CD Review

Title: Across The Universe (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture)

Artist: Cast of Across the Universe

Label: Universal Music Group

Released: 2007  

3 ½ Stars 

Reviewed by: Emily Axelson 

The soundtrack to the film Across The Universe consists entirely of Beatles songs; it’s difficult to know what to expect. You never really expect it to be any better the original…I mean….it’s the Beatles we’re talking about! You feel like if they draw anywhere close to the mark, then they have greatly succeeded. Well, it definitely wasn’t better, but I highly doubt anything ever will be. A few songs were actually surprisingly good, yet some were clearly a failure at attempting to outdo a legendary track.  

The songs that I found came close enough to promising were as follows: ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ sang by T.V Carpio, and ‘I Am The Walrus’ sung by Bono from U2. I also thought it was a refreshing change to have some Beatles songs sung by females. ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ was clearly the best, with T.V’s strong voice to bring a more powerful feel to the song. I loved Dana Fuch’s voice as well. Her voice has a more old time rock sound to it, connecting the legendary Beatles literally across the universe, so the leap from old to new is not as dramatic.  

Evan Rachel Wood’s voice on the other hand was far more modern and pop sounding which I felt took away from the vibe. But to her credit, she did well considering her different voice which didn’t suit the music as well as her co-stars. Up until now, I never thought of Evan as more than just an actress, so I think she’s proven herself to be a decent vocal artist as well (although perhaps more pop oriented style for future endeavours).  

I was never a huge fan of U2, and I was never really aware of the talent within it. However, after hearing Bono sing my personal favorite Beatles song, ‘I am the Walrus,’ I have a far greater appreciation for U2 after this rendition.  

So with the varied combination of T.V Carpio’s strong and powerful voice, Dana Fuch’s raspy and old rock voice, Evan Rachel Wood’s modern voice, Jim Sturgess’ talented controlled voice, and Bono’s impressive rendition, it makes the Across The Universe soundtrack worth listening to, even if compares to the Beatles.  

1.“All My Loving" Performed by Jim Sturgess

2."I Want To Hold Your Hand " Performed by T. V. Carpio

3."It Won’t Be Long" Performed by Evan Rachel Wood

4."I’ve Just Seen A Face" Performed by Jim Sturgess

5."Let It Be" Performed by Carol Woods and Timothy T. Mitchum

6."Come Together" Performed by Joe Cocker

7."I Am The Walrus" Performed by Bono and Secret Machines

8."Something" Performed by Jim Sturgess

9."Oh! Darling" Performed by Dana Fuchs and Martin Luther McCoy

10."Strawberry Fields Forever" Performed by Jim Sturgess and Joe Anderson

11."Across The Universe" Performed by Jim Sturgess

12."Helter Skelter" Performed by Dana Fuchs

13."Happiness Is A Warm Gun" Performed by Joe Anderson

14."Blackbird" Performed by Evan Rachel Wood

15."Hey Jude" Performed by Joe Anderson

16."Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" Performed by Bono (Background Vocals by The Edge)