Happy 55th Birthday ARR! Prayers for your good health and happiness, today and always..
Years ago, when Roja played in the theatres and the protagonist prances with gay abandon to "Chinna Chinna Aasai", an arresting "Yelelo Yele Yelelooo" appears mid way. That , was my induction to A R Rahman's voice. It is not uncommon for composers to sing, but ARR's voice is unique - mellow, mildly raspy at times ; deep and powerful in others. His vocal range is extraordinary. He selectively takes on the singer role, but when he does, he knocks it out of the park. Here are some favourites:
Patakha Guddi: Highway
What a track! Besides being a superb composition, if there is one song that captures how far ARR has come - through sheer talent and hard work, it is Patakha Guddi. A boy from Chennai makes his way as a composer, breaks into Bollywood successfully, is self taught in Hindi, Urdu and even sings here in what I assume is some Punjabi (?) A once camera shy reticent musician evolves to be more comfortable with it; years later, features in a full length music video and even attempts to dance in some some frames here! (fans will admit, shoulder shaking qualifies as dance in ARR world) So happy for him! While the Nooran sisters' version of Patakha Guddi is nice too, I turn to the ARR version. Always.
Khwaja mere Khwaja - Jodha Akbar
Khwaja ji puts me in a spiritual place. I find it deeply meditative. There is a sincerity in ARR's voice and palpable love. I like all his Sufi based songs - Kun Faya Kun, Arziyan ... but in this one and Piya Haji Ali , we get to hear him sing.
Mustafa Mustafa : Kadhal Desam
This song is a separate mood in itself. That opening, the bass, the hook that runs through the track and ARR's voice topping it all off. Most ARR concerts end with Mustafa Mustafa and everyone up on the chairs with flashlights on , swaying " Oooo..." , fully senti and teary eyed. At least I am .
Mannipaaya: VTV
Duet time now. Shreya Ghoshal + ARR. All seems fine in Mannipaaya till a point. You know, a girl singing " I regret I ignored you " , till ARR goes " Tholai dhoorathil Velichchchchchaaaammmm Neeeeeee" and throws you off your guard. Beautiful lyrics by Thamarai , btw.
கனவே தடுமாறி நடந்தேன்
நூலில் ஆடும் மழையாகிப் போனேன்
உன்னால்தான் கலைஞனாய் ஆனேனே
தொலை தூரத்தில் வெளிச்சம் நீ
உனை நோக்கியே எனை ஈர்க்கிறாயே
மேலும் மேலும் உருகி உருகி
உனை எண்ணி ஏங்கும்
இதயத்தை என்ன செய்வேன்
NewYork Nagaram: Sillunu Oru Kaadhal
Our man belts out ballads with equal panache. Newyork Nagaram is one of the rare solos inside a movie, that too in a lovelorn context - an area ARR does not tread much in, voice wise. Shout out to Vaali Sir's lyrics.
O Saya: Slumdog Millionaire
If they are giving an Oscar, I don't know how Jai Ho gets picked over O Saya or Mausam and Escape in Slumdog Millionaire. O Saya has gibberish sounding magical in ARR's voice. I am lost for words to describe how phenomenal this track is - the slow start, the pick up in pace akin to a train journey and ensuing chaos. The drums make your heart pound all the way through.
Ella pughazhum: Azhagiya Tamizh Magan
This is the kind of rousing track the late Mr.S P B would sing for a Rajnikanth opening song or in the middle of the movie where the superstar turns millionaire in the span of a single song. ARR sings for Vijay instead. Another Vaali + ARR combination. ( The best version I found on YT was this " tribute to Vijay" link )
Rehna tu: Delhi 6
Delhi 6 is top 5 on my list of all time best works of ARR. Not only does he compose this stunner, so unique in style, he also sings and plays the Continuum fingerboard (prominent in the last couple of minutes).
This list has some more tracks - I made a playlist that includes Kuru Kuru Kannale, Singapenney, Tera Bina and others.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFg6NUoTSAX3TvUioha-Jn6h_pf657eid
If there I have left out any good ones, let me know in comments.
Happy Birthday again ARR. God bless you.
In love with your post and the songs you have picked 😍 keep writing more!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you tiger :)
DeleteHappy Birthday ARR ❤️ ❤️
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