Across the Universe – Various Artists (A)

Being a pretty big Beatles fan, I’m always looking for a new angle on some classic McCartney and Lennon. Now, I haven’t seen the movie, so I can’t speak for its quality. But if the soundtrack is any taste of what the film will be like, my wife will not have much say in the movie choice next time we have a free night to go watch a flick. I bought this album based on the preview alone. The opening clip of the male lead singing “Girl” stopped my popcorn-filled hand mid flight to my mouth and I don’t think I moved until the preview was over. Honestly, I didn’t think anyone was going to be able to top the Beatles-based soundtrack from I Am Sam (which, by the way, if you don’t own that album, you should), but this comes real close. There are way more tracks on this album, 30 total on the 2-disc set, and everyone of them is powerful. Everyone one of them. My favorite right now is the gospel-choir version of “Let It Be” but it changes every time I listen to it.

We Shine – Steve Fee (B+)

This is not to be confused with his independent release Burn For You, which came out just a few months ago and has pretty much all the same tunes. Differences: thirteen songs on the old independent version and the new version has different packaging, an INO Records icon on the back, and drops two of the original tracks and adds “Happy Day” by Tim Hughes. Now, normally I would scoff at this practice as a ploy to boost record sells through a small time record company with mediocre distribution, but I’m actually proud for Steve Fee (or Fee, which ever it is). I’ve been told people have seen a change in his behavior and his concerts now come across much more genuine and authentic than they used to. If that’s true, I am excited for The Fee. And I like his songs. Unlike Crowder that I took a listen to last week, Fee has created an album that has a fair amount of diversity and almost every song on this album is singable and playable in a worship setting. Seeing as how that is what he is, a worship leader/artist, I think he made all the right moves with this album and I for one am going to be singing quite a few of his songs. Don’t worry Steve, I’ll be sure to send my report to CCLI.