Happy Birthday KJ Yesudas: Unmissable songs of the Gana Gandharvan

KJ Yesudas breathed music even before he took his first breath, as he was born in a household that was filled with music. But it wasn’t the inheritance of music or constant exposure to it that made KJ Yesudas the ‘Gana Gandharvan (celestial singer) that he is today. KJ Yesudas has a magical voice, without any doubt, but it was his impeccable talent to add emotion to the lyrics that helped him to conquer hearts.
The celestial singer is turning 81 today. Shortlisting his top 10 or even 50 songs is a wild goose chase, as the list is never-ending. So, we have picked a few Malayalam songs of KJ Yesudas that are unmissable.
A voice that could entertain the Gods!
KJ Yesudas has lent his voice to many devotional songs. ‘Harivarasanam’ is the most popular among them, as the song is recited every day at the Lord Aiyyappa shrine, Sabarimala before the temple closes. ‘Harivarasanam’ is regarded as the 'urakkupattu', a lullaby to the deity.
https://gaana.com/song/harivarasanam-sharanam-ayyappa
A Guruvayoorappa devotee would get transported to the temple if tuned into ‘Oru neram enkilum kannathe’ song.
The devotional song ‘Sathyanayaka’ from the 1979 film ‘Jeevitham Oru Gaanam’ still resonates in churches.
https://gaana.com/song/sathyanayaka-5
King of Melodies
KJ Yesudas’ voice is perhaps the epitome of melody. The singer could touch the deepest emotions of your soul with his divine voice.
The evergreen melody ‘Oru Pushpam Mathramen’ wouldn’t have been so charismatic if KJ Yesudas hadn't sung it. The song is from the 1967 film ‘Pareeksha’ and it still evokes love.
https://gaana.com/song/oru-pushpam-mathramen
If one makes a list of five nostalgic songs of KJ Yesudas, ‘Alliyambal kadavil’ is sure to top the chart. The song is filled with emotions that would make you walk down your memory lane.
https://gaana.com/song/alliyambal-24
Well, if you are dealing with heartbreak, ‘Sanyasini Nin’ is a must-hear song!
https://gaana.com/song/sanyasini-nin-16
Soul of Kerala
The magnificent singer has also contributed a lot to the culture and heritage of Kerala. The famous Aranmula boat race is never complete without his ‘Kuttanadan Punchayile’ song. The tuneful song incorporates the mood and vibe of the race.
https://gaana.com/song/kuttanadan-punjayile-16
Onam is the biggest festive season in Kerala and most of the songs you would tune into are sung by KJ Yesudas. The ‘Uthradapooviliyil’ song that describes the preparations before Thiruvonam and the ‘Poovili Poovili Ponnonamayi’ song that traces the relevance of Athapoo and Mahabeli is sung by the legendary singer.
https://gaana.com/song/uthradapoo-viliyil-3
https://gaana.com/song/poovili-poovili-5