Sunday, April 23, 2017

Recap 2016 : Top100 Songs

Fourth year in a row, when my top song belongs to the first half of the year. I did not made my list for 2015, but if I had, my song of the year would had been either 'Jeena jeena' (Badlapur) or 'Humnava' (Hamari Adhuri Kahani).

People keep complaining about the over-dose of Arijit songs, sometimes I do too, but the fact is he keeps giving outstanding songs so you can easily ignore the songs that don't work which gonna be there. 'Ae dil hai mushkil' title track and 'Salaamat' (sarbjit) were my top picks last year. 

Amaal Malik had excellent year with melodies like  'Bol do na zara' (azhar) and 'Jab tak' (ms dhoni the untold story). Also it was nice to listen him in a song very unlike him like 'Besabriyaan (ms dhoni the untold story). 

Jubin Nautiyal sang some brilliant romantic tracks, 'Tere liye' (Fitoor), 'Kaabil hoon' and 'Kuch din' (Kaabil). Would love to listen more of him in 2017.

Not a fan of Badshah, but 2 of his songs made my top25, 'Kar gayi chull' (Kapoor & Sons) and 'Bolo har har har' (Shivaay)

Nooran sisters were terrific, be it being chorus in Dangal title track or the lead in 'Tuk tuk' (sultan) and 'Hota hai' (mirzya). 

Even though Palak Muchchal sang the best song of year (female wise) with Kaun tujhe (MS Dhoni the untold story), Jonita Gandhi was without a doubt the female singer of the year for being consistently so good and showing her versatility with 'Sau tarah ke' (Dishoom), 'Breakup song' (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) and 'Gilehriyaan' (Dangal),

It was nice to see a veteran like Sunidhi Chauhan back at her best, firstly in a duet in Tere liye (Fitoor) and then the heart-breaking solo 'Just go to hell dil' (Dear Zindagi). Meanwhile, Shreya Ghoshal had only one worth remembering track, 'Foolishq' (Ki & Ka).

Here's my list of top100 songs, as always reminding, preference is given to songs which I like to hear repeatedly, not the creative aspect of song.


TOP 100 Hindi Songs : 

1. Tere liye - fitoor


It was a track that slowly kept growing on me, and then never got tired of it. A fantastic romantic song composed by Amit Trivedi, sung by Jubin Nautiyal and Sunidhi Chauhan. Jubin has a great voice for romantic songs (if you listen Kaabil songs, you can notice it) and the kind of uplift he gives to the lyrics penned by Swanand kirkire, that already talk about a certain unconditional love is really commendable. Also, lovely to see Sunidhi in a romantic song. I obviously love the entire song, but the the final min of the song is magical when there's a silence and later Jubin's lines 'jo main kehta hoon', makes a stronger impact almost like wanting to tell the other person how much I love you despite not getting the love back. My most heartfelt romantic track of the last year!
yeh ulfat hai ya koi nasha hai, jise choona chaahe tu woh dhuan hai 


2. Ae dil hai mushkil - ae dil hai mushkil


A heart-break song that talks about one-sided mad love and loneliness. Amitabh Bhattacharya lyrics are just too good, can't remember last song that portayed the feelings of one sided love so beautifully. Easily Arijit's best track of the year, his voice always suits romantic songs that have a pain backdrop (as Khatana bhai said once, dard chahiye awaaz mein to be loved). Once again, the final stanza gets extra love from me, both for the lyrics that tries to say that it doesn't matter whether you care for me or love me because I will keep loving you, and Arijit's rendition brings that feeling very well. Another great addition to the never-ending melodies that Pritam keeps giving, this one would make to top10 of many people I guess.
maana ke teri maujoodgi se yeh zindgaani mehroom hai, jeene ka koi dooja tareeka na mere dil ko maloom hai


3. Dangal - dangal


Dangal may not have surpassed Chak de India as a film, but I certainly prefer dangal's title track anyday over chak de. Sung brilliantly by Daler Mehndi and lyrics penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya, dangal is a superb motivational track that one can apply on themselves even if you don't belong to a sports field, urging you towards your dreams/goals. Daler Mehndi is perfect choice for this track that required powerful voice, and also notice good use of chorus (my guess is its nooran sisters) at some places in the song. Dangal is a very good addition to Pritam's biography that mostly consists of romantic melodies as composer, a song he can be proud of as most likely it will be played a lot in future years at many events. 
thos majboot bharosa apne sapno pe karna, jitne muh utni baatein gaur kitno pe karna



