Harris Jayaraj - Beyond Melodies

Harris Jayaraj is one of the most successful music directors of the Tamil cine industry. His name resonates contemporary music and his songs have consistently been rated among the top popular tracks. While he is often referred with the melodies he creates, not many are aware that his music has provided much more than just soft and slow numbers. As he celebrates his birthday today, we decided to take a look at some of his musical renditions which prove to be contrary of the popular belief surrounding it.

Hero-Centric Tracks

A powerful introduction song of the lead hero is quintessential for any mainstream movie and one would be surprised to know that Harris Jayaraj has successfully produced some of them. Be it the titular songs from movies like Saamy, Arul, Thotti Jaya Irumugan or the character's intro song in Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu, Harris's music has proved that it can etch a mark of the lead in the viewer's mind, right at the introduction part.

The Folk Touch

Harris and Folk in a single sentence does sound like ice-cream and Ketch-up but it is a big revealition to those unaware that the composer has proved his mettle in the folk genre too and thissong stands proof of it. This is also his only out-and-out rural number so far.

Kuththu Hardcore

He took his folk touch up a notch, when he ventured into the category of Kuththu songs. Danga maari Oodhari from Anegan and Adhaaru Adhaaru from Yennai Arindhaal top his list of Harris' compositions in this category.

Tribute To Friendship

If Harris Jayaraj has focused on a category other than romance (pre-dominantly) in his music, then it would be that of friendship. The composer has given so many songs in this genre that it is difficult to pick the best of it. Oh mama from Minnalae, Colleguku povom from Kovil, Kanavugal from Ullam Ketkumae, Yethi Yethi from Vaaranam Aayiram, Gala Gala from Ko, En frienda Pola from Nanban some classic examples.

Classical Cue

The music director who is known mainly for his western music, provided a typical classical number in Shankar's Anniyan with the Iyengaru Veetu Azhage song.

Party Numbers

While one generally sees a slow rhythm to many of his party tracks like Thoodhu Varuma from Kaaka Kaaka, Honey Honey from Ayan,Thikku Thikku from Dhaam Dhoom or Aga Naga from Ko, the composer also has re-invented his usual party tracks into fast numbers in Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu (Nerupae Sikki Mukki Nerupae) and Thuppaki (Alaikaa Laikka)

Soup Songs

Harris who is a master when it comes to romantic songs has also composed soup songs for romantic failure. The popularity of Anjala from Vaaranam Aayiram (which was once considered the official break-up anthem for many) and Venam Machan Venam from Oru Kal Oru Kannadi say all about the musician's expertise in this type of music.

Lullabies

Harris Jayaraj's creativity extends to the level of lullabies with songs like these :

In conclusion, with a track record of 41+ albums in Tamil, 2 in Hindi and 6 in Telugu, Harris Jayaraj stands tall as a composer with more than just meaningful songs, romantic numbers and slow music to his credit. We at MovieCrow are extremely delighted to bring this out on his special day and wish him all success for his upcoming ventures (S3, Sambhavami, Vanamagan among them). 

We also wish Harris Jayaraj a very happy birthday!