Melodies of 2015!

 Bollywood Music has changed a lot over last few years; EDM/club numbers have dominated the music industry with some non-sensical lyrics. 2015 revived the magic of melodies and offered various lyrically rich numbers that made peace with our soul although there was nothing groundbreaking stuff but still there were compositions which melted hearts.

Here is my list of some of the better songs to come out in 2015, not all compositions gathered the commercial success which they deserved but definitely these are worth a hear!

1. Bezubaan (Piku):  Composer, singer, lyricist - Anupam Roy - made his dignified debut in Bollywood with this soundtrack. This composition is not your usual commercial bollywood music albeit it's like a breezy sunset evening with a hot cup of tea and your thoughtful imaginative world, a slow build up that grows on you, something that gives your philosophical thought process wings. A special mention for the in-depth lyrics (Nange Paanv Daudi Aankhen Meri) and the gorgeous arrangements, especially when Sarod is heard at 01:53 and then goes solo from 03:50 to 04:30, what a gorgeous amalgamation of classical and western arrangements, pure musical bliss! 

2. Aayat (Bajirao Mastani): Remember 'Laal Ishq' from 'Ram-Leela', this composition takes that legacy one notch higher. It starts off (and ends too) on a ghazal'ish alaap with classical instruments in the backdrop elegantly arranged and orchestrated, Arijit Singh joins in and pierces your heart at first go, what with the interlude at 2 minutes with gorgeous tabla and Qawwali beautifully interwoven around a poetry that justifies that Love needs no boundaries, no religion, no reason, in fact Love is a religion itself. I don't remember any composition in a long time that kept me on loop like this gem from Bhansali!

3. Agar Tum Saath Ho (Tamasha): As a soundtrack 'Tamasha' was not at par with A.R.Rahman and Imtiaz Ali previous ventures but the songs justified the Director's vision. This composition takes your breath away with the innocent charm that it carries, the extraordinary overlapping effect where the renditions of Arijit Singh goes at never heard before vocal level and an ultra low octave at the same time, quite innovative. This is one of those serene pieces from Rahman that is going to stuck in your heart and mind for long time.

4. Humnava (Hamari Adhuri Kahani ): Although the song lands in the familiar trademark territory of Mithoon but the presence of Papon imparts a refreshing aura where the melody captivates you and tugs at your heartstrings. Melodically intoxicating!

5. Jeena Jeena (Badlapur): Sachin-Jigar and Atif Aslam makes a deadly combination and hardly disappoints. Guitar strums dominates the song with some painful lyrics that makes you hit the 'Repeat' mode straightaway. 

6.Kinna Sona (Bhaag Johnny): Sung by Sunil Kamath, this is not the usual-melodious-Mithoon, in fact Mithoon revisits the old world Sufi charm with this one, the same magic that he unleashed with 'Maula Mere Maula' (Anwar-2007). Give this one a try; it will mesmerize your musical imagination!

7. Sapna Jahan (Brothers): An engaging melody with some terrific arrangements (especially the second interlude and the use of tabla), add to that magnetic charm of Sonu Nigam, sprinkle some sublime renditions by Neeti Mohan and some beautiful lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, there you have, a composition that leaves you in trance, that takes you through a journey where you discover the beautiful feeling of love, a feeling that is the most beautiful gift of God!

8. Moh Moh Ke Dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha): Anu Malik surprised everyone with this classical composition that rides high on Papon's pretentious singing (what a classically trained textured voice!) and some fabulous orchestra lead by flute and harmonium. What a spellbinding, peaceful work by all the artists!

9. Main Hoon Hu Hero Tera (Hero): Amaal Malik became a household name this year with several hits in his bag, if not for the melody, definitely Sooraj Dooba Hai (Roy) would have been on top of my list but this soft romantic number touches heart, be it the simple yet effective lyrics or saccharine filled vocals of Armaan Malik, everything creates a soothing aura that makes you feel the warmth of love.

10. Tu Hai Ki Nahi (Roy): This composition by Ankit Tiwari ruled the first quarter of 2015 with his trademark auto tuned lazy vocals, a soaring melody and some wonderful arrangements, not to forget the haunting whistle part.

As far as innovation is concerned Amit Trivedi’s ‘Bombay Velvet ’ was a killer of a jazzy soundtrack that quenched the listeners looking for something Hatke; also I loved how beautifully Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy orchestrated 'Girls Like To Swing' from 'Dil Dhadakne Do'. If I were to choose my best melodious heart touching soundtrack, it would be ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ where each and every composition was soul stirring and came with a strong repeat value. Sadly the movie bombed at the box office and as a result the soundtrack didn’t received the appreciation that it deserved. Anyways, let’s see what’s the trend of music in 2016 and what these magicians has in store for us.

The blogger is a music analyst at www.kiagia.com