Best Songs of 2015
It's almost end of 2015, and it's time to reminisce about some of the best songs I've heard this year in Indian music. As always with any listicles of this type, there can never be a universal, please-all set of songs, so feel free to disagree and list your favourites down below in comments -
Piddly Si Baatein (Shamitabh) - Nothing gets better than a vintage Ilaiyaraaja tune to enjoy the pleasures of music!
Mental Manadhil (Female) (O Kadhal Kanmani) - I have talked about Mental Manadhil several times before, but I am yet to hear a song so ebullient as this one. And how can you not fall in love with Jonita Gandhi's voice!
Uttaman Introduction (Uttama Villain) - If only all songs were as rhythmically compelling and euphoric as this!
Judaai (Badlapur) - Composer duo Sachin Sanghvi and Jigar Saraiya outdo themselves with a slow-burner of a pensive song. And you know what, there are two versions of it. Here's the other one, if you haven't heard it already.
Sun Saathiya (ABCD 2 — Any Body Can Dance 2) - Sachin-Jigar are at it again, this time including a song that was officially absent from the film's prequel.
Chantham Thelinju (Utopiayile Rajavu) - There's a definite En Veetu Thotathil hangover here, but when you have P. Jayachandran behind the mic, it can only add to its charm!
Auna Neevena (Rudhramadevi) - Deserves a listen just for those violins, and of course Hariharan and Sadhana Sargam.
Yeh Kaisi Jagah (Hamari Adhuri Kahani) - Perhaps one of the most romantic soundtracks in recent times, soul-stirring and soaking the listener in a downpour of emotions.
Sooiyan (Guddu Rangeela) - A simple folky melody from Amit Trivedi, easily likeable and hum-worthy!
Malarvaka Kombathu (Ennum Eppozhum) - Whenever Vidyasagar and P. Jayachandran unite, you can only expect magic and nothing else!
Harinakshi Janamoule (Kaliyachan) - One of the outstanding musical efforts this year, with Bijibal creating a song that's quintessentially Keralite in its sensibilities.
Tu Koi Aur Hai (Tamasha) - Trance-like and contemplative, Tu Koi Aur Hai is undoubtedly the centrepiece of Tamasha, underscoring the movie's theme beautifully.
Shaam Ke Saaye (Talvar) - A mellow guitary composition from Vishal Bhardwaj, topped by a terrific Arijit Singh on the vocals.
Naanal Poovaai (Kirumi) - K bounced back in form after a string of not so happening soundtracks, and this uniquely crafted melody is just captivating!
Sel Sel (Kaakka Muttai) - The pretty Hindustani flourishes aside, singer D. Sathyaprakash lends his pitch-perfect vocal support to the song.
Moh Moh Ke Dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha) - Papon enthralled us this year with a clutch of fabulous melodies like Humnava and Main Tujhse Pyaar Nahin Karta, but nothing beats this lovely semi-classical tune from Anu Malik.
Vaanam Chaayum (Anarkali) - Fantastic otherworldly melody from Vidyasagar, in his trademark style!
Malare (Premam) - I actually didn't review Rajesh Murugesan's Premam, but the song, in Vijay Yesudas's brilliant rendition, is for keeps.
Sapna Jahan (Brothers) - For a film titled Brothers, real life brothers Ajay and Atul Gogavale deliver a befitting musical potpourri, with Sapna Jahan being the OST's highlight.
Neeyum Naanum (Naanum Rowdy Dhaan) - Where Anirudh Ravichander spins a soft, mellifluous duet incorporating an exquisite blend of kanjira, sarangi and strings.
Naanae Varuvaen, Thoonga Kangal (Maya) - Ron Yohann's supremely competent debut, high on atmospherics, and aptly eerie.
Vellai Kanavu (Mellisai) - Singers Hariharan and Harini impress yet again, and frankly what more do you need? By the way, is it only me, or is the song way too similar to Ranjith Meleppatt's Oliyin?
This is Me - Suyambulingam (Papanasam) - The anthemic instrumental from Ghibran has had me listening to it on a loop and how!
Oru Kari Mukilinu (Charlie) - Gopi Sundar ropes in a fabulous-sounding Vijay Prakash for this infectious melody.
Kannala Kannala (Thani Oruvan) - Hiphop Tamizha proves his melodies are equally capable of being absurdly addictive as his cool hip-hop beats.
Bezubaan (Piku) - A gorgeous melody set to tune by Bengali composer Anupam Roy, who made a noteworthy Bollywood debut this year. And that sarod!
Afghan Jalebi (Phantom) - The time when Pritam concocted four different versions of the same song and every single one of them rocked!
Siru Nadai, Hey Umayaal (Urumeen) - Achu Rajamani almost matches his scintillating debut Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey, with singers Karthik and Vijay Yesudas to give him the perfect company.
Dhivara (Baabubali - The Beginning) - A song just as grand and majestic as the film.
