The Top 10 Songs Of A.R.Rahman. Review on Ten Best Songs of A.R.Rahman

A.R.Rahman is a person who needs no introduction at all. He is the person who has revolutionized the entire Indian music industry. He is the Pied Piper who has captured the hearts of millions of people since he came into limelight with ‘Roja’ in 1992.

Rahman entered the Tamil music industry at the time when maestro Ilayaraja’s era was about to end. Although there were various comparisons made at that point between Rahman and Ilayaraja, both had their unique styles. If Ilayaraja is credited with the wide range use of  Western instruments, Rahman is credited to doing great fusion music playing Indian classical music using Western instruments.

Rahman has been continuously experimenting with all genres of music, be it classical, fusion, pop, reggae, Arabian, African and even Spanish. He has done it all and more. He is one of the true exponents of ‘World Music’ defying all the boundaries.

Rahman was the first musician from Bollywood to feature as Sony’s artist and his melodies for ‘Roja’ have been rated among the World’s ten best Movie soundtracks of all times. Rahman or ‘Mozart of Madras’ as he is often called has till today sold more than 100 million albums which is far greater than any other Artist. Rahman has also worked with International greats such as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Michael Jackson.

Inspite of all this praise and acclaim, he still remains down to earth and attributes all his success to the God Almighty. His great sense of spirituality makes his music serene, original and royal. Says Rahman, 'I wanted to go beyond the restrictions of language, religion and caste and music is really the only thing that allows you to do that. Besides, all the inspiration and all the good things to me come from God”.

Here are my top 10 listings of A.R.Rahman songs:

1. Vande Mataram(Title)- Vande Mataram

The song that instirred the spirit of freedom among the youths. I think this is one of the most difficult A.R.Rahman tracks to sing. But this is my personal favourite. All hats off to the genius.

2. Chinna Chinna Aasai - Roja

This song can be heard as many times as can be without getting bored. Such is the level of melody involved. Rahman has really used Minmini’s voice to perfection and the fisherman’s theme by Rahman is a beauty.

3. Ishq Bina – Taal

Again a melodious track sung in tandem by Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Sujatha and Anuradha Sriram. A track with great Qawwali influence and which this track a masterpiece.

4. Konjum Nilavu – Thiruda Thiruda

A great track with lots of western instruments going into it. One of the best creations of Rahman. A track that can set the whole stage on fire while performing. Anupama has really sung her heart out and has been able to pump in a rare energy into the song.

5. Anjali Anjali - Duet

I don’t know how many of you would agree, but I think this track is one of the most melodious compositions by Rahman. A track that pulsates the passion of love. S.P Balasubramaniam has really been able to get that feel right. Chitra too with her melodious voice has matched upto the expectations and altogether the result is ‘Magical’.

6. Ennavale - Kadhalan

The song that won Unnikrishnan the national Award. Again a very well executed love track. This track really takes you to the flights of fantasy. A great mix of Hindustani instruments to create that extra ambience.

7. O Ri Chori - Lagaan

The song that captures the love triangle existing in Lagaan. The fusion work done in the track is superb with both english and hindi vocals running in smooth harmony. Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan have sung the song exceptionally well and the English fillings by Vasundhara Das is brilliant. The best thing in the track is the clever use of instruments. Classical Indian percussions and Bass guitar have been used well and then violins have been used to provide that royal Western feel. Brilliant!

8. Bombay Theme - Bombay

A review without the mention of Bombay theme is incomplete. This is a great symphony composed by Rahman, a symphony that you can never get tired of hearing. A great composition and an unplugged rendering. A great combination of flute and violins. A theme which conveys peace. Peace in adversity. This track captures the essence of the people of India longing for lasting peace. The ending sad violin piece craves for peace and understanding. A remarkable track.

9. Chaiyya Chaiyya – Dil Se

A superb track sung by Sapna Awasthi and Sukhwinder Singh. This song proves why Rahman reigns. The sounds in the track are mesmerizing. You can’t imagine anyone creating such rare sounds other than Rahman. Rahman’s trumpcard Sivamani has provided such a boost to the track with his percussions that no other composer can be able to achieve. The complete moods of the train given on the percussions are simply mind blowing.

10. Yeh Jo Des - Swades

A track that gets the best out of Rahman. A track that conveys various moods such as separation and the heartbeat for something lost. A great track and rendered exceptionally well by Rahman. The backing vocals just provide the needed boost to the song.

CONCLUSION:

This list just comprises the top songs of A.R.Rahman as per my likes. I like all the songs of Rahman but these are some that are very close to my heart and which really captures the essence of A.R.Rahman what he really is. Please feel free to rate this review and send me your responses. I can be reached at soban_musicwiz@yahoo.com.