Stereogum Home

 

January 27, 2009

Scarlett Johansson Covers Jeff Buckley

thubmnail icon: Scarlett Johansson Covers Jeff Buckley

He's Just Not That Into You is a new movie based on a self-help book based on an episode of Sex & The City. In other words, I have no intention of seeing it. But, if forced, I would at least look forward to its soundtrack: My Morning Jacket, R.E.M., Talking Heads, Wilco, the Replacements, and the Cure appear. As does Scarlett Johansson covering the most famous Jeff Buckley song that's not a Leonard Cohen cover. Some say Scarlett's Tom Waits covers album was one of the best releases of 2008. The nicest thing I can say about this schmaltzy, solo piano-accompanied version of "Last Goodbye" is that it's two minutes shorter than the original.

The He's Just Not That Into You Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is out 2/3 on New Line Records.

Posted at 11:59 AM by Scott
Tags:  |  |




167 Comments

this is the saddest jeff buckley song ive heard, and for all the wrong reasons

Posted by: david at 01/27/09 12:29 PM  | Reply
Score = 10 Vote up Vote down

She has the ability to sound as shallow as she appears.

Posted by: anonymous  in reply to david's comment at 10/19/09 10:54 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I have been a Buckley fan for years and this dosn't totally bother me.
Her Tom Waits cover album was great, this is a little too loungey.

Posted by: mathyou profile link at 01/27/09 12:42 PM  | Reply
Score = -3 Vote up Vote down

wow, she really needs to stop this singing nonsense.

Posted by: woozefa profile link at 01/27/09 12:48 PM  | Reply
Score = 25 Vote up Vote down

I find it amusing that people choose to critique things in which they have no expertise. Simon would fall off his chair! Scarlett sings well. She phrases well. Her PITCH, while not perfect,is good. She is somewhat lacking in range but she can exercise more care in selecting keys and material. After all , Lady Day(Billie Holiday) didn't have much range but nobody ever said she couldn't sing.

Posted by: Chuckeroo  in reply to woozefa's comment at 01/30/09 10:37 AM  | Reply
Score = -4 Vote up Vote down

this is definitely a step up from the tom waits covers. it's much more honest and original, that is, it isn't blatantly a dave sitek production.

Posted by: tonebone at 01/27/09 12:49 PM  | Reply
Score = 5 Vote up Vote down

This isn't horrible, bad though. What I'm most upset about is that this bitch doesn't EVER write, compose, and sing her own damn songs. Anyone can put a new twist on terrific musicians like Waits' and Buckley's classics. Be your own artist.

Posted by: Matt at 01/27/09 1:02 PM  | Reply
Score = 9 Vote up Vote down

um, ever see american idol? that's what this should be compared to. It should not be compared to the latest fare from animal collective.

Posted by: wordup  in reply to Matt's comment at 01/27/09 1:26 PM  | Reply
Score = 4 Vote up Vote down

i'm not going to listen to this but god damn she is perfect.

Posted by: ahh at 01/27/09 1:09 PM  | Reply
Score = 25 Vote up Vote down

Wow she's eye fucking the shit outta me in that pic...oh I don't care to listen to the song, I heard the Waits covers

Posted by: EnchantingWizardofRhythm at 01/27/09 1:10 PM  | Reply
Score = 20 Vote up Vote down

Hallelujah

Posted by: Allah profile link  in reply to EnchantingWizardofRhythm's comment at 01/27/09 4:37 PM  | Reply
Score = 4 Vote up Vote down

Wow. She can't act and she can't sing. Thank goodness for her other two great attributes.

Posted by: Jesse profile link at 01/27/09 1:14 PM  | Reply
Score = -8 Vote up Vote down

Wow. So, your two greatest assets are what? ... waiting ... waiting.

I didn't think so.

Posted by: tophat  in reply to Jesse's comment at 02/05/09 4:56 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

Scarlett Johansson covering Jeff Buckley? Perfect. I can't think of two greater wastes of oxygen on this planet, though a quick glance down Stereogum's front page will turn up a dozen that are equally bad.

Posted by: Grobian at 01/27/09 1:15 PM  | Reply
Score = -128 Vote up Vote down

Hey Genius, last time I checked Buckley isn't taking up any oxygen since he's dead and all...

Posted by: nathanb profile link  in reply to Grobian's comment at 01/27/09 9:20 PM  | Reply
Score = 49 Vote up Vote down

In the future, when you comment on the internet, just type: "I am a dumb asshole". It will save you and everyone else time.

Posted by: Jamie  in reply to Grobian's comment at 01/29/09 6:57 AM  | Reply
Score = 13 Vote up Vote down

Will you be accepting your award in person at the 2009 Gummy Commenters' Ball? Or should we just burn a tank of oxygen?

Posted by: jim profile link  in reply to Grobian's comment at 01/29/09 3:04 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

She does have great tits, though. Wow! Jesus! What knockers!

Posted by: Grobian at 01/27/09 1:17 PM  | Reply
Score = 23 Vote up Vote down

just stop, scarlett

Posted by: ber at 01/27/09 1:19 PM  | Reply
Score = 6 Vote up Vote down

Those are some nice ta-ta's!

Posted by: yep at 01/27/09 1:25 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

I heard she is dating Geologist.

Posted by: Scott profile link at 01/27/09 1:29 PM  | Reply
Score = 16 Vote up Vote down

Dude, she's married to Ryan Reynolds.

Posted by: kozy  in reply to Scott's comment at 01/27/09 2:00 PM  | Reply
Score = -14 Vote up Vote down

Even more scandalous!

Posted by: Scott profile link  in reply to kozy's comment at 01/27/09 2:18 PM  | Reply
Score = 9 Vote up Vote down

I thought Ryan Reynolds WAS Geologist.

Posted by: Paper Werewolf profile link  in reply to Scott's comment at 01/27/09 11:35 PM  | Reply
Score = 30 Vote up Vote down

"Just hear this and then I'll go"

Ok Scarlett. I heard it. Now it's time for you to fulfil your end of the deal.

Posted by: annoyingmouse profile link at 01/27/09 1:30 PM  | Reply
Score = 17 Vote up Vote down

The trailer alone is enough for me to nominate this for Worst Movie of All Time. But Scar-Jo, yeah, she's purty.

Posted by: Deezey profile link at 01/27/09 1:45 PM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

I think I would have liked that song a lot less if I wasn't staring at the picture the whole time.

Posted by: Andrew at 01/27/09 1:55 PM  | Reply
Score = 7 Vote up Vote down

Scarlet Johansson is the Richard Cheese of the late 00's.

Posted by: nandorocker profile link at 01/27/09 1:56 PM  | Reply
Score = 14 Vote up Vote down

Any Jeff Buckley cover is utterly futile.

Posted by: brad at 01/27/09 1:59 PM  | Reply
Score = 28 Vote up Vote down

Did someone really just say Buckley was a waste of oxygen on this planet?

And the award for most ignorant comment of the day goes to....GROBIAN

Posted by: dan at 01/27/09 2:02 PM  | Reply
Score = 29 Vote up Vote down

I'm sorry but someone needs to tell her that she doesn't have to do covers. I think that might the problem. Or it could be she's not good.
http://diggingfordays.blogspot.com

Posted by: John at 01/27/09 3:49 PM  | Reply
Score = -5 Vote up Vote down

Think how many otherwise smart and attractive people said, "Not That Into You" is a good idea for a movie. Astonishing.

Posted by: porter at 01/27/09 4:05 PM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

I actually don't think she's terrible. It could be worse....

Posted by: Danielle at 01/27/09 4:08 PM  | Reply
Score = 5 Vote up Vote down

she just loves covering people that should never be covered. next up, leonard cohen.

Posted by: mikemontreal profile link at 01/27/09 4:19 PM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

So Jeff Buckley is someone that you think shouldn't be covered, and then you cite Leonard Cohen as someone who shouldn't be, either. Hmm, yeah. I guess it's just a coincidence that both artists have a popular song entitled "Hallelujah," then?

Posted by: kidacomputerok  in reply to mikemontreal's comment at 01/28/09 12:27 AM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Rufus Wainwright covered Jeff Buckley covering John Cale covering Leonard Cohen.

Meta-covers rule. Let's throw Jason Castro into the mix and everyone's a winner.

Posted by: Paper Werewolf profile link  in reply to kidacomputerok's comment at 01/28/09 5:12 AM  | Reply
Score = 8 Vote up Vote down

It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Her voice is kinda unique. I don't want to really listen to it again though.

Posted by: tim at 01/27/09 4:30 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Dude, something is unique or it isn't, nothing is kinda/a bit/very/totally/any-other-adjective unique. Extend yourself and find another word. (I know everybody else who says it is also wrong)

Posted by: wideEye  in reply to tim's comment at 01/30/09 8:34 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

boobz

Posted by: marsh at 01/27/09 4:43 PM  | Reply
Score = 5 Vote up Vote down

She should really stick to acting.

Posted by: Palmer profile link at 01/27/09 4:55 PM  | Reply
Score = -4 Vote up Vote down

Fuck acting. Next up playboy, or even better, porn. The porn thing is a bit much, but a sex tape would be nice?

Posted by: Randy Spears  in reply to Palmer's comment at 01/29/09 11:36 AM  | Reply
Score = -3 Vote up Vote down

This sounds better than the tom waits covers. Probably thanks to auto tune. You can here the little auto tune pitch warble at 30 seconds in.

It does seem like the people who end up choosing to cover Jeff Buckley songs, or Jeff Buckley covers, are always the least qualified (talented) folks.

Posted by: burp at 01/27/09 5:38 PM  | Reply
Score = -2 Vote up Vote down

"Some say Scarlett's Tom Waits covers album was one of the best releases of 2008."
What idiots said that? Pitchfork devotees I would guess!

Posted by: jjazznola at 01/27/09 5:52 PM  | Reply
Score = -15 Vote up Vote down

follow the hyperlink you fucking idiot.

