MY TOP 50 SONGS OF 2014

So after an unpardonable delay, here I am with my list of favorite songs of 2014. Thank god I put it up on my blog before 2015 ended.

If we look at entire albums, here are my favorite albums. These are albums whose all songs I love –

1.       Highway – This is vintage Rahman. Plus there is Imtiaz Ali to give you breathtaking Himachal along with the songs.

2.       Happy ending – Raj and Dk always manage to extract the best out of Sachin – Jigar. There is an unusual addictiveness in this album which makes it un-put-downable. Very versatile album.

3.       Queen – This is Amit Trivedi at his very best. Once again a very creative and lovely album. The best part of the album was it complemented the film very well. The songs fitted well in the film, never seeming forced or unnecessary.

As far as individual songs are concerned, here are my top 50 songs. The songs from 50 to 11 are in no particular order. But the top TEN songs are rated according to how much I loved them –

50. SUNO NA SANGEMARMAR (YOUNGISTAAN)

JEET GANGULI

ARIJIT SINGH

KAUSAR MUNIR

With the Taj Mahal in the backdrop, this one sees Arijit singh in top form. Everything in the song helps in making it a lovely romantic number.

49. DARD DILON KE (THE XPOSE)

MITHOON

MOHD. IRFAN

SAMEER ANJAAN

This is trademark Mithoon stuff, and his very dependable singer Mohd Irfan sings this one with utmost ease. The piano is an icing.

48. JOHNNY JOHNNY (ENTERTAINMENT)

SACHIN – JIGAR

JIGAR SARAIYA, PRIYA SARAIYA, MADHAV KRISHNAN

MAYUR PURI

Ever seen a nursery rhyme converted into a naughty song? Johhny johhny is a lyrical and musical piece which is addictive and immediately sets your face tapping. Everything about the song is nice, be it the lyrics, the music or the attitude. Sachin – Jigar nail this one!

47. MILEYA MILEYA (HAPPY ENDING)

SACHIN – JIGAR

REKHA BHARDWAJ, PRIYA ANDREWS, JIGAR SARAIYA

AMITABH BHATTACHARYA

Sachin – Jigar literally reintroduce Rekha Bhardwaj, this time in a romantic song, and the result is sheer magic. Together all three singers create a melody which is utmost soothing and addictive. This one will stay on my playlist for a long time!

46. TU HI HAI AASHIQUI (DISHKIYAOON)

PALAK MUCHHAL

ARIJIT SINGH, PALAK MUCHHAL

SANAMJIT TALWAR

Maybe the only known thing about this movie is this song. A quintessential romantic number, Arijit Singh teams up with Palak Muchhal who also composes it, and together they give us a beautiful song.

45. PALAT (MAIN TERA HERO)

SAJID – WAJID

ARIJIT SINGH

KAUSAR MUNIR

There was a time I used to despise Sajid – Wajid’s music. Things are gradually changing. Who could think they would rope in the king of romantic songs and create a fun song so good that it would be one of the catchiest songs of the year? The emphasis and stress put on the word “palat” is superb. Arijit Singh proves he is not just a romantic singer, but he can sing dhamaal songs with equal flamboyance.

44. SHUKR TERA (SAMRAT & CO.)

MITHOON

CHINMAYI, ARIJIT SINGH, MITHOON

Not much is known about this film, but it did feature this lovely and melodious song in two versions. Listen to it in the night on your headphones. You will love it. Chinmayi leads this song with both the male singers assisting her very well.

43. HEERA (HIGHWAY)

A.R RAHMAN

SHWETA PANDIT

IRSHAD KAMIL

Shweta Pandit’s superb rendition only further elevates the quality of this magical piece of music composed by Rahman. One of the best solo songs of the year.

42. DARBADAR (CITYLIGHTS)

JEET GANGULI

NEETI MOHAN

RASHMI SINGH

With a dark and haunting arrangement, Darbadar is very well sung by Neeti Mohan. While people know Citylights only for “Muskuraane ki wajah”, this one silently wins your hearts too.

41. JAISE MERA TU (HAPPY ENDING)

SACHIN – JIGAR

PRIYA SARAIYA, ARIJIT SINGH

AMITABH BHATTACHARYA

A simple song but well arranged and well sung, this one is one of those songs you would love to hear on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Watch out for Priya Saraiya – she’s superb.

