Best Album

[NOV]

AR Rahman is one of the very few MDs whose hits song ratio is very high. (hits to number of releases).

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This thread is going to make the fans exasperated. :lol2: Yeah, lets choose the best album of ARR since 1992.

And yes, we will limit it to Tamil songs. 8-)

[NOV]

Even I have a tough time deciding on whether it is Boys, Iruvar, Kadhal Desam, Kannathil Muthamittal or Thiruda Thiruda...

:think:

[ajaybaskar]

I rate Kangalaal Kaidhu Sei as Rahman's best in tamil. But sadly, it has not been included for the poll..

[NOV]

I rate Kangalaal Kaidhu Sei as Rahman's best in tamil. But sadly, it has not been included for the poll..Elaborate ajay... we can always replace one of the weaker ones.

As it is, I had a very difficult time narrowing it to 10. :(

[ajaybaskar]

NOV Anna, all those films that you have selected are best of its kind. I know it is very difficult to narrow them to 10.

[NOV]

I think I am going to vote for Thiruda Thiruda for the sheer variety. :bow:
But I feel so guilty for abandoning Iruvar :confused2:

[dinesh2002]

I think I am going to vote for Thiruda Thiruda for the sheer variety. :bow:
But I feel so guilty for abandoning Iruvar :confused2:

i will have to skip from voting to this poll. All the albums r my fav.. cant choose 1 only.... :yessir:

[Ramakrishna]

No Duet :shock:

[Ramakrishna]

What made you choose Indian :roll:
Minsaara kanavu missing

[lancelot]

I think I am going to vote for Thiruda Thiruda for the sheer variety. :bow:
But I feel so guilty for abandoning Iruvar :confused2:

i will have to skip from voting to this poll. All the albums r my fav.. cant choose 1 only.... :yessir:

cruel NOV cruel!!! :P how can you ask suck a thing of an A R Rahman fan? :( its impossible... but your post has made me go back and listen to THiruda Thiruda again... :) thanx NOV

hehe
:D

[jaaze]

anand enga :think:

[Rocky89]

I think I am going to vote for Thiruda Thiruda for the sheer variety. :bow:
But I feel so guilty for abandoning Iruvar :confused2:

i will have to skip from voting to this poll. All the albums r my fav.. cant choose 1 only.... :yessir:

cruel NOV cruel!!! :P how can you ask suck a thing of an A R Rahman fan? :( its impossible... but your post has made me go back and listen to THiruda Thiruda again... :) thanx NOV

hehe
:D

same here :)
btw NOV, replace Indian with duet :?

[Benny Lava]

Adheppadi NOV unga gurunadhar padam Duet'a vittuteenga.

KB himself once said that ARR hasn't surpassed the wholesomeness of Duet album in any album since then (I think he said it long back).

Things in favor of Duet:
1. Great variety in songs - Classical, semi-classical, folksy, fusion, solo etc.,
2. Superb singing - SPB in most of the songs and others were good as well
3. Excellent lyrics
4. Wide range of moods - Optimistic (metu podu), Romantic (anjali), Pathos (Kai neetum & En Kadhaley), Naughty (Kathirikka), jovial (Kulicha kuthalam)
5. Kadri's virtuosity with Sax
6. AND "The Duet Theme!!"

And I see that "Uyire" is also missing. It is a blasphemy to miss that album from any ARR's list :twisted:

[Benny Lava]

Thiruda Thiruda will be top notch for its variety in genre and musical ingenuity.

Boys was an album very much ahead of the curve at that time. Even today its songs will sound futuristic.

Alaipayuthey is THE definitive romantic album. All songs of the album are for lovers :P The beauty of Kangalal kaidhu sei cannot be described in words, so I will not attempt to say anything further.

And then we also have May madham. If not for the film, it would have been an automatic choice in anyone's fav list. Adhayum list la sethukonga.

[Wibha]

What made you choose Indian :roll:
Minsaara kanavu missing

Exactly.

MK is evergreen. Even Mr.Romeo is missing.

And why is Kadhalan NOT in the poll :shock:

[ajithfederer]

Rythm?????

[Rocky89]

... and Bombay? :huh:

[Kumarappa]

Yeah, very true! At least Bombay and Minsaara Kanavu (NA winner!!!) have to be in the list, in every list!

As Dil Se was the original and the one that released first, Uyire shouldn't be in this list.

[dinesh2002]

the best is not to make this poll :twisted: ARR's talent/magic cant be reduced and choose to only 1 best album in his whole career... its not fair... atleast song was something else, album, i dun think can......

[priya32]

kaNdukoNdEn kaNdukoNdEn is the THE best!

idhukku mEla edhuvum pEsakkUdaadhu! :twisted:

[Nerd]

What? Indian?? You gotta be kidding NOV. Replace Indian with Kadhalan ASAP.

I may vote for ThirudA ThirudA. And I feel KandukondEn * 2 is overrated. It does not even compare with AP (both released a week apart IIRC)

[NOV]

ok, Indian replaced with Duet. KKKK - cant do much as vote is already in.
:ty: to the kind soul who voted for Iruvar. :D

I love a few more albums like Paarthale Paravasam and Azhagiya Thamizh Magan, but what to do.. only 10 is permitted by the system.

[AudazJay]

Kadhalar Dhinam :roll: It's an average album according to me. I do admit that songs like Roja Roja and Enna Vizhai Azhagae were amazing, but it is by far the most mundane album of ARR's...almost all the songs are akin to his previous compositions.

On the other hand, Bombay was a like a breath of fresh air when it was released. Totally mind-blowing numbers! And the BGM is to die for!

It's my humble request that Kadhalar Dhinam be replaced with the latter in the poll :D

[NOV]

sure I can Jay.
but then thaandiyaa aattamumaada is out of the world... and THR Hindi power is still using the intro from this film for its intro. :D

[Bala (Karthik)]

What sacrilegious blasphemy! :x :evil:

Kaadhalar Dhinam a remove panna teakulippu nichayam!

[Wibha]

I'd rather replace boys with Kadhalan.

Seriously NOV the poll is missing a lot of good albums. I know you can have only 10, but there are some albums that have to be replaced with others.

[littlemaster1982]

Sorry, I can't vote for anything other than Alaipayuthey :cry: 8-)

[Wibha]

Sorry, I can't vote for anything other than Alaipayuthey :cry: 8-)

Adhenna AP kum ungalukkum ippadi oru attachment :think:

[littlemaster1982]

Malarum Ninaivugal :cry2: ;)

[Wibha]

Malarum Ninaivugal :cry2: ;)

details :D :P

[littlemaster1982]

:shhh:

[raajarasigan]

Seriously NOV the poll is missing a lot of good albums. I know you can have only 10, but there are some albums that have to be replaced with others.

True...

I don't find any albums in BR-ARR combianation.. if you consider the whole album, IMO, it is even better that MR-ARR combination..

NOV - I think we should have a qualify round before finalizing the top 10 Albums to be contesting for the BESE ALBUM.. else, we can sort further on the director of the album as most of them worked consistently with ARR...

Saying all this, I will vote ONLY for ROJA as the best album ever from ARR.. IMHO, he cannot better this ever... :thumbsup:

[NOV]

I'd rather replace boys with Kadhalan. :shock:
I'll send you blazing with bala :hammer:

[NOV]

NOV - I think we should have a qualify round before finalizing the top 10 Albums to be contesting for the BESE ALBUM..
Tried that with Best song, but couldnt get anywhere...

[raajarasigan]

NOV - I think we should have a qualify round before finalizing the top 10 Albums to be contesting for the BESE ALBUM..
Tried that with Best song, but couldnt get anywhere...

May be you can set some standards for the BEST ALBUM like variety, BGM apart from the songs.... I selected ROJA just that almost all songs are "evergreen".. it should be one of the important factors to be a 'BEST ALBUM'

[k_vanan]

ROJA :thumbsup:

why UYIRE excluded :(

[NOV]

I think Thiruda Thiruda is not being given enough recognition.
Let us just take ONE song from it....


A 90s song which has fascinated me in terms of the deceptively simple elegance of its composition is rAsAththi en usiru ennadhillE from thirudA thirudA sung by Sahul Hameed & Choral Group; music composed by Rahman (Listen here (http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/movie/T0000173.html)). Let me briefly outline the structure of that song as I see it:

pallavi
Instruments: None. Solo and Choral Group Vocals.

Lines 1 & 2: Hameed solo followed by harmonized humming by choral group.

Lines 3 & 4: Same as 1 & 2; choral lead introduced for the choral section.

charaNams 1 & 2
Instruments: Solo Vocal. Choral Group alone is supported very gently by rhythm guitar. No other instruments.

Lines 1 & 2: First half sung by Hameed and second sung in countermelody by Sujatha & chorus. Line 2 as example:
tharisakkAttu OdaiyilE kaNdAngi thuvaikkaiyilE//
thuNiyai nanaiya vittu manasaip pizhinjavaLE
(// indicates the split between Hameed's & Choral Group's sections)

Lines 3 & 4: same as lines 1 & 2, but now with partially overlapping countermelodies. Example:
kalyANach chElaiyilE kaNNeeraith thudachchikkittu pORavA pORavAthAn//
pORavA pORavAthAn poNjAdhiyAp pORavAthAn
(such a partial overlap is called "stretto".)

Lines 5 & 6: Hameed finishes his lyrics and continues into the choral section with a strong humming as a countermelody, and the female lead projects her countermelodic humming into Hameed's solo lyrical section.

nAn thandha malligaiyai nattAththil pOttu vittu
araLip poochchoodi azhdhapadi pORavaLE //
kadalaik kAttukkuLLE kai adichchu sonna puLLE
kAththilE ezhudhaNum pombaLainga sonna sollE
(stretto plus a conventional counterpoint thru strong humming)

This song appears to borrow from the fugue concept, where the overall theme is split and alternated between several "groups" (here, Hameed and the choral group). The charaNams build up "tension" by increasing the degrees of overlap between the countermelodies. Two different types of counterpoints seem to be used.

The fundamental melodic concepts are from the green rice fields of TN, where groups of women in colorful sarees sing simple lines in unpretentious tunes as a group as they go about their work. (idhu nAn siRu vayadhil pArththu, kEttu, rasiththu, innum maRakkAdha gAnamum kAtchiyum.)

Overall, the song has a very rich texture with minimal instrument usage, and good use of harmony and counterpoints in vocals.

(C) Author, 2006.
**

(Republished from the author's 1998 posts.)

[satissh_r]

I think Thiruda Thiruda is not being given enough recognition.

I Just voted for it Nov :D

[NOV]

Thank you satish; I am not campaigning for it, but rather creating awareness. :D

[NOV]

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Encyclopedia


Thiruda Thiruda directed by the acclaimed film maker Mani Ratnam, and scripted by Ram Gopal Varma, yet another iconic Indian film maker. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by A. R. Rahman.

Plot

The film opens with a daring robbery. A large cache of newly minted INR 100 currency notes, totaling INR 1000 crore (10 billion), is packed into a shipping container and loaded onto a railway (goods) carriage. En route from Nasik to South India (in time for the National Budget), it is waylaid by a group of trained bandits. They steal the container and the digital smart card that opens it.

Their boss, Ashok Chellaiah, sends word to the big boss TT Vikram (Salim Ghouse) in London that the deed is done. Meanwhile, in New Delhi, the Finance Minister is disturbed: the money must be recovered in 10 days, when the National Budget is to be announced. The Finance Minister picks the top guy at the CBI, Laxminarayanan (S. P. Balasubramanyam), and asks him to recover the money in time for the National Budget, without making it public. Laxminarayanan is cerebral, practical and efficient. He sets about tracing the events leading up to the robbery.

The film introduces Kadir (Anand) and Azhagu (Prashanth), two petty thieves in a small hamlet in Tamil Nadu. They steal money, livestock and other related artifacts, usually from the rich or miserly, and generally have a good time. The clumsy, dim-witted local cop Santhosam and his aide are always on their trail, but the two thieves usually get away with their clever ruses.