Posted by: cherryghost profile link  in reply to jjazznola's comment at 01/28/09 1:42 AM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

It could be interesting to see how people would react on this song if they were told that it was some unknown indie girl singing it...

Posted by: Anderson at 01/27/09 5:56 PM  | Reply
Score = 23 Vote up Vote down

She sounds good! People are hating!

Posted by: ss  in reply to Anderson's comment at 01/28/09 3:20 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I love Jeff Buckly's music...but Scarlett hmm i don't know. Loved her in "Lost In Translation."

Posted by: CF profile link at 01/27/09 6:01 PM  | Reply
Score = 6 Vote up Vote down

I may be a bit of an apologist for pretty girls but this isn't all that terrible. It's a good song and she mostly stays in her range and, when she goes out of it, it sounds kinda sexy. Those breathy parts?? C'mon! I didn't like the Waits covers at all, but I would listen to this again.

Posted by: Deezey profile link at 01/27/09 6:10 PM  | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

I gave it a shot. Now I'll give her a shot.

Posted by: Music Critic at 01/27/09 6:21 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I don't hate her for doing this, but have to ask myself why? What I do hate is panic at the disco covering karma police, old as it is i will never let it go.

Posted by: d@ve at 01/27/09 6:57 PM  | Reply
Score = 5 Vote up Vote down

I only clicked on this page to see the big photo of Scarlett, anyway.

Posted by: internet gangsta at 01/27/09 7:01 PM  | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

Why do people make a big deal about this chick's tits..I mean come on,she is NO SALMA HAYEK!!! Gracious.

Posted by: jeff at 01/27/09 7:15 PM  | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

(@ Danielle on 1/27/09) That's what I thought... of course, I've never heard the original... so maybe it is horrible by comparison. Best lyrics ever "...kiss me out of desire, baby not consulation." Reminds me of when I fell out of love with my ex...

Posted by: Biztone at 01/27/09 8:10 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I knew Scarlett a few years back. Some of you may know who I am. Just want to let you know for all you guys out there that love her, she is a fucking DEMON in the sack, and I've had my share. True story. I will never forget the couple of times we were together...unreal. The hint to my identity is in my posted "name" if you're curious.

Posted by: (first epidemics) Then Vaccines at 01/27/09 9:47 PM  | Reply
Score = -30 Vote up Vote down

I didn't know Woody Allen had a Stereogum account.

Posted by: Paper Werewolf profile link  in reply to (first epidemics) Then Vaccines's comment at 01/27/09 11:43 PM  | Reply
Score = 33 Vote up Vote down

No one cares. Even if you're telling the truth. Gentlemen don't kiss and tell.

Posted by: Johnnyboy  in reply to (first epidemics) Then Vaccines's comment at 01/28/09 4:50 PM  | Reply
Score = 8 Vote up Vote down

I knew "(first epidemics) Then Vaccines" a few years back. I doubt anyone knows who I am just like anyone would know who he is. "Vaccine" thinks living in a big city makes you famous, kinda funny. Just want to let you know ol' Vaccine isn't immune to male charm, at least when he's on cheap coke. I've only been fucked up enough to do a half-dozen guys in orgies, but I will never forget "Vaccine's" asshole. That shit had been worked over thoroughly and was very accepting (and I'm not small). I came in his ear and squealed. True story. The hint to my identity is in my posted "name" if you're curious.

Posted by: Lover of Gigantic Douches  in reply to (first epidemics) Then Vaccines's comment at 01/29/09 3:08 AM  | Reply
Score = 15 Vote up Vote down

I too knew Scarlett a few years back. Some of you may or may not know who I am. Just want to let you guys know out there that we made love while nestled in the lap of Michaelangelo's Pieta as a sperm whale simultaneously transported myself, Scarlett, and the masterpiece on its back across the Pacific ocean. True story. I will never realize that bragging about my sexual conquests through an anonymous and totally unregulated forum can also easily be done by anyone -- and therefore makes such boasting valueless in every sense except perhaps as a subject of mockery and as an indication of how big of an attention-starved, diarrhea-soaked douchebag I am.

Posted by: (no one cares) Then Who Cares  in reply to (first epidemics) Then Vaccines's comment at 02/02/09 4:52 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

Scarlett's voice (in this song) reminds me a bit of Zooey Deschanel's.

Posted by: Anon at 01/27/09 9:49 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

I had sex with that dude too. He, too, is a "fucking DEMON in the sack." True story.

Posted by: king.of.kenya profile link at 01/27/09 10:47 PM  | Reply
Score = 14 Vote up Vote down

Is this an audition tape to join a high school show choir?

Posted by: truth at 01/28/09 1:49 AM  | Reply
Score = 5 Vote up Vote down

Jared Leto? Is that you? You should do a collab with Scarlett, 30 Seconds seems a fit collab for her. She's ruining the good stuff. Next thing you know she'll cover David Byrne...oops wait, she's already threatened that. Perhaps if she really wants to be a musician...she could try actually writing her own music? Hmm, seems like a weird idea I know, but I'm sick of idiots coming in and wasting space for people with actual talent.

