CheekyChicago

For those out there who haven’t seen the steamy new press photos of Scarlett Johansson and Pete Yorn (is there really anyone out there who hasn’t?), listen up. The duo has released its first collaborative debut album, Break Up. The twosome’s chemistry can be seen even through press photography – and we swear, if it wasn’t for Johansson’s recent nuptials to Hollywood heartthrob, Ryan Reynolds, we could easily misinterpret that chemistry for sexual compatibility!

We digress. It seems to be the age of indie musicians and Hollywood singing starlet collaborations. Last year, actress Zooey Deschanel and songwriter M. Ward joined forces in duo, She & Him, releasing their collaborative debut, Volume One. Johansson and Yorn teamed up to create an album allegedly inspired by the 1960’s duets of Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot. As you may remember, Johansson debuted her vocal talents on last year’s Tom Waits cover album, Anywhere I Lay My Head. The album was released to mixed (if not unfavorable) reviews, but that clearly didn’t hinder the songstress, as she’s at it again – and this time, with a likely counterpart. Unlike Anywhere I Lay My Head, Break Up contains less vocal effects, which allows Johansson’s vocals to shine through; and although her husky voice doesn’t necessarily ooze infinite range, they sound as sultry as her onscreen voice, and are pleasantly compatible with Yorn’s understated croon. Break Up’s single, “Relator”, is an upbeat number with a steady tambourine backbeat, while “I Don’t Know What To Do” features the welcome showcasing of Johansson’s ability to reach a higher vocal range for a change, sprinkled with charming guy/girl vocal interplay. Johansson’s jazzy voice is a standout on the album’s cover of Chris Bell’s (Big Star) “I Am the Cosmos”, while banjo-dowsed “Wear and Tear” consists of only a few whispered backing words from the songstress.

Overall, the vibe of Break Up is modest folk-rock, garnished with electronics and amiable duets. The album is essentially a blend of Yorn’s token blithe pop and Johansson’s jazz-infused vocal touches, which creates a charming final product – and who’d expect less from Hollywood’s Renaissance woman?