kiru,

I would agree with your observation to a large extent though not fully. What seems to have happened in 'Paa' is that Raja has brought to fore the traditional elements associated with western music, be it a rock ballad or jazz, and slightly pushed his own trademark a bit back. The trademarks are definitely there but the ones coming to the fore are the more genre based elements. Like the way 'gali mudi' songs starts on the guitar is very reminiscent of some of Eagles love ballads. But the Mohanam touch is that of the master. (That pentatonic scale does exist and is used often in Rock music as well but the way it is used in this song is very Raajaish) The second interlude of 'gum sum gum' is clearly jazz and the keyboard playing there does not really carry any added twist of Raja. It is lovely but as you say, the Raja twist may not be there but the prelude carries his stamp. The 'hichki' song carries his stamp more according to me.

I am loving the 'gali mudi' song a lot. On one hand the orchestration is more 'standard' as you say but the tune is something to die for and Shaan to his credit does a nice job.