Posted by: dude at 01/28/09 1:55 AM  | Reply
Score = 6 Vote up Vote down

Simmer down Regina Spektor-Lite. I honestly don't think Jeff Buckley ever needed to be covered. Redundant.

Stick to the Woody flicks Scar-Jo.

Posted by: Emmylou at 01/28/09 2:30 AM  | Reply
Score = 6 Vote up Vote down

I agree with Anderson. How would you people react if you don't know that it was Scarlet singing, hmm? Anywho, I don't find her singing terrible at all. It's breathy and seductive. She sings waaaay better than Britney or those other pop stars who sing like robots.

Posted by: Coco at 01/28/09 3:59 AM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

The singing isn't horrible, but the piano makes it way too Don Henley for me. She basically just whitewashed a perfectly good original.

Posted by: Brian the Astronaut at 01/28/09 9:29 AM  | Reply
Score = 4 Vote up Vote down

I hate it.

Posted by: littlemiss at 01/28/09 9:41 AM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

Scarlett please stop singing and covering great artists. You destroy my love for music.

Posted by: Cathelin at 01/28/09 11:14 AM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

She is self asbsorbed like all the idiots that make hollywood the fake center of the world. Anyone can cover a damn song, it's just the fact that she's a celebrity that makes it get played. She can't write her own stuff, she has no talent on that end. Yea, sing someone else's songs, read someone else's script...just smile and pose in a red bra and- look who's famous.... Pathetic. These celebrities really need a reality check.

Posted by: KP at 01/28/09 11:48 AM  | Reply
Score = 11 Vote up Vote down

Aint that the truth.

Posted by: Steve Sanders  in reply to KP's comment at 01/29/09 12:05 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

man that was boring.
not bad... just lame.

Posted by: skat at 01/28/09 11:57 AM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

If this wasn't a Jeff Buckley cover, the comments would be very different.

Posted by: Comehomenow profile link at 01/28/09 12:54 PM  | Reply
Score = -4 Vote up Vote down

Because what the world needed was an adult contemporary cover version of Jeff Buckley. Her voice is good but the piano arrangement is so cheeseball it takes the emotion right out of the song... then again, every Buckley cover tends to. I'm looking at you Rufus Wainwright.

Posted by: Tizzle at 01/28/09 1:46 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

I don't mind her voice, but the piano arrangement is just WAY too busy. Scarlett could really deliver a great rendition of this if the emotional wight of her vocals were given more space.

Posted by: TheHamburgular at 01/28/09 2:32 PM  | Reply
Score = -2 Vote up Vote down

This is the opposite of peanut butter + chocolate. An example of two of my favourite things coming together to make something utterly awful. Why, Scarlett, why must you ruin good music for everyone? Just keep being a beautiful and talented actress and leave the bad cover songs to bar bands.

Posted by: Doug McAthur at 01/28/09 2:47 PM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

Just looked at the soundtrack's song selection. Jesus Christ. When filmmakers use Talking Heads or the Replacements, can't they be more creative than "This Must Be the Place" and "Can't Hardly Wait" for the millionth time. This movie looks like it came from hell.

Posted by: Casey at 01/28/09 3:19 PM  | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

I'm glad someone above mentioned Zooey Deschanel. Because, to me, that's a reasonable comparison. But for some reason Zooey gets a free pass when she sings and Scarlett doesn't. I mean, I ain't gonna buy a Scarlett Johansson album or anything, but I ain't gonna hate on her, either.

Posted by: Johnnyboy at 01/28/09 4:53 PM  | Reply
Score = -2 Vote up Vote down

For one, Zooey writes her own songs.

Posted by: no  in reply to Johnnyboy's comment at 01/28/09 10:20 PM  | Reply
Score = 6 Vote up Vote down

Very nice Rickie Lee Jones 'Pirates vibe. Also an early Joe Jackson feel about it. Definitely lounge but still gorgeous if you can get past Buckley's beautiful original and the tragedy of his early death which makes it even more poignant.

Posted by: Diccus profile link at 01/28/09 5:40 PM  | Reply
Score = -4 Vote up Vote down

i figured this wasn't real. just a masked animal collective post. needless to say, i'm extremely dissapointed.

Posted by: jerrylee at 01/28/09 6:10 PM  | Reply
Score = 7 Vote up Vote down

Is this from the album, 'Cold Steel Poo Bringer?' This is pure hairy yeti poo balls.

Posted by: Steve at 01/28/09 6:26 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

oh please, this isn't bad at all. i've never heard the original though. and i never ever heard her sing before. so to me, this was a nice surprise, especially since she was slammed for the tom waits covers. she's far better than people like madonna or lindsay lohan or that other teen girl - hannah monthana or something like that. you people just haitin'

Posted by: eve at 01/28/09 6:50 PM  | Reply
Score = -3 Vote up Vote down

Seriously...this wasn't bad. A lot better than most actresses could pull off. But, she should probably just stick to acting and being extremely ridiculously hot.

Posted by: ElliotP profile link at 01/28/09 9:00 PM  | Reply
Score = -2 Vote up Vote down

she sounds better than with the tom waites. but its still throw-away. it IS nothing. the world is not enhanced in any way by any of the covers she's ever done. they are so mundane when not irritating.

