I originally intended to make a list of the top 10 or 15 Soundtracks of Bollywood. But not only did it pose serious conflicts of ranking, it also made me leave out some of the greatest soundtracks behind. So, in good faith of bringing out the most enjoyable and evocative list for anyone who visits this page, here is a journey of Bollywood through different times and artists marked by soundtracks that the country instantly took to and those that still linger in our fondest memories.

Note: This list is not rated or ranked in anyway. The numbers accompanying the titles are just for the purpose of clarity. Also, I haven't really made it a point to include a certain number of films in any particular period say, a decade, and hence the list maybe dominated by multiple films within few years and few films among many years.

25- ShahJehan (1946)-

There was a time when Kundal Lal Saigal's voice fell on the ears, coated with the music of Naushad and spiced up with the brilliance of Majrooh Sultanpuri's Urdu poetry. The audiences got gems like Jab Dil Hi Tut Gayaa, Mere Sapno Ki Rani Ruhi Ruhi Ruhi and this-

"phoonk raha hai jigar, pad rahaa hai magar muskuraana haay haay ye zaalim zamaanaa"

24- Anmol Ghadi (1946)-

With 12 jewels one after the other, the soundtrack was an instant sensation. Naushad provided the soulful music while Tanvir Naqvi penned the songs. It also featured Mohd. Rafi's first notable song, Tera Khilauna Toota among other greats like Aawaaz De Kahaan Hai, Kya Mil Gaya Bhagwan and Jawan Hai Mohabbat.

23- Barsaat-(1949)-

Regarded by many as the greatest soundtrack of Bollywood history, Barsaat gave Bollywood 'THE LATA MANGESHKAR' as we know her today. In return, she along with Shankar Jaikishan and a crew of lyricists (ideally Hasrat Jaipuri) gave us an unforgettable musical experience.

22- Awara- (1951):

I have always believed that Awaara was the beginning of true cinematic excellence in India. With Barsaat, Raj Kapoor had found the formula of music that people loved and he perfected it with Awara- Dum Bhar jo udhar muh phere, Ghar aaya mera pardesi, Awara Hun remain its greatest hits. Also, the two duos of Shankar Jaikishan in music and Shailendra- Hasrat Jaipuri in Lyrics became a hallmark for a worthwhile ride for the audiences.

21- Baiju Bawra (1952) -

Naushad brought 13 songs in 11 raagas embellished in the lyrics of one of the greatest lyricists of the golden age of Cinema, Shakeel Badayuni. With songs like O Duniya Ke Rakhwale, Door Koi Gaye and Tu Ganga ki mauj, Baiju Bawra proved to be a revolution in Hindi Music Industry.

20- Pyaasa (1957) -

Arguably, the best film in Bollywood had highs even in the sound department comprising of greats like S.D. Burman, Sahir Ludhianvi, Geeta Dutt and Mohammed Rafi and songs like Hum aapki aankhon mein, Ye duniya agar mil bhi jaye, Jaane wo kaise and Jinhe naaz hai Hind par wo kahan hain.

21- Kaagaz ke phool (1959)-

Who can forget the camera panning out from Waheeda Rehman as the song Waqt ne kiya, kya haseen sitam plays on. Whether it's Dekhi Zamane Ki Yaari or Ulte Seedhe Dao lagaye, the music of S.D.Burman suits the aura of the moment and the new wave lyrics of Kaifi Azmi complement by providing the necessary depth through their meaning.

20- Barsaat Ki Raat (1960)-

The benchmark of Qawalli soundtrack in Bollywood music, whereby Roshan and Sahir added such charming intensity to the songs that I can't help add two songs here-

19- Mughal-e-Azam (1960)-

I don't think any Bollywood list that talks about any worthy aspect of movie-making can ever be complete without mentioning Mughal-e-Azam in it. The makers had all the freedom they wanted to churn out an album that will go down in the books of history as the greatest ever. For once, your mind actually comes out of the spell of Madhubala's beauty and wonders- "Who wrote these songs? Whose music am I hearing". Well Shakeel Badayuni and Naushad - the ultimate duo it is.

18- Sangam (1964)-

Shankar- Jaikishan, Shailendra-Hasrat Jaipuri, Dost Dost Na Raha, Ye mera prem patra padhkar. Need I say more?

17- Waqt (1965)-

There was something utterly tremendous about the story and execution of Waqt. With music as the mainstay of all popular Bollywood films, Yash Chopra discovered an uncanny knack of delivering to the audiences just what they wanted. The film's soundtrack by Ravi and Sahir included songs like Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen, Kaun Aaya and Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu.

16- Guide (1965)-

When art gets to celebrate art, you are sure to get a masterpiece. S.D. Burman and Shailendra's duo brought us gems like- Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna, Gaata Rahe Mera Dil, and Piya Tose Naina Laage Re.