In Bombay, Ashok Chellaiah receives word that Laxminarayanan is en route to arrest him. Afraid he may get caught with the digital smart card, Ashok mails it to an exotic dancer Chandralekha (Anu Agarwal) in Goa. Laxminarayanan retrieves the pad of paper upon which Ashok wrote the addressed, and exposes the impressions of Ashok's handwriting to reveal the cryptic code SKF 1138. They also find a photograph of Chandralekha. Laxminarayanan arrests Ashok and the local cops sweat him, but Ashok reveals nothing. When Laxminarayanan finds Chandralekha (backstage, after one of her dance shows), he discovers that she is aware of the robbery, but he is unable to prove anything. She escapes with the smart card.

Things have heated up in the small hamlet. The village folk (mostly the rich ones) call a panchayat and complain to Santhosam: Kadir and Azhagu's antics have escalated. Kadir and Azhagu are in the audience. They plan to rob the headman's home that evening, only to find that the headman's niece Rajathi (Heera) is about to commit suicide. They rob the house, stop the suicide and flee with Rajathi in tow, hotly pursued by the headman's henchmen. The chase brings them to a local railway line where they hop onto a train.

They happen upon Chandralekha on the train, and are forced to run again when the CBI stops the train to find Chandralekha. They manage to evade the CBI, but find that Chandralekha double-crosses them and escapes again. Azhaghu manages to snatch her handbag (with the smart card) before she runs off. During this time, the headman's goons come back to fetch Rajathi. The plot behind her attempted suicide is revealed: her uncle (the headman) announced his intent to wed her to get to her late father's estate, and she would rather die than submit to his lecherous advances. Kadir and Azhagu break into the home and free her again.

By this time, Vikram arrives in India. Vikram is a ruthless international criminal. He intends to use the money to finance subversive activities from outside. He murders Ashok (pronouncing him a traitor for not being able to evade arrest). He contacts Chandralekha and arrives at the small hamlet with a bunch of his goons. Chandralekha discovers that her handbag has been stolen by Kadir and Azhagu. Vikram and Chandralekha catch up with the thieves and retrieve the smart card, only to have it stolen again by Azhagu. Kadir, Azhagu, Chandralekha and Rajathi evade Vikram's men and escape again. Chandralekha and Rajathi have a heart to heart talk where Chandralekha reveals her past with Vikram. She was his lover (while only 17 years old), and he eventually dumped her, therewith destroying her self-esteem, honor and her unborn child. Chandralekha still supports Vikram.

The film takes a romantic turn when Rajathi and Kadir express their feelings for one another. Rajathi asks Kadir to quit the thief gig. "You have a 100 reasons to steal, but not one, not even me, to reform?", she asks, to which he replies that he has been stealing since he was 5. He first stole Azhagu from his home so his drunkard father wouldn't sell him to buy booze. He points out that they liberated Rajathi from her wicked uncle by stealing her from her home; when she was silent about morals then, why does she protest now? As Rajathi contemplates this, Azhagu declares his love for her. Bewildered, she refuses, and is further confused about Kadir.

The foursome resume running from Vikram and his men. During one of the chases, they accidentally fall on a container truck. They notice strange markings on the truck. Around this time, Laxminarayanan figures out the meaning of the writing on Ashok Chellaiah's pad. SKF 1138 is number the truck that carries the shipping container. Laxminarayanan traces the route taken by the container and arrives at the South Indian hamlet. The four of them secrete the container in the village market. Around this time, Rajathi is again picked up by her wicked uncle, and while Kadir and Azhagu go after her, Chandralekha is captured by Vikram.

Vikram shows his true intentions when he takes the smart card and leaves her, beaten and disabled, in the jungle. Her eyes are opened when she is rescued by Laxminarayanan's men, and she reveals that the container is on its way to Cochin harbor, destined for a ship that will carry it outside the country. Laxminarayanan's men trace available routes to Cochin, and instigate the local townsfolk to contain the cache within the hamlet.

Vikram kidnaps Rajathi and tortures her until Kadir and Azhagu reveal the location of the container. Vikram keeps Rajathi hostage and moves the container out on a train bound for Cochin. Kadir and Azhagu once again waylay the train, battle through Vikram's henchmen, retrieve Rajathi and recover the container. Laxminarayanan is accordingly tipped off by the townsfolk (seeking reward) and he arrives on the spot in time to recover the cache.

The film ends with Kadir and Azhagu haggling over who gets the maiden and/or the money.


Trivia

This film is reputed to be one of the first Indian movies to have used cinematographic devices such as Akela Cranes. P.C. Sriram provided the cinematography Cinematography for this film.

The film bombed at the box-office, as the critics were expecting a serious plot from Ratnam himself.

Dialogues for the film were written by famous writer Sujatha.

Ram Gopal Varma gave this story to Mani Ratnam and in turn Mani Ratnam gave the story for Ghayam, yet another blockbuster, for Ram Gopal Varma to direct.

This film was dubbed and released in Telugu as "Donga Donga" and in Hindi as "Chor Chor".


Soundtrack

The soundtrack features 6 songs composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics by Vairamuthu.
.

Track listing:

"Kannum Kannum" – Mano

"Konjam Nilavu" – Anupama

"Veerapandi Kotayile" – Mano, Unnimenon, K. S. Chithra

"Thee Thee" – Carolene

"Rasathi" – Shahul Hameed

"Putham Pudhu Boomi " – K. S. Chithra, Mano[/tscii:06157cb5cb]

[NOV]

Egmore museum's front view! The title aptly chosen from Mani's Thiruda Thiruda Song "Chandralekha" composed gorgeously by A.R.Rahman wherein this piece of architecture was the backdrop for some phenomenal lighting translated sensationally into 70mm by another genius P.C.Sreeram!


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[kid-glove]

Voted for Iruvar.

