Album: Mazhanritham

Music: Pradip Somasundaran

Mazhanritham

Label: Tejas Music

Remember Pradip Somasundaran who won the Lata Mangeshkar national award for the best male singer in Meri Awaz Suno, the first reality music show in Indian television?  Pradip has turned composer with this Malayalam music album. Director Sohan Lal (Orkkuka Vallappozhum fame) has penned the lyrics and actor Manoj K Jayan has sung a song in this album. The album’s center theme is rain and each of the nine songs depict the nava rasas of rain. Pradip proves himself to be a good composer and has produced some melodious numbers for this album.

Mazhayil Nin Mozhikal is the highlight of this album because it is the first complete song sung by cine actor Manoj K Jayan (son of veteran Carnatic musician Jayan who was a disciple of Chembai Bhagavathar) . Manoj has done a good job on this beautiful song. Pichiyum Kudamullayum, sung by Gayatri, is a treat and the singer’s mellifluous voice aptly supports the words.

Swayam Marannu Paadaamis sung by Pradip. The attention that this singer gives to every minute detail of the pronunciation and feel of each song is commendable. What jars in this song though is the background vocals that come in between the verses which seems a bit over done. Premamenna Kuyile is sung by Franco (chembakame fame) has a reggae-ish feel to it and Franco’s voice fits the song like a T Aadyaanuraagam is a duet by Pradip and Gayatri.

Mizhi Poykayil sung by Shahbaz Aman is my personal favorite from this album. Shabaz’s delicate voice and soulful singing make this song the pick of the lot. Paadum Poovum is sung by Pradip and composed in Mappila song style.The energy in Pradip’s voice makes this one a pleasure to listen to. Iniyennu Kaanumis another soulful duet by Pradip and Bhavyalakshmi. Bhavya’s distinct voice is notable in this song.