Heavy Rotation: A. R. Rahman (Part I)

A new series exploring some of the best compositions of Isai Puyal A. R. Rahman...

Poo Pookum Oosai (Minsara Kanavu) - A very exuberant and tuneful melody from Isai Puyal Rahman that brings so much joy just listening to it. A santhosha sangeetham indeed!

Thirakkadha/ Unborn Children (En Swasa Kaatre/ Million Dollar Arm) - Utterly mellifluous and evergreen, with pitch-perfect rendition from Unnikrishnan and Chithra.

Kannathil Muthamittal (Kannathil Muthamittal) - One of my all-time favourites, and P. Jayachandran's rendition is simply out-of-the-world.

Marghazhi Poove, En Mel Vizhunda (May Madham) - Speaking of Jayachandran, how can one not fall in love with En Mel Vizhunda? Shobha Shankar, for her part, mesmerises in the simple yet alluring Marghazhi Poove.

Netru Illadha Matram (Pudhiya Mugam) - Arresting and an instant classic, Sujatha's gorgeous vocals is an icing on the cake.

Nadhiye Nadhiye, Kaatre En Vasal, Thaniye, Anbae Idhu (Rhythm) - If there's one underrated A. R. Rahman soundtrack, it's this one. I do know that the songs are big hits, but listening to the whole album — based on the five elements water, air, earth, sky and fire — is an altogether unmatched musical experience.

Anarkali (Kangalal Kaidhu Sei) - Perhaps a little unsung gem from Rahman, but nevertheless a fantastic melody, and that tabla, wow!

Veerapandi Kotayyile, Thee Thee, Rasathi, Putham Pudhu Bhoomi, Kannum Kannum, Chandralekha (Thiruda Thiruda) - Genre-bending, imaginative and unconventional, that's what Thiruda Thiruda's music is. One of the most path-breaking soundtracks to hit Indian cinema.

Chaiyya Chaiyya, Dil Se Re, Jiya Jale (Nenjinile Nenjinile), E Ajnabi (Poongkaatrilae) (Dil Se../ Uyire) - Rahman's finest Hindi offering till date.

Malargaley (Love Birds), Kannamoochi Yenada, Yengae Enathu Kavithai (Kandukondain Kandukondain), Anjali Anjali (Duet), Kannalanae, Uyire Uyire (Bombay) - Doesn't the combination of Rahman and K. S. Chithra just rock? I have nothing else to say!

Pachchai Nirame, Endrendrum Punnagai, Kadhal Sadugudu, Snehithane Snehithane, Maangalyam, Yaro Yarodi, Alaipayuthey (Alaipayuthey) - Rahman's trifecta of romantic soundtracks - Alaipayuthey, Rhythm and Kandukondain Kandukondain are what ethereal stuff are made of. Absolute bliss!

Nee Thaan En Desiya Geetham (Paarthale Paravasam) - Oh God, how I love Balram Iyer's voice. Such an underrated singer. And the sufi touches are plain amazing!

Innisai (Chorus Version), Taal Se Taal (Western) - The uncanny structural similarity to the two songs notwithstanding, the array of diverse percussion instruments Rahman employs is simply outstanding. By the way, is that morsing in Taal... too? Love it, whatever it is!

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