‘Kohila’
Ko 2 (Tamil)
Music: Leon James
Leon James, long-time A. R. Rahman associate, Noel James’ son (Noel... Leon!) seems to be a mission, composing exclusively for sequels. His debut was Kanchana 2, and he’s now back with Ko 2. Young Leon proves that his debut was not a flash in the pan, producing superb music all through his second outing. Kohila’s tune is instantly likeable and pleasant; Leon’s music sounds like a significantly spruced-up version of early-Rahman, particularly the use of veena and the Kohila call-out reminding one of Jeans’ ‘Columbus’. Leon, despite the quivering voice, sings it well too, along with a superbly in-form Neeti Mohan.
‘Haal-e-dil’
Music: Ananthaal (Indipop)
Ananthaal comprises Clinton Cerejo, Vijay Prakash and Bianca Gomes. Their debut pop album demonstrates what Indipop can really be. It does not ape film music and as a result, their effort has produced fusion that is genuinely different. The inventive fusion is best in ‘Haal-e-dil’ which brings together Clinton and Pozy’s guitar work, Gino’s drums and Amitabh Bhattacharya’s lyrics. The trio use the title hook in a thoroughly endearing way, while Vijay’s classical interludes, possibly touching Reetigowlai raaga, are fantastic.
‘Ee Gulaalu’
Boxer (Kannada)
Music: V. Harikrishna)
It is totally pardonable if, while listening to this song, you assume that it is composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Harikrishna, along with D. Imman and Vidyasagar, seem to have imbibed that Ilaiyaraaja-gene so well that they are producing faux-Raja melodies that work both as tributes or Raja 2.0 versions. Just listen to the guitar work in the song, the flute-led first interlude and the unhurried, indulgent melody sung beautifully by Santosh Venky and Priya Himesh to bring back pleasant memories of Raja’s 1980s form.
‘Unbreakable’
Artist: Janet Jackson
Album: Unbreakable
Unbreakable is Janet Jackson’s first album since her brother's death and there are so many cues to Michael Jackson all through the album which sees Janet reunite with her 1980s and 1990s R&B producers, Jimmy Jam and Timmy Lewis. She even eerily sounds like MJ in ‘The Great Forever’. The title song is the pick of the album though, sounding almost like it’s 1989 again, with Janet even announcing ‘Side 1’ to start the song in the era of singles, iTunes and Spotify. It’s cool, laid-back R&B at its best, all over again.
‘Hey Akhil’
Akhil (Telugu)
Music: Anup Rubens
In ‘Hey Akhil’, Anup Rubens (and guest composer Thaman, in one song) try the kind of sound that Hip Hop Tamizha (the duo, Aadhi and Jeeva) produced very well in Aambala — big, busy and anthemic with a lot happening. Every song sounds like a lot of people are singing it together in a stadium. Hey Akhil is one good example of this grand sound, with catchy hooks and rhythm.