4. Qatl e aam - raman raghav 2.0


I prefer this version over the unplugged one more for the environment composer Ram Sampath sets this one in. We have singer Sona Mohapatra singing a melody with an electric backdrop having a discotheque feel in the beats. There's a sense of madness in the way the male singer Yash Divecha reacts to female vocals with 'qatl le, qatl le' as if only those words mattered to him and her rest stanza didn't. Also the 'tak dhin dha' bit before last antara is very well done. Lovely lyrics from Varun Grover, and Sona's best song since 'Ambarsariya' (Fukrey). Qatl e aam is damn addictive track, you won't stop listening to it once you listen it.
hai ghaneemat dil yeh patthar ho chuka tamaam hai, aapki aankhon mein varna aaj qatl e aam hai


5. Kaun tujhe - ms dhoni the untold story



There's something special about Palak Muchhal voice when it comes to romantic songs (like was during Aashiqui2), the same song if Shreya sang I would have found it listenable but nothing memorable. But Palak gives the song a lot more with her voice, and if the composition is very good which is the case here by Amaal Malik then you are in for a brilliant track. Kaun Tujhe is a solo female love track, very minimal arrangements like a typical Amaal track and simple yet appealing lyrics by Manoj Muntashir. Its a song that talks about how much the girl loves her lover, as Palak completely nails those feelings.
main tujhse hi chhup chhup kar, teri aankhein padhti hoon 


6. Bulleya (amit) - ae dil hai mushkil 



Took time to love this song, because at first the visuals were somewhat similar to 'Saadda Haq', not the same angst, but the dejected look and feel was there. Bulleya is like a romantic lighter version of Saadda Haq for me, less angst and more pleading of love/pain going in this song. Pritam and Amitabh Bhattacharya combine together towards a great composition, I specially love the bg that plays when Shilpa's part ends.  Special mention to the lines used in the end of song as additional vocals (only in film version, not album), 'bin tere main kya hoon, itna toh zaahir hai..mujhpe jo guzri hai chehre pe likha hai, chehra toh padhne mein tu bhi toh maahir hai'. There's a Arijit version of this song in deluxe album, but its Amit Mishra's rendition (used in film too) that works for me, really sang it well and worthy of a nomination at every award show, or for that matter a win too.
tere caravan mein shaamil hona chaahun, kamiyaan taraash ke main kaabil hona chaahun



7. Salamat - sarbjit 


Romantic songs with simple arrangements in composition, letting vocals do the main job and having a melody tune throughout are the best songs for me. Salamat comes in that category, and the fact that despite Tulsi Kumar (extremely irritating for me) being the female singer, the song's impact stays the same. Arijit Singh once again is terrific in his rendition, and Amaal Malik again has a composition that makes you hit the repeat button. Beautiful lyrics penned by Rashmi Virag that talks of a lifelong love. Unless you belong to the category who loves only selective Arijit songs, you would definately find Salamat worthy of a top10 position.
chaahe main rahun jahaan mein, chaahe main na rahun.. tere mere pyaar ki umar salamat rahe


8. Bol do na zara - azhar


Amaal Malik has a thing with romantic melodies, few years back it was emraan-esha single video, then the 'main hoon hero' from Hero. 'Bol do na zara' falls in the same league, with a difference that it outdoes all his previous songs. Lyrics penned down by Rashmi Virag are very good at places, but its Armaan's rendition that makes the song so much lovable. As long as I don't get a repetitive feeling in the compositions of his songs, I guess I will have more of his songs in top10 in future years. 
ik tumhe chahne ke alaava, aur kuch humse hoga nahi


9. Ji huzoori - ki & ka


A song where the lover is expressing his love and also demanding some level of understanding from his partner. Mithoon's composition and rendition is fantastic, but its Sayeed Qadri's lyrics that get more attention. Special mention to the background repeat of 'jee haan' which is well done throughout the song. Hardly a year goes by, when Mithoon doesn't give atleast one trippy romantic track..
kaise khush tujhe rakhu nahi pata, par chahta hoon tere labon pe hasi


10. Da da dasse - udta punjab 



Kanika Kapoor is famous for her item songs like 'Baby doll' and 'Chittiyaan kalaiyaan', but it was 'Chhil gaye Naina' where she really appealed to me. And with 'Da da dasse' she totally showcases her singing talent in what is easily her best song till date. Amit Trivedi's composition with a brilliant rap by Babu Haabi (honey singh and baadshah, you guys need to learn a lot) inserted beautifully that gives the song a slight haunting feel specially due to Shellee's lyrics.
kitte game khatam na ho jaave, main khud se hi ab lukta chhipta haan


11. Just go to hell dil - dear zindagi 



Slight familiarty in the starting tune with Aisha's 'lehren', but apart from that Sunidhi Chauhan excels and dominates this fantastic breakup song literally (not celebrating kind like the trend is these days). Kausar Munir's lyrics presents lots of pain one goes through after a breakup with the female here talking to herself and cursing herself. Composed by Amit Trivedi, who makes sure the song doesn't end one-dimensional as Sunidhi pitches in with angst towards the end perfectly. And I love the chorus that follows after that 'o roothe dil, roothe dil, roothe dil'. One of the best heart-break song last year, that you will just love.
deti hoon khudko main kharashein kyun nayi, koi mujhko mujhse hi bachaaye


