Raining poetry

My favourites are all from the old days. Those were days when lyrics were so poetic, when the music was such a treat. But there have been good songs at all times, when new voices combine with innovative music composers and daring writers.

1.Thamasamenthe varuvaan
Movie - Bharagaveenilayam
Music - M.S. Baburaj
Lyrics - P. Bhaskaran
Singer - K.J. Yesudas

It is after 30 years that I saw Bhargaveenilayam again. It has been such a fulfilling experience. Baburaj’s melodies are an audio treat and the lyrics make it a visual treat. When you hear the line Hemantha yaamini than ponvilakku poliyaaraay you can actually see it, the lights going off on a winter night.

2. Paathiraavaayilla
Movie - Manaswini
Music - M.S. Baburaj
Lyrics - P. Bhaskaran
Singer - K.J. Yesudas, S. Janaki

It is a lyrical and musical beauty. Songs of those days — it is like it rained poetry. You can hear the strain of sadness, of pathos in the melody.

3. Pranasakhi
Movie - Pareeksha
Music - M.S. Baburaj
Lyrics - P. Bhaskaran
Singer - K.J. Yesudas

It is of Sindhu Bhairavi raagam, and one of the best songs made in that raagam in India.
4. Devanganangal
Movie - Njaan Gandharvan
Music - Johnson
Lyrics - Kaithapram
Singer - K.J. Yesudas

Johnson was a man who had complete grip over music. He played the violin, he did the orchestration, the BGM. I have sung several songs for him. This song is not just a tribute to Johnson, but also to Kaithapram and to Padmarajan.

5. Akeleyo
Movie - Grandmaster
Music - Deepak Dev
Lyrics - Chittoor Gopi
Singer - Vijay Yesudas

I like Deepak’s style of music making. He doesn’t fit in unnecessary ragas. He is also a sound engineer, plays the keyboard and is an excellent composer. Vijay’s rendition is lovely. It’s nice to see the heredity, to hear the voice of young Yesudas again.

6. Vijanathayil
Movie - How Old Are You
Music - Gopi Sunder
Lyrics - Rafeeq Ahamed
Singer - Shreya Ghoshal

A song where the singer’s voice becomes a realisation of the composer’s dream.

(As told to Cris)