Indian music system is estimated to be two thousand years old. The first proof of Indian music can be traced back to the ancient Hindu temples where rhyming chants of Vedic hymns were prime instruments of regular rituals. These Vedic hymns are considered as elementary resource of all forms of Indian music.

Indian music system is based on principle of rhythm and melody which is entirely different from western classical music. Similarly, Malayalam music also relies upon melody and rhythm for expression.

Among the different forms of Indian classical music, carnatic music is the primary and most popular classical form of music in kerala. Carnatic music is credited to gift ‘Sopana Style’ of music to Indian classical music. Malayalam classical music has produced many eminent composers. The names that strike the bell are, Maharaja Swati Thirunal ( Travancore, 19th century), Shadkala Govinda Marar, Irayimman Thampy (both 19th century), K.C. Kesava Pillai and Thankachi. Most famous classical songs are; Sankara Nandhana, Kettum Ketti, Mandalam Nolukkum to name a few.

Compared to carnatic music, Hindustani music is less popular in kerala yet there are particular places where Hindustani music has a deep impact. One of these particular places is Malabar region where people greatly follow Hindustani classical music. The culture of north kerala displays an active inclination towards other forms of Malayalam songs. Qawalis, Ghazals are quite popular in northern part of kerala.

Because of religious diversity of kerala, Malayalam music also has elements of devotional songs, folk music and instrumental music. Presence of different religions like, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Christians etc have resulted in great devotional music. Kerala’s folk music strongly reflects the heavy influence of rhyme and rhythm in its compositions.

Malayalam instrumental music basically uses Violin, Mandolin, Thabala and Mridangam etc. some of the famous names in carnatic music are Muthuswami Deekshithar, Thyagaraja Swamikal, Shemmankudi Sreenivasan and Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.

Old Malayalam songs are all about meaningful lyrics and melodious tunes. Most of them are still popular irrespective of age group. It’s a known fact that Malayalam movies have been greatly instrumental in popularizing Malayalam songs. 
Malayalam movies right from its beginning gave special place to songs sequences. Malayalam songs have a glorious age old history. 1938 was the first time when any form of music was used in Malayalam movies. The movie named ‘Balan’ had a sound track. Buoyed by the success of sound track of Balan, many movies like Jnambika, Prahlada, Nirmala which were released during early 40’s had soulful soundtrack that proved to be big success.

The songs of Nirmala were lapped by public and that also gave a new direction to Malayalam movies. Like other regional movies including Hindi movies, songs also became an essential part of any Malayalam movie. These songs greatly affected the performance of Malayalam movies in terms of box office performance. Movies with Good soulful tunes always had a head start while it was being released.

Some of the famous old Malayalam songs are;

• Swarna Chamaram
• Aadyathe Kanmani
• Sruthiyil Ninnuyarum
• Pennale Pennle
• Geethe, Hridaya Sakhee
• Manjubhashini
• Padatha Veenayum
• Ayiram Padasarangal
• Vaikathashtami
• Omanathinkal Pakshi
• Anantha Sayana
• Ezhu Nirangalil
• Anuraga Nadakathin
• Ashatamudikayalile
• Manakkale Thathe
• Nadikalil Sundari
• Hridayasarasile
• Manasa Maine Varoo
• Surumayezhutiya
• Chemba Chemba
• Oh Aayilyam Padathe Penne
• Suprabhatham
• Poovukalkku Punyakalam
• Sree Mahadevan Thante
• Ettumanoorambalayhil

These songs have been sung by prominent singers like Yesudas, Baluraj and other various artists. Old Malayalam songs represent the golden melodies of bygone era. The lyrics used in these songs, despite being traditional in nature and straightforward, are quite meaningful. The distinctive elements about these songs are the instruments used by the musicians. Used instruments are basic traditional musical ones yet they have managed to produce memorable music. Above mentioned songs are also wonderful mixes of classical and folk music.

Malayalam songs have won many accolades on a national level. That also explains why Malayalam film songs are most popular form of music in kerala.

 Kerala is abode to many religions. Christians made for a formidable population in this state. Kerala’s multicultural assortment beautifully reflects the contribution of Christian population. So many Malayalam songs are based upon Christian beliefs and traditions. Music of any place truly represents its cultural prosperity and diversity. That way, Malayalam Christian songs are mostly devotional in nature. They glorify the virtues of Jesus Christ and his deeds.

