To the unwitting, the title Choral Beatles may suggest stodgy versions for an oh-so-British four-part chorus, but this tribute album is actually a pretty slick production that presents classic Lennon & McCartney songs with sweet, girl-group styled vocals, smooth instrumental backing, and a fair amount of swinging 1960s atmosphere. Not that the Beatles' songs need polished arrangements from Raúl Fritzsche, which at times sound quite close to the originals, nor do the singers' perky performances add any emotional depth or special insights to the music. Perhaps it doesn't matter that this attractive Argentinean group sings with a bland cheerfulness that is sometimes beside the point of the lyrics ("Eleanor Rigby" is decidedly lacking in pathos), or even that the echolalia in the backing vocals is overdone. In spite of these weaknesses, the whole album has a light and breezy feeling that somehow works, and the Kennedy Choir definitely touches on notes of nostalgia and innocence that are at the heart of the Beatles' appeal: from "Across the Universe" to "Hey Jude," a wide-eyed naïveté shines through the extremely professional production, and the choir sings with a purity that is surprisingly charming. This disc is recommended to people who enjoy quirky cover albums, but diehard Beatlemaniacs may only appreciate the fact that proceeds from this CD go to feeding and clothing children in Argentina. ~ Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide
