Nothing compares to the carefree, curious and confused days of childhood. Producer Aamir Khan knows it only too well.

The actor known for his perfectionist ways celebrates the splendour and spontaneity of the wonder years in his directorial debut, Taare Zameen Par.

And who better than the gifted troika of Shankar Mahadevan [Images], Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa to helm the music of this children's film?

The lilting and measured pace of Shankar Mahadevan's fine rendition of Taare Zameen [Images] Par transports you to a wondrous world of  poetry and possibilities. Trust them to infuse tender magic in Prasoon Joshi's sweet-sounding similes, an ode to the unforgettable memories of childhood.

A stirring guitar, backed by electronic enchantment, contributes greatly to Raman Mahadevan's rocking delivery of Kholo Kholo. The track's promising 'spread-your-wings' philosophy is perfectly brought out in this enthusiastic production. 

Aamir, with generous help from Shaan, mouths gibberish to get into the good books of fidgety kids in Bum Bum Bole. A quintessential bachcha party number celebrating the colours and dreams of schooldays. Though it's a fun song, it is likely to appeal more on the visual medium.

Exit Kiss Of Love (Jhoom Barabar Jhoom). Enter Jame Raho. Composer cum singer Vishal Dadlaani merrily discusses the different breeds of children here -- the obedient types, the laidback ones and the dreamers. Again, a situational ditty. But an imaginative one, nevertheless.

What goes on in an impressionable mind when sent away from home -- insecurities, fears and concerns -- are eloquently and emotionally conveyed by Shankar Mahadevan in the sentimental Maa. This one tugs at the heartstrings.

'Idiot, duffer, lazy, crazy. Tumhara problem kya hai, beta?' Blistering questions directed at a hapless young thing make up for the hollering Bheja Kum. Oddly enough, all the rebuke and yelling is music to been-there-heard-that ears.

Gleehive, a kid's chorus group, opens the endearing motif of Mera Jahan, followed by Adnan Sami's [Images] soulful performance. Guest composed by Shailendra Barve, Mera Jahan gives us a musical peek into the child protagonist's idealistic and innocent universe.

The album wraps up with Ishaan's Theme, an instrumental, reflecting a little boy's emotional graph. It starts out seemingly soothing, becomes ruffled and complex, only to calm down to a happy melody again.

Taare Zameen Par isn't your regular soundtrack about fluttering hearts and sleepless nights. What makes these delicate and whimsical creations special is their underlying innocence.

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