Heavy Rotation: Dheerendra Doss, Niladri Kumar, Prashant Pillai & More

I ended up revisiting Hesham Abdul Wahab's music for Hridayam after more than a year, also because I never reviewed the soundtrack when it originally released in early 2022. Album highlights Minnalkkodi and Mansasse Manasse are heady and dazzling, bringing to the forefront the enchanting harmonies, even as K.S. Chithra breathes life to the gentle and tanbur-laden Mukilinte. Darshana and Puthiyoru Lokam, with shimmering electro-crescendos, are trademark Wahab pieces that you can spot a mile away. Job Kurian-sung Arike Ninna, clothed in an electronic ambiance, has a constant tension and propulsion to it, while Pottu Thotta Pournami, complemented by a superb vocal chemistry between Sachin Balu and Megha Josekutty, is a delightful cornucopia of sounds. Another song that stands out is Sarvam Sadha. There is an almost hymnal quality to it, expertly juxtaposing warm, pillowy riffs against Srinivas' flawless rendition.

Here's a playlist of my other 2022 favourites from Niladri Kumar (Dr. Arora - Mehram, Khaalipan), Kaala Bhairava (Krishnamma - Emavutundo Manalo), Prasanna Sivaraman (Nodi Swamy Ivanu Irode Heege - Confusion Song, Kaarana Helu), Midhun Mukundan (Sakutumba Sametha - Aa Kanasu), Dheerendra Doss (Thurthu Nirgamana - Joru Joraagi, Na Marala Beku), Ilaiyaraaja (Clap - Unnai Keta), Govind Vasantha (Gargi - Thoovi Thoovi), Prashant Pillai (Pyali - Pyali, Tu Noor, Yeh Chotti Si), and Pradeep Kumar (Kuthiraivaal - Parandhu Pogindren, Unnaivandhu Adaiyava)...