The Most Popular SPB Songs In Tamil!

Get this!, SPB holds a Guinness record for recording over 40,000 songs in over sixteen languages. You can find impeccable pronunciations of the words and perfect delivery in all of the SPB Tamil songs. He was beloved not just for his soulful singing but also for his humility, humour and kindness.

Being the recipient of most prestigious awards like Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibushan and other National awards, the great man devoted his life to music. Let’s look into some of the best and most celebrated SPB songs, Tamil and a brief musical interpretation of them.

En Kaadhale, Duet, 1994

The fan base for SPB songs in Tamil is vast. ‘En kadhale’ expresses the pain of unrequited love. Balu’s voice carries a deep emotional resonance bringing out the pathos and yearning, stirring the inner turmoil of the person in love. The instrumentalization including the sound of Saxophone, and subtle percussions underscore the sweeping sadness of the melody, thereby complementing the bright timbre of the singer. Ultimately, ‘En kadhale’, featured in the movie ‘Duet’ is one of the finest SPB hits from the 80’s and 90’s.

Ilaya Nila Pozhigirathey, Payanagal Mudivathillai, 1982

I must say, one beautiful, dreamy and romantic melancholy that fits in SPB Tamil hits category. Capturing the stirring of love and the stillness of a moonlit night in the magical voice of Balasubrahmanyam, ‘Ilaya Nila,’ one of the SPB Tamil melodies for you. The emotional modulation in legato singing along with soft instrumentations conveys longing and tenderness. Its melody encapsulates the beauty of Nata Bhairavi raag.

Mandram Vantha Thendralukku, Mouna Raagam, 1986

To begin with, ‘Mandram Vantha’, one of the best SPB love songs’ Tamil, mirrors the internal conflict of the protagonist. The breeze ‘Thendral’ is here used as a metaphor for the change in the protagonist’s life, caught between the past and present. The instrumental’s backing is very gentle and sparse which allows the singer’s voice to shine as the emotional core. His control over the dynamics adds different dimensions to SPB hits Tamil songs.

Sangeetha Megam, Udhaya Geetham, 1985

Just another one of supreme SPB old Tamil songs is ‘Sangeetha Megam’. It brings forth a sense of musical transcendence, sort of like floating in a cloud of melody. I feel like this masterpiece is a tribute to music as a divine force and to SPB himself. “Intha thegam marianthalum Isayai malarven” seems to keep echoing in my mind since this exceptional singer passed on. Music composer Ilayaraja uses the influences of raag Nat Bhairav, known for its soulful quality and blending classical phrasing with contemporary sounds.

Kaadhalenum Thervezhudhi, Kadhalar Dhinam, 1999

It’s safe to say, ‘Kaadhalenum Thervezhudhi’ gracefully blends classical elements with contemporary orchestrations and other factors. This timeless classic features gentle rhythms and subtle harmonies and is one of the SPB songs, Tamil. His voice flows like honey, soft and warm and is singer Swanalatha’s Carefully notice the elegantly delivered crescendos and some of the lingering notes creating a sort of romantic tension in the duet.

Kadhal Rojave, Roja, 1992

Kadhal Rojave remains unbeatable in the list of SPB Tamil hits. It isn’t just a song, it’s a watershed moment in Indian film music. Evidently, Rahman brings a simple yet evocative melody set in a mild tempo. SPB’s vocal delivery is at its most restrained and most vulnerable allowing the melody to breathe. Let’s bring out SPB songs’ Tamil appreciation, in this song, just top notch.

Kalyana Maalai, Puthu Puthu Arthangal, 1989

This song is one of the SPB Tamil songs based on raga Sindhu Bhairavi. I must say, the melody is incredibly emotive with orchestration, Ilayaraja’s signature style. ‘Kalyana Malai ‘, one of S.P Balasubrahmanyam’ career highlights in Tamil cinema demands soft dynamics and a good breath control. Now that’s how you make the phrasing look effortlessly.

Malare Mounama, Karnaa, 1995

Soul stirring blend of love and unsaid emotions composed by Vidyasagar, so bewitchingly sung by SPB and Janaki. The entire song gives an ethereal dreamlike feel. Needless to say, this is one of the best SPB hits Tamil songs. Both voices fragile with chemistry are purely emotional and dramatic. ‘Malare Mounama’ features two of the greatest voices in the Indian music industry.

Thanga Thamarai Magale, Minasara Kanavu, 1997

Now we’re pulling out the royalty of Tamil romantic songs, ‘Thanga Thamarai Magale,’ one of the SPB songs in Tamil.  Honestly, this is one of the singer’s memorable performances. The way he slides between notes, with just the perfect articulation. The transitions in the melody are smooth and fluid- kind of makes you feel like drifting through a love story.

Aayiram Nilave Vaa, Adimai Penn, 1969

SPB’ first song in Tamil was a song called ‘Aayiram Nilave Vaa’ from the movie Adimai Penn. Well, no vocal show off, just raw and real sums up his information. Composed by K.V.Mahadevan, this song features the vocal performances of P.Susheela and S.P.Balasubramaniam.

Ilamai Itho Itho, Sakalakala Vallavan, 1982

Era defining celebration of youth, charisma and unapologetic fun is ‘Ilamai Itho Itho’ soundtrack from the movie ‘Sakalakala Vallavan’, one of the Best SPB songs, Tamil. His vocals and the electronic beats are relentless, making you move and sing along.

Engeyum Eppothum, Ninaithale Inikum, 1979

Well, ‘Engeyum Eppothum’ from the film ‘Ninaithale Inikkum’ is nothing short of transcendence. No doubt, it’s one of the most profound performances and one of the Best SPB songs, Tamil. His vocal restraint with progressive musical arrangement makes this song a memorable as well as one of the most popular SPB old Tamil songs.

Keladi Kanmani, Puthu Puthu Arthangal, 1989

Now, this is a stunning classic that hits deep! The song was composed in 1989 for a film called ‘Puthu Puthu Arthangal’. Ilayaraja’s minimal orchestration and SPB’s vocal mastery are its finest. Keladi Kanmani, one of the awesome SPB Tamil songs, is like an emotional anchor of that album.

Valaiyosai, Sathya, 1988

Alright, Valaiyosai, one of the SPB hits, 80’s 90’s is a gem. This was a rare Tamil duet with legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. Both voices are delicate and warm, full of playful expressions. No doubt, Ilayaraja pulled this sophisticated melody off, with toe-tapping rhythms and electrifying vocal delivery.

Balleilakka, Sivaji, 2007

‘Balleilakka’ is a high energy folk-fusion song composed by A.R.Rahman as a soundtrack of his album Sivaji. It also features singers like Benny Dayal, A.R.Reihana. The modern twist added to layered production gives this an urban-folk vibe. SPB, on the main lead, delivers a classic grandeur with an earthy authenticity adding contrast to the vocal textures.

FAQs

Related blog: A.R Rahman Best Tamil Songs