Artist List

Singing in the shower is a favorite (albeit slightly embarrassing) pastime of most music listeners. It’s perfectly normal, really, and a nice way to live out some secret desire for fame and fortune behind a mic. However what happens when someone who enjoys a little serenade in the shower has enough celebrity and money to actually record an album? Case in point- actors turned musicians. There are tons of these hybrid actor/musician types in Hollywood. People who think that their ability to perform on screen will smoothly transition onto the Billboard charts. While there are several multi-talented performers in the industry, far too many are jumping on the bandwagon. Everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Billy Bob Thornton claim to have what it takes to make it in music. Here is a short list of some very surprising and interesting actors turned musicians. Are these side projects stage worthy or should they stick to the privacy of one’s own bathroom?

Steve Martin

Genre: Bluegrass/Country

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Steve wrote 14 of the 15 tracks on his recently released album, The Crow: New Songs for the 5th String Banjo. He provides banjo and lead vocals with the occasional the help of some friends, Dolly Parton and Vince Gill to name a few. His love of the banjo started young and continued to progress as his other artistic endeavors expanded. Never abandoning his first love, this album is a product of 45 years of dedication and was recorded all over the world. Bluegrass music has never been high on my musical radar, but after my first listen it is impossible to ignore the sincerity and incredible skill he possesses. The precision and clarity of his playing is impressive, even if the lyrics at times seem a bit simplistic. From furiously fast to delightfully serene, each song is a burst of creative energy. I would highly suggest a listen, as it deserves recognition as a solid album from an avid music appreciator. Final Verdict: Stage worthy

Jada Pinkett Smith

Genre: Metal

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Pinkett Smith’s metal band, Wicked Wisdom, is probably most well known for their controversial gig at Ozzfest in 2005. With Jada as lead vocalist and songwriter, I was more than slightly apprehensive when I plugged in my headphones. As far as metal goes, it is a far cry from the traditional style of Metallica and Pantera. However, it has sort of a nu-metal hybrid mainstream feel, which was entertaining. Surprisingly, her vocals are loud and commanding, and fit well with the music. Lyrically it tends to hit modern rock themes, and while they aren’t bad, nothing really stands out. The album is rather short in duration, with not much lasting impact on the listener. Overall, worth giving it a spin, but definitely not for the avid metal fan. Final Verdict: Hit the showers!

Jason Schwartzman

Genre: Indie/Pop

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Jason Schwartzman is no stranger to the recording studio. With a stint as the drummer for Phantom Planet, it was just a matter of time before he decided to go ahead with a solo effort, released under the moniker Coconut Records. He wrote all the songs and plays most of the instruments on 2007’s Nighttiming, yet the album features cameos by numerous friends and family: his sibling Robert (front man of Rooney), Kirsten Dunst, Zooey Deschanel and several members of Incubus, including Brandon Boyd, Ben Kenney, and Mike Einziger, who also produced the album. With Jason’s mellow vocals alongside a little pop, folk, and a whole lot of fun, the result is a refreshing and joyful experience. Simple yet beautifully crafted songs prove that Jason really knows his stuff. The only complaint is the albums running time, a mere 33 minutes. He just released a follow up, Davy (2009) that is jam packed with the same breezy sound. I highly suggest a listen to put a little bounce in your step. Final Verdict: Stage worthy

Scarlett Johansson

Genre: Indie Covers Album

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

ScarJo’s album of Tom Waits’ covers, Anywhere I Lay My Head, was by far the most difficult album to review. It has come up on numerous “Best Of” and “Worst Of” lists for 2008. My first impression of the record was that it is so over-produced it’s hard to get a decent grasp of her talent, if she has any. A few tracks in, her sultry jazz-influenced voice begins to emerge, and while it is not a particular favorite of mine, there is certainly a market for her style. Some vocal coaching would be to her benefit as well, as she sounds uptight and nervous. Covers are a tricky business, and even those who succeed in music have trouble with them. She gets a shout out because it was a risky and bold move, but in order for her to be taken seriously I would like to hear some of her original material. Final Verdict: Stick to the shower, Woody Allen needs you more than we do.

Zooey Deschannel

Genre: Indie/Folk

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Zooey has made it known that she enjoys dabbling in the musical world and frankly I am surprised that she’s only released one record. Paired with M. Ward, and billed as She & Him, the duo’s first album, Volume 1 is a collection of sweet and simple songs that really allow her to shine. Zooey’s whimsical vocals offer a quaint vintage charm (think Amy Winehouse minus the booze and blow). The songs remain extremely organic. Her voice is not perfect, but it is endearing and irresistible. The backup vocals and arrangements really give the songs a richness that is hard to miss. My one complaint would be her cover of “I Should Have Known Better,” her folk-ish twang did not need to be applied to a Beatles gem. However it is a small mark on an almost perfect debut album. Considering her recent engagement to Indie Prince, Ben Gibbard, I look forward to what she has to offer us in the future. Final Verdict: Stage worthy

Jared Leto

Genre: Emo

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

This is the one instance where it is hard to separate the actor from the music. Jared Leto has quite a reputation within the film/television industry, and his role as lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars certainly follows him over into his musical adventures. While there was a time in my life where emo music was a heavy influence, 30 Seconds to Mars just always felt a little too campy to pass as true emo. The vocals are impressive and the songwriting is decent, but as a whole, the effort feels forced. But this has not stopped the band from acquiring a large fan base and also having a few songs on the Billboard charts. It is fair to say that he has successfully crossed over into music. Rumor has it that they are hard at work on a second album, and while I might give the singles a listen, I won’t be first in line. Final Verdict: Stage worthy (eyeliner required)

Joaquin Phoenix

Genre: Rap/Hip-hop

While it is hard to tell if his antics are for show or serious, there is no denying the frenzy surrounding Joaquin’s recent departure from acting. His Grammy winning performance on the Walk the Line soundtrack suggested that he might do well in a similar forum. But when rumors swirled that he was hard at work producing a “hip/hop rap” album, people began to question the sanity of his decision. And with his haggard appearance and bizarre behavior thrown in, no one really knows what to make of it. His impromptu performance at Lavo in Las Vegas gave us a small preview; garbled lyrics and a lot of jumping and crotch grabbing were among the highlights of his time on stage. An album has yet to appear, and hoax or not, I am curious to hear what might be the oddest actor turned musician story yet. Final Verdict: Take a shower (and a shave), then we’ll talk.

Comments (6)