Posted by: weezy at 01/28/09 9:11 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Zooey Deschanel writes her own music, at least. To be honest, I hadn't heard the Jeff Buckley version before, so I didn't have that to compare it to. It seemed a little cheesy, but sometimes I like cheesy. I dunno. I also didn't bother with her Tom Waits covers. Why would I do that to all the Tom Waits songs in my head? I like them just the way they are, thank you. Her voice was interesting. I'll giver that.

Posted by: mamasarah at 01/28/09 9:21 PM  | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

She has a voice at least...

Posted by: Jim at 01/28/09 11:18 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

someone PLEASE kill her now. and take photos. and burn the photos. and take photos of that. then bomb the whole world into oblivion.

Posted by: Vincent Pollard at 01/28/09 11:35 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

I think she's trying a female Leonard Cohen thing or something like that.

Posted by: Voyno profile link at 01/28/09 11:49 PM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

Please make this stop. This is a shame.

Posted by: PT at 01/28/09 11:57 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

I think she sounds really good...not as droney as on the Tom Waits record, which I actually like too. People are just jealous because she's so hot. :)

Posted by: Bee at 01/29/09 12:07 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

To all those people who wrote that we wouldn't hate it so much if we didn't know it was ScarJo I can only say this: we wouldn't even be HEARING it if it wasn't ScarJo.

Posted by: ambler at 01/29/09 12:25 AM  | Reply
Score = 6 Vote up Vote down

Anyone who is a Jeff Buckley fan should be actively pissed off about this. And, I actually like the girl. Or used to...

Posted by: Mary at 01/29/09 12:53 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

After that album of Tom Waits atrocities, the only thing Scarlett should be allowed to cover is her face.....with a plastic bag.

Posted by: A Fant TND profile link at 01/29/09 1:31 AM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Oiy - "This is our last goodbye - I hate to hear this SONG between us DIE".

Painful. Not Musical. Painful to the point of embarrassing to all involved. The Emperor has no ears.

Sup M

Posted by: Supermuse at 01/29/09 5:15 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

i think i just barfed a little....

Posted by: sophia at 01/29/09 5:26 AM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

if she doesn't stop this crap, she is no longer going to be at the top of my WOMEN I WOULD SLEEP WITH IF I WERE A LESBIAN list.

you've been warned.

Posted by: grace6697 profile link at 01/29/09 8:20 AM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

that's certainly not enough incentive for me to stop singing...and all women would go lesbo for me.

Posted by: Scar Jo at 01/29/09 8:54 AM  | Reply
Score = -5 Vote up Vote down

Surprisingly good...

Posted by: Tha Glitch at 01/29/09 11:20 AM  | Reply
Score = -2 Vote up Vote down

it`s not perfect, but i like it))well done, Scarlett!!)))

Posted by: PiPeDream at 01/29/09 12:02 PM  | Reply
Score = 7 Vote up Vote down

Plus, last time I checked, Jeff Buckley never wasted any oxygen. Dude was pretty damn talented.

Posted by: Quinn at 01/29/09 12:07 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

If anything, Jeff didn't get enough oxygen . . .

Posted by: cwl  in reply to Quinn's comment at 01/30/09 10:56 AM  | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

Ha!!!!!

And also: Awww....

Posted by: Paper Werewolf profile link  in reply to cwl's comment at 02/01/09 3:34 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

If you stare intently at the pic, the song sucks a little less. Just a little, though.

Posted by: Robot Jones at 01/29/09 1:35 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

It's funny, both of them used to be among my favorites for their chosen fields, but as I've grown, I find them both more and more boring. For her, it's probably cuz since Lost in Translation she's been making worse and worse film choices (and getting married dammit!). For him, it's cuz he's dead.

This wasn't immediately the worst thing ever - actually, I was ready to stick with it - but then the chorus came, and...wow, that is bad. I had to stop it. She started to sound like the red-headed lounge singer in LiT.

Posted by: Raz at 01/29/09 3:20 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

shes hot with great tits but she fucking sucks just like tom waits fucking sucks. jeff buckley is good though.

Posted by: thumbs at 01/29/09 3:51 PM  | Reply
Score = -12 Vote up Vote down

hmmm...this isn't horrible, but i think I'll go ahead and play Jeff now to get it out of my head. Must every actress do things like this?

Posted by: jas at 01/29/09 4:54 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Scarlett Johansson....that's just awful....awful.

Posted by: Mr_Blue_Angel_Dood profile link at 01/29/09 8:14 PM  | Reply
Score = -2 Vote up Vote down

It took more than one listen on SJ covering Tom Waits--aand I ended up liking it alot. She's different-and this is what may bother alot of people. It's like the difference between knowing what home growned canned tomatoes taste like from your field to the jar versus a can of some store brand. If you only ever ate the store brand you'd think the home canned tomatoes in mason jars was not so good.

