Top 20 AR Rahman Favorites from the 90s
So, it’s yet another birthday of the legend from Madras. Here’s a list of 20 songs that are my(just my) favorite AR Rahman songs that are evergreen!
- Margazhi Poove - May Maadam
The voice is so unusual & uncommon. Yet, the song has such a soothing effect. Easy, breezy, catchy tune that probably made me fall in love with this man’s music.
2. Kadhalikkum Pennin Kaiyai - Kadhalan
I wouldn’t be so wrong in saying that the latest hit ‘Donu Donu Donu’ is quite a bit of a rip off from this timeless classic which was so ahead of its time. This duet song featuring Udit Narayan & SP Balasubramaniam was such a riot in the early 90s & continues to be a foot-tapping number some 20+ years after release.
3. Yen veettu Thottathil - Gentleman
Classical base. Brilliant vocals & a haunting melody. This entire album was a milestone for the maestro.
4. Narumugaiye - Iruvar
The brilliant Bombay Jayashri, Unnikrishnan, Naattai & Maand. What more can one ask for? Keep calm & listen. :)
5. Kannukku Mai Azhagu - Puthiya Mugam
Magical lyrics & beautiful singing. Such a lifting melody symbolising romance.
6. Aathangara Marame - Kizhakku Seemaiyile
So rugged. So folk & so raw. Mano has owned this song completely. Diction, lyrics, visuals & of course the tune, flawless!
7. Porale Ponnuthayi - Karuthamma
A big salute to ARR for making the best use of a talent like Swarnalatha. This landmark song carries the folk feel throughout & if someone could make me fall in love with a tragic song, it’s none other than ARR.
8. Rasathi - Thiruda Thiruda
While we are on the folk spree, this song is something I couldn’t miss. Absolutely minimal arrangement, yet full of impact. No one but a genius can create such magnificent pieces of art.
9. Mettu Podu - Duet
If I could get some perspective on Anadabhairavi raga, the entire credit goes to this song. Such a beautiful representation of the raga. The saxophone takes it to a whole new level.
10. Telephone Manipol - Indian
I still remember those days when this song used to be played on Doordarshan and I used to hook myself in front of the TV. Such a catchy tune & some awesome high-pitched singing by Hariharan ji & Harini.
11. Thoda Thoda Malarndadenna - Indira
Another melodious number from the 90s Rahman magic. That was certainly a whole different phase when songs like these were like fresh air on a sultry day!
12. Anbe - Kadhal Desam
A song that reminds us time and again that music is in the first place, a form of expression. It’s one of the earliest songs that made me realize that music can be such a useful vehicle for emotions. Simple tune & structure, yet extremely catchy.
13. Kannalane - Bombay
When the song was popular on radio & TV during it’s time, my brain couldn’t even process it. It was so new & different-sounding and I had heard nothing like that before. Quite a challenging song and no wonder it won all those awards.
14. Hoo La La La - Minsara Kanavu
I vividly remember the road trip from Madurai to Kodaikanal mainly because of this song. The van driver would’ve played the song in loop for over 20 times on his cassette player. Not a soul got bored & there was so much dancing in the van. Such a peppy number, so ahead of its time.
15. Uyirum Neeye -Pavitra
To be honest, I had no idea this song existed until one of the earlier seasons of Airtel Super Singer in which many contestants sang this song. Such an enticing Khamas & of course Unnikrishnan ji. So much love!
16. Poonkatrile - Uyire
Another tragic song that the magic man made us all fall in love with. Refreshingly beautiful.
17. Minsara Poove - Padayappa
A sparkling Vasantha. A brilliant Nithyashri. And Konakkol! Whatte!
18. Teendai - En Swasa Kaatre
A soothing Shri raga composition with a lot of sensuality! Brilliant singing by Chitra.
19. Malargale - Love Birds
The ONE song that uses Saraswati raga & with some mind-blowing vocals by Hariharan and Chitra. The song continues to rock every college cultural fest. Timeless!
20. Kannodu Kaanbbadellam - Jeans
Abheri-based song that gave Nithyashri an identity in the film world. It can still be heard in weddings when one of those local bands perform. The swarams at the end are still mind-blowing despite being extremely simple.
May the Maestro live for 200 more years and re-create the awesomeness. Happy birthday dear AR Rahman! :)
