Kavya Janani U.'s Blog, page 16

U for Uyire Uyire (#AToZChallenge)

Yes, I have come to that evergreen romantic pathos of the 90s. One of Rahman’s path-breaking compositions. This mellifluous number actually shaped his career and added yet another dimension to music. Bombay finds a place in ‘1000 albums to hear before you die’ and this song is yet another proof that the album will forever remain in the list.

Unlike other experimental melodies, this song has a simple tune that blends harmoniously with the minimal orchestration. Rahman retains his vintage flute as usual (from the veteran flautist Naveen). Though the second interlude has the same tune as the first one, Rahman introduces a twist by indulging in some heavy violin, strings, and a soothing chorus. Hariharan’s voice perfectly captures the feelings of pain and longing. Nightingale Chitra’s voice is as sweet as ever. She makes us really feel the sorrow of the protagonist with her flawless rendition.

Vairamuthu never ceases to enthrall me with his heartrending lyrics. Here are some of my favourite lines,

“Naan karumpaarai pala thaandi vaeraaga vandhen

Kannalan mugam paarkave…

En kadungaaval pala thaandi kaatraaga vandhen

Kanna un kural ketkave…

Adada…Adada…Indru kanneerum thithikindradhe…”

Listen to this heart-melting composition here:

Other beautiful songs in U:

Udhaya Udhaya from Udhaya
Ulundhu Vithaikaiyile from Mudhalvan
Uppu Karuvaadu from Mudhalvan
Urvasi Urvasi from Kadhalan
Usilampatti Pennkutti from Gentleman
Usure Poguthey from Raavanan
Utharavu Indri from New
Uyirum Neeye from Pavithra

Happy Listening!

Love,

Kavya Janani.U

T for Taal Se Taal and other songs (#AToZChallenge)

Here’s a long list of Rahman’s numbers in T. Let me straightaway delve into the songs.

Taal Se Taal (Taal)

As I had already mentioned, Taal is a landmark album in Rahman’s career, despite facing criticism from music reviewers. This album is my personal favourite, since I can relate my life to most of the songs from it. Taal Se Taal is a number that can drench you in pure love. With a heartwarming tune, this song is a perfect listen on a rainy evening. Rahman weaves magic by indulging in some mellowed dholak beats, flute sections, violins, and water droplet sounds. Alka Yagnik’s maudlin voice flows like honey in the ears, while Udit Narayanan’s nasal tone complements well. The radiant female chorus is yet another beautiful aspect of this number. Anand Bakshi’s beautiful lines,

“Maana anjaan hai tu mere vaaste

Maana anjaan hoon main tere vaaste…

Main tujhko jaan loon

Tu mujhko jaan le…”

Listen to this number here:

Thaiyya Thaiyya (Uyire)

Well, I’ll reveal the truth now. I love Uyire songs more than Dil Se. Of course, both the albums are elegant. But, I intensely love the Tamil version. And this number is an out-of-the-world composition (just like Poongatrile). With its heavy percussion, Palghat Sriram’s soprano vocals, Sukhwinder Singh’s traditional voice, and Malgudi Shubha’s open-throated rendition, this number is one helluva experience. No wonder that this number found the 9th place in BBC World Service’s international poll ‘Top Ten Songs Of All The Time’. The music video gained a cult status as it was filmed on a moving train. Some meaningful lines from Vairamuthu’s poetry,

“Oru vaanavil irumurai varuvadhillai

Adhu vandhu pona oru suvadumillai

Oru thandavaalarayil thaandi pona

Kuyil paadi pona kural karaivadhillai…”

Listen to this thumping track here:

Thandiya Aatamum (Kadhalar Dhinam)

Yet another wonderful composition. Rahman displays his innovative prowess here. He weaves an out-and-out love song around the concept of Dhandiya (dance form of Gujarat) and peppers it with some brilliant string orchestration, energetic beats and honey-dipping flute sections. Unni Menon’s renders the pallavi with his classic voice, while M.G.Sreekumar croons with elan. But it is Kavita Krishnamurthy’s fruity rendition that stands out. Vaali’s lyrics have some quotable lines,