Posted by: ss at 01/30/09 12:28 AM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

I would bang this broad so hard my wang would fall off

Posted by: Johnson at 01/30/09 1:03 AM  | Reply
Score = -5 Vote up Vote down

So I read most of the comments already posted as I didn't want to be repeitive and some things occured to me. 1st as some have said if she wasn't already famous then she wouldn't be getting the hateful comments - sure it's not the greatest song in the world - it's not changing the course of music - but it's not terrible - i have no proof but i'm pretty sure no one's ears are bleeding. i'm also fairly sure that right now everyone can easily think of at least five songs that are way worse - (i'll wait you think....ok? we all back on the same page) Further when the comaprison is made between her and zooey deschanel and the frequent retort is that at least zooey writes hew own songs - well some of them. she does have covers on her album and she has a co-writer. further her acting jobs and commitments realated to them (appearances, product slinging, interviews other assoicated bullshit) seem to be fewer and further in between presenting the possible arguement that scarlet hasn't had the time to sit down and write enough songs to fill an album. who knows - i'm not a big scarlett fan and some of zooey's stuff seemed a little hollow - regardless it seems kinda on the ridiculous side for so many people to talk so much shit.

Posted by: tidbits at 01/30/09 4:19 AM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Jeff Buckley song that's not a Leonard Cohen cover? It almost seems like Jeff Buckley has a lot of Cohen covers. I can only remenber one. He does a lot of versions, not covers, of a lot of interesting artists, which makes him an eclectic and fantastic artist.

Posted by: daigoro at 01/30/09 4:56 AM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

c pas le top , on dirait 1 gamine de 10 ans qui chante ,melle scarlett laissez la chanson a jeff ça seras mieux pour nos oreilles.....................

Posted by: angelique at 01/30/09 5:35 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Have yet to have a chance to listen to this, but I can;t knock her version of 'Anywhere I Lay My Head'. Guess where I'd like to lay my head right now???

Posted by: Darren Stuart at 01/30/09 6:28 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I have heard a lot worse by people that sing as their only way to make a living. This does sound a bit cabaret, but it isn't worthy of the comments posted here. Her voice cracked a few times and I am not sure if that was intentional. I could see this voice do some jazz music.

Posted by: Paul at 01/30/09 8:49 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I actually think it's quite good. Her voice is unique and tortured, and is somewhat reminiscent of Judy Garland

Posted by: minusguy at 01/30/09 9:28 AM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

You know, when I heard about this, I thought, "no f'ing way", but I decided to be fair and give her a chance. Well, I was right. This is truly awful. She butchered a beautiful song. Bitch.

Posted by: Cattiva at 01/30/09 11:53 AM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

She has a voice...just sounds like she is trying to hard.

Posted by: RealityCheck at 01/30/09 12:19 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Rock on, Scarlett! Waits, Buckley. Hell Yeah! I get it.... I really do.

Posted by: iggy at 01/30/09 12:20 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

not awful. but delicately not brilliant. it is definitely lounge. better than alexandra burke's cover of 'Hallelujah'.

try to imagine it without the piano. instead, a delicate acoustic guitar. appealing yet? maybe not. lol

Posted by: P* at 01/30/09 1:38 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I don't think that's it's that bad... after reading the previous blogs i was a bit nervous for her... the style isn't for everyone... dark, smokey lounge.... i take my hat off to her for trying... singing well is not easy... good on her for trying!

Posted by: donna at 01/30/09 1:38 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I can't believe how mean people are being! I am a music teacher and vocal coach, and I think this version of Buckley's song is very pretty. Some people just love to try and take others down a notch or two.

Posted by: laura at 01/30/09 1:43 PM  | Reply
Score = -3 Vote up Vote down

I think she sounds good! I love Jeff Buckley, and i think everyone is being a HATER! Let her do what she wants. You dont like it, you never have to hear it again!

Posted by: lynn at 01/30/09 1:59 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Nice boobs, terrible singing voice. Too bad.

Posted by: FredsNotthere at 01/30/09 2:07 PM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

her voice has its moments, but that piano belongs back in that hotel lounge in japan.

Posted by: robokop at 01/30/09 3:13 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I agree with Chuckeroo, but still, she's taking up a position in music which should have been filled by a more talented nobody. I mean she already has a great paying profession, why take away someone elses limelight? But then again there are many people in the world who are untalented in what they're famous for. Like Jennifer Lopez: she not a fantastic singer/dancer/actress but she does all three though she's fairly mediocre, but as a package she's more affordable to companies. Then there's Lindsay Lohan and Brittney Spears...

Posted by: ashley at 01/30/09 5:30 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Meh she seemed quite good to me. First time hearing her sing and I was surprised at how soulful her voice is. Stick with it girl.

Posted by: Tgrant at 01/30/09 5:36 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Her acting is what's stale, not her singing. This tune is for a Norah Jones crowd and won't appeal to everyone. I like her imperfection, though. Quite surprising how soulful it is. Loved it, actually!