12. Pashmina - fitoor 



The feelings one gets when you discover you have fallen in love with someone, the thought process and dreamy like mindset you suddenly have, all of this is beautifully taken in Pashmina by Amit Trivedi, who himself sings this solo track. We have seen Rahman sing some great romantic soulful tracks, while Pashmina may not quite be to that level, but Amit does a commendable work, hard to not fall in love with this track. And you gotta see the film version (not the promo video song that rather presented it in seductive dance moves) to see how well the song works.
khayalon mein yun, yeh guftagu.. chalti rahe.


13. Jag Ghoomeya (neha) - sultan



Rahat version maybe more famous due to those salman dance moves, but its Neha Bhasin's soulful rendition that makes this version better. Plus, you get a refreshing feel which is little missing in Rahat one as we have heard him sing such songs so often in past. Special mention to the lovely instrumental (don't know what it is) tune used after end of every stanza. Irshad Kamil has penned down beautiful romantic lyrics. Vishal Shekhar composes this track pretty much like a unplugged version (sort of, not completely), one of their best tracks since Dua (shanghai).
raaton ka sukoon bhi hai, subah ki azaan hai... chaahaton ki chaadaron mein, kare rakhwali tu


14. Chitta ve - udta punjab


Just like Da da dasse, Babu Haabi's rap is mindblowing here in Chitta Ve, as he takes you into the madness of this rock track. The proceedings however are calmed down when Shahid Mallya and Bhanu Pratap take the centre stage, and Amit Trivedi does this transition very effectively. Babu gets another rap later in the song, however the followup to it this time around is weak, and its the only reason why I couldn't fully love this song. Still Chitta ve has enough going in it that can make you go trippy on it, something you would expect from a drug based track, and Shellee lyrics does full justice to that.
mujhe gyan na pilana, main hoon antaryami.. tum hari gun gao, main paidaishi harami


15. Ranga re (english) - fitoor



Superbly sung by Caralisa Monteiro in english, supported well by Amit Trivedi singing the final part in hindi. Ranga re is a romantic track composed with a seductive feeling right throughout, and Swanand Kirkire lyrics helps too. I always like to listen this track, rather than the complete hindi version by Sunidhi Chauhan. Somehow Caralisa brings a lot extra factor to the song and the english lyrics makes it more lovable and the amaze feels.
I feel you burning inside of me, leaving me in this misery.. give me a sign that you are mine


16. Kyun re - te3n 


A song on love and loss of a dear one, composed and sung by Clinton Cerejo. He uses minimal arrangements mainly guitar and lets the vocals make Amitabh Bhattacharya lyrics bring in a deeper pain. Other version sung by Amitabh Bachchan is pretty good too, but listening to that the feeling of an elder person lost someone dear to him comes out lot more (which is the case for film). In Clinton's version, you can refer it to anyone who is no longer in your life, whom you miss and wish somehow returned back. Pretty sad track!
ghar ka woh kona tera, soona bichona tera.. teri gair maujoodgi mein bhi lage hona tera


17. Jab tak - ms dhoni the untold story 


The starting 10 secs of soft instrumental is one major reason why I prefer this one lot more over redux version, and other reason is the lyrics by Manoj Muntashir that are slightly better here. In a way, Jab tak can be termed as male version of 'Kaun tujhe' though its not as excellent as that one was. Wish they had kept 2 antara's in the song, rather than having 2 versions with 1 antara. Amaal Malik in his routine manner still successfully does enough to make you love this song both by his vocals and simple composition, kind of melodies he has made a name in by now.
jab tak teri lehar mein, khawaaishein meri beh na le.. haan mere paas tum raho, jaane ki baat na karo


18. Kar gayi chull - kapoor & sons


Recreation of Badshah's own song 'Chull', I definately like this film version over that one (against the majority like always). Amaal Malik does good work as composers, main aspects of original are kept intact like the hook lines and tunes, but the added female part with vocals by Sukriti Kakkar and Neha Kakkar makes Kar Gayi Chull even more worthy of shaking a leg to. One of best dance tracks of the year, even with lyrics that may sound stupid, but these kind of songs work that way only.  The starting 7 sec tune used a lot later too, and 'larki beautiful' phrase definately main highlights of the song.
kya naache tu dilli, hile hai london.. matak matak jaise raveena tandon