Rasathi (36 Vayadhinile) - Santhosh Narayanan may have been largely missing from action in 2015, but he still left a mark with a one-of-a-kind composition in Rasathi.
Undhan Mugam (CSK - Charles Shaffiq Karthiga) - Why isn't Unnikrishnan singing more?
Mukkathe Penne (Ennu Ninte Moideen) - Gopi Sundar goes the usual mappila pattu route, but that can't take way the song's sheer brilliance.
Hemanthamen (Kohinoor) - The best song I have heard this year, not to mention the heavenly vocals of Vijay Yesudas.
Ummarathe (Ivan Maryadaraman) - Very Vidyasagar'ish but very melodious too!
Nadhi Pogum Koozhangal Payanam (Pisaasu) - Director Mysskin and violins are a match made in heaven; every single movie of his, be it Yuddham Sei, Mugamoodi, or Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum, the haunting violins are a continuing presence.
Eppo Varuvaaro (Oru Naal Koothu) - Justin Prabhakaran's rework of the popular kriti finds its perfect foil in Haricharan Seshadri.
Maanaanivalude (Rajamma @ Yahoo) - A fabulous qawwali from Bijibal, excellently sung by Alphons Joseph.
Kayamboo Niramayi (Su Su Sudhi Vathmeekam) - There's no doubt that Bijibal has been alarmingly consistent this year, and this Shweta Mohan-sung semi-classical melody is further proof.
Marhaba (Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju) - Typical Gopi Sundar, and yet superbly enchanting.
Kanulu Kalanu Piliche (Abbayitho Ammayi) - The composition is synonymous with the man Ilaiyaraaja himself!
O Sathi Mere (Tanu Weds Manu Returns) - While I did miss a Rangrez, this Sonu Nigam-sung stunner comes pretty close.
Mohe Rang Do Laal, Aaj Ibaadat, Deewani Mastani, Albela Sajan (Bajirao Mastani) - Sanjay Leela Bhansali's accomplished musical opus deserves all the praise it can get, and these four compositions, steeped in classical nuances, are simply brilliant.
Endaro (Bhale Bhale Magadivoi) - Gopi Sundar again, and the Carnatic fusion is plain bewitching.
Naavaadai (Mosagaallaku Mosagaadu) - A breezy melody like no other and made all the more addictive by Manikanth Kadri's nifty arrangements.
Jeene Laga (Jaathre) - Yet another Manikanth Kadri song, and Karthik sounds as great as ever.
Sur Niraagas Ho, Mann Mandira, Dil Ki Tapish (Katyar Kaljat Ghusli) - A magnificent soundtrack I fell in love the minute I listened to it, and undeniably Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's best work till date!
Piddly Si Baatein (Shamitabh) - Nothing gets better than a vintage Ilaiyaraaja tune to enjoy the pleasures of music!
Mental Manadhil (Female) (O Kadhal Kanmani) - I have talked about Mental Manadhil several times before, but I am yet to hear a song so ebullient as this one. And how can you not fall in love with Jonita Gandhi's voice!
Uttaman Introduction (Uttama Villain) - If only all songs were as rhythmically compelling and euphoric as this!
Judaai (Badlapur) - Composer duo Sachin Sanghvi and Jigar Saraiya outdo themselves with a slow-burner of a pensive song. And you know what, there are two versions of it. Here's the other one, if you haven't heard it already.
Sun Saathiya (ABCD 2 — Any Body Can Dance 2) - Sachin-Jigar are at it again, this time including a song that was officially absent from the film's prequel.
Chantham Thelinju (Utopiayile Rajavu) - There's a definite En Veetu Thotathil hangover here, but when you have P. Jayachandran behind the mic, it can only add to its charm!
Auna Neevena (Rudhramadevi) - Deserves a listen just for those violins, and of course Hariharan and Sadhana Sargam.
Yeh Kaisi Jagah (Hamari Adhuri Kahani) - Perhaps one of the most romantic soundtracks in recent times, soul-stirring and soaking the listener in a downpour of emotions.
Sooiyan (Guddu Rangeela) - A simple folky melody from Amit Trivedi, easily likeable and hum-worthy!
Malarvaka Kombathu (Ennum Eppozhum) - Whenever Vidyasagar and P. Jayachandran unite, you can only expect magic and nothing else!
Harinakshi Janamoule (Kaliyachan) - One of the outstanding musical efforts this year, with Bijibal creating a song that's quintessentially Keralite in its sensibilities.
Tu Koi Aur Hai (Tamasha) - Trance-like and contemplative, Tu Koi Aur Hai is undoubtedly the centrepiece of Tamasha, underscoring the movie's theme beautifully.
Shaam Ke Saaye (Talvar) - A mellow guitary composition from Vishal Bhardwaj, topped by a terrific Arijit Singh on the vocals.
Naanal Poovaai (Kirumi) - K bounced back in form after a string of not so happening soundtracks, and this uniquely crafted melody is just captivating!