There have been many albums produced in the Malayalam music history. Few of the popular Christian songs are;

• Nanma Niranja
• Va Va Yesunadha
• Lokathil
• Maname Nee
• Aaradhikunnu
• Amala Manohari
• Ente Daivam
• Bathlehamele
• Yethu Papavum
• Kelkoo Swargasamgeetham
• Annorunal
• Vaa Vaa Vo
• Orunaalum
• Ithratholam Jayam Thanna
• Parisudhanaya Natha
• Njan Are Bhayappedum
• Karuthunnavan Njan allayo
• Sammodamayi
• Divyakarunyama
• Ente Yesu Enikku Nallavan
• Nee Thoovunna
• Vinchillayil
• Daivam Nammil
• Kunju Vava
• Vegam Varename

One of the most successful Malayalam Christian songs is ‘Kooduvittodiya’ from the album Jesus. Its lyrics go like this,

Kooduvittodiya aadil orennam
mulchedi kaattin mulpadarppil
abhayamekaan aarumillaathe
vivasanai kezhunnu naadha
vivasanai kezhunnu naadha

Kooduvittodiya aadil orennam
mulchedi kaattin mulpadarppil
abhayamekaan aarumillaathe
vivasanai kezhunnu naadha
vivasanai kezhunnu naadha

Kootam prinja aadine thedi
edayan alanju paathakalil
Kootam prinja aadine thedi
edayan alanju paathakalil
ghora vanathilum thazhvara kaattilum
aadine kandilla nallidayan
ghora vanathilum thazhvara kaattilum
aadine kandilla nallidayan

Kooduvittodiya aadil orennam
mulchedi kaattin mulpadarppil

Nooru nooraadukal dhoorathu poyittum
kandethy naadhan pirinjathine
Nooru nooraadukal dhoorathu poyittum

kandethy naadhan pirinjathine
ekanai njanethra sanjarichalum
koottinai neeyente charayille
ekanai njanethra sanjarichalum
koottinai neeyente charayille

Kooduvittodiya aadil orennam
mulchedi kaattin mulpadarppil
abhayamekaan aarumillaathe
vivasanai kezhunnu naadha
vivasanai kezhunnu naadha

hm hm hm hmmmhmmmhmm

Great numbers of these songs are traditional Malayalam songs. Christian songs generally rely upon classical and folk music genres. What make these songs popular amongst masses are their simple lyrics. Because of this particular factor they are easily understandable and suitable for every age-group.
In recent times, modern musical themes have been incorporated with traditional Malayalam lyrics. Christian songs album which have recorded studendous success are; Gloria, Aathma Pravaham, Karunyavan, The Belief etc.

 There is something very divine about the word ‘Music’. Music is said to be the language of God. A good soulful tune can not only revitalize the inner health but it can also take us to an extraterrestrial sphere. When a soulful tune is crooned by a talented voice, the glory of music manifests itself in its full bloom.

Malayalam music has produced many renowned singers. From classical singers to movie singers, there are many luminaries in Malayalam music.

Malayalam movie music took some time to evolve. In its initial years Malayalam film music were more influenced by Hindi and Tamil music. But with arrival of singers like K.P. Udayabhanu, Kanukara Purushothaman and A.M. Raja, the Malayalam music scenario changed. These male singers along with female singers like Santha P.Nair, Janaki, P. Leela and P. Susheela helped in popularizing Malayalam film music.

In fact in that era, many Hindi singers as well as singers from other states sang for Malayalam movies. Prominent Hindi singers who gave their voice to many soulful tunes were, Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey, Asha Bhonsle and Talat Mehmood.

The most popular and renowned Malayalam singer is K.J.Yesudas, fondly known as ‘Dasettan’. He can be credited to popularize Malay music on a national level. He has traveled many decades in kerala’s musical fraternity and is known for his ever youthful voice with a classical touch.

He has a mastery over classical carnatic vocal music and amazingly enough he has sung in almost every Indian language. He is a winner of many national and state level awards.

Other famous Malayalam singers are;

• P. Jayachandran,
• noorudheen nafih,
• M.G. Sreekumar,
• Majiri Babu Rajendran,
• Shiju John,
• Unni Menon,
• Miss Jyotsna,
• Sujatha Mohan,
• Gayathri Ashokan,
• Sankaran Embranthiri,
• Rejeev Thomas,
• Vijay Yesudas,
• G Venugopal,
• Dheeraj Koliyat,
• Saji dev,
• Mohan Sithara,
• Madhu Balakrishnan,
• K.S. Chitra and
• Vidhu Prathap.

Similar to many Hindi singers, few Hindi and other language music directors have also composed music for Malayalam movies. The prominent ones among them are; Usha Khanna, Naushad, Ilaya Raja and Ravi Bombay. As music started to become an essential ingredient in Malayalam movies, so did demand for qualified music directors. 
Initial music directors helped in defining the directions for Malayalam music. The names which come to mind are; K. Raghavan, V.Dakshinamurthy, M.S. Babu Raj and G.Devarajan. Malayalam music owes a lot to these eminent music directors for composing moving tunes. All of them came into prominence in early 50’s and 60s and gave much needed boost to kerala movie industry.

