Covering any band is a daunting task. Covering the Beatles can be a terrifying endeavor.

However, the musical direction, composition and performance that went into the soundtrack for the motion picture “Across the Universe” did a truly commendable job at such a task.

The movie takes the story of four teenagers in New York City during the Vietnam War and puts their lives, and for two their love story, to the music of the Beatles. The vocal performances have a truly unique sound but, even with each song sounding so different, it is impossible not to still hear the Beatles coming through.

The soundtrack is also commendable for its use of Beatles’ songs that today’s audiences may not be familiar with. Listeners can look forward to renditions of popular Beatles’ hits such as “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You,” “All My Loving,” “Hey Jude,” “Come Together,” “Let It Be” and “With a Little Help From My Friends.” But the soundtrack also features many of the Beatles’ songs that contain powerful statements relevant to the 1960s, a time of turmoil and political adjustments.

“Across the Universe: the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” is filled with songs that appeal to almost every listener out there with heartfelt ballads, upbeat singalongs, and even some edgier, rock tracks.