Just when ilayaraaja started looking like he was goin to loose his sheen(which by th way, he has not) in stepped th MAN we all know, th MAN who made music like no1 else, th MAN who manages to remain humble despite all th praises showered upon him. AR RAHMAN became one of th best musicians in th world.
He started off with roja-many were tempted to write him off as a 1 film wonder, puthiya mugam came up next which proved every1 wrong, n then came gentleman, his position as numero uno was sealed.
In my opinion Maniretnam has been one of th few directors who hv done justice to Rahman. th picturisations were perfect, and rahman, scored th best songs for mani sir.Its a herculean task to list out 10 songs- no, i’ll make it 10 movies, lets get down to it.
*1. Vellai pookal and vidai kodu engal naade(KANNATHIL MUTTHAMITTAL).
* Listen to th songs and u’ll realise what arr-vairamuthu combination means, I dnt know if th words stirred me or th life th music gv th lyrics stirs me. truly mesmerising
*2. Malarodu malar and bombay theme(BOMBAY).
*bombay theme had flutes in it. and truly relaxing, nothin works better than sittin back listenin to this track after a long day and malarodu malar again had strong lyrics, without overpowering th lyrics, rahman gave a subtle hint of music, quickly building up to th chorus with bells and all. amazing
*3. Odakaara marimuthu, acham acham illai and nila kaigirathu(INDRA)
* odakaara maarimuthu had a happy feel and I believe arr used seerkazhi chidambaram beautifully in this pice. acham acham illai gives me goosebumps, th way sujatha’s voice builds up is awesome. and nila kaigirathu by hariharan is I believe one of arr-hariharans best job.
*4. Athangara marame and maanutu mandhaiyele(KIZHAKKU CHEEMAIYELE)
* One of arr’s 1st village style song, and ive been in love with this songs for ages. I havent watched th movie fully, n I dont think it was a hit, but th sound track was definately a steal. athangara marame set hearts fluttering, th girl waitin for her man and al th expectations and th joy he indulges in when she sees him. maanuthu mandhaiyele has th rustic feel of th village and spb enriched th song. gives u a feel.
*5. Minnale nee and madrasa suthi parka(MAY MAADHAM)
* Every1 loves minnale and im no different, its a sad song, and yet people love it, he’s got a magic. and madrasa suthi parka has th exact madras slang and noise and th music chages as she goes arnd madras, compimentin th area correctly-includes th red light area=)
6. Monalisa(MR.ROMEO)
Ar rahman’s music wasnt really appreciated in this movie, prabhu deva stole th show, but monalisa with th husky voices of m’sia vasudevan and nagoor md ali was hilarious and th violins used were beautiful.
*7. Uyirum neeye(PAVITHRA)
* It isnt a wonder how unnikrishnan won th national awrd for this piece. simply puts u to near tears, th slow pace with unni’s soulful voice. pheww.
*8. Kannukku mai and netru illatha(PUTHIYA MUGAM)
* th keyboard at the begining totally draws u into th song and netru illatha matram brings love easily to th song, sujatha once again.
*9. Thamizha thamizha and kadhal rojave(ROJA)
*Hariharan’s voice coupled with arr’s strong music, gives you goosebumps, gives you a sense of patriotism, no matter which country u belong to.
*10. Pennalla penalla and kaathu kaathu(UZHAVAN)
*Pennala sound very very romantic, and th twirls in th song really cranks up th mood and kaathu kaathu has a nice youthful feel.
and im breachin th number.
*11. Roobaroo and masti ki paath shaala(RANG DE BASANTHI)
*Naresh iyer is truly a discovery and the carefree music for both th songs, . terrific for th youngsters.
*12. Nazrein milana(JAANE TU YA J NA)
* once again, very very youthful, frenship lurks in th song
*13. Taxi taxi and elay nehram(SAKKARAKATTI)
* Taxi taxi has a western feel to it but so very india, how he manages to fuse them both, its still a wonder and after listenin to elay nehram twice, you’ll love th song(arr has that effect)
*14. Vande mataram, yeh jo desh(SWADES), senthamil naathu and chittirai nilavu(VANDICHOLAI CHINNARASU).
WELL, these are among th few songss of arr im nuts about, many more, but aint enuf time and space to describe my liking.*