40. ALLAH WAARIYAN (YAARIYAN)

ARKO PRAVO MUKHERJEE

SHAFQAT AMANAT ALI

IRSHAD KAMIL

Everything about this song points towards the 1990’s or the early 2000’s, when Nadeem Shravan used to rule the music industry. But Arko composes a very nostalgic yet excellent song with Shafqat doing full justice via the vocals.

39. ZIDDI DIL (MARY KOM)

SHASHI - SUMAN

VISHAL DADLANI

PRASHANT INGOLE

The purpose of this song is to inspire. And no one else but Vishal Dadlani can sing such a song. You can call it a mastery of sorts. There is this particular genre which Vishal excels in, and he completely lives up to the expectations. His scale is impeccable, and so is his voice quality. After a long time, I enjoyed a Vishal Dadlani song.

38. SAHIB (BHOOTNATH RETURNS)

RAM SAMPATH

RITURAJ

MUNNA DHIMAN

Sung by kid Rituraj, this one is a beautiful and touching song with some great lyrics by Munna Dhiman. Ram Sampath creates yet another slow and emotional song and wins us with brilliant melody.

 

37. FANNY RE (FINDING FANNY)

MATHIAS DUPLESSY

MUKHTIYAR ALI

With a goanese backdrop and an old fashioned singing style, this song fits in perfectly with the theme of the film. With the use of guitar, harmonica and very well sung by Mukhtiyar Ali, this one is a cute listen.

36. MANALI TRANCE (THE SHAUKEENS)

YO YO HONEY SINGH, NEHA KAKKAR

Yo Yo Honey Singh is the new Himesh Reshammiya, maybe a bit more sophisticated. One cannot deny the fact that he creates extremely addictive songs. Manali Trance is no different. This is how a club number should ideally be.  Full marks to Neha Kakkar – it is she who actually infuses the mood into the song.

35. CHAAR KADAM (PK)

SHANTANU MOITRA

SHAAN, SHREYA GHOSHAL

SWANAND KIRKIRE

There is this unique knack in Shantanu Moitra whenever he composes for Raju hirani. The songs seem plain mediocre on audio, but grow on you from all sides once the film releases. It happened in 3 idiots. It is repeated in PK. With a dreamy waltz rhythm, Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal sing this one beautifully, with the chorus aiding them effectively. I admit not to have liked the song too much when I heard it the first time. But I fell in love with it the moment I saw it picturized. After that, it just grew and grew.

34. BISMIL (HAIDER)

VISHAL BHARDWAJ

SUKHWINDER SINGH

GULZAR

Do I need to even write anything when Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar get together? Add to that, there is Sukhwinder Singh behind the mike. With wonderful lyrics which depict the entire gist of Haider in short, the real magic of this song is in watching it. With lovely choreography, this one is a visual treat along with it being an earworm.

33. BAARISH (YAARIYAN)

MITHOON

MOHD IRFAN, GAJENDRA VERMA

IRSHAD KAMIL

He is definitely getting repetitive, but he still manages to enthrall us. Mithoon gets Mohd Irfan & Gajendra Verma to sing this lilting melody, and they do a fab job. With some superb piano, this one is a must for the romantic ones.

32. BITUA (EKKEES TOPON KI SALAAMI)

RAM SAMPATH

MOHIT CHAUHAN

SANDEEP NATH

A lovely song from a lovely movie. Mohit chauhan sings this very touching song composed by Ram Sampath. A song talking about the father – son relationship, this one is another less known gem. What I would have loved is another version, maybe an unplugged one sung by Ram Sampath. He is pretty good at singing such songs. Satyamev Jayate was proof of that fact.

31. SAAIYAAN (GUNDAY)

SOHAIL SEN

SHAHID MALLYA

IRSHAD KAMIL

Shahid Mallya sings less these days. Here, he excels with his flawless vocals, as he sings this lovely piece composed by Sohail Sen. This was a highly underrated song, in my opinion. Wish it had gone places!

30. TUM CHAL DIYE (PIZZA)

SAURABH KALSI

ARJUN KANUNGO

SHASHANK KUNWAR / ABHISHEK KUMAR

This was another almost unknown song which deserved a lot of attention. With a gruff melodious voice, Arjun Kanungo sings this song brilliantly. The lyrics are too good. The line “Lamhe chavanni se khushiyaan atthani si” is one of the best lines I have heard recently. Way to go Saurabh Kalsi!

29. VAADA VAADA (KOCHADAIIYAAN)

A.R RAHMAN

KARTHIK

IRSHAD KAMIL

I haven’t listened to the tamil versions of the songs, but amongst the hindi songs, this one wins my heart. There is that distinct Rahman feel to the song which reminds me of Bombay, Roja and Dil se. a superlative tune sung brilliantly by Karthik, those shehnais give me goosebumps. The female version is good, but the male version is a class apart.

