Anywhere I Lay My Head - Scarlett Johansson

Movie starlet does somber Waits covers.

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Common Sense rates it
2
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Music details
  • Artist(s): Scarlett Johansson
  • Genre: Rock
  • Label: Atco/Rhino Records
  • Parental Advisory: No
  • Edited Version: No
  • Release Date: 05/20/2008

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is an album of melancholy Tom Waits classics that often times deals with some pretty heavy issues, like alcoholism, abuse, and disillusionment. Mature topics are never taken lightly and subject matter that is often glamorized by pop culture, such as drinking, is explored in a more pessimistic and complex fashion. Johansson's vocals contribute the depressing tone on the album and although the content is straightforward and there's nothing really inappropriate for teens, this is definitely not a feel-good or pick-me-up collection.

Families can talk about why Johansson decided to make this album. She has received much criticism for her inexperienced skills as a musician and vocalist. Why do you think she was given the opportunity to make an entire album? Do you think a bad album will hurt her acting career or provide her with more publicity? Would the album receive the same amount of press if a movie star wasn't singing?

Message

Social Behavior:

Somber lyrics about some heavy issues such as abuse and disillusionment and a sorrowful sound make this album emotionally draining, especially for teens. Examples: On "I Never Wanna Grow Up" Johansson sings, "Well, when I see my parents fight/I don't wanna grow up/They all go out and drinking all night/and I don't wanna grow up/I'd rather stay here in my room/Nothin' out there but sad and gloom" and "Lay your head, where my heart used to be/Hold the earth above me/Lay down in the green grass/Remember when you loved me."

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Several songs have alcohol references although these references usually are in a negative context, such as one the song "Falling Down" ("Go on and take a swig/of that poison and like it/and don't ask for silverware/don't ask for nothing").

Violence

Sex

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Jacqueline Rupp

Scarlet Johansson is a major fan of the moody and sardonic American icon Tom Waits, with his incomparable growling vocals and poetic songwriting. Many have covered his music before (Rod Stewart singing "Downtown Train," Bruce Springsteen covering "Jersey Girl"). Johansson takes 10 of Waits' lesser known songs and joins them together with her vocal treatment and the production power of Dave Sitek from the group TV on the Radio. Johansson wrote one original track, "Song for Jo," and David Bowie accompanies her on two songs.

Is it any good?

2
If you start off with quality poetic lyrics, an album's sure to be a success, right? Well, covering songs by one of the greats of American songwriting, Tom Waits can be tricky business and it seems that ScarJo might be well over her head. When an artist covers another the assumption is that the new covers will reinvent -- or at least recapture -- the spirit of the songs. Unfortunately, Johansson's treatment is bogged down by over-production to the point where she's almost lost in the techno accompaniment. It's easy to jump on the Johansson-bashing bandwagon; nearly every critic has dissed the album, but there's an atmosphere to a few of the tracks that will linger with the listener, such as the moody title track or the hauntingly poppy "I Don't Wanna Grow Up." But the languishing vibe of the album never changes, and as a whole, listeners will probably feel like they are stuck in a monotonous fog of dreary vocals.
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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

5


Posted on 07/14/08 by vveronica Adult contributor

MUST LISTEN

I think that too many people are over-analyzing this album because it's covers from a ledgend and I think when a person covers a ledgend they are subject to more comparisons and harsh judgements than average because of it. Just forget all that & listen, the detail the dedication to the music. Think of actor/musicians like Lindsey yuck Scarlet's the real deal.
4

Posted on 06/18/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 14

Perhaps not for a 'casual' listener.

Scarlett Johansson has starred in many box-office hits and flops, yet this will fall into neither category. Scarlett tackles Tom Waits incredibly difficult catalog. While more listenable to than Tom's signature growl, her voice can monotonous, like Nico meets Jesus and Mary Chain. That said, I'm huge Tom Waits fan and her version of "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" makes me wish that Tom or Joey Ramone will take over vocals. While there is not much issue with morals, I feel that the indie feel, intelligent lyrics, and interesting compositions make its social message honest, relatable, and intelligent.

Adult Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

5


Posted on 07/14/08 by vveronica Adult contributor

MUST LISTEN

I think that too many people are over-analyzing this album because it's covers from a ledgend and I think when a person covers a ledgend they are subject to more comparisons and harsh judgements than average because of it. Just forget all that & listen, the detail the dedication to the music. Think of actor/musicians like Lindsey yuck Scarlet's the real deal.

Kids Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

4

Posted on 06/18/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 14

Perhaps not for a 'casual' listener.

Scarlett Johansson has starred in many box-office hits and flops, yet this will fall into neither category. Scarlett tackles Tom Waits incredibly difficult catalog. While more listenable to than Tom's signature growl, her voice can monotonous, like Nico meets Jesus and Mary Chain. That said, I'm huge Tom Waits fan and her version of "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" makes me wish that Tom or Joey Ramone will take over vocals. While there is not much issue with morals, I feel that the indie feel, intelligent lyrics, and interesting compositions make its social message honest, relatable, and intelligent.

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