[NOV]

maddy, Thiruda Thiruda whole album is just simply too good...even if u listen now, be it Veerapandhi Kothayille,Thee Thee,Chandraleka or Kannum Kannum,putham puthu boomi all has amazing beats arrangments and also a very fresh approach... to tell u the truth, i still cant digest that Thee Thee & Chandralekha songs were composed in the year 1992/3 ....its too good...speechless to comment on the programming & vocal arrangements...and the loops that were used....goodness...amazing!! Thiruda Thiruda - easily can be said tamil album which is timeless.....

exactly Dinesh, it was after thiruda thiruda only ppl. in TN realised the power of ARR and his music.....music was easily 5-6 yrs ahead of its times.......infact it was after thiruda thiruda only i completely stopped listening to other MDs songs.......also, this album makes a mockery of theory that ARR's songs dont have longevity......really barring a few, for youth of 90's Thiruda thiruda is a evergreen album.....btw u shuld have been a 5 yr old when TT came isnt it?? :wink:

hehe..yea :P :oops: though i have some memories on thiruda thiruda & kadhalan that time... imagine the impact of the songs could give on a kid when he was 5 & 6 Y/o... :wink: thouhg i became a hardcore ARR fan only after Kadhalar Dhinam, its still misterious when i think about how could ARR composed TT during 1992 only.... esp chandralekha,world class beat arrangements, not 4getting Thee Thee, how did ARR adopt the " thakithe tha tha " into a western peice.... :clap:

[AudazJay]

Thank you satish; I am not campaigning for it, but rather creating awareness. :D

I would have believed you if not for your "diligent and thorough" research pertaining to TT which is evident in your subsequent posts :lol:

Btw, TT is one of my very favorite album too :D

[kid-glove]

Thank you satish; I am not campaigning for it, but rather creating awareness. :D

I would have believed you if not for your "diligent and thorough" research pertaining to TT which is evident in your subsequent posts :lol:


:lol:

[jaaze]

Thank you satish; I am not campaigning for it, but rather creating awareness. :D

I would have believed you if not for your "diligent and thorough" research pertaining to TT which is evident in your subsequent posts :lol:

Btw, TT is one of my very favorite album too :D :lol:

[dinesh2002]

Thank you satish; I am not campaigning for it, but rather creating awareness. :D

I would have believed you if not for your "diligent and thorough" research pertaining to TT which is evident in your subsequent posts :lol:

Btw, TT is one of my very favorite album too :D :lol:

:lol: :twisted:

[priya32]

NOV: Can you replace 'iruvar' with 'en swAsa kaaRRE'?

Thank You!

Instead of kaadhal dEsam, I wish it was 'duet'!

[NOV]

NOV: Can you replace 'iruvar' with 'en swAsa kaaRRE'?:shock: :evil: :x :curse: :twisted: :hammer: :angry2:

[AudazJay]

NOV: Can you replace 'iruvar' with 'en swAsa kaaRRE'?

En swasa katre had amazing numbers but to replace iruvar???:evil:

[music man]

NOV: Can you replace 'iruvar' with 'en swAsa kaaRRE'?

Thank You!

Instead of kaadhal dEsam, I wish it was 'duet'!

I voted for Iruvar..Personally I feel Iruvar is one of the best ARR album. En Swasa Kaatre is also a good album...But ............ :roll:

[music man]

Kandukonden KanduKonden tops the list...Thats a big surprise...Duet has got only 1 and Roja only 2......Hmmm...

[raajarasigan]

Kandukonden KanduKonden tops the list...Thats a big surprise...Duet has got only 1 and Roja only 2......Hmmm...

Yes.. definetly it is a surprise.. :o yaaro kalla vottu pottirukkaanga... :lol: :think:

[NOV]

Must be Ajith fans :lol:

[priya32]

Must be Ajith fans :lol:

:wink:

[AudazJay]

Was I the only one who thought Duet was excellent? :cry3: Maybe I should start "creating awareness" of Duet's sheer beauty? :twisted:

[music man]

Was I the only one who thought Duet was excellent? :cry3: Maybe I should start "creating awareness" of Duet's sheer beauty? :twisted:

Duet will rank among Rahman's top 5. I had a tough time choosing between Duet and Iruvar finally chose Iruvar due to the complexity and experimentation in various genres and also due to the magnitude of the project.

And Duet is also one of his best albums...Oru Saxophone ah yaar ivalavu azhaga muzhumaiya tamil film la use pannirukkaanga??? Really mindblowing songs...My favorite is Naan Paadum Sandham from that movie...It was the most underrated track in that album...The audio was a huge huge hit..I think our man can release that album again with improved sound to the international audiences...

Such a sheer display of brilliance at such an younger age...

[lancelot]

my vote is for Alaipayuthey.. simply because thats the album that introduced me to the greatness of A R Rahman. However, i really feel like i am betraying my self by voting :-(

hehe
:D

[lancelot]

NOV: Can you replace 'iruvar' with 'en swAsa kaaRRE'?

Thank You!

Instead of kaadhal dEsam, I wish it was 'duet'!

may be we can add En Swasakater and Duet. but REPLACE Iruvar???? Kathal Desam???? :curse: :curse: :)

hehe
:D

[ajaybaskar]

I voted for Boys since it was a comeback vehicle for ARR and he has never looked back since then. The album was so fresh and the output was top class..

At that period, there were few MDs who were giving hits just by recycling old ARR songs and few western songs. Boys came with a bang with a line..

இந்த இசை.. சொந்த இசை..
இம்சையிலே வந்த இசை...

[jaaze]

Boys since it was a comeback vehicle for ARR and he has never looked back since then. The album was so fresh and the output was top class..

At that period, there were few MDs who were giving hits just by recycling old ARR songs and few western songs. Boys came with a bang with a line..

இந்த இசை.. சொந்த இசை..
இம்சையிலே வந்த இசை...:thumbsup: :)

[AudazJay]

My favorite is Naan Paadum Sandham from that movie...It was the most underrated track in that album...

:exactly: The song is awesome, especially the saxophone towards the end of the track...MAGICAL! Vairamuthu's lyrics and ARR-Kadri Gopalnath combo :notworthy:

[dinesh2002]

My favorite is Naan Paadum Sandham from that movie...It was the most underrated track in that album...