Other famous Malayalam music directors are;

• M. Jayachandran
• Shyam
• Jhonson
• Bombay Ravi and
• Ilayaraja

M. Jayachandran is one of the most popular music directors in kerala. He is credited to win many state awards for composing and once even for singing. His musical renditions are quite melodious and he commands a large fan following. He learned the nuances of music under the guidance of Mr. G.Devarajan, one of the all time musical greats.

Shyam is another well known music director in south India. He has composed music for few other regional languages apart from Malayalam movies. He made his debut with ‘Maanyasree Viswamitran’ and thereafter has given many chartbusters like Devatharu poothu, Thozhuthu madangum, Mynaagam, Sruthiyil ninnuyarum, Sarathkala sandhya, Ambili manavati, Karu karuthoru etc.

Credited to produce great musical hit movies like Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal, Oru minnaaminungintaey nurunguvettam, Thoovanathumbikal, Perumthachan and Nombarathipoovu, Johnson has a great reputation in Malayalam music scenario. He is an expert at blending melodious Indian music with western classical music.

Bombay Ravi has given many melodious tunes in movies like Vaishali, Panchagni, Nakakshathangkal, Sumangalee Bhava, Sukrutham, Kalivaakku, Sargam, Vidhyarambham, Parinayam, oru vadakkan veeragatha, Mayookham and Padheyam to name a few. He is admired for his simple music mixed with expressive power of emotions.

Ilayaraja is one of the all time greats in Indian music industry. He has not only given music in Malayalam movies but in Hindi, Tamil and Telgu movies as well. Maestro Ilayaraja is famous for producing wonderful fusion of Indian instruments with western classical music. Master of carnatic ragas, he has won many national and international awards.

 Malayalam rhymes are understandably quite popular amongst the kids. Children love to listen to kid songs and nursery rhymes. Lyrics used in these rhymes are quite simple. These Malayalam rhymes are also very easy to understand. Some of the most popular Malayalam rhymes are;

Punkori
Punkori Punkori,
Kuvunendi nu punkori;
Puvukal vidarum vidarum nerat,
Pungili padam nerat;
Neram pulram nerat,
Areunrtam kuvuno.

Endu Bangi
Taamarapoykayeil kaikuppi nilkunn,
Taamar motthukal kendu bangi;
Taamarapoykayeil puchhiri tukunn,
Taamarpuvukal kendu bangi;
Taamarpuvil parannu kaalikkunn,
Kaarani vanamdukal kendu bangi;
Taamarpuvin chutthumaay nindunn,
Taamarkozhikal kendu bangi.

Cheppo Cheppo Cheppukotth
Cheppo cheppo cheppukotth,
Cheppukutuke cheppukotth,
Aapam tinnam cheppukotth,
Aadyudukkaam cheppukotth,
Aamyedukkam cheppukotth,
Uummtaraam ni cheppukotth,
Aramani kingini ketthikondani,
Aadaadunni cheppukotth.

Paavkutti
Paavkutti paavkutti,
Paalutaaram ni karyaate,
Paay virichu kidttaade ninne,
Paadipaadi yurkkutte.
Kaadan vannu vayakh niraachhum,
Kadikudichhu kaada paryaam,
Kannumaadchhoru kalippichh paal.
Kinam maricha kattha paaraayaam,
Paavkutti paavkutti,
Paalutaraani karyaate.

Crow
Kakke Kakke Koodevide
Koottinakathoru kunjundo
Kunjinu theetta kodukkanjal
kunju kidannu karayoolle
Kunje Kunje nee tharumo
ninnude kayyile neyyappam
illa tharillee neyyappam
ayyo kakke patticho!”

Madhurikuna Vird
Karumbukond kazhikol,
Kallin nalro kalkaandam;
Kaatkaaya nirtiya tadayaan,
Meyaanodukkal buisket;
Mutate manal panjara,
Muttatoru kinaar tenkinam;
Vitin kutos taatamma,
Vitin kaaval naaykutti.

Vandiyelo Tivandiyelo
London nagaram kanditthundo,
Vandiyelvide pokaamo ti,
Vandiyelvide pokamo,
Kadlum taandikappali layal,
Kalam valrekzhiyenam,
Vegam chellenamvidengil,
Pokaam vaayu vimaantil.

