Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Badra Bahaar

Loosely translated, the title means 'masses of rain clouds'

Gathering rain clouds near Pune

It's that season which we, in India, either love or hate. Sometimes both. On the positive side, the rains inspire such heartfelt music, prose, poetry... quite unrivalled by either summer or winter. At best, only spring could give the monsoons some competition here. 

Given that we are at the peak of the monsoons, I decided to put down my playlist of rainy day songs. Clichéd, I know, and probably done to death too. But what the heck. :)

I thought I should be able to get a list together in a jiffy. I did too, but when I looked at it closely, I realised so many were sad and melancholy. 

Yes, the monsoons bring with it grey skies and limited sunshine, all the more reason why the music to listen to should be fun and peppy. Along with thunder and lightning, the rains bring life and sustenance to a parched earth, after all. Something to cheer about, isn't it? 

While I couldn't eliminate sad songs from my list, I have tried to make sure the music at least is peppy. Quite a task it was, believe you me. 

1. Badra Bahaar - Queen (Bollywood movie soundtrack)




2. Listen to the Rythm of the Falling Rain - Cascades





3. Have You Seen the Rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival 




4. Umbrella - Rihanna 





5. Rhimjhim Giray Saawan - Manzil (Bollywood movie soundtrack) 





6. I've Seen Fire and I've Seen Rain - James Taylor 




7. I Love a Rainy Night - Eddie Rabbit 






8. Why Does it Always Rain on Me - Travis 




9. Pani Da Rang - Vicky Donor (Bollywood movie soundtrack)





10. Dreams - The Corrs






11. Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head - BJ Thomas  




12. Early Morning Rain - Gordon Lightfoot 






13. Bhaage re Mann Kahin - Chameli (Bollywood movie soundtrack) 




14. Who'll Stop the Rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival



That's my playlist for the monsoons this year. Which tracks are your favourites to listen to when the rain comes pouring down?