Sel Sel (Kaakka Muttai) - The pretty Hindustani flourishes aside, singer D. Sathyaprakash lends his pitch-perfect vocal support to the song.
Moh Moh Ke Dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha) - Papon enthralled us this year with a clutch of fabulous melodies like Humnava and Main Tujhse Pyaar Nahin Karta, but nothing beats this lovely semi-classical tune from Anu Malik.
Vaanam Chaayum (Anarkali) - Fantastic otherworldly melody from Vidyasagar, in his trademark style!
Malare (Premam) - I actually didn't review Rajesh Murugesan's Premam, but the song, in Vijay Yesudas's brilliant rendition, is for keeps.
Sapna Jahan (Brothers) - For a film titled Brothers, real life brothers Ajay and Atul Gogavale deliver a befitting musical potpourri, with Sapna Jahan being the OST's highlight.
Neeyum Naanum (Naanum Rowdy Dhaan) - Where Anirudh Ravichander spins a soft, mellifluous duet incorporating an exquisite blend of kanjira, sarangi and strings.
Naanae Varuvaen, Thoonga Kangal (Maya) - Ron Yohann's supremely competent debut, high on atmospherics, and aptly eerie.
Vellai Kanavu (Mellisai) - Singers Hariharan and Harini impress yet again, and frankly what more do you need? By the way, is it only me, or is the song way too similar to Ranjith Meleppatt's Oliyin?
This is Me - Suyambulingam (Papanasam) - The anthemic instrumental from Ghibran has had me listening to it on a loop and how!
Oru Kari Mukilinu (Charlie) - Gopi Sundar ropes in a fabulous-sounding Vijay Prakash for this infectious melody.
Kannala Kannala (Thani Oruvan) - Hiphop Tamizha proves his melodies are equally capable of being absurdly addictive as his cool hip-hop beats.
Bezubaan (Piku) - A gorgeous melody set to tune by Bengali composer Anupam Roy, who made a noteworthy Bollywood debut this year. And that sarod!
Afghan Jalebi (Phantom) - The time when Pritam concocted four different versions of the same song and every single one of them rocked!
Siru Nadai, Hey Umayaal (Urumeen) - Achu Rajamani almost matches his scintillating debut Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey, with singers Karthik and Vijay Yesudas to give him the perfect company.
Dhivara (Baabubali - The Beginning) - A song just as grand and majestic as the film.
Rasathi (36 Vayadhinile) - Santhosh Narayanan may have been largely missing from action in 2015, but he still left a mark with a one-of-a-kind composition in Rasathi.
Undhan Mugam (CSK - Charles Shaffiq Karthiga) - Why isn't Unnikrishnan singing more?
Mukkathe Penne (Ennu Ninte Moideen) - Gopi Sundar goes the usual mappila pattu route, but that can't take way the song's sheer brilliance.
Hemanthamen (Kohinoor) - The best song I have heard this year, not to mention the heavenly vocals of Vijay Yesudas.
Ummarathe (Ivan Maryadaraman) - Very Vidyasagar'ish but very melodious too!
Nadhi Pogum Koozhangal Payanam (Pisaasu) - Director Mysskin and violins are a match made in heaven; every single movie of his, be it Yuddham Sei, Mugamoodi, or Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum, the haunting violins are a continuing presence.
Eppo Varuvaaro (Oru Naal Koothu) - Justin Prabhakaran's rework of the popular kriti finds its perfect foil in Haricharan Seshadri.
Maanaanivalude (Rajamma @ Yahoo) - A fabulous qawwali from Bijibal, excellently sung by Alphons Joseph.
Kayamboo Niramayi (Su Su Sudhi Vathmeekam) - There's no doubt that Bijibal has been alarmingly consistent this year, and this Shweta Mohan-sung semi-classical melody is further proof.
Marhaba (Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju) - Typical Gopi Sundar, and yet superbly enchanting.
Kanulu Kalanu Piliche (Abbayitho Ammayi) - The composition is synonymous with the man Ilaiyaraaja himself!
O Sathi Mere (Tanu Weds Manu Returns) - While I did miss a Rangrez, this Sonu Nigam-sung stunner comes pretty close.
Mohe Rang Do Laal, Aaj Ibaadat, Deewani Mastani, Albela Sajan (Bajirao Mastani) - Sanjay Leela Bhansali's accomplished musical opus deserves all the praise it can get, and these four compositions, steeped in classical nuances, are simply brilliant.
Endaro (Bhale Bhale Magadivoi) - Gopi Sundar again, and the Carnatic fusion is plain bewitching.
Naavaadai (Mosagaallaku Mosagaadu) - A breezy melody like no other and made all the more addictive by Manikanth Kadri's nifty arrangements.
Jeene Laga (Jaathre) - Yet another Manikanth Kadri song, and Karthik sounds as great as ever.
Sur Niraagas Ho, Mann Mandira, Dil Ki Tapish (Katyar Kaljat Ghusli) - A magnificent soundtrack I fell in love the minute I listened to it, and undeniably Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's best work till date!
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