Gems of Raja Under Various Genres of Music

All I can say is that music composed by me cannot be categorized in a particular genre. You can call it a universal genre....Maestro Ilaiyaraaja

After 1000 films and over 5000 songs, many people still relate to Maestro ilaiyaraja as someone who just integrated the folk, carnatic and western classic genres alone predominantly. But there are 30 different music genres he has scored music in. 

Below is a compilation list of musical gems of Raja classified under nearly 30 different Musical Genres..

1) A Capella

a. Sembavala muthukkalae {kummi} part from Aracha Santhanam - Chinna thambi

b. Devan kovil - Naan paadum paadal: Prelude Alap of Janaki amma unto 20 sec...et al.,

c. Konji Konji alaigal, the last part of Children choir, from Veera is a typical " A Capella"

d. Naan poranthu vandhadhu from Maya Bazaar

e. Oh vennilave vaa, the last part of the song, from Aananda kummi,

f. Polla vinayein, a part of the song from Thiruvasagam {Exactly the verse - Aakkam alavu}

g. Vaanam thottu, Overture of the song, from Thevar magan does not have any orchestra until 40th sec

2) Acoustic guitar-propelled Western folk

a. "Ponmane Theduthey" from the soundtrack of the film Oh Maane Maane (1984).

b. "Roja Ondru mutham" from Komberi mookkan

3) Afro-tribal

a. "Aasayil Kaatrula" from Johnny (1980).

b. Malai kOvil vAsalil from Veera

c. Meen kodi theRIL from Karumbu vil (best in this genre)

d. Tholin mele

e. ViLakku vaippOm from aathma

4) Bluegrass

a. Vaazhvennum Sorkkaththai, the prelude and 1st interlude of the song, from Aaluku Oru Aasai

5) Calypso/Reggae

a. Aadum Neram from Soorasamharam is close to Calypso/Reggae genre though that song is a brilliant fusion of Tribe, Indian Classical. The pallavi portion has strong Calypso nuances.

b. Mastaana Mastaana - Raasaiyya

c. Sollividu Vellinilave - Amaithi Padai (reggae pattern)

d. vanakuyile, kuyil tharum (Priyanka) - The reggae rythm pattern 

6) Disco

a. Endrendrum Aanandhame from Kadal Meengal - The second interlude is heavenly...

b. Ilamai Idho Idho from sakalakalaavallavan

c. Netru Indha Neram strongly suggests Disco genre...Also some Funk elements in form of synth usage and Phaser effects all over the song but the rhythm is close to disco

7) Flamenco

a. the musical vignettes/interludes in the rock-lifting scenes in the film Muthal Mariyathai (1985).

b. Ludes of Nee Koduthatha from Maaveeran has live flamenco guitaring.

c. Engiruntho Ennai Azhaithadhenna from I Love India is a Flamenco generic song. It has lovely Flamenco guitar progression, Latino rhythm and castanets embellishment.

d. Muthamma from Azhagar maalai (2nd interlude)-- Flamenco guitar progression with typical of Latin rhythm & brass arrangement --

e. Palli Araikkul Malligaiyai Alli Iraikka -- has hardcore Flamenco elements.

8) Funk

a. Antha Naal Asaigal from Annae Annae

b. the comedic funks "Oru Nayagan Uthayamagiraan" from Dhavani Kanavugal (1984),

c. "Ada Machamulla" from Chinna Veedu (1985).

d. Paadi Vaa Thendrale from Mudivilla Aarambam

9) Funk Rock:

a. Padipilla Zero from Ilamai Kaalangal - drenched with Funk elements like Phasers and Wah effects..The synth effects strongly suggest Funk...Raaja has brought about such a mystic and serious feel in the tune with Funk Rock elements.

b. Ennamma Kannu from Mr. Bharath

10) Heavy Metal:

a.Kalaignan kattu kaaval - Kalaignan

b. Pottu vaitha kathal thittam from Singaravelan is a hardcore heavy metal rock with western classical string orchestra arrangement.

11) Jazz

a. NEPV album - Nee Thaane En Pon Vasantham - Progressive Jazz
b. the fusion-jazz/pop sound of "Vikram", from Vikram (1986). [the Vikram song is actually a carnatic jathi, masquerading as rap music]

c. Raaja Rani Jockey (Netrikkaan) .. The Jazz fills between the lines in the pallavi...

d. Is it Fixed (How to Name it).. The Bandhuvarali piece.. the showdown between drums, Bass and Trumphet is a pure jamming session leaving the listener spell bound

e. Day By Day Enna Maatram (Honest Raj.)

f. Jinjillara (Raajasthan) Amazing jazz Piano in the prelude

g. Niram Pirithu Paarthane (Time)..

