With the year coming to an end, the year’s-best lists have been invariably sprouting in every field. So I present here my list of top 10 songs by A R Rahman this year. It has been a crazy year for Rahmaniacs. Rahman, who gives just around 10 songs every year, has provided us with more than five dozen tracks that we can even hold an album countdown. Well, anyway, here is my top 10.
Ones that missed by an inch: Behka (Ghajini), Jiya Se Jiya (Connections), Yaar Di Deedar Di (Big Band Theme), Inn Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein (Jodhaa Akbar) and Kahin To (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na). And now…
10. Dil Ka Rishta (Yuvvraaj)
Rahman gives a slap to all those “simple orchestrations” and “peppy numbers”. You know what you are in for right from the initial chorus of “Passion and Aggression”. Vintage Rahman.
9. Taxi Taxi (Sakkarakatti)
At last, Kollywood has a Pathshaala of its own. Let’s face it. Which other song has had the guts to mix four languages and at the same time provide absolutely new sounds?
8. Main Boloon… Tu Bole (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na)
I know I’m going against the popular opinion of Aditi, but Rahman’s rendition of the best jazz in some time is but a revelation. And the instruments, the instruments…
7. Ishq Ada Hai (Male version) (Ada)
Cranky, non-conforming and avant-garde. Rashid Ali’s unconventionality interspersed with Nino Rota-esque interludes has enough fuel to propel it to the top 10 of the year.
6. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Theme
This sleeper may not find its way to many Top 10’s but you know you have been immediately struck once you hear “Aasamaan…” following the fascinating low-key chorus.
5. Mausam & Escape (Slumdog Millionaire)
“O, Saya” may be a miracle on the screen, but my pick of the album remains Mausam & Escape. This is probably the only instrumental in my list, but its instrumentation speaks much more than words.
4. Marhaba Ya Mustapha (Al Risalah)
Rahman’s single for the album is perhaps the most underrated song of the year. More spiritual than any of his Sufi songs, Marhaba Ya Mustapha is a simple, unadorned gem where you instantly realize how Rahman has sung it “Dil Se…”
3. Manmohini (Yuvvraaj)
Rahman re-creates the magic of “Dheem Ta Daare” (Thakshak) and Vijay Prakash’s masterful crooning is just what the album required. The last minute of the song has to be heard to be believed.
2. Meherbaan (Ada)
Vellai Pookkal for the new generation. Least spoken song of the year, primarily due to the film’s dormancy. One of the few Rahman songs that is an instant classic. This is one song I wish I can sing properly.
1. Khwaja Mere Khwaja (Jodhaa Akbar)
Make way for the Raja, Make way for the Khwaja. Striking early in the year, Khwaja Mere Khwaja has crept into my arcane Rahman Top 10 and has possibly even dethroned Piya Haji Ali. Special mention for the transcendental instrumental version that just sweeps you off your feet. Magic written all over. More than a song – an experience.
Enjoyed reading this list. At a discussion on his music, a few participants felt that he should compose fewer songs to remain true to quality.
Oh, I feel that the huge number of songs this year are a result of the directors themselves. Ada was scheduled earlier, Sakkarakatti was supposed to be a reworking alone. But I never felt that quality was compromised in any film because Rahman is a music director who takes up projects only if he is given ample time.
Yes, since his music takes time to flourish, fewer albums would be more desirable for the sake of audience!
First of all thanks for coming up with this list.
I agree with the list, truly top 10. Only grudge, top 10 for Rahman is not right. It discounts the rest of the gems :(
Do you mean that other directors should be included too?