28. NAINA (KHOOBSURAT)

AMMAL MALIK

SONA MOHAPATRA, ANMOL MALIK

KUMAAR

A song added in the soundtrack after a few days, this song is composed by Ammal malik, the son of Daboo malik. This is the same Ammal Malik who has recently given us that rage of a song which we know as “Sooraj dooba hain yaaron”. A simple and serene melody, Sona Mohapatra aces this one. Backing her quite well is Ammal’s brother Anmol Malik (Saregamapa… Remember?)

One of the finest songs of Sona Mohapatra’s career!

27. MAALOOM (LEKAR HUM DEEWANA DIL)

A.R RAHMAN

HRIDAY GHATTANI, JONITA GANDHI

AMITABH BHATTACHARYA

This was an album that had the potential to become the next “Jaane tu ya jaane na”. sadly, the film let the songs down. Amongst the songs, Maaloom is easily the freshest and the best song. With a very peppy and lovely tune, Rahman extracts some solid stuff from his lead singers. Jonita Gandhi is awesome.

26. BAWLA SA SAPNA – THE CHILDREN COME TO SING (SHAADI KE SIDE EFFECTS)

PRITAM

DIVA

SWANAND KIRKIRE

This song appears in two versions – one by Mohit chauhan & the other by kid Diva. While Mohit’s version is sweetness personified and could be easily mistaken as the sequel to “Chatte Batte”, the children steal the show. What a soothing and mesmerizing song by Pritam!

25. PATAKHA GUDDI – BOTH VERSIONS (HIGHWAY)

NOORAN SISTERS

A.R RAHMAN

IRSHAD KAMIL

Right from the first second, this song is a winner. It is something only Rahman can do. Here he ropes in the Nooran sisters (tung tung) and they produce magic. This is one of the most complex songs of Rahman. There are three antaras and each one of them is different from the other two. Infact each antara could invidually be considered a different song. But trust Rahman to fuse it all together. He does it in the most smashing way!

If this wasn’t enough, Rahman sings a male version which is well, outstanding!

24. JUGNI (QUEEN)

AMIT TRIVEDI

AMITABH BHATTACHARYA

This is trademark Amit Trivedi. And then he even sings it. The way he slowly builds up the tempo is wonderful. The “Jugni” “Udi”chorus is awesome, and the “HOY” which follows both Jugni and Udi is even awesome. Add to that, the song is cleverly placed in the movie. All in all, it is a delightful listen as well as a watch.

23. RAAT BHAR (HEROPANTI)

SAJID – WAJID

ARIJIT SINGH, SHREYA GHOSHAL

KAUSAR MUNIR

I need to get myself checked by a doctor. If including one Sajid – Wajid song was not enough, here’s another one. And there’s one more coming as you scroll down. Coming back to Heropanti, Raat bhar is another club number, but this one is quite catchy and very well composed by the duo. They do a great thing by roping in Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal. Arijit sings this wonderfully. One of his best sung songs according to me. Kudos Sajid – Wajid!

22. SAUDEBAAZI (MARY KOM)

SHASHI – SUMAN

ARIJIT SINGH

PRASHANT INGOLE

Once again, We have Arijit Singh, and here he is even better. The credit largely goes to the splendid tune, with all its variations and instrumentations. Arijit is perfect.

21. YAHAAN VAHAAN (SHAADI KE SIDE EFFECTS)

PRITAM

FARHAN AKHTAR

SWANAND KIRKIRE

After a long time, Farhan Akhtar sings, and as always, I love his songs. A song which is tailor made for Farhan, it is Pritam who successfully extracts a really good performance from Farhan. The lovely guitar in the background only elevate the mood of the song.

20. TERE HOKE RAHENGE (RAJA NATWARLAL)

YUVAN SHANKAR RAJA

ARIJIT SINGH

IRSHAD KAMIL

This is Arijit’s second best song of the year. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s bollywood debut wasn’t as grand as expected, but he leaves no stone unturned as he composes a magnificent tune and gets Arijit Singh to sing it. Raja pushes the limit as he gives a fairly high scale to Arijit Singh to sing, but arijit manages and HOW!