15- Pakeeza (1968)-

With a crew firing on all barrels, the music of Ghulam Mohammed and Naushad Ali with lyrics by Kaifi Azmi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Kamal Amrohi and Kaif Bhopali brought class and awe to seduction and show.

Notable songs- Chalo Dildar Chalo, Chalte Chalte, Inhi Logon Ne and Thare Rahiyo.

14- Aradhana (1969)-

For a large part of it, Aradhana was all about music. R.D. Burman took reigns from his ill father and gave Bollywood the gift of the eternal duo of Kishore- Rajesh. Roop Tera Mastana, Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu, Kora Kagaz Tha and Mere Sapno Ki Rani were some of the most notable hits.

13- Aap ki kasam (1974)-

R.D. Burman and Anand Bakshi gave hits like Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Jai Jai Shiv Shankar and Zindagi Ke Safar Mein.

12- Kabhie Kabhie (1976)-

If someone wants to make a film about music, make Kabhie Kabhie or do not make it at all. The melody of Khayyam wrapped in the words of Sahir was a milestone film at a point in cinema when the industry was leaning towards action and angry films. Tere Chehre Se, Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein, Mere Ghar Aaye Ek Nanhi Pari, Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon- racked Filmfares after Filmfares for the crew.

11- Umraao Jaan (1981)-

Those frames of Rekha slowly moving and getting on her heels as the music similarly follows her note can never be forgotten. Khayyam once again brought melody that seduces and Shahryar wrote pearls that embellished the seducer. Dil Cheez Kya Hai and In Aankhon Ki Masti were the biggest hits.

10- Arth (1982)-

The formula was simple- Kaifi Azmi + Jagjit Singh. The product was as heartwarming as this-

09- Sadma (1983)-

There was a degree of softness that a story so delicate required with its music. Who better than Gulzar to do that? Ilayaraaja's songs- Surmayee Ankhiyon Mein, O Babuaa Yeh Mahua and Aye Zindagi Gale Lagaa Le spell innocence and tranquility to this day.

08- Aashiqui (1990)-

Everyone remembers how the Bhatt camp made a film out of a music album. Is that even possible? Well, depends on the music album. In spite of a crew as varied as this, the production of a soundtrack that included Ek Sanam Chahiye, Nazar Ke Saamne Jigar Ke Paas,

Jaane Jigar Jaaneman and Dil Ka Aalam was a marvel if not a miracle.

07- Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994)-

No film in history probably left the impact on the country that Hum Aapke Hain Kaun did. With it's cheerful numbers centred aroung marriage and rituals mostly, the film's album has been immortalized by Indian wedding celebrations.

06- Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)-

This one's for the girls out there (if any of you read my blog :P). Although I haven't been a huge fan of the soundtrack at a personal level, it seems to have begun a new culture in Bollywood. Jatin-Lalit were successful enough in grabbing the project from the Big Boss Yash Chopra and in delivering the goods. Call it good music, call it SRK's craze, the soundtrack still makes Indian girls' hearts go boom.

05- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)-

Ismail Darbar produced magic when he composed this track- and there is simply no exaggeration in this. The finesse with which he handled the diverse and technically intricate situations and replaced them with songs like Albela Sajan Aayo Re, Chand Chhupa, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Tadap Tadap Ke was exemplary.

04- Veer Zaara (2004)-

Veer Zaara is probably the soundtrack of the millennium in Bollywood. Who knew Madan Mohan's old and untouched compositions would be so full of brilliance years later? A track that contains songs like Tere Liye, Main Yahan Hoon, Do Pal and Aisa Des Hai Mera- altogether is terrific to say the least and legendary to say it just right.

03- Kisna (2005)-

A.R. Rahman and Ismail Darbar brought about some of the finest music that modern day Bollywood had ever witnessed. Javed Akhtar penned those songs of love and devotion and made for a track we wouldn't forget in ages. Don't believe me? Try this-

02- Anjaana Anjaani (2010)-

Although the movie was a letdown, the soundtrack comprising of sings like Aas Paas Khuda, Hairat and Tujhe Bhula Diya was plain awesome.

01- Rockstar (2011)-

A.R. Rahman's music and Irshad Kamil's thought provoking lyrics brought depth and meaning to an otherwise plain and pointless movie. Mohit Chauhan was at his singing best with songs like Jo bhi main, Hawaa Hawaa and the infinitely great Nadaan Parinde. Sadda Haq, also from Chauhan, became a youth anthem soon after the film's release.

Bandwidth verdict- Yes, you cannot/will not go through this entire list but do keep it bookmarked for one of those lazy times when you want to lift yourself up.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.