h. Poo Poothadhu and Kurangu Kaiyil Mala (Mumbai Xpress)

i. Sax Theme from Cheeni Kum

j. "Kaattile kambankaattile" from "Raajakumaaran

k. Virahamay from Man of the Match (1996)

l. Shivamalli Poove from Friends (1999)

m. Indha Ulagil from Madhu (2005)

n. Thangakili Kaiyil from Manadhil Urudhi Vendum (1999) - I call this Rajazz.

o. En Iniya Pon Nilave from Moodupani (1980)

p. Enthan Kannil Ezhulagangal from Guru (1980)

q. Ilaya Nila from Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982)

s. Shwashathin thalam from Achuvinte Amma (2005)

12) March

a. “adadaa ahangaara" from pithamagan

b. "aruna kirana deepam"

c. Bharatha Samudhayam from Bharathi (2000)

d. "Raja Kaiya Vecha", Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989).

e. "manitha manitha" from Kan Sivanthal Mann Sivakkum

13) Latino / bossa nova / Samba

a. Latino / bossa nova - "Kadhal Oviyam" from Alaigal Oivathillai (1981).

b. "Mamaamuvukku Kuduma" (Punnagai Mannan)

c. "Sambonnu Solli" (December Pookal)

d. Yen jodi manchakuruvi is 'Bossa Nova'

14) Lounge Music

a. Day By Day Enna Maatram (Honest Raj.)

15) New Jack Swing/Hip-Hop/ R&B:

a. Nenachi Nenachi from Sethu is definitely Hip-Hop/ New Jack Swing(New Jack swing because of the synth rhythm samples)

b. Asai Adhigam Vechu from Marupadiyum has minor New Jack Swing elements in terms of rhythm...

16) Polka, Polo Polka

a. Keladi En Pavaiye from Gopura Vasalile (1990) - A Polka” & experimented with odd time signature

b. Oho Laila from Chaitanya (1991) - Not sure, if this is truly Polka.

c. The 2nd interlude of Nanna Muddina from Nee Nanna Gellalare

d. Maina maina from Pagal nilavu

e. Kalyaanam kachcheari from sathiyavan (April 1st Vidudala in telugu)

17) Pop

a. e.g., "Antha Naal Nyaabagam" from Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005);

b. "Videya Videya" from Sethu (1999);

c. "Vaan Engum" from Moondram Pirai (1983).

d. Unnai Thedi Thedi from Konji Pesalam (2003)

e. Darling Darling from Priya (1979)

f. Eduta neeve from Abhinandhana (1990)

g. Diana Diana from from Kadhal Kavidhai (1999)

h. Minmini Paarvaikal from Julie Ganapathy (2003)

i. Hey I love you from Unnai Naan Santhithaen (1984)

j. Ithu Oru Nila Kalam from Tik Tik Tik (1981)

k. Netru Indha Neram from Tik Tik Tik (1981)

l. Rajanodu from Sathi Leelavathi (1995)

m. Megam kotattum from Enakkul Oruvan (1984)

n. Rangu Rangu from Prem Kahani (2009)

o. Rojapoo from Agni Natchathiram (1989)

p. Uff Are Tu Nirch Hai from Chal Chalein (2009)

q. Vanam Enna keezhiruuku Vetri Vizha (1989)

18) Psychedelia

a. "Vaanam Keezhe Vandhal Enna" from Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey (1983).

b. Kannirandil - Avadharam

c. kanavil midhakkum" - Eera Vizhi Kaaviyangal

d. manathil enna ninaivugalo"

e. "uravenum puthiya vaanil"

f. Darling I Love You from Aaradhanai

19) Psychedelic rock/Funk Rock

a. Ithu Rosapoovu from Oru Kaithiyin Diary has Psychedelia in rendition. Funk elements in prelude..

b. Kanni Ilam from Aayiram Nilave Vaa. - the psychedelic mood in Janaki's rendition and heavy Flanging of the Guitars suggest this kinda genre...The Bassline all over the song is simply STUNNING!

20) Rock/Hard Rock

a. "Antha Naal Nyaabagam" from Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005);

b. "Videya Videya" from Sethu (1999);

c. "Vaan Engum" from Moondram Pirai (1983) - sounds close to Rock(Psychedelic) for the INTENSE Bass works...

d. Megam Kottattum is 100% Rock/Heavy Metal for the Bass...there is a nice tribe post-lude in this one...

e. Oru Oorile from Maayabaazar 1995 has hard rock rhythm texture, however, it is a classical cross-over composition in Opera Style. Broadway kind of work.

f. Oru murai ketale from Inimey naangathan is a lively rock song.

g. Vaazha Vaikkum Kaadhalukku from Aboorva Sagotharargal is close to Rock for the incredible Bass guitars(Bass leads and Bassline)... But the rhythm could suggest another genre...

h. Vaa NaaLukku - Oru Iravu Oru Paravai

i.Pottu vaitha kadhal thittam - Singaravelan -- hard rock with WCM movements !

j.Vanam namakku from Anjali is a lovely Rock, it's concept reminds the classic Rock "Another brick on the wall".

k.Palli Paadama from Meera - has some interesting mix of folk rhythms (ROLAND R8, Kawai samplers) in the 2nd bgm for 18 bars (in 4/4). But the main groove that comes through the song is rock style.

