Top 5 Albums of 2007

2007 was a year with a wide variety of music released in Telugu cinema. A considerable shift was seen this year, with more peppy and westernized tunes being released and less and less traditional Telugu-like songs released. However, saying that doesn't mean some good albums weren't released last year. Anyway, lets cut to the chase, in my opinion these are the top 5 albums of the year 2007:

5. Dubai Seenu
Music Director: Mani Sharma
Lyrics: Ramajogaiah Sastry and Sahiti

This was an interesting album and gets into my top 5 because of its variety. Its really got
something for everyone, melody, a few peppy songs and a mass song. My favorites in this album were: Kanya Raasi (sung by Vijay Yesudas and Suchitra) which is soft melody with lilting interludes; as well Diwali Holi (sung by Deepu, Karunya and Kausalya) another melody. Overall all the songs are good and certainly none of them are too hard on the ears.

4. Munna
Music: Harris Jayaraj
Lyrics: Viswa, Kandikonda, Ananth Sriram, Bhaskarbhatla

An example of a movie that bombed but had excellent music. Harris Jayaraj gave some great tunes in the past for Tamil movies that were subsequently dubbed into Telugu. However, this is the first time he is composing music for a straight Telugu film. He did well, with one song that is going to remembered for a long time in Manasa (sung by Sadhana Sargam, Naresh Iyer, Krish and Haricharan). This album is mainly peppy and is targeted at the youths.

3. Shankar Dada Zindabad
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Lyrics: Devi Sri Prasad, Bhaskarabatla, Sahithi, Chandrabose, Suddala Ashok Teja

Although the film bombed at the box office the music was very well appreciated. Devi Sri once again does a good job. Favourite in this one is probably Good Morning Hyderabad (sung by Shakar Mahadevan), which a lively number with interesting lyrics from Devi Sri himself. The movie may not be remembered in years to come but the music will surely live on.

2. Happy Days
Music: Mickey J. Meyer
Lyrics: Vanamaali, Venkatesh Patvari, Veturi

The music in this film actually did not appeal to me straight away. But it has some infectious melodies that are slow poison. The two songs that definitely stand out are Arey Arey and O My Friend (both voiced by Karthik). The thing about these two songs are that they are very Telugu in nature.That may sound crazy, but almost all songs feature Hindi and English words. But these two are very limited in the use of foreign words. That's what makes them even better. Mikey J. Meyer has shown that he has great talent and potential. A great album to a very good movie.

1. Notebook
Music: Mickey J. Meyer
Lyrics: Vanamali and Veturi

What? Notebook? Never heard of it! Is that what you are thinking? Well if you have heard of it or heard the songs from it you will be sure to agree with me. Since the movie disappeared without a trace so did the music. But for those of you who haven't heard this album please do. It shows the true potential of Mickey J. Meyer. Although the number two album Happy Days made Mickey well known to everyone it is Notebook that encapsulates his true talent. Every song in this album is very good with meaningful lyrics and smooth interludes. It is hard to pick one song that stands out but I have to say the infectious and haunting melody Ee Gaali (sung by Nitya Santoshini) is probably the song of 2007. It is really unfortunate that this film didn't do that well but it makes it to the top of my list in 2007. If you haven't listened to it I highly encourage you to.

So that is my top 5, do you agree with me or not? Please leave comments, what are your top 5 albums of 2007?

P.S While we are on the subject of Notebook, I actually did get to see this movie on DVD. It is directed by Chandu of 10th Class-fame. It stars two debutants and is a tragic story which may be the reason it couldn't be received by the audience. But there are two things that stand out in this film. One of which I already made aware to you, the music. The other is the heroine, she seems to be really talented did full justice to her role. Her name is Gayatri and I hope we see a lot of her in films to come.

Anyway I will see you next time with my top films of 2007, stay tuned.