Over the course of her decades-long career, Scarlett Johansson has consistently showcased her versatility as an actress, captivating audiences in a variety of roles across genres, from action-packed performances like Black Widow in the MCU to compelling portrayals in comedy and drama. And after all this time, the acclaimed actress continues to surprise her fans.
Along with her on-screen prowess, Johansson has also carved out a niche as a singer, a pursuit she initially explored in the mid-2000s, soon after, she released her first album Anywhere I Lay My Head in 2008. As her debut album completes 16 years, fans can’t help but share their surprise upon learning about the lesser-known aspect of the Marvel star’s illustrious career.
A Brief Look At Scarlett Johansson’s Music Career
Scarlett Johansson has always been passionate about music. The actress has shared that her interest in action initially stemmed from a desire to perform in musicals as a child, something she was unable to pursue after making her acting debut. However, her love for singing and music remained constant.
She finally dabbled with her passion for music with a charity album Unexpected Dreams: Songs from the Stars with a song titled Summertime. Later in 2007, she made a surprise appearance at Coachella performing a duet with The Jesus and Mary Chain on Just Like Honey.
However, it wasn’t until 2008, that she released her debut album, Anywhere I Lay My Head, which completed its 16 years on May 16. Recorded in over five weeks, the album consisted of an original song titled Song for Jo, along with the lead single Falling Down and covers of Tom Waits songs.
Produced by Dave Sitek, the album also featured collaborations with David Bowie and members of bands like Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Celebration. However, it received mixed reviews, debuting at number 126 on the Billboard 200. Despite mixed reception, Johansson continued her musical endeavors.
She collaborated with Pete Yorn on her next album Break Up, followed by a collaboration with Steal Train on their album Terrible Thrills Vol. 1. Her subsequent musical ventures included contributions to documentaries such as Watchers and Jabberers and Chasing Ice.
Johansson’s later works included songs for The Jungle Book and Sing soundtracks along with a 2018 EP with Pete Yorn titled Apart. However, her musical efforts often faced criticism, particularly regarding her vocal performance.
Fans Stunned as Scarlett Johansson’s Music Career Resurfaces
It’s remarkable that despite Scarlett Johansson’s immense fame in the industry, a significant portion of her fanbase was unaware of her music career until recently. As Pop Crave highlighted the 16th anniversary of her first album, fans are left shocked to learn that the Oscar-nominated actress even sings and has a music career.
She SINGS?!?! pic.twitter.com/0r6xoHrjEv
— Sweetenermatcha 🍉 (@sweetenermatcha) May 15, 2024
help i didn’t know she did music
— Genesis🦋☀️ (@NTLTCGENESIS) May 15, 2024
I don't think is made for the charts.
It doesn't sound like anything on the charts at the time and nothing about it seemed to imply she it's intention was to rake in sales & numbers.— ForFuxxSake (@ForFuxxSake) May 16, 2024
she has an album? pic.twitter.com/Y8RtTI98RI
— poppy 🦋 (@imnotpopbase) May 15, 2024
Yes, but it’s mainly Tom Waits covers. Very folky and very thought provoking. If you don’t like that kind of stuff, I don’t recommend. Her original composition, Song for Jo, is fantastic. It’s hauntingly beautiful. There’s also noises such as woodland stuff buried in the record
— ً (@lavender_hazes) May 15, 2024
sounds good i’ll give it a listen thanks
— ANGi3 (@luvthethots) May 15, 2024
“Help I didn’t know she did music,” one fan shared on X (Twitter). Many expressed surprise upon learning about her album release, with some conceding that they hadn’t previously known about it but are now intrigued to explore it. However, many fans did mention that they had listened to the Marvel star’s album and had mixed reactions.
While some fans lauded her efforts, others offered critiques, particularly regarding her cover of Tom Waits songs, suggesting a preference for the original compositions. The revelation, however, has ignited curiosity among fans, prompting many to express interest in giving her music a chance now that they are aware of it.