“Maiyai pola naanum kannil sera vendum

Poovai pola naanum undhan koondhal sera vendum

Kannil vaitha maiyum karaindhu poga koodum

Koondhal vaitha vanna poovum vaadi poga koodum…”

Listen to this song here:

Thaniye Thannanthaniye (Rhythm)

The relationship which I share with this song is deep.  It is one of the songs which influenced me while writing my baby ‘With love, forever’. That mesmerizing tune, scintillating interludes (violins, westernized chorus, soulful humming), the Sufi-esque feel and Shankar Mahadevan’s powerful voice – every little aspect of this number melts my heart. Vairamuthu has some poetic lines for everyone,

“October maadhathil andhi mazhai vaanathil

Vaanavillai rasithirundhen…

Andha nerathil yaarumillai dhoorathil ival mattum

Vaanavillai rasikka vandhaal…”

Listen to this beautiful song here:

Thirakaatha (En Swaasa Kaatre)

The enchanting violin in the prelude and interlude, the lilting piano notes, and the natural soundscape, coupled with the beautiful lyrics, A.R.Rahman’s ethereal humming, and the mesmerizing voices of Unni Krishnan and K.S.Chitra, make this number heavenly. You needn’t go on a forest trip to experience nature, just listen to this song. The perfect breezy listen for die-hard romantics.

Listen here:

Tu Muskura (Yuvvraaj)

A spellbinding old-school melody this is! Right from the first listen, I was damn addicted to this one. A melting cello section opens this number and it seamlessly flows throughout the song, giving it a effervescent feel. Alka Yagnik’s voice is alluring, while Javed Ali is passionate in his rendition. A special mention to his Hindustani aalaap towards the end of the song. It’s an excellent fusion and you’d never expect it placed there (that is Rahman for you!). Also, traces of another beautiful number from this album (Tu Meri Dost Hai) is played in parts here (mandolin and flute).

Listen to this heartwarming number:

Tum Saath Ho (Tamasha)

There’s no dearth of Rahman’s heartwarming melodies. This is yet another soul-stirring romantic number that is high on emotional content. It is Alka Yagnik at play, yet again. But she croons for Rahman after a long hiatus and her voice still remains unadulterated. Joining her is the sensational Arijit Singh who does a commendable job. Rahman’s vintage flute is present here too. And some scintillating grand piano notes. Irshad Kamil’s powerful lyrics have some good lines,

“Teri nazron mein hai tere sapne

Tere sapnon mein hai naarazi

Mujhe lagta hai ke

Baatein dil ki

Hoti lafzon ki dhokebaazi

Tum saath ho ya na ho

Kya fark hai

Bedard thi zindagi bedard hai

Agar tum saath ho…”

Listen to this song here:

Other songs in T:

Thanga Thamarai from Minsaara Kanavu
Tanha Tanha from Rangeela
Taxi Taxi from Sakkarakatti
Telephone Manipol from Indian
Tere Bina from Guru
Thalli Pogathey from Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada
Thathi Aaduthey from En Swaasa Kaatre
Thee Thee from Thiruda Thiruda
Theekuruvi from Kangalal Kaidhu Sei
Theera Ulaa from O Kadhal Kanmani
Thenmerku Paruvakaatru from Karuthamma
Thoda Thoda from Indira
Thom Karuvil from Star
Tu Bole from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Tu Hai from Mohenjo Daro
Tu Meri Dost Hai from Yuvvraaj
Tum Ho from Rockstar
Tum Ko from Rockstar
Tum Tak from Raanjhanaa

Happy Listening!

Love,

Kavya Janani.U

S for Sandhana Thendralai and other songs (#AtoZChallenge)

There are about 21 soul songs in this list. Barring a few, the other numbers are mellifluous ones. Gear up for some melodious Rahmania!

