Dear ARR,
Not able to wish you a happy birthday this year - it must be a difficult coming to terms with the loss of your mother. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time . You have said she was the reason you chose to stay back in Chennai , to spend time with her when she was ill. You have never missed an opportunity to share how she stood by you in your interest to become a composer. May she rest in peace. God bless you and family.
Having taken solace in Rahman's incredible body of work, I turn back to reflect on some of the tracks that have given me comfort and support at times I needed it the most. This is "Chicken Soup for the Soul" if ARR were to write it his way.
Jaage Hain Der Tak: Guru
Lyrical beauty adds to the power of this stunning composition that straddles soft and rousing in the span of a few minutes. ARR's voice adds heft to the emotions.
Aahista Aahista: Swades
I have fallen asleep listening to this so many times. A lullaby in Udit Narayanan's lilting vocals, Aahista Aahista is deeply peaceful . Minimal instruments, full on power of voices and lyrics. Please watch Swades if you have'nt already.
It is sad Youtube does not have an official HD version of this. T Series - please restore to HD quality.
Phir se ud Chala Mein: MTV Unplugged version
And, I fly again...
I have said it before and will say it again - only ARR can take his track and make it better . Here he is, taking Phir se ud chala , changing its mood and arrangement - the result is more epic than the movie original. Mohit Chauhan had killed it in the original track from Rockstar. Pawandeep takes on vocal duties and springs a total surprise. Rahman joins in for backing vocals. The strings section, Ranjit Barot , Keba Jeremiah on the guitar and the whole band - perfection. Don't miss Ann Marie's violin action in the last minute.
Mann Chandre Nu : Connections
Every time I listen to this, it blows my mind a track can evoke such melancholy. A lesser known number from one Rahman's non filmi albums - Connections. Sukhwinder Singh showcases the full range of his voice; even the backing vocals are melancholic. While I do not understand a word of the Punjabi lyrics, there is no missing the emotions.
Dichotomy of Fame: Rockstar
Staying with melancholy, Dichotomy of Fame creates the most beautiful contrast between the Shehnai and the guitar. A short track that packs a punch. Also check Tango for Taj , another soulful instrumental from Rockstar - one of ARR's best albums in my opinion.
Tango for Taj: Rockstar
Cry Cry : Jhootha hi Sahi
An under-rated, relatively unknown gem - Cry Cry is like a warm hug when you are feeling blue. Immensely calming number that always a bring a smile at the end.
Kabhi Kabhi Aditi : Jaane tu ya Jaane Na
Staying with the same vibes as " Cry Cry" - Rashid Ali is the voice behind Kabhi Kabhi Aditi too.
The Horizon of Saudade: Dil Bechara
If Faith were to have a theme song, this would be a good fit:
Revival: Vande Mataram
Vande Mataram set to the most beautiful , tranquil music. One would imagine Vande Mataram be set to patriotic instrumentals. Rahman turns it on its head and forces you to feel joy and wonderment at the beauty of India.
While we are with Vande Mataram, shout out to " Only you", in Rahman's own voice. Vande Mataram was an album way ahead of its time.
Only You: Vande Mataram
Luka Chuppi: Rang De Basanti
This list would be incomplete without Luka Chuppi. I well-up in mixed emotions every single time I play this stunner. An other worldly experience .
Your mother is with you Rahman.
Peace and love.
Comments
Post a Comment