I really appreciate ARR's progressive penchant for infusing pure classical elements and creating the most haunting, old world type slower melodies. Very few composers today carry on the pure melodic traditions of classic MDs, the likes of Madan Mohan, Naushaad, C Ramchandra, SD Burman. ARR is carrying that same classy torch high and proud.
When ARR was young and first started out, my observations have lead me to conclude that he emphasized cutting edge sound, rhythm, and more radical musical elements in his compositions, which were of course, brilliant and pathbreaking. Today, I find that his composing tastes have matured and evolved into a more symphonic, old world melodic framework which gives more breathing room for the singing and lyrics as well as amplifying sonic mid range depth in his arrangements. His music is less pathbreaking today not because of lack of originality and creative energy, but more the context of the overall sonic scene in music (other MDs have followed ARR' s earlier sonic trends which makes ARR stand out less today) as well as more evolved and mature composing tastes and trends which lead away from radical ideas, characteristic of the younger, 20 something ARR. ARR has not lost it, he's just matured and gotten older. Here's a list of my favorite ARR songs in the past ten years which emphasize classic, old world type melodies. Desh Ki Mitti Ghoomparani Ekla Chalo Piya Ho Naina Neer Bangari Marori Dheeme Dheeme (Zubeidaa) Ishwar Allah So Gayein Chodo More Baiyaan Hai Na Aam Ke Bagiya Mehndi Hai Rachnewali O Paalanhare Naina Milaike Mumbe Vaa Kanna Muchi Enna Pogirai Kanathil Muthimuttal title song Man Mohanna Azeem O Shaan Jashne Bahaar Ay Hairathe Tu Bin Bataye Main Vari Vari Hum Hai Iss Pal Yahan Aahista Aahista Pal Pal Hai Bhaari Sabaq Aisa Mujpe Toofan Uthaye Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna O Re Chori Khwaja Milo Wahan Ishq Ada Hai (female) Hawa Sun Hawa Hai Dard Tu Mera Hai Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai (male) E Ajnabi Jiya Jale Taal Se Taal Mila Boondo Se Baatein Dola Dola Kismat Se