Sandhana Thendralai (Kandukondein Kandukondein)

This is an evergreen gem. The beauty of this number can never be overtaken by any other song of this genre. Composed with a mild Arabic flavour, this heartrending melody has Shankar Mahadevan yielding the megaphone. His powerful voice flows eloquently and he captures the emotions with ease. As usual, Rahman’s vintage flute and strings, along with some thumping beats, are at play in the interludes. Lyricist Vairamuthu has some beautiful lines to offer,

“Nee ondru solladi penne

Illai nindru kolladi kanne

Endhan vaazhkaiye undhan vizhi vizhumbil

Ennai thurathaathe uyir karaiyeradhe…”

Listen to the number here:

Swaasame Swaasame (Thenali)

You can experience the true essence of melody in this number. The different layers and contours of this number are filled with such minuscule musical delights that you can never stop listening to it. Having tinges of Hamirkalyani raga, the soul-stirring song has the ability to calm all the senses. Legendary singer S.P.B lends his golden voice amicably and Sadhana Sargam’s saccharine rendition turns addictive after a few listens. Rahman uses some Hindustani classical notes in the interludes (sitar, violin and strings). My favourite lines from Pa.Vijay’s love-filled lyrics,

“Nilavu illadha budhan graham naane

Muzhu nilavaaga ennudan serndhaai

Kizhakaga nee kidaithaai vidindhu vitteney…”

Give it a listen here:

Snehithane (Alaipayuthey)

Snehithane from Alaipayuthey is that song that would be remembered for centuries to come. Rahman once again uses a classical raga (Shringaar) and composes a scintillating melody. Different layers of violin notes intersperse in the interludes and create an enchanting atmosphere for the entire song. No wonder Sadhana Sargam won the Star Screen Award for the Hindi version of this song. She is yet another personification of nightingale. It is her passionate rendition that made this song popular among the die-hard romantics. How can I forget Srinivas’ opening in the prelude? Along with the ebullient chorus, he croons an addictive piece. My favourite lines from Vairamuthu’s poetry,

“Unnai alli eduthu ullangaiyil madithu

Kai kuttaiyil olithu kolven…

Velivarumbodhu vidudhalai seidhu

Vendum varam vaangi kolven…”

Listen to this evergreen song here:

Sonnaalum Ketpadhillai (Kaadhal Virus)

A melange of lilting flute, violin, strings and traditional chorus open this soulful semi-classical melody. The movie flopped at the box office as well as the album was heavily criticized. But only a true blue Rahmaniac would understand the intensified emotions present in this song. Rahman’s vintage instruments are used throughout the song, which would make us listen to the number repeatedly. Harini’s sangadhis are pitch-perfect and I wonder whether anyone else would have done justice to her part. Unni Krishnan is equally heartwarming to listen.

Listen to this classical duet here (kindly bear the bad picturization):

Sooha Saha (Highway)

I love Rahman’s effervescent lullabies (remember Azhagu Nilave from Pavithra?). This lullaby has a simplistic and soothing tune that can really put your stressed mind to sleep. Listening to Zeb Bangash croon with motherly love is pure bliss. Alia Bhatt joins her in the second charanam. Her innocent voice blends perfectly with the melting tune. Rahman keeps the instrumentation minimal. He just retains his signature flute to maintain the trance-like structure of the composition. Irshad Kamil’s poetic lyrics have some soulful lines,

“Jo bhi hai rookha sookha

Mann mein woh bolo toh

Kholon raahein baaton ki, baahein ho…

Listen to the berceuse here:

Saans Mein Teri (Jab Tak Hai Jaan)

Though this melody is simple and sweet, unlike Rahman’s experimental ones, I love it for the effervescent feel that it gives me during each listen. The Yash Chopra-ish tenor is difficult to miss, but Rahman cleverly covers it up with his vibrant string orchestration and a mind-blowing flute section in the first interlude. Mild piano notes are played throughout the number which keeps the tune grounded. And, of course, Shreya Ghoshal’s honey-dipping voice is the cherry here and Mohit Chauhan sways between various notes to complement her.

