My ten favourite A.R.Rahman albums

(A current list in no particular order - with Rahmanonline helping to jog the memory)

1. Roja: Undoubtedly heralded a new sound, popularised modern sound engineering techniques and gave us the first tastes of now classic ARR touches of flutes, unconventional song syntax and unorthodox playback voices.
2. ThiruDa ThiruDa: Classic Mani Ratnam-Rahman collaboration that set screens alive with the synergy of choreography, music and photography. One of the most innovative scores in the Rahman collection.
3. Pudhiya Mugam: This one is also from 1993 - the year that had a lot of goodies. More melody than before with the guitar in July Maadham and violins in NeTTru illaadha MaaTram sounding great.
4. Duet: A partnership with Kadri Gopalnath's saxophone that established Rahman's versatility a great deal.
5. Iruvar: A period score with a difference. Perfectly complemented what Mani Ratnam was trying to do with the film - a potent combination of the director, music director, Vairamuthu and Santosh Sivan created magic that sadly very few seemed to have seen or appreciated. More on this later.
6. Dil Se: Loved the range on this one: from the hardcore commercial Chaiyya Chaiyya to the experimental Tu hii Tu marked the first collaboration with Gulzar and added to the romantic passion that underlies the film.
7. Ka.nDukonDain Ka.nDukonDain: If you think Rahman relies almost entirely on rhythm, perhaps this will change your opinion. Probably has the perfect aNDu-GunDu title :-). Excellent picturisation adds to the appreciation.
8. Lagaan: For the first time, I understood how powerful and creative the lyrics in a Hindi film song could be. Javed Akhtar's lyrics make great listening along with the tunes. O Rii Chorii is my unlikely favourite.
9. The Legend Of Bhagat Singh: This has grown on me favourably in the last year. For me, it is another reminder of the versatility of the composer. Sarfaroshi kii Tamanna is a standout piece.
10. Indira or Alaipayuthe or Minsaara Kanavu or 1947-Earth or Rhythm would tie for this last spot.