19. Haanikaarak bapu - dangal 



A super fun song, with some very witty lines written by Amitabh Bhattacharya and the debut of kids Sarwar Khan and Sartaz Khan Barna in singing is brilliant as they completely nail it. Last time a kid singer was impressive in debut was Durga in 'Chi cha ledar' (Gangs of Wasseypur 2), unless I am forgetting any other track. Its a very unlike Pritam song, and the fact that it worked so well, should do the composer a lot good. It will be a song that school kids specially will associate a lot more if they have a dad who is strict towards them.
sote jagte chooth rahi hai, aaansoo ki pichkaari.. phir bhi khush na hua mogambo, hum tere balihari


20. Bolo har har - shivaay 



A very messy track that has too much going in it, and it took a while before I started to like it. Its one of those rare songs where Badshah rap gives the song a lift and takes to a very trippy mode. Mithoon's composition starts with soft vocals of Mohit Chauhan (who is as always brilliant in his rendition), and then all the electronica enters but my fav part is how the various shloks of shiva are inserted, specially love 'nagendra haraya trilochanaya' one. Wonder why Sukhwinder Singh was limited to just 'toh bolo har har har' verse in song, when he could had made even bigger impact in this kinda of song with his powerful voice. Special mention to the guitar riff used in middle of song that I like a lot. I think down the years, I would still be listening to this song despite the flaws.
aankh moond kar dekh raha hai, saath samay ke khel raha hai


21. Hota hai - mirzya


Don't think I have liked any folk song before, always a first as 'Hota Hai' is pretty good for the way its composed. Nooran sisters gets the lead for most of the song and they expectedly are marvellous, there's something special about how well they both sync while singing. Its a song that describes the hardships of love. There's Akhtar Channal rendition before start of both antara's, that sounds good despite not able to understand the meaning (don't know name of the language). Post 3.25 mins, the song is a complete bliss, firstly for Shankar Mahadevan vocals, then the ending with Daler Mehndi's 'O mirzya' words and the finishing background music.
hota hai aksar, chot kahin lagti hai jaakar.. zakhm kahin pe hota hai, ishq mein


22 . Cutiepie - ae dil hai mushkil 


Surprise! I like this song lot more than Channa mereya and breakup song. Cutiepie gives a vibe of Dev.D song, even the picturisation is similar to some extent. A fun track where the lead actor is actually going through deep pain but faking happiness outside. And then ofcourse those final 30 secs instrumental is unforgettable. Nakash Aziz  and Pardeep Singh Sran vocals completely suit the mood of the song, and like how Pritam uses punjabi lyrics through backup vocals.
boyfriend ki tujhe koi fikar nahi, pehli date pe kahe.. okay bye


23. Kya tujhe ab yeh dil bataaye - sanam re 


Now a bigger surprise! It is kinda of heavily melodramatic feel to it like those 90's songs and the lyrics by Manoj Muntashir are inconsistent specially that aansoo line and the last antara that I found ordinary. So it isn't in any way as awesome as Saajna and Judaai were, but still Falak Shabir's vocals makes this a very good listen for me. If you are not fond of routine sadistic tracks, which this one is, then it may not work for you at all.
kya tujhe ab yeh dil bataaye, tere bina kyun saans na aaye


24. Tuk tuk - sultan


By now you should know, how much I am fond of Nooran sisters. Another of their song in my list as they again sync together beautifully with a little dose of haryanvi accent, and this is Vishal Dadlani as composers at their experimental best. Tuk Tuk talks about the hardships of life but in a positive way, almost like inspiring to keep going by calling it 'meethi thaari zindagi'. Vishal's english rap is slightly off-track, works with visuals better, but Irshad Kamil lyrics don't divert from the motive of song so its a minor problem that can be ignored. Also, like the way song starts with male singer (don't know who it is) singing 'doorie dard milan hai masti'. My most loved song from Sultan after Jag Ghoomeya.
resham hai ya malmal hai, ya phir gehri daldal hai.. zindagi ya ra ra 


25. Teen gawah hai ishq ke - mirzya



I often end up thinking of Qayamat se Qayamat Tak song 'akele hai toh kya gham hai', when I listen Teen gawah. Both songs are quite apart though in lyrics, its just the kind of love felt in the songs and knowing the sad destiny the lovers will face sooner that makes me compare it. Composed by Shankar Ehsan Loy in a very light manner, and lyrics penned by Gulzar, its the vocals by Siddharth Mahadevan that gets the major attention in this song along with the chorus by the Salvation Singers. Totally love the background tunes used in the final 50 secs, very romantic. Except for the starting vocals which I assume were by Sain Zahoor, I very much liked this S-E-L melody.
khawaab tha, khawaab hai.. khawaab mein rehne do 