Listen to the number here:

Other beautiful songs in S:

Saanwariya Saanwariya from Swades
Saarattu Vandiyila from Kaatru Veliyidai
Sahana Saaral from Sivaji
Sandai Kozhi from Ayudha Ezhuthu
Sarigame from Boys
Santhipoma from Enakku 20 Unakku 18
Sarsaraiya from Mohenjo Daro
September Maadham from Alaipayuthey
Shakalaka Baby from Mudhalvan
Singa Nadai from Paidaiyappa
Senthamizh Naatu from Vandicholai Chinnrasu
Smiyiyayee from Kandukondein Kandukondein
Sollaiyo Solaikili from Alli Arjuna
Sonapareeya from Mariyaan
Sowkiyama Kanne from Sangamam

Happy Listening!

Love,

Kavya Janani.U

R for Rehna Tu (#AToZChallenge)

Some songs can be categorized as meditative. Rehna Tu from Delhi-6 falls under this category. It’s a trance-like love ballad that is mesmerizing as well as empowering. This number can suit a warm morning as well as a serene night.

Rahman’s effervescent tune has a reverberating effect, which calms the senses instantly. The bewitching instrumentation which includes mild Arabic flavours and some clean guitar strumming tug at the listener’s heartstrings. But it is Rahman’s jazzy voice that serves as an icing on the ornate cake. His honeyed voice interspersed with the charming tune and additional vocals of Benny Dayal & Tanvi Shah create a mystical aura.

A special mention to the refreshing Hindustani piece towards the end. Rahman has used a special instrument named continuum fingerboard which produced the serene classical notes. Prasoon Joshi’s meaningful lyrics have some lines that are pure soul curry for people in love. Here are my favourite lines,

“Tujhe badalna na chahoon

Ratti bhar bhi sanam

Bina sajawat, milawat

Na zyaada na hi kam

Tujhe chahoon, jaisa hai tu

Mujhe tere baarish mein bheegna hai ghul jaana hai…”

Love ballads are beautiful and this number is the epitome of them. Give it a listen here:

Other beautiful songs in R:

Raanjhanaa Hua from Raanjhanaa
Raanjha Raanjha from Raavan
Radha Kaise Na Jale from Lagaan
Ramta Jogi from Taal
Rang De from Thakshak
Rasaali from Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada
Rasika Rasika from Star
Roja Roja from Kaadhalar Dhinam

Happy Listening!

Love,

Kavya Janani.U

Q for Qawwalis of the Mozart (#AToZChallenge)

Since there are zero Rahman songs in the alphabet Q (yes, you heard that right), I didn’t know what to choose. I did some soul searching to find any song that might at least reflect the alphabet. That’s when I chanced upon the word Qawwali, a genre of music in which Rahman is a pro. A highly spiritual person, he has Sufi imbibed in him, to create such divine music. It is his compositions that made me believe that Sufism is a way of life, a wholesome experience that can fill the deepest recesses of the human soul.

Rahman has composed different types of qawwalis – complete devotional numbers in praise of Allah (Kun Faya Kun, Arziyan, Piya Haji Ali), religious hymns and Naat (Zikr, Maula Wa Sallim, Marhaba Ya Mustafa, Al Madad Maula), Sufi fusion (Piya Milenge), and love ballads (Mere Yaar Dila De, Jashn-e-Bahara, Tere Bina, Varaaga Nadhikara, Kadhalenum Thervezhudhi).

There’s also another section of qawwali called as manqabat, which is sung in praise of any Sufi saint. Here comes Rahman’s elegant and most cherished composition – Khwaja Mere Khwaja from Jodhaa Akbar, dedicated to saint Khwaja Moinudeen Chishti. Listening to this qawwali is pure bliss! A gentle harmonium opens the number and from there Rahman takes over with his velvety voice. His spectacular high-pitched rendition and utmost devotion stand out in the entire song. The whole ambiance of the track is soul-stirring and it can really enliven you.

Listen to this blessed composition here:

Happy Listening!

Love,

Kavya Janani.U

P for Poongatrile and other songs (#AToZChallenge)

The letter P has songs aplenty. I am choosing six songs. Here they go:

Poongatrile from (Uyire)

One of Rahman’s spellbinding compositions. This song is the epitome of poignancy. Poetic lyrics, Unni Menon’s effervescent voice, Swarnalatha’s heartrending cameo, and a combination of heavy violin and strings in the interludes make this number an uplifting listen. I can proudly say that this is that ONE SONG which I would tell when someone asks me what my foremost favourite of Rahman’s songs is. Vairamuthu’s moving lyrics,

“Uyirin thuli kaayum munne

En vizhi unnai kaanum kanne

En jeevan oyum munne ododi va…”

“Vaanam engum un bimbam

Aanaal kaiyil seravillai…

Kaatril engum un vaasam

Verum vaasam vaazhkai illai…”

Listen to this heart-touching composition here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUfZQqRjiCI

Piya Milenge (Raanjhanaa)

Yes! This is yet another song which acted as a catalyst while writing my baby ‘With love, forever’. This utterly meditative Sufi fusion number is peppered with Sukhwinder Singh’s divine rendition, KMMC Sufi Ensemble’s empowering chorus, and some religious hymns from Quran. Irshad Kamil’s heavenly lyrics make this number an absolute inspiration for many. Some beautiful lines,

“Paake khona khoke paana hota aaya re

Sang saathi sa hai vo toh vo hai saaya re”

“Nainon se na aisa kuch dekha jaata hai

Naina meecho toh vo sab dikh jaata hai”

Listen to this song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlHeJ7cWD38

Pudhu Vellai Mazhai (Roja)

The first ever romantic duet of Rahman. This will always remain a special song for all Rahmaniacs. The ambiance of this number introduced a new soundscape, thereby making Rahman establish a new dimension in music. Both Unni Menon and Sujatha Mohan croon with such passion that the delicate tune turns ambrosial. Rahman indulges in a mild cello, flute, and some strings in the interludes to pep up the romantic atmosphere. Of course, it is Vairamuthu’s wordplay that gives the song a completion.

Listen to this evergreen song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pyWZqbzcvk

Pachai Nirame (Alaipaayuthey)

This is a gem from the path-breaking soundtrack of Alaipaayuthey. Rahman introduces a relaxing effect in this song that it can actually calm your stressed mind. Composed in Kharaharapriya raga, this colour-based number has a soothing tune, rich orchestration (mild percussion, acoustic and synthesized guitar strumming, flute, and lilting piano notes in the background), the thumping ‘Sakhiye…’ humming and unconventional lyrics by Vairamuthu. Some beautiful lines,

“Kilaiyil kaanum kiliyin mooku

Vidalai pennin vettrilai naaku

Putham pudhidhaay ratha roja

Bhoomi thodadha pillaiyin paadham…

Ella sivappum unthan kovam…”

Give it a listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyjb_eINbbg

Pal Pal Hai Bhaari (Swades):

My choice maybe unusual, but this song is close to my heart. I listened to this during the most cherished period of my life and it will always remain to be my soul song. It is a highly situational religious number, where the epic Ramayana is staged as a play and Sita sings in the glory of Rama. Madhushree sings with such sweetness that we can listen to her repeatedly. She is amply supported by Vijay Prakash, who croons a cameo towards the end.

