[MUSIC REVIEW] Azhagiya Thamizh Magan (2007)[TAMIL]

Rahman needs no introduction. Neither does Vijay, or as he's fondly called by his fans: "Illayathalapathy."

After smelling success with Sivaji the Boss, Rahman dishes out with Azhagiya Thamizh Magan. Coming up with 6 numbers that are picturized with the likes of Vijay, Namitha and Telugu star, Shriya, fans have been eagerly waiting to see if the Mozart of Madras has more in store after his last outing.

First things first: Rahman's ATM is indeed a STEP better than Sivaji. I have given him every pot-shot for his laziness in Sivaji and as a dedicated Rahmaniac from his debut days, I had him on my number 2 list, number 1 being Isaignani Ilaiyaraja (who could forget those Agni Natchathiram, Dalapathi, Nayagan, Mouna Raagam, Idhaya Kovil, Vikram, Varsham 16, and other classic hits?) Rahman then continuded to surpass my expectations and from then on, he began to dish out chartbuster after chartbuster after chartbuster. For that reason, we must credit heavily to Mani Ratnam [ROJA-GURU] and to directors like Shankar [GENTLEMEN-BOYS], K.S Ravikumar [MUTHU, THENALI, PADIYAAPA, VARALAARU], Ram Gopal Varma [RANGEELA], and Subhash Ghai [TAAL, KISNA]. Why? For their ability to visualize the music that synched beautifully with the film. It was like that for the majority of the 90s. Today, Rahman manages to give us the good stuff but honestly, he had faltered in the past. Rang De Basanti was peppy, Guru was class but Sivaji the Boss wasn't extraordinary. It was okay music. Barring Sahara and Vaaji to a certain extent, the rest of the album dissappointed big time. Balleilakka was something that he took from Devuda of Chandramukhi, the majority of the numbers were more or less rap numbers indianized and that Athirade song was just...ambiguous to understand with all the mumbo-jumbo going in the background.

Aside from all that nostalgia, let's have a look at the songs.

ELLAAPUGAZHUM (A.R Rahman) Rating : 4/5
The song is most likely Vijay's staple intro song. The whole song as a whole has heavy shades of Anbe Aaruiye's title track. It's got Vaali's lyrics so you know the song will have some meaning. Despite being a sentimental song about poor people and thangachi doting and etcetera etcetera. Probably the best of the Vijay songs after that sad Pokkiri and his recent crop of masalas.

KELAMAL KAIYILE (Saindavi & Sriram Parasarathy) Rating: 3.8/5
It's a more or less your eurobeat number mixed with some addicting choral sirens. It's got a Rahman stamp all over it. However it's got a heavy "Sahara" hangover from Sivaji mixed in and "Ilamai" from Varalaaru. Nevertheless, Vidyasagar favorite, Sriram Parasarathy and newcomer Saindavi excell here.

MADURAIKKU (Benny Archal and others) Rating: 2/5
Remember that popular song from Thenali, "Hoja ye" and that recent Pokkiri mass number "Pokkiri Pongal?" It's basically that with Pravin Mani's version of "Baila Re" from Little John. Skippable as it's your staple village track. It's strictly so-so.

NEE MARLYIN MONROE (Ujjanee and Benny Archal) Rating: 3.9/5
Pretty good song and I would've rated it even higher if it weren't for the dubakoor english thrown into the song. Is it me or did you guys get shades of Boys songs "Girlfriend" and "Maro Maro". Cause I did. It's a good song and I have a feeling that the female voice, Ujjanee is from that Zee TV Winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa : Ek me aur Ek Tu. Because if that's not her, I don't know who is. Only the mozart can confirm this ;)

PONMAGAL (Aslam and others) Rating: 2.9/5
How ironic it's sounds so familiar to Bluffmaster's "Sabse Bada Rupaiya." It's a passable track but the beats and background music make up for it and the grace rating. It's your typical remix like song but Aslam is a good singer. Some later parts of the song has the tune from "Inisai."

VALAYAPATTI (Naresh Iyer, Ujjanee, Madhumitha) Rating: 3/5
Your average duet. No more shall be said.

On the whole: AZHAGIYA THAMIZH MAGAN is a TRUE Rahman album that you leave a lasting impression. Forget Sivaji, AZHAGIYA THAMIZH MAGAN can be added as one of the top albums of 2007 along with the likes of MOZHI, CHENNAI 600028, KIREEDOM, KUMARAN, BHEEMAA, KANNAMMOCHI YENADA, SATHUM PODATHEY and now this. Only con of the album has to be the Madurai track.

Rating: ***.5/5