26 to 100 ----


26. Qatl e aam (unplugged) - raman raghav 2.0 
27. Gilehriyaan - dangal
28. Haminastu - fitoor
29. Channa mereya - ae dil hai mushkil 
30. Ae zindagi gale laga le (arijit) - dear zindagi 
31. The breakup song - ae dil hai mushkil
32. Haq hai - te3n 
33. Yeh fitoor mera - fitoor
34. Teri khair mangdi - baar baar dekho 
35. Ikk kudi (diljit) - udta punjab
36. Jag ghoomeya (rahat) - sultan
37. Nashe si chadh gayi - befikre
38. Kho gaye hum kahan - baar baar dekho
39. Kuch toh hai - do lafzon ki kahani
40. Aisa kyun maa - neerja
41. Rootha - te3n 
42. Sau tarah ke - dishoom
43. Sanam re - sanam re 
44. Taarefon se (ali) - dear zindagi 
45. Bolna - kapoor & sons
46. Ude dil befikre - befikre
47. Dhaakad (aamir) - dangal
48. Jabra fan - fan
49. Jab tak (redux) - ms dhoni the untold story
50. Darkhaast - shivaay 


51. Gehra ishq - neerja
52. Kuch din - kaabil 
53. Mera junoon - sarbjit 
54. Phir kabhi - ms dhoni the untold story
55. Jeete hai chal - neerja
56. Ek nadi thi - mirzya
57. Oye oye - azhar
58. Toh dishoom - dishoom
59. Grahan - te3n 
60. Kheech meri photo - sanam teri kasam 
61. Jagaa khunnas - saala khadoos
62. Rock the party - rocky handsome
63. Kaala chashma - baar baar dekho 
64. Lets break up - dear zindagi 
65. Kyun re (amitabh) - te3n 
66. Tu hi hai (ali) - dear zindagi 
67. Foolishq - ki & ka
68. Alizeh - ae dil hai mushkil 
69. Mehram - kahaani2 
70. Hone do batiyan - fitoor
71. Meherbaan - sarbjit 
72. Bulleya - sultan 
73. Tu hai - mohenjodaro
74. Paani ka raasta - raman raghav 2.0
75. Jeetne ke liye - azhar



76. Kaabil hoon (sad) - kaabil 
77. Tung lak - sarbjit
78. Tere naal ishqa - shivaay
79. Kuch der - traffic
80. Udja re - rock on 2
81. Kaari kaari - pink
82. Dum-a-dum - dhanak 
83. Raaz aankhein teri - raaz reboot 
84. Dariya - baar baar dekho
85. Besabriyaan - ms dhoni the untold story
86. Ud daa punjab - udta punjab 
87. Allah hu allah - sarbjit 
88. Baby ko bass pasand hai - sultan 
89. Love you zindagi - dear zindagi  
90. Re sultan - sultan
91. Saala khadoos - saala khadoos 
92. Rehnuma - rocky handsome 
93. Parwah nahin - ms dhoni the untold story
94. Woh jahaan - rock on 2 
95. Wajah tum ho (mithoon) - wajah tum ho 
96. Ishq mubarak - tum bin 2 
97. Hum mein tum mein jo tha - raaz reboot 
98. Sau aasmaan - baar baar dekho 
99. Saathi re - kapoor & sons 
100. Maths mein dabba gul - nil battey sannata

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Recap 2016 : Best Hindi Albums

It was a year dominated mainly by Amit Trivedi and Pritam. With 'Fitoor', Amit Trivedi once again exceled in pure romantic genre just like he did last time with 'Lootera', hope Imtiaz Ali works with him someday. Also, 'Dear Zindagi' and 'Udta Punjab' had trademark Amit Trivedi stamp over them with some memorable tracks. Pritam striked gold in later half of the year with 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and 'Dangal', such contrasting music they both had. Some of his songs in 'Dishoom' were catchy too. Who cares if he copies, I dont.

Shankar Ehsan Loy may not have lived upto the expectations for Rock On2 (frankly I found songs good enough to hear, just in comparison to 1st part it looks weak), but with 'Mirzya' they showed why they are still worth having expectations from.

While 'Befikre' didn't make my top10, with 'Akira' and 'Banjo' having mostly mediocre songs.. it was 'Sultan' where Vishal-Shekhar were impressive giving good variety of songs.

Both Sachin-Jigar duo and Sohail Sen had a not-so good year as their respective albums 'A Flying Jatt' and 'Happy Bhag Jayegi' had nothing much to like about.

AR Rahman seemed to be back in form with 'Tamasha' last to last year, but 'Mohenjodaro' failed to impress me at all. The wait for next awesome album from Rahman since 'Rockstar' continues.

Amaal Malik continued to rise, with not just his singing but his work as composer in 'Kapoor & Sons' , 'Azhar' and 'MSD The Untold Story' was very good. Maybe, in 2017 he would give that perfect album and make it to top3.

