 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Anywhere I Lay My Head
- By Scarlett Johansson
- Genre: Rock
Common Sense Media says
Movie starlet does somber Waits covers.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What 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.
What's the story?
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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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.
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I don't have anything against this kind of music, but i really didn't like this. I don't like her voice and I think it is pretty bad.
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I'm a big fan of Scarlett Johansson and this album just added to what she can do and what she can do well. This CD is not upbeat or happy but is still fun to listen to. Scarlett Johansson needs to keep making music. Her new single Relator is better than these songs and also features Pete Yorn which makes it all the better
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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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| Artist: | Scarlett Johansson |
| Release date: | May 20, 2008 |
| Labels: | Atco, Rhino Records |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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