:exactly: The song is awesome, especially the saxophone towards the end of the track...MAGICAL! Vairamuthu's lyrics and ARR-Kadri Gopalnath combo :notworthy:

Exactly... :D

but im surprised no 1 spoke about the Title Melody. It was my second most fav track in the album... started with the heart beat followed by the saxaphone like its shouting out its heart :notworthy:... and the female chorus going " sa...... ni sa.... ga ma....ga ri.....ga ma..... ga ri......." then the saxaphone goes in high tone and the bass line going loud.... then the waves of the sea sound finishing the song... My goodness..... its something u cant describe with words..... :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

[music man]

My favorite is Naan Paadum Sandham from that movie...It was the most underrated track in that album...

:exactly: The song is awesome, especially the saxophone towards the end of the track...MAGICAL! Vairamuthu's lyrics and ARR-Kadri Gopalnath combo :notworthy:

Exactly... :D

but im surprised no 1 spoke about the Title Melody. It was my second most fav track in the album... started with the heart beat followed by the saxaphone like its shouting out its heart :notworthy:... and the female chorus going " sa...... ni sa.... ga ma....ga ri.....ga ma..... ga ri......." then the saxaphone goes in high tone and the bass line going loud.... then the waves of the sea sound finishing the song... My goodness..... its something u cant describe with words..... :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:
:clap:

[A.ANAND]

இம்சையிலே வந்த இசை

ithan meaning-than innum puriyala?

[AudazJay]

இம்சையிலே வந்த இசை

ithan meaning-than innum puriyala?

Perhaps, the music which was created during their times of struggle and pain?

[jaaze]

இம்சையிலே வந்த இசை

ithan meaning-than innum puriyala?

Perhaps, the music which was created during their times of struggle and pain?that's what I understood it to be, too
Am I the only one but during the first 100 odd listenings I always heard it as Isaiyile vantha isai :?

[raajarasigan]

Am I the only one but during the first 100 odd listenings I always heard it as Isaiyile vantha isai :?

I am also with you.. :wink:

saaaame blood :lol:

[Scale]

:shock: innoru threada?

Sangamam polla illayaa? EKSI. A Challenging & ethnical score from ARR. Folk & Semi Classical.

Voted for Duet! :notworthy:

[Nerd]

Voted for thirudA thirudA to make it equal KKKK. "nenachapadi nenachapadi"-nu oru mokkai pAttu irukka kAdhalar dhinam ellaam Poll-la irukku, kAdhalan illaiyA? :banghead:

[NOV]

"nenachapadi nenachapadi"-nu oru mokkai pAttu irukka :shock:
such a great song and widely played during weddings :roll:

[NOV]

alli vizhiyOram anjanathai theetti
andhi vaNNa pinnal meedhu thaazhai malar sootti
aadhi mudhal andham aabaraNam pootti
annamivaL mEdai vandhaaL minnal mugam kaatti
getti mELam kottida maNappeNNai
thottu thaali kattinaan maappiLLai
indha Ezhai nenjamum nee vaazha
enRum pookkaL thoovum
nee vaazhga nalamaaga :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[littlemaster1982]

"nenachapadi nenachapadi"-nu oru mokkai pAttu irukka :shock:
such a great song and widely played during weddings :roll:

I skip that song always :|

[Bala (Karthik)]

"nenachapadi nenachapadi"-nu oru mokkai pAttu irukka :shock:
such a great song and widely played during weddings :roll:

I skip that song always :|
:oops: I like(d) that song (forget the concept and other baggage :lol: )
Especially the interlude

[Plum]

KKS, KKKK, May Maadham. Idhu edhuvumE illAdha indha poll-ai naan boycott seigirEn :twisted:

[Nerd]

KKS, KKKK, May Maadham. Idhu edhuvumE illAdha indha poll-ai naan boycott seigirEn :twisted:
KKKK irukkE, aanaalum adhukku vote pOdadheenga. Save for santhana thenRalai I find the album a little below the others in the poll.

KKS - boyakku boyakku shAk :lol2: I like that song too but while comparing with the other numbers in this, it falls flat.

May Maadham - :2thumbsup:

[kid-glove]

KKS, KKKK, May Maadham. Idhu edhuvumE illAdha indha poll-ai naan boycott seigirEn :twisted:
KKKK irukkE, aanaalum adhukku vote pOdadheenga. Save for santhana thenRalai I find the album a little below the others in the poll.

KKS - boyakku boyakku shAk :lol2: I like that song too but while comparing with the other numbers in this, it falls flat.

May Maadham - :2thumbsup:

Concur.

[Sanjeevi]

Yes KKS is indeed a brilliant scroe

[Plum]

Oh I love amma tamizhamma. Kks is my absolute all time rahman fv. Will not hear. A word against :evil:

Mukesh, johnsonkellAm only calling card in their career still remains kks.

[dinesh2002]

Oh I love amma tamizhamma. Kks is my absolute all time rahman fv. Will not hear. A word against :evil:

Mukesh, johnsonkellAm only calling card in their career still remains kks.

If im not mistaken, Mukesh has sung many songs after Theekuruvi. Another song of his i liked was a song from Saravana. :)

[SVN]

I would rate Pudhiya Mugam and May Madham way ahead of Kadhalar Dinam!

[music man]

I would rate Pudhiya Mugam and May Madham way ahead of Kadhalar Dinam!

:cheer: :cheer: :exactly: :yes:

[music man]

But from the poll listing, I would say that KKKK is much hyped..Rest is ok....We can substitute KKKK with May Madham....Puthiya Mugam comes closest but My Madham had more variety and class...

[VENKIRAJA]

1. Duet
2. Thiruda Thiruda
3. Roja
4. Iruvar
5. Alaipayuthey
6. En swasa katre
7. Kangalal kaidhu sei
8. Minsara Kanavu
9. Rhythm
10. Kannathil Muthamittal

Half the list has MR.

