Across the Universe

The track was recorded as Rufus Wainwright version of the Beatles song for the I Am Sam soundtrack. The recording was produced by Jon Brion during the soundtrack project built around contemporary artists covering Beatles compositions. Released on the I Am Sam soundtrack in 2002, it placed Wainwright among artists including Aimee Mann, Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper and Sarah McLachlan. The soundtrack became a widely heard early 2000s Beatles tribute release tied to the film. It remains one of Wainwright better known cover recordings and one of the most prominent versions from the I Am Sam soundtrack. The track helped keep Across the Universe active in later film and compilation contexts.