More than 800 movies... and countless songs.. (and for records, thats more than any of the other music directors added together).. and the songs speak for themselves.. Obviously he doesnt need any introduction..
My appreciation for Illayarajas music started long back.. and hit the peak when I heard songs from "Guna", starring Kamal hassan (we can have a blog on that movie alone.. but some other time)..
Guna is an unusually good movie.. that keeps you wondering for days and nights.. about the movies ending.. and ths songs keep you haunting always (which Illayaraja ends up doing with all his songs 
)
)Song 1 : Appanendrum ammaiendrum.. sung by Illayaraja is brilliant in composition.. his voice adds the exact emotion.. the prelog to the song is absolutly outstanding. the lyrics are good and looks at Gunas life as viewed by another patient in the asylum.
Song 2: Unnai Naan ariven.. again.. brilliant.. but the outstanding thing about this song is how the music changes from soft melody.. to telugu beats.. ending with Hindustani classical.. a delight for those who understand music
Song 3 : Paartha vizhi.. the best of the lot.. the best among compositions.. Yesudas is classical.. the setting starts with Bells ringing, and temple hymns.. and Yesudas voice takes you to the next level.. you must hear this.. if you want to understand what brilliance is..
Song 4 : Kanmane, anbodu kaadal kadidam.. dialogue associated with a song made out of the dialogue.. neat.. Kamal Hassan seems to have this classic tinge in his voice. which adds to the music..
Overall, anyone who loves music.. and appreciates them.. should listen to the songs in this movie (http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/movie/T0000287.html should be a starter)