Listen to this devotional Rahman composition here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRWr8OsVyjA

Pyaar Ye Jaane Kaisa (Rangeela)

This mellifluous number from Rangeela has a poignant tune that is heartrending as well as pleasing. Crooned by the evergreen singers Suresh Wadekar and Kavita Krishnamoorthy, this song can move even a stone-hearted person. Melody oozes from every corner and Rahman enhances it with his vintage violin and strings in the interludes. Mehboob’s lyrics have some beautiful lines,

“Din toh guzarta hai jiske khayalon mein

Raatein guzarti hai uski hi yaadon mein…”

Listen to this song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbEVPe4vvk4

Other beautiful songs in P:

Pachakili Paadum from Karuthamma
Pachaikiligal Tholodu from Indian
Pappu Can’t Dance from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Parandhu Sella Va from O Kadhal Kanmani
Parkathey Parkathey from Gentleman
Patakha Guddi (both versions) from Highway
Pennala Pennala from Uzhavan
Pettai Rap from Kadhalan
Phir Se Ud Chala from Rockstar
Poo Pookum Osai from Minsaara Kanavu
Pookkale Sattru Oyivedungal from I
Poovukenna Pootu from Bombay
Poovukkul from Jeans
Poraale Ponnuthaayi from Karuthamma

Happy Listening!

Love,

Kavya Janani.U

O for Oru Deivam Thandha (#AToZChallenge)

Hi friends!

If I am missing out on any songs, remind me in the comments. Coz, I tend to miss a few numbers, if the list is long. Also, I might intentionally leave out some songs. They might be ‘soul-stirring’, ‘evergreen’, ‘splendid’ or whatever you’d like to call it, it must really have a connection with my soul to make it to this list.

N for Nadhiye Nadhiye and other songs (#AToZChallenge)

Happy week to all fellow #AToZChallenge participants! 13 alphabets have passed by and the spirit of the challenge has turned intense. So the alphabet ‘N’ commences part 2 of the challenge.

A.R.Rahman has an handful of compositions in N. Almost all the songs are smashing hits. I have chosen five numbers to drench you in some Rahmania.

Nadhiye Nadhiye (Rhythm)

Can there be a melody as mesmerizing as this? Rahman’s mellifluous tune is spontaneously rendered by Unni Menon. The interludes have a brilliant violin, strings, water droplets and piano section, amply supported by a vibrant chorus. Of course, who else can write such beautiful lyrics other than Vairamuthu? He poetically compares the river with women and punctuates the verses with ethereal metaphors.

“Kaathali arumai pirivil manaiviyin arumai maraivil

Neerin arumai arivaai kodaiyile

Vetkam vandhaal urayum viralgal thottaal urugum

Neerum pennum ondru vaadaiyile…”

Listen to this song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQXaZewuc8o

Narumugaiye (Iruvar)

Rahman’s classical songs have always been evergreen. And I can proudly quote that this number is the pinnacle of Rahman’s Carnatic outings. One can find an amalgamation of ragas Naatai and Maand. Unni Krishnan and Bombay Jayashree’s voices are a treat to classical music aficionados. And it’s Vairamuthu at play with words again. My favourite lines,

“Attrai thingal annilavil kottra poigai aadugaiyil

Ottrai paarvai paarthavanum neeya…”

Listen to this beautiful song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joJHN_VfY88

Newyork Nagaram (Sillunu Oru Kaadhal)

The first thing you notice in this number is the heavy acoustic guitar strums that blend well with the trance-like melody. Spellbinding is the only word I can use to describe this westernized mellifluous song that topped the charts for several weeks a decade ago. Rahman did a wonderful job of lending his voice to the number, for his velvety rendition will linger for a long time after the track has ended. Vaali’s love-filled verses have some quotable lines,

“Naatkurippil nooru dhadavai undhan peyarai ezhudhum en pena…

Ezhudhiyadhum erumbu moikka peyarum aanadhenna thena…”

Listen to this sensation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ofctN2-uJ4

Naane Varugiren (O Kaadhal Kanmani)

Another mind-blowing Carnatic fusion from the Mozart! Rahman involved some intense music-making to bring out this masterpiece. Fusing some lilting sitar notes with some upbeat westernized rhythm, he weaves magic that is purely soulful and Rahmanesque. But it is Shashaa Tirupathi’s show all the way. Her honeyed voice flows seamlessly along with the tune, with Sathya Prakash joining her in the fantastical interludes. Some eloquent verses from Vairamuthu’s lyrics,

“Ninaivugalai marakkiren

Nigazh kanamum marakkiren…

Idam porulai marakkiren

Edhu enadhu marakkiren…”

Listen to this number here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhyORM6li7E

Nallai Allai (Kaatru Veliyidai)

This recent number made to my list of addiction on the very first listen. Be it the minimal usage of instruments or Sathya Prakash’s deeply emotional voice, everything about this number attracted me. Rahman completes the composition with just a clean guitar strum and some mellowed beats. However, it is Chinmayi’s sweet humming that adds liveliness to the song. Once again, Vairamuthu wins my heart. My favourite lines,

“Oligalin thedal enbadhellam

Mounathil mudigindradhe…

Mounathin thedal enbadhellam

Nyaanathil mudigindradhe…

Naan unnai thedum velaiyile nee

Megam soodi odi vittaai…”

Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ixiq9ysnqos

Other soulful songs in N:

Naan Un from 24
Nadaan Parindhey from Rockstar
Nahin Saamne from Taal
Nenjamellam from Ayudha Ezhuthu
Nenje Ezhu from Mariyaan
Nenje Nenje from Ratchagan
Nenjinile from Uyire
Netru Illadha from Puthiya Mugam
Nila Kaigiradhu from Indhira
Nenjukulla from Kadal

Happy Listening!

Love,

Kavya Janani.U

 

Moon poetry

Hey folks!

Since I am concentrating on #AtoZChallenge, I am not updating this section regularly. But I’ll soon get back to the routine.

I love moon poems a lot. Here’s one of my own:

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Eagerly waiting for your comments.

M for Maargazhi Poove and other songs (#AToZChallenge)

Hello friends!

Hope I am quenching your thirst for Rahmania by recommending his evergreen numbers via this challenge. The alphabet M also has lots of songs in its list and I am gonna choose seven beautiful songs for today’s post. Here they go:

Maargazhi Poove (May Maadham)

Semi-classical melodies are Ragman’s strength. Beginning with a bird’s tweet, this song moves on to a catchy rhythm and a mesmerizing flute prelude (which imitates the Suprabadham). Raga Hindolam is prevalent throughout and Rahmania uses instruments like jalatharangam, bells, and jazz guitar to create a beautiful soundscape. Shoba Sankar’s voice is honey to the ears. Lyrics by Vairamuthu explain the feelings of a girl who needs to live a simple life along with nature.

Listen to this song here: https://youtu.be/Fme52RzRI-E

Malargal Kaettaen (O Kaadhal Kanmani)

As mentioned in the before paragraph, Rahman is an expert in composing classical melodies. This is a pure Carnatic based song that stirs your soul from the first listen. Chitra’s mellifluous voice seamlessly flows along with the ethereal tune. Get ready to listen to Rahman in a never heard before avatar. His sangadhis are pitch-perfect and we’d be left wondering why he doesn’t foray into classical singing. Some mellowed tabla beats and Ragman’s vintage flute make up the interludes. Vairamuthu’s lyrics are utterly poetic. My favourite verses,

“Kaattil tholaindhen vazhiyaai vandhanai

Irulil tholaindhen oliyaai vandhanai…

Edhanil tholaindhaal neeye varuvaai…”

Listen to this mesmerizing song here: https://youtu.be/fndcB3s5n9s

Malargale (Love Birds)

Yes, yes, the vintage flute is the hero, yet again. When a lilting flute section welcomes you, will you not patiently listen to the entire song? Rahman sways between an unplugged progression in the vocal sections and an upbeat rhythm in the interludes. Hariharan and Chitra croon the scintillating melody with elan. Some lines from Vairamuthu’s verses,

“Ninaikaatha neram illai kaadhal rathiye rathiye

Un peyarai sonnal podhum nindru vazhi vidum kaadhal nadhiye…”

Listen to this melody here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnccY-qroSk

Manmohini Morey (Yuvvraaj)

I am sure that only true blue Rahmaniacs would have listened to this underrated number. Yes, Rahman forays into classical music once again. It is Hindustani here. Also, it’s an interesting fusion which would surely entice die-hard classical lovers. The ebullient cello section in the interlude and the loopy ‘thom thom thana…’ chant in the background with synth beats provide a magnificent ambiance for the song. Vijay Prakash croons like a classical pro and his aalaap is a must-listen.

Listen to this song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38j8nQfbKcg

Masakali (Delhi-6)

Have you ever heard of a song that is both inspiring and stylish? I would strongly recommend this upbeat number for people who feel that nothing is going well in their life. Masakali not only boasts of varied musical nuances, it is also like an anthem for all youngsters. Accordion notes open the song and a soft percussion wafts to your ears. Then begins the contagious tune that drove the nation into a frenzy in 2009. Mohit Chauhan’s playful rendition peps up the folksy flavour of the number. Prasoon Joshi’s awe-inspiring lyrics contain some beautiful advice for woebegone people. My favourite lines,

“Tujhe kya gham

 Tera rishta gagan ki bansuri se hai

Pawan ki guftugu se hai

Sooraj ki roshani se hai

Udiyo na dariyo kar manmaani

Manmaani manmaani

Badiyo naa mudiyo kar naadani…”

Listen to this smashing song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS3lIQdKP-A

Mazhai Thuli (Sangamam)

Sangamam was a classically rich album and every number was a gem in it. My favourite is this thumping energetic track that can evoke various emotions in you. It is Hariharan’s powerful voice all the way with some vibrant nadaswaram sections in the prelude and interludes. Rahman experiments with various traditional instruments and the end product is just mind-blowing! M.S.Vishwanathan’s part in the second charanam is a tear-jerker. The most loved aspect of this number is the emotional and inspiring lyrics by Vairamuthu.

“Thanniyila meen azhudha karaikoru thagavalum varuvadhilla

Enakulla naan azhudha thudaikave enakoru naathi illa…”

“Kaatruku oaivenbadhedhu

Kalaikoru tholvi kidaiyadhu…Kidaiyadhu…”

Listen to this song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv-N6lM4Ek4

Munbe Vaa (Sillunu Oru Kaadhal)

I needn’t discuss much about this mesmerizing melody. It was and it is still a love anthem for many lovestruck youngsters. Right when melodies were getting stereotyped, this beautiful number arrived and saved the melody world. The much-loved honey-dipping string section in the prelude and interlude still brings goosebumps to all listeners. Of course, how can I forget Shreya Ghoshal and Naresh Iyer? A huge bow to them! And the naturally flowing chorus, too. A soulful lovey-dovey melody, a perfect listen on a rainy day. Some lines from love-filled poetry,

“Nilavidam vaadagai vaangi

Vizhi veetinil kudi vaikalamaa

Naam vaazhum veetukkul veraarum vandhaale thaguma…”

Listen to this song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFXGRjS8tEQ

Other beautiful numbers of M:

Maahi Ve from Highway
Maargazhi Thingal from Sangamam
Maduraikku Pogathadhi from Azhagiya Tamil Magan
Manasukkul Oru Puyal from Star
Mann Chandre from Connections
Mannipaaya from Vinnathaandi Varuvaaya
Marudhaani from Sakkarakatti
Matargashti from Tamasha
Mayiliragae from Ah Aah
Mettu Podu from Duet
Minnale from May Maadham
Minsaara Poove from Padaiyappa
Mona Gasolina from Lingaa
Moongil Thottam from Kadal
Mudhal Murai from Sangamam
Mukkala Mukkabala from Kadhalan