Other Notable Mentions would be Clinton Cerejo for his super music in 'Te3n', and likeable tracks in 'Kahaani2' also. There's Jasleen Royal whose songs in 'Baar Baar Dekho', 'Dear Zindagi' and 'Shivaay' were pretty good, only worry though is that she doesn't get repetitive as 'Kho gaye hum kahan (Baar baar dekho)' and 'Raatein (Shivaay)' had similar style of composing. And lastly, Ram Sampath for his music in 'Raman Raghav2', qatl e aam song had me on repeat mode for weeks.

'Shivaay', 'Befikre' and 'Raman Raghav2' just miss out... Here's my list, the order is based on the albums that have more songs I like to listen on repeat mode.


TOP 10 HINDI ALBUMS 

1. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 

When it comes to romantic genre, Pritam in past has given many great songs/albums who are as appealing today as it was then. 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' is easily among Pritam's top5 albums ever, and you knew it happening the day title song got released which is the best track from album sung by Arijit Singh describing the pain of one-sided love so well. Amitabh Bhattacharya who is the lyricist has combined well with Pritam as you feel the songs working completely, both the music and lyrics. 'Channa Mereya' of Arijit, I may not love, like most people do, but still find it a good track, specially the unplugged and reprise version in the movie. I didn't like 'Bulleya' initially but listening repeatedly, it grew on me and is not far away from title track now, Amit Mishra rendition has given it a nice pain-angst feel and could easily be referred as lighter romantic version of 'Saadda Haq'. Both 'Breakup song' and 'Cutiepie' are catchy dance tracks, I specially love Cutiepie tune and ofcourse the way it ends in the movie. 'Alizeh' is the only weak song in album, and the english part at end doesn't help, it still is a good song but in comparison to rest songs it fails. Special mention to the songs included in deluxe album, Shilpa Rao's 'Aaj jaane ki zidd' is super seductive track, one of rare occasions of old classic song re-done perfectly. Reprise version of 'Bulleya' sung by Arijit doesn't appeal to me one bit. Special mention to the old classics of Mohammad Rafi used in the film, my fav being 'an evening in paris' with Arijit vocals.
Favs - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Bulleya (amit version), Cutiepie


2. Fitoor 

Its surprising how a failed bad movie means the music must be forgotten and not praised even if it was awesome. That's how I felt when Fitoor was hardly in any awards nominations list. Even random people I see talk more about 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' or 'Udta Punjab' than 'Fitoor'. To be frank, Fitoor was very close to been no.1 in my list. Amit Trivedi after 'Lootera' gives another gem of album in the pure romantic genre, he should do this genre a lot more often . Title track 'yeh fitoor mera' by Arijit is very good and addictive, only complaint was it didn't have more antara stanzas which in movie is present but not in the audio album. 'Pashmina' is a beautiful song which Amit Trivedi sang himself, it was promoted through seductive dance moves in the video but in movie you could feel it lot more as the lyrics match-up with how the love is growing slowly. 'Haminastu' sung by Zeb Bangash is easily among best songs filmed on Kashmir, the music is really haunting and so are the lyrics, kudos to Swanand Kirkire. My song of the album however is 'Tere liye' sung fantastically by Jubin Nautiyal and Sunidhi Chauhan, its great to listen Sunidhi in romantic tracks something she doesn't do often, but its Jubin who owns the song, a soft romantic track that's hard to not love. Although Sunidhi has sung the hindi version of 'Ranga Re' very well, its the English version by Caralisa Monteiro that I love a lot more, deeply romantic and seductive in a way. I am fond of Nandini Srikar songs (dua, bhare naina, harjaiyaan etc) but 'Hone do Batiyan' was my least liked song in the album.
Favs - Tere liye, Pashmina, Ranga re (english)


3. Dangal

To see Pritam excel in this kind of album, really surprised me and its the same composer-lyricist combo i.e Pritam-Amitabh Bhattacharya at their best yet again. 'Haanikaarak bapu' sung by young Sarwar Khan is a hilarious father-daughter take that works as well without visuals too. 'Dhaakad' aamir version is way better than the raftaar one, and no wonder makers of movie realized it too by having it in movie.  Jonita Gandhi is soon reaching the league of Shilpa Rao kind of singers if she hasn't yet, i.e those female singers who you love to listen for their different voice and not typical like Shreya etc. Jonita's 'Gilehriyaan' tells how the habits of a person is changing whether to good or bad, and great reference is made with gilehri. 'Dangal' title track is one of best tracks of year, highly motivating and Daler Mehndi is perfect choice for this song. Arijit meanwhile fails to impress in 'Naina', the song works with movie though. Nooran sisters are very likeable yet again in their rendition of  the fun track 'Idiot Banna'.
Favs - Dangal, Haanikaarak bapu, Gilehriyaan