21) Rock and roll, dance music (e.g., disco)

a. e.g., "Solla Solla Enna Perumai" from Ellam Inba Mayam (1981);

b. "Ilamai Itho" from Sakalakalavallavan (1982);

c. "Paatu Enggey" from Poovizhi Vasalile (1987).

d. Ela intha dooram from Jamadagni (1988)

e. Ellorukkum Nalla from Marupadiyum (1995)

f. Enakkuthaan from Velaikaran (1987)

g. Muthaduthe from Nalavanukku Nallavan (1984)

h. Kalalo Choosinadi from Shambu (2007)

i. Aanando Brahma from Shiva (1989)

j. Oru Naal Antha Oru Naal from Devathai (1998)

k. Oru Thottavadi from Pachakuthira (2006)

l. Pazhaiya Vilangu from Meera (1992)

m. Poo Maalai Oru Paavai anatho from Thanga Magan (1983)

n. Pudhu maapillaiki - Aboorva Sahodharargal -- a typical Rock-n-Roll based groove and has more shades of Blues

n. Rum Bum Bum from MMKR (1991)

o. Senorita from Johny (1979)

p. Thamaraikodi from Ananda Kummi (1982)

q. ThathOm ThalAngu ThathOm from Vetri Vizha (1989)

r. Varavelkumo from Pachakuthira (2006)

s. Venniyello from Shiva (1989)

t. Yeh Unnai Thaane from Kadhal Parisu (1987)

22) Rythm & Blues

a. Appappa Thithikkum undhan mutham from Japanil Kalyanaraman (jazz elements too)

b. Va va pakkam va from thanga magan

23) Soft metal rock

a. Paattellam from Sooriyan {Malayalam}

b. Ennai thaalatta varuvala from Kathalukku mariyathai

c. Oh baby baby from Kathalukku mariyathai (alternative metal rock.)

d. Thavikirein Thavikirein from Time

e. Thendral varum from Friends is a soft rock.

24) Theaterical / Opera / Broadway Music

a. Edaya Baagilu from Suryakanthi 

b. Alaigale va avarudan from Kavidhai malar

c. Chandhirarum Sooriyarum from Avatharam

d. Oru Oorile from Maayabaazar 1995 has hard rock rhythm texture, however, it is a classical cross-over composition in Opera Style. Broadway kind of work.

25) Waltz

a. Poovae Sempoovae,

b. Engengu Nee sendra Podhum etc.,

c. Vandhal Vandhal from from oru oorile oru raajakumari (1995)

d. Pootukkal Potaalum from Chatriyan (1990)

e. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star title track

26) Jazz Waltz / Swing Waltz

a. "Devan Kovil Deepam Ondru" - Nan Padum Padal 

b. "Dil Dil Dil Manadhil - mella thiranthathu kathavu..." (the only indian song probably with tabla used for jazz waltz rythm

c. Gaanam then kaatrodu - kannukoru vannakili 

d. Geetham Sangeetham"

e. Ingeyum Angeyum ore mugam - Sathya 

f. Kannanai Kanbaya - Manithanin Marupakkam

f. Nagu Endide Manjina Bindu | Pallavi Anupallavi

g. Navodayam - Kokila (telugu)

h. Sorgathin vasappadi - Unnai solli kutramillai

i. Un Paarvayil oraayiram - Amman Kovil Kizhakale

j. Ye Thendrale - Nenjathai killathe 

27) Symphonic Rock

a.oru naal antha oru naal from devadhai

b.aruna kirana from guru

c.suttum sudervizhi from siraichalai

d.chandirarum sooriyarum from avatharam

e.magalir mattum from magalir mattum

f.vanam thottu pona requiem choir in the beginning

g.palli padama from meera

h.Pazhaya vilangu from meera

i.panivizhum malai from meera

28) Techno

a. Akki Thokki from Vinodha Yatra (2007)

b. Chelathathee from Manasinakkare (2003)

29) Western Classical Movements Songs

a. Therke veesum thendral from Kolangal is basically a guitar-propelled song with western classical movements.

b. Arigaratha poosi kolla from Avatharam - lively WCM movements performed in folk song

c. Amman koil ellam from Rajavin Parvaiyile - - lively WCM movements performed in folk song

Courtesy: I need to thank a lot of friends out there for helping me compile this list - Kamal (New Kenny), Violin Vicky, Eddie, Ravi Natarajan, Krish, Kumar Subramani, Kiru, Ananth, CRajkumar_be, Saran, Rajiv Shankar, and Navin Ramdoss.