You can't blame a gal for trying. After Scarlett Johansson's debut album of Tom Waits covers was almost universally panned last year - or, at least her singing, in any case - the actress is trying a different tack by enlisting the help of an actual musician for her next trick. Pete Yorn may be a singer-songwriter who is known by fans of singer-songwriters, but he hasn't yet achieved success on a major international scale. Strangely enough, though, this album was recorded in 2006, before Johansson's ill-fated debut was even released, and while She & Him were still a twinkle in the eyes of M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel.
Making the claim that 'Break Up' was inspired by the legendary collaborations of Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot is perhaps a foolish move that dooms these nine tracks before they're even heard. Still, there are some decent attempts at easygoing duets, and Johansson's voice, a quasi-soulful hum, is surprisingly likeable on some of them, although it falters when she attempts singing in a higher register. Opening track 'Relator' is probably the best on offer, Yorn's light, airy warble leading the brisk, perky acoustic-based instrumentation, while the unusual tempos and chiming guitar work on 'Blackie's Dead' provide an unexpected delight.
Still, it's the quality of songwriting, rather than the vocal talents of either performer, that make 'Break Up' a humdrum affair. Some songs - 'Shampoo' and 'Clea', in particular - struggle to create their intended mood, while others ('I Don't Know What to Do') plod along in an undeniably sweet, but ultimately pedestrian sort of way. 'Break Up' won't progress the careers of either Yorn or Johansson, but it's unlikely to harm them, either.
