Chupke Se – a low budget film from the makers of Chashme Buddoor, Jalwa and Khatta Meetha. "One more reason to smile" says the tagline of the film and music essentially is one of those reasons. Vishal Bharadwaj and Gulzar, the musician – lyricist combination, who gave us such superior quality albums like Maachis, Satya and Makdee, come up with yet another musical gem this time.

The album opens with "Kehte Kehte" a breezy duet by Asha Bhosle and Lucky Ali. The song gets a soft rhythmical musical start, which easily grows on ears. The legendary Asha takes a break from her usual item number scene here, and yet again (like in Khwahish) displays the softer side of her versatile voice. Lucky Ali, who makes rare appearances in film albums (last heard in Sur and Kaante) starts off impressively but falters slightly in the latter half perhaps for his attempt to deliberately force an emotional touch. Nevertheless the mellow duet is likeable for Vishal’s simple musical arrangements.

Next comes a fun-filled solo "Kafi Nahi Jo bhi Hai" by Alka Yagnik. Gulzar pens lyrics about a girl saying "I have lived enough of this regular life and want something different now". The background rhythms have sort of Spanish touch but the tunes do not gel accurately with the lyrics. Alka sounds quite usual lacking the zing. An average number.

Popular music arranger Ranjit Barot (who also won an award for the Best Background Score in Aks) makes appearance as a guest composer with 2 tracks. First is "Jeele Jeele", which carries the philosophy of living life to the fullest. KK, Alka and Ranjit, induce full strength in the rendition of this catchy number. 

But it’s in his composition of the fast-paced energetic number "Dildara" that Barot leaves an indelible impression. The raunchy Gayatri Iyer (of Maar Gayo Re fame from Sandhya) sounds something between Sunidhi Chauhan and Richa Sharma. Zubeen´s high-pitched vocals (faintly reminiscent of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan) is likeable especially in the alaap towards the end of the song. Also the usually punctured Abbas Tyrewala comes up with some idealistic lyrics. 

Then comes the best track of the album and perhaps one of the most soulful duets of the year. "Koi To Ho" is a beautifully composed duet with excellent renditions by the crystal clear Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik (who sounds more like Asha Bhosle from the first track). And it’s perhaps for the first time, that the minor portions of reggae and rapping do not sound irritating for they perfectly gel with the mood of the song. Gulzar too seems in his elements.

Last but not the least is popular Bhangra artist Daler Mehndi’s "Kajrare Nainawali". Surprisingly a sober number for Daler, the song takes us to the world of ecstasy. It´s got a lot of funk and the way the drum snare keeps tripping in the background gives the track a wicked touch. The tried and tested lyrics on praising of female eyes don’t offer anything new though.

The music of Chupke Se is likeable for its simplicity. Music like this does take some time to grow on you, but eventually becomes pretty likeable.