Gaana Songs and Tamil Movies

For some time now, Tamil movies have had some very melodious songs with Ilayaraja and then A.R.Rahman with special emphasis on melody and rhythm. But this post it not about the kind of music A.R.Rahman or Ilayaraja produces. This is about ‘Gaana’ songs. A genre which has found more than just an expression off late in Tamil movies.

Yes, those who swear by ARR and mellifluous music will be quick to dismiss some of these songs as crass and lacking in many things… but  there is no denying that even for folks with two left feet, some of these songs make you want to break free of all those inhibitions. Move your hands, move your legs, throw yourself in any direction – You are not being judged! Celebration of millions of pent up emotions waiting for a release!

These were songs that started with the working community within cities and elsewhere and their modes of uninhibited celebration. Today thanks to adoption by Tamil movies, they have managed to moving across class divides. It is not uncommon to hear these songs being played today at the choiciest of pubs/restaurants and DJ nights. Read more about Gaana songs and how they have come to invade popular media http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaana .

For Starters, here’s a list of some of some gaana songs that I find interesting. Viewer discretion expected while watching some of these videos. Dont be quick to dismiss it as crass – for the objective of this genre is to celebrate and celebrate breaking free of all inhibitions.

Yes, I almost forgot to add. Fans of Vaali and other lyricists who have done some awesome work will be disappointed too. None of these songs have any emphasis on lyrics. The lyrics “usually” narrate a story rather than attempt to be poetic in the narrative. The emphasis on “usually” is because many a times, they dont make too much sense. But then when people are on such high energy levels - “Who Cares!”

Disclaimer: Listening to some of these songs on youtube doesnt do too much justice to the beats and other related sound effects that defines this genre.

You would remember Naaka Mukka as the song that was adopted by Times of India to win the Cannes Award for one of its Ads…