Posted by: Squishy Panda at 01/30/09 8:31 PM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

You know something... I liked it. I didn't think I'd like it, but I did. The thing I liked best about Scarlett's voice is that it isn't polished and perfect - it's real and down to earth, and vibrant in a way that absolute perfection cannot offer. Listening to this makes you feel like you're in a little piano bar sipping a martini... and expecting to hear something a litle rough around the edges. Criticize if you want, but I think this is worth checking out because Scarlett isn't singing for the money - she's got that - she's doing something she enjoys, and I think it shows. Plus, her sound is spot-on for this style of music. I'd rather listen to this than anything any american karaoke winner has released as of late...

Posted by: Anonymous at 01/30/09 11:21 PM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

who's surprised? really? Like any music producer is gonna tell her pretty little bre--I mean face that ANYthing is a bad idea? Just be glad she's pretty much on key most of the time, and that there's an accompanying photo, or find your mute button, but for a famous chick this good-looking to be into Tom Waits, TV On the Radio, and Jeff Buckley is a blessing all its own

Posted by: agrokrag profile link at 01/30/09 11:31 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

This isn't her worst song ever.....I love the original. But for a mediocre cover for a mediocre film this seems kinda...mediocre.

Posted by: Benjfier profile link at 01/30/09 11:57 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Picture yourself rich. REALLY FU@$ING rich. Add ridiculously beautiful AND talented. How sweet would that be? If I was Scarlett I'd be doing the exact same thing. I'd hire ludirously talented musicians and producers to help me sing all of my favorite singers tunes. Hell, I'd cover Bellle et Sebastian, Cat Power, The National,
etc. etc. etc. I really wouldn't give a shit what anybody thought about it, either.

Why don't all of you haters shut your mouths and piss off. If you were lucky and talented enough you'd be doing the exact same thing. You know you
would, quit yer bitchin'.

Posted by: Blochead at 01/31/09 12:37 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Make this bitch stop ruining songs... PLEASE.

Posted by: Tom Waits at 01/31/09 1:56 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

for the record - in defense of rufus
he hadn't heard jeff buckley's cover before he did his, they both recorded in the style of john cale, and when he heard jeff's, he wrote a song for him - "memphis skyline." towards the end, ruf sings something like "then came hallelujah," talking about how coming to jeff's version after he recorded his own was a huge and strange moment for him.

Posted by: sass at 01/31/09 3:39 AM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

She can stop The Movie and begin in the music. She sings Jeff Buckley really well.

Posted by: Kévin at 01/31/09 9:18 AM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

Even worse than her acting.

Posted by: Matt at 01/31/09 1:45 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Well, if anything, maybe some of you young folks will listen to some of Jeff Buckley's music, since you haven't heard any before. Grace is a great album.

Posted by: Mikey likes it at 01/31/09 8:26 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Who on earth said her Tom Waits cover was good? Find them for me because they have to be punched in the face. That was the worst piece of crap I've heard since Paris Hilton's song filled with cliche lyrics and overloaded voice-correction

Posted by: Lynn at 02/01/09 12:36 AM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

Any credibility she might have had went out the window when she married that UBER-DOUCHE Ryan Reynolds. Marriage Fail.

Posted by: Lonnie Pigford at 02/01/09 1:38 AM  | Reply
Score = 4 Vote up Vote down

What's so bad about this? It's just a girl who wanted to make a tribute song to someone who has greatly impacted her and so she made a song that's not terrible. i respect her for that.

Posted by: will rucker at 02/01/09 3:42 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

You know what the worst part about sticking up for Scarlett Johansson is?...

.....Telling your parents that you're gaaaaay.

Posted by: haha  in reply to will rucker's comment at 02/04/09 6:38 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

On Jeff Buckley: has anybody heard the cover of Hallelujah by Leona Lewis? Was no.1 here in the UK for a while...It is genuinely a disgrace. She changed the whole context of the song and just completely kills it.

Posted by: Henry Treble profile link at 02/01/09 3:40 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

FUCK THAT. i don't even want to hear it.

Posted by: austinjedwards profile link  in reply to Henry Treble's comment at 02/02/09 12:33 AM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Leona Lewis wasn't number one with Hallelujah, it was Alexandra Burke who won the X Factor late last year. As far as I know Lewis has never covered the song.

Posted by: SAL  in reply to Henry Treble's comment at 02/02/09 12:44 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Well, whether you think it's good or it isn't, she's never gonna get any real props until she writes her own stuff.

Posted by: Duncan at 02/01/09 5:06 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

There is an original on her album.

Posted by: Andrew  in reply to Duncan's comment at 02/03/09 12:00 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I thought the singing was actually pretty good! But maybe Im just a deluded Scarlett lover.

Posted by: lookie-here profile link at 02/01/09 5:45 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Wow, I just think she's extremely hot.

Posted by: Rajbir D at 02/02/09 1:25 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

mon dieu mais quelle horreur cette reprise !!

Posted by: Seb Corgan at 02/02/09 7:14 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I don't like it at all. I think her voice is not that bad. But if a real artist will cover Jeff Buckley's song--you better damn deliver.

Posted by: myra at 02/02/09 10:29 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

For me it wasn't so much her voice as much as the god awful arrangement. Who is responsible for THAT garbage!

