Music is an intrinsic part of our lives. It drives off the Monday blues, rocks us to sleep on insomnia-filled nights, and makes the most special moments in life that much sweeter. On June 21, International World Music Day, artists across the world play all day, and take back the streets. First celebrated in France in 1982, the festival of music is now celebrated in over 700 cities from 120 countries. Free concerts are organised, and both amateur and professionals perform on the streets. On this day of music, we take a look at Tamil movie songs that best represent the genres they were inspired from:
A sneak peek into the lives of cool girls and guys circa 2002, the song reflects the sensibilities of ‘modern girls’ as understood by lyricist Pa Vijay. Through the song, Vijay attempts to chronicle the qualities of the perfect man. A sample:
Naan solvadhai seibavan vendaam
Sollaadhadhai seibavan vendaam
Lyrics aside, the song itself is catchy, in keeping with the Destiny’s Child vibe of the noughties.
An iconic entrance. Those shimmery onesies. And rollerskating, of all things. This was disco at its zenith – a drummer on a Whiplash routine, SPB at his swag best, and Ilaiyaraaja letting his inner beast out on a rampage. Vaali writes a fun song about Kamal’s famous films, and his prowess at all things. Despite this, the song is religiously played at midnight on New Year parties across the state.
‘Megam Kottattum’ from Enakkul Oruvan
Composer: Ilaiyaraaja
Singer: SP Balasubramanyam
Kamal Haasan dons rock star clothes yet again. Rain interrupts one of his concerts and in true star spirit, he soldiers on. Guitar riffs, swimsuits, and umbrellas abound as SPB rocks the music. With truly imaginative use of acoustic drums, this song is very indicative of the way Ilaiyaraaja broke through many stereotypes when it came to composing music for films.
Honorable mentions:
Recommended
Vaanam Keezhe Vandhaal Enna from Thoongathe Thambi Thoongathe
Kannum Kannum Kollai Adithaal from Thiruda Thiruda
Enna Vegam from Kuzhandhaiyum Deivamum
LATIN
‘Sundari’ from Kannathil Muthamittal
Composer: AR Rahman
Singers: Hariharan, Tippu, Sujatha, Karthik, & Madhumitha
Playing on the theme of a spirited child and her adventures, this song is spot on. Executed with true Latin flourish, it has vocals from Hariharan, Sujatha, and Tipu. The track brings alive Amutha’s never-say-never spirit.
ARABIC
‘Maula Wa Sallim’ from OK Kanmani
Composer: AR Rahman
Singer: AR Ameen
Some soulful singing (albeit autotuned) by AR Ameen, and a little orchestration make this Ok Kanmani song a treat to listen to. It was an ode to Allah and sung in Arabic, and yet it didn’t deter ARR fans from listening to it a million times.
Honorable mention:
JAZZ
‘Vennila Vennila’ from Iruvar
Composer: AR Rahman
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyricist: Vairamuthu
Asha Bhonsle’s seductive vocals makes this jazz song about ‘Mudhal Kaathal’ all the more bewitching. As Aishwarya Rai slinks across the screen, we are introduced to Mohanlal, dapper in a vest and aviators. The dreamy sax brings to mind images of the flapper era – full of speakeasy’s and smoky interiors, even as the Taj Mahal acts as a silent witness to the romance unfolding before it. Instead of looking to the filmy jazz numbers of the sixties’ for inspiration, AR Rahman looked to true blue world jazz and the results are all the more incredible for it.
Honorable mention:
Vaanila from Kadhal Virus
REGGAE
‘Mustafa Mustafa’ from Kadhal Desam
Composer & Singer: AR Rahman
Lyrics: Vairamuthu
The ultimate friendship anthem, this song redefined what it meant to be bros in the nineties. A staple at cultural functions even today, the song never fails to raise emotions between best friends. With it’s reggae rhythm and Vairamuthu’s fresh lyrics, the song remains etched in the minds of college best friends who once pledged eternal devotion to each other.
Honorable Mention:
Chinna Chinna Aasai from Roja