The pair of S J Suryah and A R Rehman created magic in New and the songs were chart-busters as they had what the in-crowd was looking for --- plenty of rhythms sugar-coated with melody.
Anbe Aaruyire too falls into the category. As this is Rehman's first Tamil film after a long gap, the expectations were high. The master of modern melodies has not disappointed. The thing that appeals to you the most is the splendid orchestration as opposed to the essential tunes.
1) Anbe Aaruyire
It begins with weighted rhythms that Rehman is so famous for. Just the kind of going to announce the master's comeback. The vocals are also Rehman's. The song has a catchy ditty and an agreeable melody.
2) Mayilirage
The Tavil percussion lands soothingly on your ear. It is deep and resonant. And quickly Naresh Iyer (he comes across as a cross between Harish Raghavendra and Unni Krishnan) and Madhushiri (sounds almost like Sadhana) take over. Their sweetness swathes comfortably like a snug blanket on a wintry night. The word Mayilirage (Peacock's plumes) are just apt --- you feel like being caressed by it after listening to this number.
3) Varugiraai
With Hariharan and Chitra in the front, the song promises a lot. The song deals with the pangs of love. The high-pitched orbit of the tune makes it a difficult composition. Again Rehman shows his originality in mixing and instrumentation.
4) Thigu, Thigu
The heavy rhythms start almost blazingly. Sadhana Sargam, of course, has the voice and versatility to match them. There is more than a touch of Arabian lilt and Persian Ghazal in the quintessence. The lyrics (Vaali) sound slightly bawdy.
5) Thazhuviudu
Shreya starts off in a husky manner. But by the time SPB joins her, the song is well and truly into unique staccato pattern. There is no song as we traditionally know it. Perhaps it is a situational number. There is nothing redeeming, except the Rehman's stunning instrumentation.
6) Maramkothiye
It may be the pick of the album. The rap beginning (by Bilaze) may be on expected lines. But the take off is original and acceptable. Shankar Mahadevan sings well within himself and does not go for the jugular. The female voices of Shalini, Vasundaradass provide the right covering for such a number. The sci-fi interludes add a unique allure to the whole rendition.
On the whole, Rehman has shown that he has lost none of his touch and feel. So pretenders had better move over. The master is back.