Posted by: jenn at 02/02/09 11:51 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

i've heard much worse.

anyone trying to sing a buckley song is as silly as all these half-raters trying to cover whitney houston and mariah carey on american idol.

set your heights lower, kids.
:]

Posted by: pork at 02/03/09 8:47 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I like that way better than her tom waits covers.... im not sure that that is saying much though.

Posted by: EddieMat profile link at 02/03/09 8:54 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Scarlett Johansson is incredibly hot. Discuss.

Posted by: sanjulian at 02/03/09 10:15 PM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

Not very good and she's flat too often. I don't like when celebrities use their celebrity to do other things like sing, politics etc. they're actors and a pretty face, stick to the day job honey.

Posted by: Ted in San Diego at 02/04/09 4:05 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I think what you're referring to when you say "flat" isn't with regard to pitch, as she was certainly spot on. Her timbre, however, may leave something to be desired for your personal taste. I'm a huge Buckley fan and I dug it. It wasn't great, mostly due to the lack of punch in the bridge...that mother needs to exPLODE. But, I like the Regina Spektor aspectshe brought to it. As for the peiano arrngement: loved it! You can do better, post your link. I say, more power to ya, chick! Ad...you obviously have good taste. Jeff AND Tom...Hell yeah!

Posted by: mojo31  in reply to Ted in San Diego's comment at 02/05/09 11:49 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

It's good.I know that she's not a singer,she's an actress,very good actress ,but her voice is ok for that kind of music.I like her debut album ,and I'm waiting for another one.

Posted by: Simon at 02/06/09 9:48 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

It's good.I know that she's not a singer,she's an actress,very good actress ,but her voice is ok for that kind of music.I like her debut album ,and I'm waiting for another one.

Posted by: Simon at 02/06/09 9:49 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Jesus Christ WHO keeps encouraging this bitch to sing?!?! Dios Mio, i know like 20 girls personally who can sing better than this. She's just not that into you? nahh dog, 'Duude, you really can't sing (and you're embarrassing yourself)' is more like it.

Posted by: Dave w at 02/06/09 11:21 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I think this sounds pretty good myself - she can definitely sing, anyone who says otherwise clearly doesn't know what they are talking about. You may not LIKE it, but she's got talent.

and jeff buckley is the shit - so sad he's not alive

Posted by: tboonepickens at 02/08/09 11:11 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

not bad but a little pretentious and yes loungey and I felt there was no feeling in the singing just someone covering an awesome song because it's cool.

Posted by: Asiah at 02/10/09 12:34 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Elvis never wrote any of his own songs.

Posted by: who cares at 02/23/09 4:44 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Hmmm... it's pretty ballsy of her to attempt this song. It's not terrible but really not something I'd find myself listening to again. At least she knows and appreciates Buckley.... unlike some idiots....

Posted by: JustyJ at 03/18/09 10:07 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

maybe i'm just a homo and don't know it, but i just don't understand the Scarlett Johansson thing that most dudes have.

Posted by: g-man at 03/19/09 11:27 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

Well i just heard the song and it's not that bad, i like her voice when she sings and even if i dont think she's beautiful and hate the way she (tries to) plays, i pretty like the song.. And might be the only one, to like and to say she's a bitch..

Posted by: Claire Sorel at 04/18/09 8:40 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

It's not bad but they're missing the killer bassline!

Posted by: Anna C at 06/29/09 11:35 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I agree! :)

Posted by: adele  in reply to Anna C's comment at 10/15/09 12:01 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Its not awful but i agree with Jenn , the arrangement is bad! Maybe it will be less noticeable against film.
I have to say though, i did get to 1min 40 and just had to put on jeffs origional , but thats gotta be a good thing right!!! I don't blame her for wanting to sing this and as part of her movie who wouldn't, it's a beautiful song!
T o me she just seems like she's a fan a wanted to sing in respect to him, alexandre burke just felt like a quick christmas exploit of the song itself, and although i voted for her to win xfactor couldn't believe they'd let her release hallelujah, but maybe if jeff was allowed to sing his version of the song it's ok for anybody else to??????? hmmmmmm.

Posted by: Adele at 10/15/09 11:57 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I am in broadcasting, and after all the crap I have to hear I would have to say this is pretty decent. So it's not perfect, but it's not karaoke either. Come on, she is human, and who said you HAVE to write your own songs to sing? She is a sexy actress, but who the fuck are the rest of you to say she shouldn't sing? She is a strong woman that has her own dreams, and is living it the way she wants. STOP THE CONFINEMENT AND PREJUDICE PEOPLE!! All I know is I do liked her cover of the song.

Posted by: Natalie at 01/02/10 12:31 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Leave a comment


Staff

  • Founder/Editor-In-Chief: Scott Lapatine
  • Executive Editor: Amrit Singh
  • Senior Writer: Brandon Stosuy

Info

Contact

Listomania logo
Haunting The Chapel logo
Progress Report logo
Commercial Appeal logo
Premature Evaluation logo
Where's The Beef? logo
Band to Watch logo
Quit Your Day Job logo
The 'Gum Drop logo