[Plum]

KKKK is outstanding
kannamoochi - lovely, lovely melody and the teasing oozes in the tune, the kurumbu of Aishwarya's character well captured. Ignore the KJY version

engE enadhu kavidhai - probably best pathos(thats not the right word but still the closest) of Rahman

Kandukodnein - beautifuly orchestration? Jazzy?

Everything else is a bonus for me in that album.
I can think of very few Rahman albums that surpass this hindi or tamil!

[Benny Lava]

KKKK is outstanding
kannamoochi - lovely, lovely melody and the teasing oozes in the tune, the kurumbu of Aishwarya's character well captured. Ignore the KJY version
What????? :shock:

[Sureshs65]

Given my predilection for classical music, I would agree with Plum that KKKK is probably the best soundtrack of Rahman in any language. He achieves a nice balance between the classical and popular sounds. This happens because he derives from the classical base and then molds the song for the film. Rahman did try to give some classical based songs in 'Sangamam' but personally I think KKKK is a superior effort.

For example, 'engE enadhu kavidhai' takes its Sindhu Bhairavi from the popular 'venkatAchala nilayam'. The pallavis are almost the same and bring out the pathos well. Then Rahman changes the ragam in the charam but still maintains the mood of the song. Similarly, 'kaNNAmoochi' derives from Oothukadu's 'pAl vaDiyum mugam'. He uses the raga Natakurunji here and molds it as per the need of the song. (Here the pallavi lines are not similar but the mood of the raga is.)Similarly 'kandukonden kandukonden' is based on Mand and sounds nice.

This album also showcases to certain extent the aesthetics of Rahman. Something I may not agree fully with. In case of 'konjum mainAkaLE', it starts as a very nice Madhyamavathi but during the charanam, the Madhyamavathi is completely lost after a couple of lines. This is definitely unexpected, which probably Rahman wants, but whether it is effective is a different question. To me the song's potential is lost at this point. The same happens with 'kaNNamoochi' as well in the charanam but that song works better for me than 'konjum mainAkaLE'.

I know my view is probably uni dimensional but in this view, I would vote for KKKK.

[dinesh2002]

Given my predilection for classical music, I would agree with Plum that KKKK is probably the best soundtrack of Rahman in any language. He achieves a nice balance between the classical and popular sounds. This happens because he derives from the classical base and then molds the song for the film. Rahman did try to give some classical based songs in 'Sangamam' but personally I think KKKK is a superior effort.

For example, 'engE enadhu kavidhai' takes its Sindhu Bhairavi from the popular 'venkatAchala nilayam'. The pallavis are almost the same and bring out the pathos well. Then Rahman changes the ragam in the charam but still maintains the mood of the song. Similarly, 'kaNNAmoochi' derives from Oothukadu's 'pAl vaDiyum mugam'. He uses the raga Natakurunji here and molds it as per the need of the song. (Here the pallavi lines are not similar but the mood of the raga is.)Similarly 'kandukonden kandukonden' is based on Mand and sounds nice.

This album also showcases to certain extent the aesthetics of Rahman. Something I may not agree fully with. In case of 'konjum mainAkaLE', it starts as a very nice Madhyamavathi but during the charanam, the Madhyamavathi is completely lost after a couple of lines. This is definitely unexpected, which probably Rahman wants, but whether it is effective is a different question. To me the song's potential is lost at this point. The same happens with 'kaNNamoochi' as well in the charanam but that song works better for me than 'konjum mainAkaLE'.

I know my view is probably uni dimensional but in this view, I would vote for KKKK.

its really nice to see some1 giving such elaborate details on the songs like you. as for kannamoochi and konnjum mainakale having those 'lost' tunes is done purposely, as Aishwariya Rai in the film loves music but never did take proper classes. A.R.Rahman has taken a careful task that it should show she doesnt know music yet she sings, and it must sound good at the same time. Both the songs was a major hit and it only means it reached the common layman perfectly, and it fulfilled the movie's script.

What a genius this man is... :) :notworthy:

[AudazJay]

Given my predilection for classical music, I would agree with Plum that KKKK is probably the best soundtrack of Rahman in any language. He achieves a nice balance between the classical and popular sounds. This happens because he derives from the classical base and then molds the song for the film. Rahman did try to give some classical based songs in 'Sangamam' but personally I think KKKK is a superior effort.

For example, 'engE enadhu kavidhai' takes its Sindhu Bhairavi from the popular 'venkatAchala nilayam'. The pallavis are almost the same and bring out the pathos well. Then Rahman changes the ragam in the charam but still maintains the mood of the song. Similarly, 'kaNNAmoochi' derives from Oothukadu's 'pAl vaDiyum mugam'. He uses the raga Natakurunji here and molds it as per the need of the song. (Here the pallavi lines are not similar but the mood of the raga is.)Similarly 'kandukonden kandukonden' is based on Mand and sounds nice.

This album also showcases to certain extent the aesthetics of Rahman. Something I may not agree fully with. In case of 'konjum mainAkaLE', it starts as a very nice Madhyamavathi but during the charanam, the Madhyamavathi is completely lost after a couple of lines. This is definitely unexpected, which probably Rahman wants, but whether it is effective is a different question. To me the song's potential is lost at this point. The same happens with 'kaNNamoochi' as well in the charanam but that song works better for me than 'konjum mainAkaLE'.

I know my view is probably uni dimensional but in this view, I would vote for KKKK.

I wish I had half the knowledge of yours with regards to classical music :oops: Unfortunately I have none but yeah, KKKK was definitely a great musical feast as far as I'm concerned.
Nevertheless, I still rate Minsara Kanavu as the better album of the ARR-Rajeev Menon combo. Now, that was an exciting album! :musicsmile:

[Plum]

Given my predilection for classical music, I would agree with Plum that KKKK is probably the best soundtrack of Rahman in any language. He achieves a nice balance between the classical and popular sounds. This happens because he derives from the classical base and then molds the song for the film. Rahman did try to give some classical based songs in 'Sangamam' but personally I think KKKK is a superior effort.

