• RA One (T-Series)

Akon rendering for SRK’s Ra.One grabbed headlines even before the music was out. Followed by the leaked version of the track, Chammak Challo managed to created waves even as the movie failed to. Composed by Vishal-Shekhar, Ra.One had appealing tracks like Dildara by Shafqat Amanat Ali, Bhare Naina, Criminal and Raaftaarein. The album had all the elements of a commercial hit.

• The Dirty Picture (T-Series)

This biopic was a one song wonder! Bappi Lahiri got yet another reason to boost his popularity with Ooh La La becoming a massy song in the second half. With a steaming video of Vidya Balan to complement it, the track eclipsed the other tracks composed by Vishal-Shekhar. Quirky lyrics of the album in songs like Twinkle Twinkle and Honeymoon Ki Raat need special mention.

• Soundtrack (Saregama)

Indie musicians Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj from Midival Punditz came together with Karsh Kale to deliver an unconventional score. Music label Saregama’s baby based on the life of a DJ played by Rajeev Khandelwal, the album had indie artists like Papon, Anushka Manchanda, Suraj Jagan singing to the Punditz’s tunes. The composers managed to get best of both worlds in this experimental album.

• Shaitan (T-Series)

Composed by Ranjit Barot, Amar Mohile and Prashant Pillai, the album got in interesting arrangements new to the Hindi film world. Debutant composer Pillai got in techno, rock elements even going Telugu-ish in between for the track Baali. Shaitan was a welcome surprise with tracks like Nasha, Fareeda, O Yaara and Zindagi.

• Rockstar (T-series)

The entire nation was singing the anthem Sadda Haq and the team of Rockstar had a grand music launch with a live performance by A R Rahman and the singers. Harshdeep Kaur’s rendition of Katiyan Karoon got the girls swooning but somehow; Jo Bhi Main was the most heart touching track. Kun Faya Kun was highly soulful whereas Hawa Hawa became a hit a little later, nonetheless being the grooviest of all the songs in the film.

• Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (T-series)

The music was just as promising as everything else about this film. Senorita and Ik Junoon were hits in no time while Khwabon Ke Parindey won hearts when the film released. Simple and poignant, the SEL trio delivered something worth keeping forever.

• Delhi Belly (T-series)

Peppy, new-age and atypical is what one can call Ram Sampath’s compositions and he maintained the same with Delhi Belly. While eyebrows were raised with Bhaag D K Bose, it still became a youth-anthem of sorts. I hate you like I love you was as quirky as ever and so were Jaa Chudail, Switty and Nakkaddwaley Disco. Delhi Belly’s music was the trend setter for the year without a doubt.

• Murder 2 (T-series)

With Jacqueline grooving to Aa Zara rendered by Sunidhi Chauhan, it’s not a wonder that the song is still popular considering its sensuous appeal. Haale Dil and Phir Mohabbat had the usual appeal that most love songs have but yet, thanks to the mass appeal, they became hits.

• 7 Khoon Maaf (Sony Music)

Darling was unlike what we usually get to hear with Rekha Bharadwaj in another avatar altogether. However, other tracks like O Mama, Berkaraan and Tere Liye were not so well received. Yet, Darling managed to keep the curiosity and the fever alive for quite a long time.