Scarlett does pop

© Anywhere I Lay My Head, Warner

Not content with acting, at the grand old age of 24 Scarlett has launched a second career as a singer. Ever since the news broke that Scarlett was recording an album in a Louisiana studio, we've been intrigued to hear how her husky voice will sound on CD...and the critics have been sharpening their knives in preparation. Many expect Scarlett to fall flat on her pretty face, but Anywhere I Lay My Head has received the thumbs-up from many music critics.  

The album contains 10 Tom Waits covers and one original, Song for Jo, co-written by Scarlett and producer David Sitek (of TV on the Radio fame). Guest musicians include David Bowie, who provides distinctive backing vocals on 3 songs, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinnera, while the video for Falling Down features a slightly bizarre cameo from author Salman Rushdie.

Scarlett's unusual voice is compelling, if overshadowed by layers of reverb. The result is lush, chilled-out and undeniably cool. It's edgy, surprising, and looks set to be a hit. To quote David Bowie, Scarlett "has something magical."