
Produced & Mixed by: Umashankar Kannaiyan
'Poi Kadhal' stands out because it brings together two of my favorite artists. Krithika Nelson has written, composed, and performed the song, while Umashankar has produced, mixed, and performed harmonies. The song is unconventional in every aspect—its length, its flow, and its structure. The song kicks off immediately and escalates quickly into an explosive chorus.
Krithika's lyrics are honest and raw, capturing the heat of passion with precision. Her performance is sensual and dynamic. Remind's me of Umashankar’s song 'Konjam Mazhai Niraiya Nee,' which also centers on a passionate moment.
Krithika's composition deserves special mention. It has an intro, a hook, and a catchy chorus—everything sung twice, all within a minute—and yet it works perfectly.
The arrangement features an eclectic mix of door, zip, sexy sound effects, orchestral strings, synth leads, excellent harmonies, synth bass, upright bass, and even a bed squeak. The production and mix are top-notch, seamlessly blending a variety of sounds and musical elements. Despite its short length, the song is complex and executed flawlessly.
@madrashe @usartistconnect
Vaan Mugil - Nishad G
Performed by: Nishad G, Shasha Tirupati, Sreekanth Hariharan & Anjana JP
Written by: Rishi K
Vaan Mugil is a lovely jazz love song penned by Rishi K (of 'Waltz Kanavugal' fame) and composed by Nishad. It's more of a rhapsody than a regular song, with its grand and intricate musical arrangements and structure.
The performances by Shasha and Sreekant add a lot to the already dreamy feel of the song. The use of a brush kit is a nice touch, and the jazz progressions in the chorus are spot-on. The interlude changes the time signature, featuring a mandolin-like interlude and trumpet solo, which gives the arrangement a unique twist. The production and mix are top-notch, ensuring every element has its space and contributes to the song's overall texture.
The entry into the second verse is particularly interesting, with a dramatic and theatrical transition. One thing that could have been improved is the clarity of the lyrics, which sometimes get lost in the grandeur of the arrangement and performances.
Nevertheless, 'Vaan Mugil' is a gorgeous love song with rich, lush orchestration that perfectly matches its beautiful title."
@theindoencers @Sashasublime @sreekanthhariharan @waltz_kanavugal
Vaazhvin Ellai Varai - Surya Srini
Written & Performed by: Surya Srini
Vaazhvin Ellai Varai begins with an intro featuring nice background vocals, adding a cinematic touch. It's a short and bittersweet piece, with layered vocals creating an interesting texture.
The melody of the song, the phrasing of the lines, and pacing are so mature, showcasing a level of sophistication that complements the emotional depth of the lyrics. Surya Srini's voice has a unique texture that feels like a 'music director's voice'—mature yet innocent.
Just after the verse, when the chorus line 'vaazhvin ellai varai' starts again, the effect is very cinematic. It's beautiful how a pause adds depth to the song. At some points, I felt that the guitar layer could have benefited from some pauses, which would have added an extra dimension to the song.
The arrangement is very fluid, with strings, pads, and synth blending seamlessly. The mix is polished and brings out the nuances of the layered instruments. The overall production is top-notch, with each element fitting perfectly into the lush soundscape.
A soulful must-listen song, that must be in your playlists.
@creator.surya
Paavai - Marshall Robinson, Sreekanth Hariharan, Priyanka NK
Performed by: Marshall Robinson, Sreekanth Hariharan, Priyanka NK
Composed by Marshall Robinson
Written by: Madhan Karky
"Paavai" is like a gentle breeze, starting with a ukulele and clean vocals that give off a warm, comforting vibe with its acoustic instruments. The song has a call-and-response structure in the lyrics and phrasing, which I found quite appealing.
The theme of the song brings back memories of the good old Vidyasagar times, reminiscent of a couple of his classic tracks. The strings interlude features a delightful mix of Western and Indian classical phrases, adding depth and texture to the composition.
Sreekant and Priyanka deliver flawless performances. Priyanka's voice is soft and delicate, almost like the voice of a doll, fitting perfectly with the song's mood. Sreekant's warm vocal timbre is soothing and complements the overall feel of the song. The chorus line is particularly satisfying, making me feel content. The arrangement is seamless, with acoustic instruments blending beautifully. The mix is polished, enhancing the organic feel of the song.
Overall, "Paavai" is a great song with a dramatic theme, offering a refreshing and nostalgic take on a love song.
@marshallrobinson.music @sreekanthhariharan @madhankarky @priyankank
Ek Ladka Ek Ladki - Deepak Nanda Kumar & Nathania Ericka Thomas
Performed by: Deepak Nanda Kumar & Nathania Ericka Thomas
Written by: Deepak Nanda Kumar
Another unconventional song by Deepak Kumar, offers a fresh take on storytelling through music. The vocals are delivered in a way that feels like sharing a secret, adding an intimate touch to the song. Both female and the male vocal parts sing in a husky tone throughout the song.
The phrasing and melody are quite unique, with surprises like a sudden violin phrase right after the intro, followed by an English verse. One standout element is the clever use of arpeggiated and delay-infused layers of plucked, muted guitars and percussions. It's smartly done and adds a texture that's rarely heard.
The song has a free-spirited attitude, soaring high and pausing whenever it feels like it. The line "Needhane THC for my high" is particularly striking, though there are other noteworthy lines as well.
Deepak and Nathania Ericka Thomas deliver soft, memorable vocals. Nathania's performance, whether in the lead or backing vocals, is unforgettable. This song is an interesting love story, full of surprises, and it's definitely worth a listen for its originality and charm.
@deekay_thepac @realsavagegrace
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