2009 release. AR Rahman, composer of the critically acclaimed and award winning Slumdog Millionaire, has undoubtedly established himself as one of the most innovative and influential film composers of all time. With over 200 million albums sold worldwide, Rahman's music is woven of such diversity and innovation that it continues to transcend continental barriers. The Best of AR Rahman exemplifies his finest work in a brilliant and cohesive collection of his music from the past decade. Most recently, Rahman won the 2008 Critics Choice Award, seven Bafta Awards including Best Song, Best Sound and Best Film, a Golden Globe for Best Score and two Academy awards.
The rise of Bollywood soundtracks in the West has led to an increased awareness of the unique and often kitschy music and their composers, which have a popularity in India that rivals that of top pop stars in the West. With hundreds of song credits ranging from ad jingles or film soundtracks, as well as the music for the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Bollywood Dreams, the 38-year-old Rahman's resume is such that he's now considered one of the great composers of India. Based on his original score to the film Warriors Of Heaven And Earth, this album adaptation is Rahman's first full-fledged orchestral work. Eschewing tabla and sitar cliques, Rahman takes in influences of Turkey and China as well as India and integrates them into sweeping orchestral arrangements that recall the East-meets-West panoramic beauty of the The Last Emperor soundtrack. Rahman has the rare ability to articulate complex emotions without lyrics, and Between Heaven And Earth is the work of this master in full bloom. --Tad Hendrickson