For example, 'engE enadhu kavidhai' takes its Sindhu Bhairavi from the popular 'venkatAchala nilayam'. The pallavis are almost the same and bring out the pathos well. Then Rahman changes the ragam in the charam but still maintains the mood of the song. Similarly, 'kaNNAmoochi' derives from Oothukadu's 'pAl vaDiyum mugam'. He uses the raga Natakurunji here and molds it as per the need of the song. (Here the pallavi lines are not similar but the mood of the raga is.)Similarly 'kandukonden kandukonden' is based on Mand and sounds nice.

This album also showcases to certain extent the aesthetics of Rahman. Something I may not agree fully with. In case of 'konjum mainAkaLE', it starts as a very nice Madhyamavathi but during the charanam, the Madhyamavathi is completely lost after a couple of lines. This is definitely unexpected, which probably Rahman wants, but whether it is effective is a different question. To me the song's potential is lost at this point. The same happens with 'kaNNamoochi' as well in the charanam but that song works better for me than 'konjum mainAkaLE'.

I know my view is probably uni dimensional but in this view, I would vote for KKKK.

Lovely articulation Suresh, of what I found worthy about this album. Cant agree with you more. Personally, yes, much, much superior to Sangamam as a rooted in classical album.

Kannammoochi also treads into Sahana in between?

For my money, the beauty of the album is that apart from Indian classical music, it succesfully touches upon Jazz in the title number(this is hearsay as I am not much familiar with that form). And we are still not done - we have to discuss sandhana thendralai - and when I voted, I had forgotten Konjum MainakkaLE!

There is so much in this album that deserves to be written upon

[Sureshs65]

dinesh: What you say makes sense. What I meant when I said it reflects Rahman's aesthetics is that this happens in many of his song. This need to deviate or experiment. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. KKKK is one case when I look at the micro level I find the experiment not capturing my attention but the song at the macro level is captivating. As you said, the songs were a success and who can argue with success :)

AudazJay: I don't think knowing classical music has much to do with enjoyment. 'Minsara Kanavu' is a nice track as well but as I said, I am a bit biased towards the classical side and hence KKKK for me.

Plum: I think the song does veer into Sahana as well in the charanams, though it starts as a bright Natakurunji.

[Appu s]

Must be Ajith fans :lol:

u have to take back your words :wink:

Suresh65 and plum :notworthy: :notworthy:

[dinesh2002]

dinesh: What you say makes sense. What I meant when I said it reflects Rahman's aesthetics is that this happens in many of his song. This need to deviate or experiment. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. KKKK is one case when I look at the micro level I find the experiment not capturing my attention but the song at the macro level is captivating. As you said, the songs were a success and who can argue with success :)

AudazJay: I don't think knowing classical music has much to do with enjoyment. 'Minsara Kanavu' is a nice track as well but as I said, I am a bit biased towards the classical side and hence KKKK for me.

Plum: I think the song does veer into Sahana as well in the charanams, though it starts as a bright Natakurunji.

Thats interesting Suresh, i would love to read more from you regarding classical roots in ARR songs. Im quite sure nowdays ARR doesnt touch carnatic notes as much as those days isnt it? Could u throw some lights on this. Off late ARR songs doesnt have that "Tamil" touch and i sense because it doesnt has carnatic tune anywhere as those days. Am i right?

[Sureshs65]

Dinesh,

I would agree with you to a large extent about the lack of carnatic base in recent Tamil songs of Rahman, though some songs in 'Azhagiya Tamizh Magan' did have the carnatic touch. In case of other recent melodies like 'sahAnA sAral' or 'mardAni', the touch is more North Indian in nature.

In case of Hindi films, in his earlier days, Rahman tried infusing some south indian classical music into it. Nowadays the films he does don't seem to allow him that liberty.

[dinesh2002]

Dinesh,

I would agree with you to a large extent about the lack of carnatic base in recent Tamil songs of Rahman, though some songs in 'Azhagiya Tamizh Magan' did have the carnatic touch. In case of other recent melodies like 'sahAnA sAral' or 'mardAni', the touch is more North Indian in nature.

In case of Hindi films, in his earlier days, Rahman tried infusing some south indian classical music into it. Nowadays the films he does don't seem to allow him that liberty.

Ahh, i was right! guess that is why many fans were saying "ARR lost his touch" !.... this is the cause...

Thanks for the confirmation Suresh !

[Bala (Karthik)]

KKKK is outstanding
kannamoochi - lovely, lovely melody and the teasing oozes in the tune, the kurumbu of Aishwarya's character well captured. Ignore the KJY version

Agree! KJY version is not a patch on the Chitra version.

The only drishti is "smayyaai" which is the "September Maadham" of the album...

[Benny Lava]

KKKK is outstanding
kannamoochi - lovely, lovely melody and the teasing oozes in the tune, the kurumbu of Aishwarya's character well captured. Ignore the KJY version

Agree! KJY version is not a patch on the Chitra version.

The only drishti is "smayyaai" which is the "September Maadham" of the album...

I for one like the duet version a lot. It is such a rarity to hear KJY in a ARR song :cry:

[ajaybaskar]

KKKK is outstanding
kannamoochi - lovely, lovely melody and the teasing oozes in the tune, the kurumbu of Aishwarya's character well captured. Ignore the KJY version

Agree! KJY version is not a patch on the Chitra version.

The only drishti is "smayyaai" which is the "September Maadham" of the album...

:lol: Exactly..

[Plum]

AB, 3 bolded lines-la edhukku "Exactly" solreenga :-)

September Maadham -isnt it more catchy and more popular than the KKKK one. I dont even remember "smaiyai". idhu enna lyrics - apdinna enna?
There's also a bharathiyar song right? I dont remember that one now eiether.

[ajaybaskar]

Plum, Only the last line was bolded by me.

When compared to the other songs of Alaipayuthey and KKKK, September and Smaiyai are way below in terms of quality. Whnever i listen to these 2 albums, i tend to skip those 2 songs..

[littlemaster1982]

There's also a bharathiyar song right? I dont remember that one now eiether.

Suttum vizhichudar-dhaan Kannamma.

[Benny Lava]

There's also a bharathiyar song right? I dont remember that one now eiether.