Unna Rand Munn
Unnu monnam rand,
Kayum kaalum rand;
Unnam rand munn,
Tengaayakan munn;
Unnam munnam nall,
Pashuvinn kaalanaal;
Unnam nallam anchh,
Keyil viral anchh;
Unnam anchhu aaram,
Vandin kal aar,
Unnam aaram azhi;
Nayar tingal azhi,
Rand naal aar atthu;
Dikkukaletthaane.
Apart from these nursery rhymes, there are number of children songs.

Songs like, Karimalakkattil, Venal Vannu, Nammalkkundoru Muthachan, Oridathoridathu, Ange Maram Chattam, Panchavan Kattile, Nanoru Veeran, Akkarekkavile, Kaliyattin Karayil, Kuthichu Chadi Varunnundey, Odiyethum neramenne, Aandoru Thoni, Ezhudinangal Cherumbol, Kunje Kunje Unaroonee and Aa Aana Aarattu etc are very popular amongst kids. 

 These days most successful Malayalam songs are quite influenced from western music. Melodious songs have always been a hit in Malayalam music scenario but with changing times, western music coupled with pop and hip-hop music have made great advances in terms of popularity. Apart, other genres like rock, metal, rap, disco etc have also made great strides in Malayalam songs structure.

Many new Malayalam songs have proved to be great success, critically and commercially. Though, one clear difference as compared to earlier era is more focus on beats than on lyrics. This has resulted in short term popularity of the newly released songs.

Recent new popular songs are;
Alaipayuthe,
Ishtam,
Vakkozhi,
Chittatin Kaavil,
Chocolate,
Hai Krishna,
Pinchukidangale,
Mizhimazha,
Kaayampoovo,
Ishtamall,
Kanna En Manamika,
Mazha Mukilazhake,
Adimegha,
Hello Boss,
Arabikkadalin,
Karikku,
Ohm Gridari,
Punchiri,
Etho,
Thamarayum,
Manam Thelijha Ravil,
Nadiye and Hey Mizhimazha.

These songs represent different styles of music including modern day pop music and traditional. They also have simple and understandable lyrics which have been sung and composed admiringly.

Apart from these songs, this year many other songs have catched peoples’ attention.
Few of them are Puthiyoreenam (Movie-Cycle),
Varnapainkili (movie-Cycle),
Akale Oru (movie-Calcutta News),
Kannadi Kottile (movie-Calcutta News) and Snehathin Koodonnu (movie-College Kumaran).

Other musical hits are,
Sugamo Devi Sugamo Devi Sugamo,
Raapaadi Kezhunnuvo Raapoovum Vida Chollunuvo,
Madurikkum Ormakale Malar Manjal Kondu Varu Kondu Poku Njangale,
Nilaave Maayumo Kinaavum Noovumai Ithal Maanjoru,
Unnikale Oru KAdha Parayam ee pullam kuzhalin Kadha parayam,
Thoo Manjin Nenjil Othungi Punnazhi Kanavu,
Paadam Namukk Paadam Veendum Oru Prema Gaanam,
Thumbi Penne Vaava Thumba Chottil Vaavaa,
Chandana Cholayail Mungi neeradiyen ila maan kidaavee,
Olathumbathirunnu Unjalladum chellam paim kili,
Paathi Mey Maranjath Enthe Saufaagya Thaarame Raavin Neela Kalikayil and Vaishaaga Sandhye Nin Chundil Enthu Kavitha etc.

The success of these songs is credited to their fun and youthful elements. Besides, film music, many pop albums have also recorded good sales number in tune with youths’ preference for new age music genres.

 There are several websites and cultural music resources where Malayalam Songs are available for downloading. All forms of Malayalam music are available including, Malayalam movie songs, folk songs, newly released movies, tribal music, lyrics download etc. finding proper sites which offer legal quality Malayalam mp3 downloading facilities is no more a tough ask. Many of these sites offer free downloading and quite a few of them charge just a nominal registration fee. This gives Malayalam music aficionados a lovely option of enhancing their songs collection by paying a miniscule amount. Many music sites also offer the option of playing Malayalam music online. That way user can just surf the net and listen to their favorite numbers.

On the other hand, users have the option of checking the songs content online and read music reviews before downloading. They can also read the profiles of singers and music directors. One can also download or listen to Malayalam pop songs, remixes, new as well old songs, classical songs, favorite numbers from numerous Malayalam singers and composers, wedding songs, patriotic songs and Christian songs. Users should always pay attention to the terms & conditions mentioned in the music providing websites. Few of the sites which offer songs downloading and resources are;

Legal malayalam songs websites and resources:

(Download malayalam songs & Music.)
Directory of malayalam Music, malayalam mp3 songs, malayalam movie songs, latest malayalam movie hits and old malayalam song downloads. These are malayalam sites, links and resources which offer original free malayalam songs download. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. http://www.malayalamsongs.org/?p=5

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