The top Bollywood music albums of the modern era include Love Aaj Kal, Delhi-6, Udaan, I Hate Luv Storys, Rockstar, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Hasee Toh Phasee, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Gully Boy. Each one produced several hit songs that are still streamed and played at weddings, parties and road trips.
Hindi films are often criticised for formula plots, but their music rarely gets that complaint. Between 2009 and 2019, composers such as A. R. Rahman, Pritam, Amit Trivedi, Vishal-Shekhar and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy made albums that worked from the first track to the last. The list below is in order of release, followed by newer albums that continue the trend.
- The 10 albums at a glance
- 1. Love Aaj Kal (2009)
- 2. Delhi-6 (2009)
- 3. Udaan (2010)
- 4. I Hate Luv Storys (2010)
- 5. Rockstar (2011)
- 6. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
- 7. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
- 8. Hasee Toh Phasee (2014)
- 9. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
- 10. Gully Boy (2019)
- Newer albums that continue the trend
- Other notable mentions
- Frequently asked questions
The 10 albums at a glance
| Album | Year | Music | Lyrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Love Aaj Kal | 2009 | Pritam | Irshad Kamil |
| Delhi-6 | 2009 | A. R. Rahman | Prasoon Joshi |
| Udaan | 2010 | Amit Trivedi | Amitabh Bhattacharya |
| I Hate Luv Storys | 2010 | Vishal-Shekhar | Vishal Dadlani, Kumaar, Anvita Dutt |
| Rockstar | 2011 | A. R. Rahman | Irshad Kamil |
| Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara | 2011 | Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy | Javed Akhtar |
| Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani | 2013 | Pritam | Amitabh Bhattacharya, Kumaar |
| Hasee Toh Phasee | 2014 | Vishal-Shekhar | Amitabh Bhattacharya, Kumaar |
| Ae Dil Hai Mushkil | 2016 | Pritam | Amitabh Bhattacharya |
| Gully Boy | 2019 | Various artists | Various, including DIVINE and Naezy |
1. Love Aaj Kal (2009)
Imtiaz Ali’s film about love across two generations starred Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. Pritam’s songs, with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, balanced Punjabi energy with soft romance.
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Key tracks: Twist, Ajj Din Chadheya sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Main Kya Hoon, Aahun Aahun and Yeh Dooriyan by Mohit Chauhan.
2. Delhi-6 (2009)
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s film follows a young NRI who brings his grandmother back to Old Delhi. A. R. Rahman and Prasoon Joshi created an album full of the city’s sounds, from qawwali to folk.
Key tracks: Masakali, Genda Phool, Arziyan and Dil Gira Dafatan.
3. Udaan (2010)
Vikramaditya Motwane’s debut is about a teenager who returns home to a strict father after being expelled from boarding school. Amit Trivedi’s music was not built for the charts, but it captured the boy’s longing for freedom.
Key tracks: Aazaadiyan, Kahaani and Geet.
4. I Hate Luv Storys (2010)
Punit Malhotra’s rom-com with Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor was light on story but strong on music. Vishal-Shekhar delivered easy, melodic tracks that ruled radio that year.
Key tracks: Bin Tere, Sadka Kiya, Jab Mila Tu and Bahara.
5. Rockstar (2011)
Imtiaz Ali’s story of Janardhan, who becomes the troubled rock star Jordan, gave Ranbir Kapoor one of his best roles. A. R. Rahman’s soundtrack, mostly sung by Mohit Chauhan, moved from Sufi to rock.
Key tracks: Kun Faya Kun, Nadaan Parindey, Sadda Haq, Phir Se Ud Chala and Jo Bhi Main.
6. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Zoya Akhtar’s road trip film about three friends in Spain had an album that matched its holiday mood. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy composed the songs, and Javed Akhtar wrote the lyrics and the poems recited in the film.
Key tracks: Senorita, sung by Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol, Ik Junoon, Khaabon Ke Parindey and Dil Dhadakne Do.
7. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Ayan Mukerji’s film follows friends who meet on a Manali trek and reunite years later at a wedding. Pritam’s album had something for every occasion, which is why its songs still fill wedding playlists.
Key tracks: Badtameez Dil, Balam Pichkari, Kabira, Ilahi, Subhanallah and Dilliwaali Girlfriend.
8. Hasee Toh Phasee (2014)
Vinil Mathew’s romantic comedy starred Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra. Vishal-Shekhar’s soft, simple melodies gave the film much of its charm.
Key tracks: Zehnaseeb, Manchala, Ishq Bulaava, Drama Queen and Punjabi Wedding Song.
9. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
Karan Johar’s drama about one-sided love starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Pritam and Amitabh Bhattacharya’s songs, especially Channa Mereya, remain fixtures on heartbreak playlists.
Key tracks: Channa Mereya and the title song sung by Arijit Singh, Bulleya, The Breakup Song and Cutiepie.
10. Gully Boy (2019)
Zoya Akhtar’s film about Murad, a young rapper from Mumbai’s Dharavi, starred Ranveer Singh and Siddhant Chaturvedi. Its 18-song album was put together by music supervisor Ankur Tewari with about 54 contributors, including rappers DIVINE and Naezy.
The film was India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. Key tracks include Apna Time Aayega, Mere Gully Mein, Azadi and Asli Hip Hop.
Newer albums that continue the trend
- Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023): Pritam and Amitabh Bhattacharya gave Tum Kya Mile, What Jhumka? and Ve Kamleya.
- Saiyaara (2025): Mohit Suri’s romance used several composers, including Mithoon, Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah and Vishal Mishra. Critics praised the soundtrack, and the film grossed about Rs 579 crore worldwide.
Other notable mentions
- Shor in the City (2010), music by Sachin-Jigar and Harpreet.
- Dear Zindagi (2016), music by Amit Trivedi.
For more on Hindi films, visit our entertainment section, and for quick lists, try infotainment.
Further reading: Love Aaj Kal, Telegram.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best Bollywood album of the last 15 years?
There is no single answer, but Rockstar, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil are among the most praised and most played.
Who composed the music for Rockstar?
A. R. Rahman composed it, with lyrics by Irshad Kamil. Mohit Chauhan sang most of Ranbir Kapoor’s songs.
Who made the music of Gully Boy?
The album featured many independent artists, including DIVINE and Naezy, with Ankur Tewari as music supervisor.
Which recent Bollywood album was a big hit?
Saiyaara (2025) and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) are two recent albums with widely popular songs.
Sources: Wikipedia: Gully Boy, Wikipedia: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Wikipedia: Saiyaara.