4. Te3N

Easily the most under-rated album of last year. Clinton Cerejo does a commendable work as composer making each of the 5 songs worth listening. Also, with Te3n, Amitabh Bhattacharya makes it three entries in top5 as lyricist. 'Kyun re' has two versions, one by Clinton and other by Amitabh Bachchan. Both with same lyrics and arrangements, while Amitabh one works better in relation to the movie story, I prefer Clinton more with the song talking of loss of someone very dear to you (grand-daughter in the movie), a good depressing track. Clinton's rendition of 'Haq hai' is a very motivational track that talks of hope and not giving up with excellent use of chorus. 'Rootha' has Benny Dayal and Divya Kumar who effectively talk about opposite of what 'Haq hai' did, which is feeling lost and tired with everyone. Bianca Gomes has few bengali lines too in the track. 'Grahan' has a rock feel to it, and great choice of Vishal Dadlani who fully nails the song that is combined tale of pain and angst.
Favs - Kyun re (clinton), Haq hai, Grahan


5. MS Dhoni The Untold Story

For music pundits or intellectuals, this would be just a routine average album. I am sure there will be many music lovers like me though who loved this album a lot, specially talking of the die hard romantics. Armaan Malik as composer is at his best in giving a complete good album. Usually seen Armaan sing soft romantic tracks, so was a surprise to listen him in 'Besabriyaan', a track that shows the routine of Dhoni from college to cricket practice, and very well written by Manoj Muntashir. 'Padhoge Likhoge' is a fun take on the everheard phrase of 'padhoge likhoge toh banoge nawaab' that works only with film else forgettable song. 'Parwah Nahin' is a missed opportunity by Armaan, lyrics have that angst and frustration feel and so does the singer Siddharth Basrur rendition but the composition doesn't really take off keeping the same tempo throughout. Its the trio of 'Kaun tujhe', 'Jab Tak' (both versions) and 'Phir kabhi' that is the major usp of this album. 'Phir kabhi' is a take on falling in love/just fallen in love and not caring about anything else feeling with Arijit vocals. While 'Jab tak' basically is a follow up to 'Phir kabhi' about someone who is deeply in love, with Armaan Malik vocals in the kind of song we are used to hear him and undoubtedly he is excellent. I like 'Jab tak' version slightly more than the redux one. 'Kaun tujhe' is the best melody you would had heard last year from a female singer, which is Palak Mucchhal here. Easily the best track from the album. The additional track 'Har gully mein dhoni hai' composed and sung by Rochak Kohli didn't work for me at all.
Favs - Kaun tujhe, Jab tak, Phir kabhi 


6. Dear Zindagi

This album is much better than 'English Vinglish' as Gauri Shinde worked with Amit Trivedi again. 'Tu hi hai' and 'Taarefon se', both beautiful soft melodies which I liked more in Ali Zafar's voice in movie, wish they kept it part of original album too. Vishal Dadlani's 'Lets break up' is a good listen too, a fun take on break-up pretty much like Ae dil's 'Breakup song'. Jasleen Royal's rendition to the light-hearted title track 'Love you zindagi' is good but its not kinda of track that I like to listen repeatedly. Its Sunidhi Chauhan who steals the limelight in the album with a terrific track 'Just go to hell dil' where music may remind of some older heart-breaking tracks composed by Amit Trivedi specially 'Lehrein' from Aisha. Its a song very well written by Kausar Munir that keeps shifting from painful heartbreak to angst and to total angst in the end followed with an emotionally touching chorus. Then there's two versions of famous song 'Ae zindagi gale laga le' re-done by Amit. Alia's version just never really works, as the composition comes out more like a remix version. But Arijit version is really good that has a slight rock feel, keeps original lyrics intact and makes sure the essence of the loved classic song stays.
Favs - Just go to hell dil, Ae zindagi gale laga le (arijit), Taarefon se


7. Sultan 

Always good when Vishal-Shekhar come up with a quality album like they do here with Sultan. Consisting of 7 original tracks and 2 different versions, there's a lot of variety both in terms of genre and singers here. Inspirational title track 'Sultan' is very well sung by the reliable Sukhwinder and Shadab supports well. But unlike Dangal, this song works better with visuals. There is a smaller version of this song called 'Rise of Sultan' sung by Shekhar which gives a vibe of someone trying to motivate himself back and again is brilliantly used in film. Best song comes in form of 'Jag Ghoomeya', which has 2 versions too, one by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and other by Neha Bhasin. Though I love both, I am slightly more inclined towards Neha version as it feels more fresh with her voice, an excellent romantic track. Mika's '440 volt' also much like the title track, is appealing only with the movie, otherwise quite ordinary track. Papon's 'Bulleya' is likeable for the Irshad Kamil lyrics more than the composition which I didn't really love. 'Baby ko bass pasand hai' is easily my guilty pleasure song of last year, it has that salman special stamp all over it which most of his movies usually have, but Vishal-Shekhar makes it quite a fun filled track with rendition by Vishal and Sharmali and added rap by as usual Badshah. 'Tuk Tuk' I personally love a lot, at times more than Jag Ghoomeya, as Nooran Sisters are amazing yet again, the english part is slightly off-track but luckily its only for some secs.'Sachi Muchi' is a nice light-hearted track by Mohit Chauhan and Harshdeep Kaur.
Favs - Tuk Tuk, Jag ghoomeya (neha), Baby ko bass pasand hai


8. Baar Baar Dekho

Its one of those rare albums, where I like each song, but none of them is worthy of calling gem. With 5 composers used for the six songs in album, often it results in just one or two that are good enough, luckily not the case here. Baadshah's recreated version of 'Kaala Chashma' is very catchy and despite his rap (which more often than not ruins songs) and new lines inserted for Neha Kakkar's part, the song works alright. 'Teri Khair Mangdi' is a good romantic song, specially love the line 'ik teri khair mangdi, main mangaan na kuch aur', wish it would had been more than just a good song though. Arko's 'Dariya' has very nice lyrics, but vocals kinda of spoiled the song for me. 'Sau Aasmaan' works mostly for Neeti Mohan's vocals, with lyrics and Armaan rendition not making much effect. Jasleen Kaur Royal both composed tracks 'Nachde ne Saare' and 'Kho gaye hum kahan' are lovely tracks, specially the latter that I like a lot. 'Aloo bade karare' is very well used in Nachde track, and also like the fun filled lyrics, a good punjabi flavour dance song. 'Kho gaye hum kahan' is composed in a very simple way with fewer musical arrangments, with soft vocals of both singers Jasleen and mainly Prateek Kuhad who is very likeable in this song.
Favs -  Teri khair mangdi, Kho gaye hum kahan, Kaala chashma


9. Udta Punjab 

And Amit Trivedi makes his 3rd entry with Udta Punjab. The kind of movie where you expect Amit Trivedi come up with interesting compositions, and so he does but partially. There are 2 versions of 'Ikk Kudi', while Shahid Mallya definately sings it much better, I prefer Diljit Dosanjh who brings a lot more feeling to it instead. Babu Haabi sets up perfect mood with his rap for 'Chitta Ve' with Shahid Mallya and Bhanu Pratap taking over the rest song very well. 'Da da dasse' is easily Kanika Kapoor's career best song (not babydoll or the hugely over-rated chittiyaan kalaiyaan) and Babu Haabi rap is once again so efficient here. Maybe something for Badshah to learn, how a rap can actually work for a song rather than spoil it. Shahid Mallya's 'Hass Nachle' didn't appeal to me, while Amit Trivedi's rendition to 'Vadiya' has a very heard before feeling to it. What disappointed me most however was the title track 'Udta punjab' as the catch line 'andar da kutta ajj kadiye' in the trailer raised expectations of a terrific song, but the song turns out to be very mediocre.
Favs - Da da dasse, Chitta ve, Ikk kudi (diljit)


10. Mirzya

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra films have always had great music, be it Aks, Rang De Basanti, Delhi6 or Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Mirzya doesn't quite fall in that league, mainly for the fact that the songs here are folk based including some classical tracks. And I am not really fond of this genre, yet the album has some songs that were simply too good to ignore. Comprising of 15 songs, out which 6 are background scores that are 30 sec pieces sung by Daler Mehndi and serve for a different narration style in film. Title track 'Mirzya' has its moments, sung by Daler Mehndi and various other singers but it fails to be a typical Daler Mehndi special plus found it loud too. 'Ek Nadi Thi' is beautifully sung by Mohan Kannan and Nooran sisters, and lovely lyrics by Gulzar. 'Hota Hai' is a fantastic track about what happens when falls in love with Nooran sisters dominating most of the song, I specially love it post 3 mins mark from Shankar Mahadevan lines 'kabhi kabhi yun bhi hota hai, dost bichad jaate hai' and the final 15 secs music is just too good. And another fav track is 'Teen gawah hai ishq ke', a sweet romantic song very well sung by Siddharth Mahadevan, except for the start of the song I liked this one fully. 'Chakora', 'Aave re hitchki', 'Doli re Doli' and 'Kaaga' were 4 tracks that ain't bad but just not my cuppa of tea. Special mention to the instrumental 'broken arrows', love the use of flute in it.
Favs - Hota hai, Teen gawah hai ishq ke, Ek nadi thi