"Universe": Beauty, Resignation and Ironic Defiance

'Across the Universe' is, without a doubt, the best Beatle cover I have ever heard. I think John Lennon would be stunned. Apple sings with subtle virtuosity and understanding. She disguises her art; there is an 'acceptance of fate' conveyed with her beautifully undulating vocal line. The irony of Lennon's refrain 'Nothing's gonna change my world' is captured with unearthly transparency; Apple's vocal manifests an irony we all feel. The orchestration is brilliant and the drumming is phenominal, providing solid yet understated support. I imagine Lennon, had he lived, hearing this for the first time, thinking to himself: 'how did she know'?

a mesmerizing performance

She sings it just perfect! John would be proud. She kept the feel, and the gripping vocal sincerity, of the song intact. Having the word "Apple" in her name probably helped. One of the best Beatle covers I have ever heard.

Hymn of freedom

I do love this song and Fiona has realized a version of it that is something special. The lyrics are great and what she can do with them has touched the chords of my soul. It's not something sad what she says. It's like she would mean: "I gotta stop now and breath! I don't have to think there's something wrong in what I feel, wherever it comes from. Therefore, I don't have to be scared of my world, even if I don't understand it sometimes. Even if you don't understand it sometimes. Don't try to change my world. You can only accept it if you want to stand by me, as this world is me". A hymn of freedom travelling across the universe.