Yuvan Shankar Raja is well-known for his catchy youthful numbers that become a craze within days of their release. Many of his soundtracks have gone on to become chartbusters just because of the commercial foot-tapping numbers present in them. But there are few albums which are musically-rich and have versatile songs in them. Each song from these albums are definite gems and are tailor-made for lovers of good music. Here are 14 must-listen albums of Yuvan Shankar Raja that you must absolutely have in your playlists.
1. Poovellam Kettupaar
Before Yuvan Shankar Raja became a household name with the release of this album, he composed for a few forgettable movies where the songs didn't make any impact. But the songs from this album became instant hits upon its release. Yuvan composed this album with an equal spread of melodies and peppy numbers. Be it the romantic melody Chudithar Anindhu or the catchy Senoreeta and CBI Enge or the soulful Irava Pagala, Sevvanam Vetkam Kondadhu and Poothathu Poothathu or the enjoyable Poove Poove, all the songs had a separate charm to them.
2. Dheena
This Thala Ajith movie didn't have any commercial songs that portrayed Ajith in the limelight. Even his introduction song En Nenjil sung by Harish Raghavendra was a lighthearted number that didn't have any blaring music. Yuvan also pushed the envelope by composing danceable romantic songs like Kaadhal Website Ondru and Nee Illai Endraal. Then there was this heart-melting number Sollamal Thottu Chellum which became every lovestruck youngster's anthem. And what more? Yuvan topped the album with the scorching item number Vathikuchi Pathikadhuda sung by legend S.P. Balasubrahmanyam.
3. Kaadhal Kondein
Yuvan Shankar Raja became a classic composer with this evergreen album. This was the first Selvaraghavan directed movie where Yuvan composed music and the combo moved on to do many successful films later. The album had memorable numbers like Devathaiyai Kanden, Nenjodu Kalandhidu, Thottu Thottu, and Kaadhal Mattum Purivathillai. Other striking songs were Manasu Rendum and 18 Vayadhil. What went on to become a huge hit was the movie's theme music, which is still used as ringtone by many people. Other excellent montage songs and theme pieces were released later.
4. 7G Rainbow Colony
Another mesmerizing album from Yuvan-Selvaraghavan combo. Songs and background score played a phenomenal part in the success of this movie. Yuvan Shankar Raja won the Filmfare Award for this soundtrack. Some of the popular gems from this album were the pathos Ninaithu Ninaithu (both versions), the semi-classical Kanaa Kaanum Kaalangal and the lovely Kan Pesum Vaarthaigal. Other songs like Naam Vayathuku Vandhom, January Maadham, and Idhu Porkalama fared well with the visuals. Instrumental pieces like Walking Through The Rainbow and Music of Joy were heartwarming to listen.
5. Pattiyal
Upon its release, this album became a superhit. However, it didn't stand the test of time and many people don't remember the songs well nowadays. But this is a cult classic soundtrack that requires enormous praise for its beautiful songs. Be it the folksy Dei Namma Melam or the soul-stirring Yedhedho Ennangal and Kannai Vittu or the enjoyable Poga Poga Bhoomi or the catchy Namma Kaatula, this was the best example for a versatile album. Almost all the radio stations repeatedly aired these numbers till they were on everyone's lips.
6. Pudhupettai
Considered as one of Yuvan Shankar Raja's out-of-the-world works, this album gained immense popularity when it released. Songs like Enga Area, Variya, and Pul Pesum became a rage among the youngsters. However, it was the song Oru Naalil which pushed the album to the top charts. This one remarkable along with the theme pieces Survival of the Fittest, The Beginning, Prelude, and The War Cry made the soundtrack a musical milestone in Tamil film industry. This was also a Selvaraghavan directed movie.
7. Deepavali
This 2007 movie worked well mainly because of its commendable music. Each song had a different dimension to it and each played a significant role in the progress of the movie. Heart-melting love songs like Kaadhal Vaithu and Pogadhey were every hardcore romantic's favourite numbers. There were also some foot-tapping numbers like Dhol Baje and Thoduven Thoduven. Another popular song Kannan Varum Velai became every girl's dream song of the decade. Though it was a short album, it still remains as an evergreen one.
8. Chennai 600028
This sports comedy movie had an amazing soundtrack and it also fared well commercially. Foot-tapping numbers like Jalsa and Saroja Saman Nikalo became instant chartbusters, while melodies like Yaaro Yaarukkul, Un Paarvai and Natpukullae called for repeated listens. There were also a couple of underrated songs like Ulle Va and Oh Oh Ennamo which spiced up the versatility of the album. Yuvan Shankar Raja hit the bull's-eye with this one.
9. Kattradhu Thamizh
This is that one phenomenal album in Yuvan Shankar Raja's career which made him a sensation all over. The soundtrack featured the mesmerizing melody Paravaiye Engu Irukkirai sung by Yuvan's father Ilaiyaraaja. Apart from this number, other soulful melodies were Unakkagathane Intha and Para Para Pattampoochi. Situational songs like Innum Oru Iravu and Vazhkai Enbathu played a significant role in the progress of the movie.
10. Yaaradi Nee Mohini
Though Yuvan reused all the tunes from the original Telugu movie Aadavari Maatuluku Arthale Verule, this album was widely appreciated as a standalone soundtrack in Tamil. Each and every song is a classic in this album. Be it the heartwarming melodies Engeyo Paartha Mayakkam, Venmegam Pennaga and Oru Naalaikkul or the catchy Nenjai Kasakki, Oh Baby and Palakaatu Pakkathile (remix), all the songs turned out to be all-time chartbusters. All the background scores from this movie also deserve a standing applause.
11. Paiyaa
This can be considered as the highly successful album of the decade. It broke all the records upon its release and Yuvan Shankar Raja was considered as the original hero of the movie. All the songs in the album became sensational. Especially melodies like Thuli Thuli and En Kaadhal Solla are still aired in many radio stations. Other popular songs were Adada Mazhaida, Poongatre Poongatre, Suthudhe Suthudhe and Yedho Ondru. The last number was added as an additional song after the immense popularity of the album.
12. Baana Kaathadi
This was a lighthearted album that gained popularity by word-of-mouth. Songs like Thaakuthe Kan Thaakuthe, Oru Paithiyam Pidikudhu and En Nenjil were remarkable, while the other songs Kuppathu Rajakkal and Ullara Poondhu Paaru played a huge role in the progress of the movie. Though it was an underrated album, all the songs are must-haves in your Yuvan Shankar Raja playlist.
13. Mankatha
This is the only commercial album of Yuvan Shankar Raja that is worthy to be mentioned in this list. Though it had groundbreaking numbers like Vilaiyaadu Mankatha, Vaada Bin Lada, Machi Open The Bottle, and Balle Lakka, it was the melodious numbers like Nee Naan and Nanbane which made the album an overall success. This was the last wholesome Yuvan album before he lost his charm and paved way for other young music composers.
14. Taramani
After a long hiatus, Yuvan Shankar Raja came up with an astounding album for this Ram directed movie. Though only the songs Yaaro Ucchikilai, Un Badhil Vendi, and Kaadhal Oru Kattukkathai became chartbusters, other numbers like Unnai Unnai, Oru Koappai and Paavangalai are sure to find a place in your playlists. Give the other songs a listen and decide for yourself. Hope Yuvan continues this magic with his upcoming albums too.
