Tune in to The Guide's playlist to discover new songs this week

Representation pic

Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani by Udit Narayan

Pics courtesy/Facebook, Youtube, @indianoceanmusic

With Shah Rukh Khan at his charming best, Udit Narayan at his peak, this song is a simple, honest admittance of the complex experience of being Indian. Thematic for the week.

Underdog by Alicia Keys

The world loves to fall in love with such titles, right? And so did this listener when the singing powerhouse released the track in 2020. We were all grappling amidst an unforgiving lockdown, and the world needed positive energy to heal. Keys worked her magic then, and continues to, each time we hit replay on this peppy track. Works wonders if you need an upper at the end of a tough week.

Bol Ke Lab Azaad Hain by Rashid Khan and Vidya Shah

As we gear up for Independence Day, this melody is a powerful Urdu revolutionary poem by Faiz Ahmed Faiz in Manto (2018). The song urges us to speak without fear, stand up against oppression and use our freedom of expression while we still have the voice to do so.

TAX by Yashraj

Mumbai-born rapper Yashraj returns to hip hop's roots as social commentary, channeling public frustration around the NEET paper leak protests while asking a question familiar to every taxpayer: where does our hard-earned money actually go? Couldn't have been more timely.

Des Mera by Indian Ocean

The perfect satire that still fits with the paradox that is India, this song epitomises the surreal ride that comes the way of every citizen in this democracy.