20 Must-Listen Soundtracks of A.R.Rahman for Beginners
Yes, I know this is weird. There CANNOT be someone called as ‘beginner’, when it comes to A.R.Rahman. Almost everyone would have listened to at least one soundtrack from this list. Yet there are few people who ping me asking for Rahman’s best soundtrack recommendations. And when I list the suggestions out, they move on to the next question. They require albums where each and every song is a gem. Okay, there are about 38 albums of Rahman, where each and every song is a cult classic. But then I thought that throwing 38 albums at the face of a beginner is too much. Yes, I am a hardcore Rahmaniac. But that doesn’t mean I should enforce beginners to become one. The process of becoming a Rahman devotee is gradual and it should happen naturally.
So, here are 20 albums that would lead you to your ‘Rahman Awakening’:
1. Roja (1992)
Well, this is mandatory. There’s no escape from this soundtrack. Just plug in the headphones and listen.
2. Bombay (1995)
Yet another highly recommended soundtrack. Variety is this album’s specialty. Sufi-esque Kannalane, mellifluous pathos Uyire Uyire, rustic folk Kuchi Kuchi Rakkamma, uber stylish Humma Humma, inspirational Poovukenna Poottu and what not!
3. Rangeela (1995)
Rahman’s groundbreaking soundtrack this is! He established himself in Bollywood and garnered much attention with this wonderful album.
4. Minsara Kanavu (1997)
This is one helluva soundtrack that can cater to listeners of all age groups. An enchanting mix of melodies and upbeat numbers.
P.S: I didn’t find a damn jukebox in YouTube. Anyway, here’s the link to the album: Minsara Kanavu
5. Dil Se / Uyire (1998)
A mesmerizing soundtrack in both the languages. If you wanna realize Rahman’s richness, this is the perfect album.
6. En Swaasa Kaatre (1999)
This is one of Rahman’s underrated soundtracks. Only a true-blue Rahman fan can appreciate the beauty of this soulful album. But I’d strongly recommend beginners to listen to this one right away.
7. Taal (1999)
I hope this soundtrack makes you awestruck as much as it made me. If you want to hear Rahman at his melodious best, this is the one to go for.
8. Sangamam (1999)
Rahman took a different route with this album. And the end product was a classical extravaganza. Just go for it!
9. Alaipayuthey (2000)
Touted to be Rahman’s best soundtrack ever (even by non-listeners). Only Rahman can encapsulate a couple of romantic melodies, a wedding song, a pathos, a peppy number, a dashing hero entry track, and a classical rehash into a single album.
10. Kandukondein Kandukondein (2000)
Another musically rich album. Dominated by melodies, this beautiful soundtrack is a must-have in your playlist.
11. Rhythm (2000)
The year 2000 was a revolutionary year for Rahman. After Alaipayuthey and Kandukondein Kandukondein, he was back with the utterly mellifluous album Rhythm. Listen to this and lose yourself in some good music.
12. Lagaan (2001)
A trademark soundtrack in Rahman’s career, Lagaan boosted Rahman to the top notch in Bollywood. Highly recommended for those who wanna listen to some rustic numbers.
13. Rang De Basanti (2006)
Energetic title track, inspirational Roobaroo, mellifluous Tu Bin Bataayein, heartrending Khoon Chala, soulful Luka Chuppi and much more. Just plug in and listen to some experimental music.
14. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008)
This one is an out-and-out urban soundtrack with some upbeat numbers to pep up your spirits. Perfect listen for the millennials.
15. Delhi – 6 (2009)
I have bragged about this album for a thousand times in my social media accounts. Though this one is entirely for hardcore fans, beginners can give it a listen for the sheer versatility of this soundtrack. Remember Masakali?
16. Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya (2010)
I don’t even need to mention this album. This is for all the hopeless romantics out there. Fall crazily in love after listening to this!
17. Raanjhanaa (2013)
Rahman unleashed his classical side once again in this soundtrack. Though you can revel in the classically inclined Tum Tak, Raanjhanaa Hua, Banarasiya, Piya Milenge, and Ay Sakhi, give a listen to Tu Mun Shudi, Aise Na Dekho, and Nazar Laaye as well.
18. Highway (2014)
One of Rahman’s experimental soundtracks of recent times. Highly underrated, yet highly recommended.
19. OK Kanmani (2015)
This is Alaipayuthey of the next decade. It was a runaway success among the youngsters. Why don’t you just give it a listen right away?
P.S: There’s no direct jukebox in YouTube. You can listen the songs here: OK Kanmani
20. Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada (2016)
From the high-on-energy Showkali to the semi-classical Rasaali to the meditative Avalum Naanum to the pathbreaking Thalli Pogathey to the scintillating Idhu Naal, this soundtrack is an experience.
Other must-listen albums:
Gentleman
Thiruda Thiruda
Duet
Indian
Jeans
Mudhalvan
Pukar
Kadhalar Dhinam
Boys
Kangalal Kaidhu Sei
Sillunu Oru Kadhal
Azhagiya Tamizh Magan
Jodhaa Akbar
Ada…A Way of Life
Rockstar
Jab Tak Hai Jaan
I (2015)
Tamasha
Listening to Rahman is an experience in itself. Grab the headphones and get submerged in some Rahmanism!
Love,
Kavya Janani.U