Suttum vizhichudar-dhaan Kannamma.

Lovely rendition by Hariharan, there was a time when I listened to this song more regularly than the other tracks in KKKK.

[AudazJay]

There's also a bharathiyar song right? I dont remember that one now eiether.

Suttum vizhichudar-dhaan Kannamma.

Lovely rendition by Hariharan, there was a time when I listened to this song more regularly than the other tracks in KKKK.

Me too :D Heavenly number...

[Rocky89]

Plum, Only the last line was bolded by me.

When compared to the other songs of Alaipayuthey and KKKK, September and Smaiyai are way below in terms of quality. Whnever i listen to these 2 albums, i tend to skip those 2 songs..

September Madham is a great number. I dunno why you guys hate it :(

[ajaybaskar]

Taste differs, Rocky. For me, the other songs are like Corona and September is like Kingfisher.

[kapildev]

voted for kaNdukoNdeen kaNdukoNdeen.

brilliant music score with wonderful lyrics!

enna Solla Pogirai - Shankar Mahadevan (17%)
Smayiyai - Devan, Clinton Cerejo, Dominique Cerejo (8%)
Kanamoochi - K. S. Chithra (12%)
Suttum Vizhi - Hariharan (7%)
Konjum Mainakkale - Sadhana Sargam (7%)
Kanamoochi (Duet) - K. S. Chithra, K. J. Yesudas (12%)
Yengae Enathu Kavithai - K. S. Chithra, Srinivas (22%)
Kandukondain Kandukondain - Hariharan, Mahalakshmi Iyer (15%)

A perfect 100% album!!

[A.ANAND]

my vote 4 thiruda thiruda!

[Aalavanthan]

Adheppadi NOV unga gurunadhar padam Duet'a vittuteenga.

KB himself once said that ARR hasn't surpassed the wholesomeness of Duet album in any album since then (I think he said it long back).

Things in favor of Duet:
1. Great variety in songs - Classical, semi-classical, folksy, fusion, solo etc.,
2. Superb singing - SPB in most of the songs and others were good as well
3. Excellent lyrics
4. Wide range of moods - Optimistic (metu podu), Romantic (anjali), Pathos (Kai neetum & En Kadhaley), Naughty (Kathirikka), jovial (Kulicha kuthalam)
5. Kadri's virtuosity with Sax
6. AND "The Duet Theme!!"

Cant agree more ! :yes:

[sunnyg]

Guys,

This is impossible - the top 1-99 tamil albums are all ARR's.

Still, my choice would be BOYS.

It was a comeback of sorts for ARR.

Paal pole padhinaaru,

Sa re ga me

Ale Ale

Maro maro

wow, wow! He changed the face of tamil music again with this album!

[Sunil_M88]

Duet - :ty: Kadri Gopalnath

[Sunil_M88]

I know it's not in the poll but I revisited Kabhi na kabhi (Monalisa in Tamil)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfWFN3RNzJ4

The beat is very MJish but the following interludes are the best of those times, @ 0:19 to 0:47 and @1:48 to 2:20 respectively.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc53Gf9YOAk

The prelude is very rich, especially @0:30 (also heard @1:45). @2:15 onwards - The most soul stirring piece of the song is heard. @2:33 Hariharan sparkles more than star. @3:17 The humming inter spaced with the flute is just another addition to the song's brilliance. The song ends on a very soothing note.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6aLUAfwsJk

No one could of sung those alaaps better than ARR. Those sufi notes are his trade mark. The orchestration is another highlight of the song particularly @3:41. But the bottom line is that one cannot express enough gratitude to M. G. Sreekumar and K. S. Chitra. They make the singing sound so easy. Here is a :bow: to such perfectionists.

Along with Mere Dil Ka Woh Shehzada this is another peppy number. The qawwali influence is glaring. ARR has used S.P. Balasubramaniam, Hariharan, and K. S. Chitra in a very different way to the songs they're commonly known for. This is one of them songs you can hear at anytime and anywhere. The second interlude certainly does evoke a lot of sentimental feelings.

The other songs in the album are Mil Gayi Mil Gayi Woh Manzilen (Reused from Duet's Anjali Anjali but instrumentation is different). BTW This is the only song sung by Kumar Sanu ji for Thalaivar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgVTl0kyrTM

Lastly Shukriya Tera Shukriya by S.P. Balasubramaniam and Chorus. IMO This song does not posses as much longevity as the rest of the album (May be because the typical ARR touch here is to a smaller extent), however @3:44 I could listen to this interlude for ever as it soars with blithesomeness.

Overall I would rate this albums as one of ARR best works showcasing his mastery over interludes, whether it be vocal inter spaced alaaps or the heartwarming instrumentation. :clap: Furthermore, all the singers sound very fresh. :D

Sunil

[Sunil_M88]

I'm sorry I forgot to express laurels for Asha ji @2:26 of http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfWFN3RNzJ4 - to say those notes are manipulative and seducing would be an understatement. Asha ji was extensively used by Rahman ji during those days. She was his favorite for those type of songs and I agree no one else could of sung better youth songs at her age then herself. Even till today she still continues to shine in up tempo item songs.

:thumbsup: Asha ji!

[Sunil_M88]

http://www.musicindiaonline.com/#/album/116-Sanskrit_Devotional/25051-Chaturbhujam/

A breathtaking example of humanity. :bow:

[littlemaster1982]

Sunil,

Chaturbhujam is not by ARR :)

[Sunil_M88]

Thanks for the info. but I'm really confused about why so may sources cite him as the composer.

[littlemaster1982]

The album makers used a picture of ARR in CD cover to increase it's visibility. I would say they have succeeded to some extent :)

[raghavendran]

indha polla irukkara albums ellame top..my fav would be Kadhal Desam...chinna vayasulendhe fav,even kkkk and duet sollalam

[SoftSword]

refurb...
attention pls...

whr doesn VTV sit here in the list?

[raghavendran]

though Vtv is one of my fav soundtracks by AR in recent times..it doesnt stand a chance in this list..ellame classics..all these soundtracks will be in best of Thamizh cinema's albums