Anywhere I Lay My Head cover

Anywhere I Lay My Head

Scarlett Johansson · 2008

44 min · 11 tracks · pop music

A haunting blend of atmospheric pop and Tom Waits covers that showcases Johansson’s unique vocal interpretation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Anywhere I Lay My Head — The title track encapsulates the album’s theme of transience and longing, delivered with a raw emotionality that underscores Johansson's vocal vulnerability.
  • →
    Falling Down — This track features a captivating arrangement complemented by Johansson's ethereal voice, effectively blending melancholy with a sense of haunting beauty.
  • →
    I Don't Wanna Grow Up — An interpretation of a Tom Waits classic, this track stands out for its playful yet wistful lyrics, showcasing Johansson's ability to infuse nostalgia into her performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

42 /100
Lowland
Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The album blends atmospheric pop with Tom Waits covers, showcasing Johansson's unique vocal style but lacks depth in composition.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of atmospheric instrumentation, often layering ambient sounds beneath Johansson's vocals.
  • Many tracks incorporate a slow tempo, with several songs featuring minimalistic arrangements that emphasize mood over complexity.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
5/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
4/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting melodies for quiet moments
  • introspective listening in solitude
  • evocative soundscapes for daydreaming
  • short tracks with poignant themes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, energetic music
  • want songs with heavy production

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2008, Anywhere I Lay My Head marked Scarlett Johansson's debut as a recording artist during her established film career. Following her successes in films like Lost in Translation, this project was perceived as an extension of her artistic expression outside of acting.
Stylistic neighbors
Lana Del Rey· Bat for Lashes· FKA twigs

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Falling Down

    The bridge shifts into a more introspective tone where the imagery evokes feelings of despair and yearning for connection.

    By altering the musical dynamics here, the song deepens its emotional impact, reflecting a pivotal moment of vulnerability in the narrative.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Fawn 2:32
  • 2 Town With No Cheer 5:03
  • 3 Falling Down 4:55
  • 4 Anywhere I Lay My Head 3:38
  • 5 Fannin Street 5:06
  • 6 Song for Jo 4:09
  • 7 Green Grass 3:33
  • 8 I Wish I Was in New Orleans 3:59
  • 9 I Don’t Wanna Grow Up 4:11
  • 10 No One Knows I’m Gone 2:57
  • 11 Who Are You 4:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata