Break Up

3.5 stars... Short and quirky
2009 is proving to be a busy year for Pete Yorn, with the release of not one but two CDs in a matter of months: "Back and Fourth" was his 4th proper solo album, and now comes this duet album with none other than Scarlett Johansson. First things first: this album was recorded in 2006, yes, three years ago. No explanation has been offered why this has been sitting on the shelves for three solid years. As to the album itself, "Break Up" (9 tracks; 29 min.) brings a collection of musical collages supposedly depicting a break up. Not that you can really pick that up from simply listening to the album. The opener "Relator" is the most mainstream-sounding song on here, with an easy upbeat rythm to it, and Pete and Scarlett truly dueting. After that charming opener, the tone of the album becomes much more introverted and reflective. I find the tracks that work best are the ones where Pete and Scarlett truly are collaborating, as opposed to the ones where you can bearly hear Scarlett (such as "Wear and Tear" and the closer "Someday"). On the other hand "I Don't Know What To Do" is a great little gem. My favorite track on this collection is "Shampoo", the perfect mix and interplay between Pete and Scarlett. But at a mere 29 min., there is simply not enough material here to call this album fully fleshed-out. After repeated listening to the album, it simply feels like a fleeting moment, or an incomplete symphony. Much was made last year about Scarlett's singing capabilities when she released her frist solo album (recorded much later than this albu, incidentally). As then, I really find no fault with her singing. In all, for some reason I had huge expectations for this album, and I can't say theu were entirely met. There are nice enough moments on here, but just not enough of them. And did I mention that this collection lasts all of 29 minutes?

Scarlett Johannsen is a surprisingly talented singer with a unique voice
What makes the album is unfortunately the very thing that may turn off many people to listening to it - the fact that it's a hollywood starlet on the cover. The thing is, I love Scarlett Johannsen's voice. She takes this material, which is good in parts, and sends it soaring into another dimension. She has a unique and easy smooth delivery that suits the retro-poppy sound of this album well. This is not just another hollywood actress who wanted to create an album of bad singing for her most devoted fans. The music featured is interesting and catchy. It is parts adult alternative, lounge, folk, and retro in some places. "Search your Heart", "Clean", and "I am the Cosmos" are the 3 best tracks. Overall, the mood is kind of happy-poppy feeling that will cause you to snap your fingers - yes - snap your fingers gaily whilst Pete and Scarlett trade lines. Oh... speaking of Pete Yorn.... he does a good impression of an angst-ridden sensitive (read... brooding) boyfriend who just got dumped. Sometimes it works - sometimes it's a little thick. Overall, a nice surprise and a good listen considering it's an album that I would not have otherwise looked at twice.

break up? more like break out!
I'm addicted to "Relator" haven't moved past that one, but from what I can tell the rest is a jem. But I think the real jem is the fact that I got this whole album for 2.99! AmaZing! Side note: this album was actually made in 2007, perfect timing soo re-fresh!

A diamond in the rough, that's what you are...
Okay, so I too was a tad nervous when I first downloaded the single `Relator'. I mean, I'll say this, just listening to Scarlett talk you know that she can sing. She has the most seductive jazz singer smoky tone to her voice, a tone that is both soothing and sharp at the same time. I remember hearing her rendition of `Summertime' and just being speechless at the richness and depth in her soulful voice. Then she covered Tom Waits. Now, she had her moments, but to say that her album `Anywhere I Lay My Head' was mediocre is kind of putting it nicely. It's a commendable thing to put yourself out there for something you truly love and admire, but some things should never be attempted. On `Break Up' she joins forces with Pete Yorn to create a completely different album, something much better suited for her voice and her talent. Thankfully she showcases the potential I knew she had. Sadly she doesn't get to showcase it enough. That is my one complaint with `Break Up'. Now, I have never listened to Pete Yorn's music before this album, which is rather shocking since I am a huge fan of the genre and the artists who he reminds me of. He has a great sound and an interesting voice (I'm a huge fan of the blemishes or weakness within a singers vocals because they expose a raw emotional connection, but Yorn's vocals at times have too many faults) but the real star of this album is Scarlett, and he just doesn't give her enough room to really shine. She is only really featured prominently on a handful of songs, delegated to back up vocals on the majority, which is sad because the songs for which she is key are the songs that really stand out on this album. `Relator', the album's first single is simply flawless. It may very well be my favorite song so far this year. It has the right bounce, the right amount of spunk and catchy deliciousness. I can't help but snap my fingers and bop my head and totally get into this song. I think it's time for a new ringtone! A completely different sound comes from `Clean', but Scarlett sounds impeccable here as well, her soft vocals meshing perfectly with Yorn's delicate delivery. I just wish that Yorn would have realized the brilliance of their duets, for the compliment one another flawlessly. `I Am The Cosmos' is an intriguing track, a cover of the song by Chris Bell, and it works quite well in all its oddness. The track also focuses on Scarlett, which is a plus. `I Don't Know What To Do' is charming, sweet, delightful goodness that just soars and makes me feel all warm inside. I just wanted to say that. I really liked `Shampoo'. Scarlett only has backup vocals here, but she harmonizes beautifully with Yorn (less a harmony and more a vocal compliment). The song has a really nice flow to it, an effortless stride from start to finish. I also liked `Someday' a lot, very raw and intense, but this is also a track that exposes Yorn's weaknesses as a vocalist. He has almost a Johnny Cash feel to his singing here, and that lump in his throat is overdone a tad over time (it's also the longest track on the album). Like I mentioned; I am all for the vocal blemishes. Damien Rice is my favorite musicial/singer out there and he has far from a perfect voice, but his blemishes are not as prominent as Yorn's so they actually compliment, not hinder, his music. Yorn is not a bad singer, but he needs someone like Scarlett to even him out, which is why he really should have shared the spotlight equally with her, for she helps mask some of his more noticeable imperfections. `Blackie's Dead' makes up for the odd "Blackie's dead" with a funky beat and fun playful vocals. I just don't like the way they say that, "Blackie's dead", but whatever, it's a very small part of the song so I'm over it. `Wear and Tear' is a good track, even if Yorn sounds kind of strange in parts. If Scarlett had been given something to sing outside of barely audible background vocals and a thankless bridge it could have been much better. `Search Your Heart' saddens me. I just hate that `high school prom band' way in which they say "let me search your heart". It ruins the WHOLE song for me. The rest of the song is actually pretty good, and I love some of the guitar work here. I just cannot stand that "let me search your heart" part; it tarnishes the whole song, which could have been one of the top 3 tracks on the album. Instead it rests closer to 6. So, in the end, I recommend the album. I'd probably rank the album like this: 1) Relator 2) Clean 3) I Don't Know What To Do 4) Blackie's Dead 5) Shampoo 6) Search Your Heart 7) Someday 8) I Am The Cosmos 9) Wear and Tear If you are a fan of indie rock then you really need to check this out. I'm going to look into Yorn's music a little deeper now, since I am none to familiar with him at this point. I can see great things in the future for this couple if they continue their working relationship. If not, I certainly hope that Scarlett uses this as a stepping stone to further her singing career in the right direction. She has the goods to really make an impact in the music world. I, for one, am rooting for her.

It's actually pretty good!
I've been a PY fan since his debut. For me, he's established himself as an artist whose quality work is so consistent that I'll buy anything he releases, even unheard. He's had a few missteps along the way, but he still manages to record songs that have me playing them over and over and over again. When I heard about this project, I was a little skeptical about the collaboration with Johansson. I wondered if this was just some vanity indulgence for a friend of his and was doubtful it was going to be any good. Well, what a surprise...this album (at only 29 minutes) is great! While this is Pete's album, Scarlett's presence feels just right - her singing is only featured prominently on a few tracks and is used supportingly on the rest. It's a good mix. I have to say, judging from this album I wouldn't mind hearing more of them together. Good work, Pete!!