Spb - 100 Best Tamil Songs Guide
: A celebratory song layered with an underlying sense of tragic finality.
Composer: Ilaiyaraaja One of the most difficult classical numbers. SPB sings for the younger generation.
Composer: Ilaiyaraaja The "elephant" song. SPB narrates a story of a lover riding an elephant. His narrative style is conversational and brilliant. SPB - 100 Best Tamil Songs
( Sakalakala Vallavan , 1978)
| # | Song | Film | Composer | |---|------|------|----------| | 21 | Om Namaha (Shiva Stuti) | Anandha Thandavam (2009) | G. V. Prakash | | 22 | Aadatha Manamum | Anbe Aaruyire (2005) | A. R. Rahman | | 23 | Sarvam Thaala Mayam | (Album – Thiruvasagam) (2005) | Ilaiyaraaja | | 24 | Muthumani Maalai | Avvai Shanmugi (1996) | Deva | | 25 | Deivam Thantha Veedu | Swami Ayyappan (1975) | K. V. Mahadevan | : A celebratory song layered with an underlying
SPB’s versatility was perhaps his greatest asset. He was the primary voice for superstars like Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, yet he could distinctively change his tone to suit their specific screen personas. For Kamal Haasan, SPB would adopt a sophisticated, emotive style as heard in "Sippi Irukuthu" or the haunting "Kanmani Anbodu Kaadhalan." For Rajinikanth, he delivered high-octane "intro songs" like "Basha Paaru" or "Oruvan Oruvan Mudhalali," which became anthems of motivation and charisma. His ability to mimic the actor's breathing patterns and laughter within a song made the audience forget that the voice was coming from a playback booth rather than the screen.
You can find comprehensive "100 Best" lists across these major platforms: Composer: Ilaiyaraaja The "elephant" song
( Minsara Kanavu ): A magical duet with Hariharan and Chithra. The Soulful and Emotional Hits
Composer: Ilaiyaraaja A duet with S. Janaki. Pure, unadulterated romance.
The countdown began, and the audience was treated to a medley of SPB's greatest hits. From the romantic ballads of the 1970s to the high-energy dance numbers of the 1990s, the list was a testament to SPB's incredible range and versatility. As each song played, memories came flooding back for the audience. Some swayed to the rhythm, while others sang along, their voices blending with the melodies of yesteryear.
No "100 Best" list would be complete without a deep dive into the SPB-Ilaiyaraaja partnership, arguably the most celebrated composer-singer duo in Tamil history. They created magic for over three decades, giving us everything from heart-wrenching pathos to foot-tapping folk.
