Released on the 50th anniversary of India’s independence, A. R. Rahman’s 1997 album Vande Mataram harnesses all the power of pride and patriotism for some truly rousing anthems. Insistent drum beats and swelling strings back his tenor vocals on “Maa Tujhe Salaam”, while “Revival” is a traditional arrangement of the national song—also presented in Tamil and instrumental versions—that soars with guitar, sax and an all-female chorus. Rahman's vocals are stormy and intense, raising goosebumps, while a show-stopping duet with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on “Gurus of Peace” is a stunning collaboration.