19. TU KUJA (HIGHWAY)

A.R RAHMAN

SUNIDHI CHAUHAN

IRSHAD KAMIL

This is by far Sunidhi Chauhan’s best song in many years. What a brilliantly composed, sung & written song! The use of table and other background sounds combined with Sunidhi’s breathtaking voice combined with some equally breathtaking cinematography make this a superb song. And such flawless and versatile singing! Hats off! No one but Sunidhi and probably Rekha Bhardwaj can sing this one.

18. SAMJHAWAN (HUMPTY SHARMA KI DULHANIYA)

JAVED AHMAD, SHARIB & TOSHI SABRI

ARIJIT SINGH, SHREYA GHOSHAL

AHMAD ANEES, KUMAAR

Originally sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the hindi version is sung by Arijit Singh & Shreya Ghoshal. Not much needs to be said about this song which ruled the music charts for a long time. Sharib – Toshi add their small variations and they only make the song better. The beat of the song is very nice. Arijit and Shreya are as usual fantastic.

17. BANJAARA (EK VILLAIN)

MITHOON

MOHD IRFAN

This is again trademark Mithoon, but probably his best song in recent times. With hauntingly beautiful piano, Mohd Irfan gets his career best song as he owns every single note. The lyrics by Mithoon himself are beautiful. All in all, a song for somber moods, this one has a long life.

16. TERE BINA (HEROPANTI)

SAJID – WAJID

SHAFQAT AMANAT ALI

KAUSAR MUNIR

Sajid – Wajid’s best song this year comes in the form of a cute romantic track sung by the ever dependable Shafqat Amanat Ali. There is some really brilliant guitar coupled with Shafqat’s melodious song and Kausar Munir’s words. Overall, there is nothing extraordinary about this song but I love listening to it.

15. G PHAAD KE (HAPPY ENDING)

SACHIN – JIGAR

DIVYA KUMAR, SHEFALI ALVARES

ASHISH PANDIT

How do Sachin – Jigar do it? How do they create a song so bloody addictive that even the paralyzed would start dancing? There are dance songs, and then there is “G PHAAD KE”. This song is a class apart. Be it the super addictive beats, Divya Kumar’s flawless rendition, Govinda in the video, Ashish Pandit’s cunningly clever lyrics or Sachin – Jigar’s composition, everything about this song screams BLOCKBUSTER.

14. HAMDARD (EK VILLAIN)

MITHOON

ARIJIT SINGH

This is trademark Mohit Suri. And Mithoon remains consistent. For Arijit Singh, it is yet another romantic song of his innumerable ones this year. This one is tailor made for all those romantic couples out there in the twenties. A highly soothing and sugary song, this one is a delight to listen.

13. HUNGAMA HO GAYA (QUEEN)

LAXMIKANT – PYARELAL

ASHA BHONSLE, AMIT TRIVEDI

Now I know this isn’t a new song altogether, but it was IMPERATIVE to include this song on the list. This song is a work of genius. Literally. The impeccable mixing of the old song cues along with the newer ones by Amit Trivedi, the hilarious picturization, and the overall attitude of the song – it is a winner. All the way.

12. ZEHNASEEB (HASEE TOH PHASEE)

VISHAL – SHEKHAR

CHINMAYI, SHEKHAR RAVJIANI

AMITABH BHATTACHARYA

Why oh why do you sing so less Shekhar? The duo compose an ultra  romantic song here loaded with violins, lots of chorus and ofcourse two beautifully engaging voices in the form of Chinmayi and Shekhar. Chinmayi sounds so much fresh here that she makes your day. And Shekhar is as always bang on!

11. SOOHA SAAHA (HIGHWAY)

A.R RAHMAN

ZEB, ALIA BHATT

IRSHAD KAMIL

Ali Bhatt, you seriously rock! After a lovely unplugged version of Samjhawan, Alia along with Pakistani singer Zeb gives us a lullaby guaranteed to sooth your nerves. With some excellent instrumentation and a gorgeous tune by ARR and brilliantly penned by Irshad Kamil, this one will win your hearts in a jiffy.   

10. KHAMMA GHANI (HAPPY ENDING)

SACHIN – JIGAR

PAPON, SMITA, VIDHI

AMITABH BHATTACHARYA

Gujju boys compose a Rajasthani folk song, give it a western treatment and get an assamese to sing it – the result is one of the best songs of Sachin – jigar’s career. This is more of a sequel to Saibo, in terms of tune and melody. Papon rules, and so do the backing chorus voices.

9. KILL DIL (KILL DIL)

SHANKAR – EHSAAN – LOY

SONU NIGAM, SHANKAR MAHADEVAN

GULZAR

The moment I heard the beginning of the song, I knew this song would stay true to its film’s title – it would be designed to kill. And it didn’t at all turn out to be an exaggeration. First there is Gulzar reciting few lines. Then there is some meowing by the lead singers, and then there are Shankar – Ehsaan – Loy putting up a show so awesome that only they can do it. If that wasn’t enough, the two best singers of the country get together to sing this one. The outcome is something magnificently addictive.

8. ASHQ NA HO (HOLIDAY)

PRITAM

ARIJIT SINGH

IRSHAD KAMIL

Very rarely does someone come out of the theatre hall with tears of sadness in his / her eyes. Holiday manages to do that with this tearjerker of a song. Never ever in Hindi films have I seen such a fitting tribute to the Indian Army. Irshad Kamil’s expressive lyrics move us to the core. Arijit Singh infuses every bit of emotion in the song and Pritam composes one of the most beautiful tunes of his career, to give us a soldier song like never before.

7. MANCHALA (HASEE TOH PHASEE)

VISHAL – SHEKHAR

SHAFQAT AMANAT ALI, NUPUR PANT

AMITABH BHATTACHARYA

Unlike the other songs he sings, this one is sung differently by Shafqat Amanat Ali. With a sweet and lovely rhythm and some melodious notes, Vishal – Shekhar compose a lovely song and Shafqat does full justice to it. Nupur Pant makes a small cameo in the antara and she is apt. amitabh’s clever use of the word “Manchala” in two different ways is a work of genius.

6. KAHAAN HOON MAIN (HIGHWAY)

A.R RAHMAN

JONITA GANDHI

IRSHAD KAMIL

This song smells of Imtiaz Ali. Such is the picturizatio0n of the song that you can actually live through it. And dear Jonita Gandhi. Please give us more of such beauties. After 88 keys, please continue even in bollywood. I could listen to this song over and over again without getting bored. The moment I hear this song everytime, I suddenly feel the chilly air of Himachal Pradesh around me.

5. MAST MAGAN (2 STATES)

SHANKAR – EHSAAN – LOY

ARIJIT SINGH, CHINMAYI

AMITABH BHATTACHARYA

This song is a killer right from the very first second. Arijit Singh is simply fabulous. His voice quality, modulation and scale is perfect. Chinmayi too is brilliant. A typical SEL song laden with all the Indian masala, this one is a song which has gained popularity amongst all age groups.

4. MUSKURAANE (CITYLIGHTS)

JEET GANGULI

ARIJIT SINGH

RASHMI SINGH

What can be said about this song! It is indeed out of this world. What flawless singing by Arijit. Undoubtedly, this is his caree’s best song for me. Jeet Ganguli composes a mesmerizing tune and Rashmi Singh writes some superb lyrics. The levels of fame this song achieved only go to say the mass appeal of this song.

3. MAAHI VE (HIGHWAY)

A.R RAHMAN

IRSHAD KAMIL

Beginning with soft guitar notes, A.R Rahman totally floors you by his ultimate rendition of this song. Once again, there is that distinct Himachal wali feeling as soon as you listen to it. One of Rahman’s best solos in recent times, my only regret was it ended quite quickly. A song which puts me at ease every single time I hear it, this one is high quality stuff from ARR.

2. GALLIYAN (EK VILLAIN)

ANKIT TIWARI

After a smashing debut in Aashiqui 2, Ankit Tiwari goes two steps further to give us a lyrically, musically and vocally outstanding song. Addictive would be an understatement. There is something in this song which is irresistible.

1. ISHQ BULAAVA (HASEE TOH PHASEE)

VISHAL – SHEKHAR

SANAM PURI, SHIPRA GOYAL

AMITABH BHATTACHARYA

This one is a personal favorite. Right from the piano riffs, this song was “love at first hearing” for me. There is something special about this song. It could be the awesome composition. It could be sanam Puri’s superlative rendition. It could be the beautiful lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya. Whatever it is, all I know is this song will be above all the 49 songs I mentioned here, by a large margin. Be it the mesmerizing beginning or the excellent antara or the lovely interludes or the use of background instruments, Vishal – Shekhar give us one of their career best songs. I can listen to this song on and on and on and on….

SPECIAL MENTION – SACHIN – JIGAR (BE YAAR)

I have to mention this. My entire post is incomplete without mentioning this wonderful Gujarati album composed by Sachin – jigar. Those of you who haven’t heard it, kindly do it right now. Thank you Sachin – jigar for BE YAAR.