Madras cover

Madras

Santhosh Narayanan · 2014

24 min · 7 tracks · film score

A vibrant fusion of traditional Indian sounds and contemporary film score elements, evoking the spirit of Chennai's bustling culture.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Naan Nee — This track features a gripping blend of emotional vocals and dynamic instrumentation, capturing the film's themes of love and conflict effectively.
  • →
    Madras — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, marrying traditional melodies with modern rhythms to create an anthem for the city.
  • →
    Kakidha Kappal — Infused with local cultural references, this piece stands out for its energetic beat and engaging arrangement that highlights Narayanan's versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album effectively fuses traditional and contemporary sounds, demonstrating strong composition and craft.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate recurring motifs that tie the themes together, enhancing the cohesiveness of the overall score.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short bursts of vibrant energy
  • invigorating themes for city life
  • playful soundscapes for exploration
  • cultural immersion in brief tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, cohesive albums
  • seek slow, introspective moments

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2014, Santhosh Narayanan was emerging as a prominent composer in Tamil cinema, following his notable work on films like 'Pizza' (2012). 'Madras' marked a significant step forward in his career, showcasing his ability to blend diverse musical styles and solidify his reputation in the film industry.
Stylistic neighbors
Ilaiyaraaja· Hans Zimmer· G. V. Prakash Kumar

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Suvar (theme music) 1:18
  • 2 Kaali Love (theme music) 1:52
  • 3 Kakidha Kappal 3:33
  • 4 Aagayam Theepidicha 3:50
  • 5 Naan Nee 4:13
  • 6 Madras 4:24
  • 7 Irandhidava 4:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata