Search - A.R. Rahman :: Introducing A.R. Rahman (2 CD SET)

An Introduction to AR Rahman

Sankar B. Mandalika | San Jose, CA | 06/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Introduction to AR Rahman is a compilation of work from India's unexcelled film composer. AR Rahman started composing for films in 1992. Prior to that he was just a small time composer creating music for commercials. At a music awards ceremony, he was recognized by legendary director Mani Ratnam. Mani Ratnam had offered Rahman an opportunity to create the soundtrack for his upcoming film Roja. When the music for Roja arrived it changed the way people viewed soundtracks. Prior to the arrival of Rahman, film music was thought of as merely an interval in the movie but with the arrival of Rahman's soundtracks, film music became immensely important. Roja, both the film and soundtrack have become a part of Indian culture ever since they were released. Time magazine recently recognized the music for Roja by rating it one of the top ten soundtracks ever to be released. Ever since their collaboration on Roja, AR Rahman has composed the music for every Mani Ratnam film. Their next collaboration was released in 1995, it was titled Bombay. The soundtrack for Bombay is another which to this day is heard throughout the world. The theme music from Bombay was used in Lord of War, an extremely successful film starring Nicholas Cage. Their next collaboration was the classic Dil Se. Both the soundtrack and film are hailed as classics in India. The immensely popular song from Dil Se, Chaiyya Chaiyya was recently featured in the hit film Inside Man, once again giving Rahman international recognition. In 2000, AR Rahman had his most successful release, titled Kandukondain Kandukondain, directed by Rajiv Mennon. The soundtrack to this album is the most successful in India. Rahman's next collaboration with Mani Ratnam was Alai Payuthey. This soundtrack was amazingly successful and the movie was so well recognized that Shaad Ali a Hindi movie director received the permission of Mani Ratnam to remake it in Hindi. He was also immensely pleased with the soundtrack and used the same soundtrack with a few additions from Rahman. 2001 proved to be another very successful year for AR Rahman. He released Parthale Paravasam directed by one of the greatest director's of Indian cinema, K.Balachander. This was once again a tremendous hit for Rahman. The Oscar nominated Lagaan was also released in 2001 and he created a very versatile soundtrack for this film combining classical Indian music with Western music. In 2002, Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman collaborated for the fifth time and released the unforgettable Kannatil Muthamittal. The soundtrack for this movie wasn't quite as commercially successful as his other collaborations with Mani Ratnam, yet received some wonderful reviews from the critics. Also, Bombay Dreams was released in 2002. Andrew Lloyd Webber asked Rahman to create the soundtrack for this production initially released in London, later making it's way to Broadway. This soundtrack was, once again well received internationally. 2003 was a somewhat disappointing year for Rahman in India, but that was because Rahman was working on a very important international project. He was asked by the respected director He Ping to create the music for Warriors of Heaven and Earth, which was very well appreciated in China. In 2004, Rahman was back in all his glory. He released the soundtrack for Meenaxi. This is one of his greatest works ever, once again offering a wide array of music, giving everybody a song or two to enjoy and appreciate. Ayitha Ezhuthu was also released in 2004. This was his sixth collaboration with Mani Ratnam. This soundtrack was also successful. Personally speaking it isn't one of my favorites because it is influenced heavily by Western music. Nevertheless, I appreciate this soundtrack because Rahman experimented with very unique instruments creating a very different sound throughout the album. The critically acclaimed Swades was also released in 2004.The score for this film which is played on the flute is absolutely astonishing. It is very peaceful and relaxing. One of Rahman's most productive years was 2005. In 2005, he released the soundtrack for Anbe Aaruyire, which was his return to scoring tamil films after almost an entire year. The soundtrack for Bose was also released. Jana Gana Mana, India's national anthem is featured in this album and it is said to be the most beautifully orchestrated version of this anthem. Water was another critically acclaimed release of 2005. Water is the only album for which Rahman gives himself a 10/10. 2006 seems to be another very ambitious year for AR Rahman. Rang De Basanti was released early this year. The soundtrack for this album is so far the most successful of the year. The soundtrack for Godfather has also been released. This soundtrack has been very well received throughout Kollywood. Guru, his seventh collaboration with Mani Ratnam will also be released towards the end of this year.

AR Rahman has created a very unique style to Indian film music. He has received the highest number of National Film Awards. He received four of these awards, surpassing the record set by the maestro, for his work on Roja(1992), Minsara Kanvu(1997), Lagaan(2002), and Kannathil Muthamittal(2003). He is respected as one of the musical greats by artists such as Kavitha Krishnamoorthy, Asha Bhosle, and Lata Mangeshkar.



Here is a review of the CD:

This is just an introduction to AR Rahman, by no means does it contain all of his successful work.





Track Listing

Disc One

1)Bombay Theme Music- a beautiful and relaxing piece of music recently featured in the successful movie Lord of War.

2) Chinna Chinna Asai(Roja)- a beautiful song that is still very popular although it is 14 years old.

3)Kannalane- this song doesn't have the greatest start but gets better if you listen to it a few times.

4)Mettupodu- an amazing track which uses fusion. This becomes evident at the end of the song when the saxophone is accompanied by Indian classical music.

5)Ennavale- this is another song that takes time to grow on you but like many of Rahman's songs, once they grow on you they stay with you.

6)Anbe Anbe- this song is another beautiful example of Rahman using fusion to score another massive hit

7)Rasika- this song is upbeat and is great for dancing. There is a flute interlude in the middle of this song which should not be missed.

8)Yaro Yarodi- this song is beautifully crafted. It has vocals provided by several different artists and is one of Rahman's most creative pieces of work.

9)Maargazhi- this song is from the album Sangamam. It was a classical effort by Rahman, and it certainly was a terrific one. This song has vocals from both Unnikrishnan and S. Janaki. Need I say more?

10)Swasame- a very simple and sweet song but the chorus becomes addicitive after a certain point. The singers are SPB and Sadhana Sargam.

11)Thirakkatha- a soft and soothing song. It's long running for over 7 minutes but it is worth listening to.

12)Minsara Kanna- This is one of Rahman's most brilliant classical songs. There is just a certain beauty to this song which is inexplicable through words.

Disc Two

1)Alai Payuthey- a remix of a classical song. It keeps many elements of the original song but drastically changes the instruments which are used..

2)Varaaga Nathi- sung by Shankar Mahadevan who provides amazing vocals as always.

3)Idhu Manmadha Maadham- has an amazing beat, a semi classical tune, and beautiful vocals. This is a song you should not miss.

4)Sowkkiyamma- another beautiful classical song, sung by Nithyashree, comes close to Minsara Kanna.

5)Thom Karuvil Irunthom- a very high energetic song, sung by Shankar Mahdevan.

6)Kannodu- this was Rahman's first attempt at a classical song. It is from the movie Jeans.

7)Uyire- a very melodious song from Bombay. Hariharan's voice does splendidly for this song.

8)Kulichaa Kuthalam- this song is one of the weaker songs from Rahman. It from the popular movie Duet. This compilation should have had Anjali Anjali, instead of this song. Nevertheless, give it a listen.

9)Anbendra- a very slow and beautiful tune.

10)Kannamuchi- this is a shortened version of the song. If you want the full version you can purchase it on itunes. A very nice and relaxing song.

11)Usilampatii Penkutti- this song was very successful, but it was too upbeat for me to enjoy.

12)Poraalae- The tune for this song is pretty good, but the vocals by Swarnalatha are horrific.I'd rather listen to myself sing.

13)Nithiyae Nithiyae- Now, this is one of my favorite songs. It is slow, semi classical, and the vocals are by Unnimennon. In other words this is one of the best songs ever.



This greatest hits compilation has some very memorable songs on it but if you want to really explore the work of this talented artist listen to these albums: Rang De Basanti, Kannathil Muthamittal, Kandukondain, Kandukondain, Dil Se, Godfather, Mangal Pandey, Star, and Sangamam.

"

Refreshingly different film scores

Nathan Beauchamp | Oak Park, IL USA | 04/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After being introduced to A.R. Rahman through the fantastic Slumdog Millionaire Score, I realized that my taste for his music had not been satiated and I started looking for recommendations. I enjoy a broad variety of music, and didn't want to just commit to a single score, so this collection was perfect for me as a way of sampling what Rahman has to offer.



Overall, the music is great and reminded me of Delerium (most similar to Poem), Enigma, and other eclectic film scores, but with a welcome and beautiful emphasis on indigenous Indian instrumentation. Many of the songs are filled with an intensity and joyfulness that is rare in film scores. Others are lovely, introspective, romantic. Essentially, everything you would want from film scores!



This is a great, I repeat, GREAT collection of music. If you love film scores, or liked the Slumdog soundtrack, this is a must buy. I'd actually say that this collection is even better than the Slumdog soundtrack, which while really good, doesn't quite measure up to the best tracks on this CD.



5/5 Stars. An awesome, atmospheric romp through Indian influenced ambient, eclectic electronica, dance, more traditional film score sound, and generally music that is infused with hopeful, beautiful and resonant themes of life."

Addictive

Eliyahu | Massachusetts | 03/25/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I began listening to Bollywood music after becoming addicted to Bollywood movies. I am now addicted to the music. I don't know if it's good or bad and have no sophisticated judgments to offer, but I can't stop listening to this CD."