Before we discuss the music here is a bit of background on the film. "I Am Sam" tells the story of Sam Dawson (Sean Penn) and his legal battle to keep custody of his young daughter Lucy Sky Dawson. Sam is mentally impaired and as he only has the mental capacity of a 7 year old he is viewed by some as an unfit father. As you can probably guess the film is full of emotion and a real tearjerker.Sam also happens to be a complete Beatles fanatic...hence this soundtrack of Beatles covers.
The album kicks off with Aimee Mann and Michael Penn's version of "Two Of Us" which is originally from the Let It Be album. The couple are husband and wife and their love is reflected in the song. It sounds very similar to James Taylor. Overall a pretty good attempt.
Sarah McLachlan's version of "Blackbird" sticks very closely to the original and is wonderful. Her vocals are particularly suited to the song.
Rufus Wainwright also does a fine job on "Across The Universe". He sounds a bit like Thom York from Radiohead.
Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder provides one of the album's highlights with his interpretation of "Hide Your Love Away". He does a nice simple version of the song with an acoustic guitar. Wonderful.
Stereophonics excel in their performance of "Don't Let Me Down". Kelly Jones' smoky bar room vocal is ideal for this beautiful tune.
Personally, I was a bit disappointed with the Black Crowes take on "Lucy in the Sky". They are more suited to rockier numbers like the Led Zepplin covers they did with Jimmy Page.
The former Replacements front man, Paul Westerberg, makes a mediocre effort on "Nowhere Man" and "Help" by Howie D is far too slow.
The album finishes on a high with Nick Drake on "Let It Be".
Overall I really like this album but there are a few fillers. The songs by The Vines, Grandaddy and Chocolate Genius could have easily been left off the track list.
Special mention must go to the female artists and those who do not try to reinvent the songs as their own. Best tracks are Eddie Vedder, Sarah McLachlan, Stereophonics and Nick Drake. It would have been nice to have included Noel Gallagher with an acoustic number such as "Ticket To Ride".
If you are a true Beatles fan you will enjoy this album and it makes a nice change to hear other artists playing these classic tunes. It's the perfect accompaniment to a wonderful film.
