It's not often that a cover album deserves much in the way of recognition, but in the case of Tommee Profitt and Fleurie's latest collaboration, an exception can be readily made. Upon hearing the announcement that the duo was working on a project christened Wedding Songs, it was immediately apparent that listeners were likely to be in for a special treat. (But this should hardly be a surprise after Profitt's glorious Birth of a King album.)

The extended play consists of six love songs, each originally penned by an eclectic array of artists. Opening with a string and piano-based rendition of Justin Bieber's "Anyone," the peaceful track floats with a lofty aura before bringing in a choir to a powerful close. The second track, Edwin McCain's "I'll Be" is markedly older, having originally debuted in 1997. Its simple atmosphere touches down smoothly as Fleurie's vocals drop a little deeper than usual and the flow runs to its exquisite conclusion.

Train's "Marry Me" makes its appearance as the third track, and while an exceptional rendition, it doesn't stand out as robustly when compared to the surrounding pieces. However, it will certainly be a welcome addition to traditional wedding media, offering a unique and original take on a song that has made its mark on many marriages. Perhaps the most unexpected track is Sebastian's… er… Samuel E. Wright's song "Kiss the Girl." (Yes, that "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid.) The reworking is simple, and surprisingly enough, a little serious and whimsical in mood, making for a sweet and nostalgic offering.

"Only for You" is the one wholly original song on the album written by Profitt and Fleurie, and it truly stands out. The lyrics are heartfelt and intimate ("Something happened when we met / life turned on its head / those three words, when they were said / they were always meant only for you / take my hand we'll run like lovers do / taking chances is easier with you / every moment, let us hear it's true / God only knew, I've been waiting only for you / all my life, all my love is for you") and the melody carefully crafted to pair flawlessly with Fleurie's voice, perfectly accentuating the highs and lows of the piece. The interlude is impeccably timed, letting the music and melody flow freely, making this love song a top contender for one of 2022's best tracks.

The EP closes with Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars," which was released as a single earlier this year when aired on the TV show Grey's Anatomy to critical acclaim. Profitt's growing atmospheric mastery lends a great deal of weight to this piece, making it - dare I say - even better than the original (although I will note that the missing verse was slightly disappointing).

The partnership between Fleurie and Tommee Profitt is the real deal; they've now assembled a small catalog of brilliant pieces across a few different projects, each creating a special spark of music magic. I won't mince words: I want more. For readers who have yet to dive into Profitt's production work or Fleurie's solo discography, I highly recommend taking this opportunity to do so; you won't be disappointed.

- Review date: 7/28/22, written by David Craft of Jesusfreakhideout.com