Anywhere I Lay My Head
by Scarlett Johansson
  • Record Label: Atco
  • Release Date: May 20, 2008
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 35
  3. Negative: 2 out of 35
  1. Dot Music
    80
    Scarlett Johansson has proved herself as much a rock queen as a roll queen.
  2. Paste Magazine
    80
    Through it all, Johansson is just another instrument in the mix, and her willingness to allow the arrangements to transform Waits’ creaky intimacy into wide-eyed atmosphere ultimately results in the rare covers album that actually has its own identity.
  3. Filter
    80
    Anywhere I Lay My Head is a starling achievement not because Ms. Scarlett has simply managed to cleverly re-imagine some assemblage of Tom Wait songs, but rather, because she has seized upon precisely why they affected us so much the first time round. [Spring 2008, p.91]
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  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    This is a brilliant album that will no doubt top some ‘best of 2008’ lists, but it’s hard to work out if it’s a one-off or not.
  6. The Guardian
    80
    You might wish there was more from Waits' 70s barfly period--what would Johansson have made of Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis?--but it's a measure of this album's surprising allure that you're left wanting more.
  7. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    It's a bravely eccentric selection and a captivating homage to a singular writer.
  8. Hot Press
    80
    Nouveau synth-pop and shoegazer drones mightn’t seem like the wisest bedding for Tom Waits’s compositions, but Scarlett and Sitek know exactly what they’re doing.
  9. Lost At Sea
    75
    While Johansson's debut is not as pleasant as Zooey Deschanel's work with M.Ward, Anywhere I Lay My Head will surely surprise Johansson's doubters; having grown to appreciate Scarlett Johansson for being more than a pretty face and mediocre actor, I can speak from experience.
  10. PopMatters
    70
    There’s no in between for this one; it will go down as one of those love it or hate it records.
  11. Village Voice
    70
    Against all odds, Anywhere I Lay My Head doesn't feel like a vain stunt. Mostly.
  12. Billboard
    70
    The whole set is heavily dosed with reverb and electro-swirls, perhaps to cloak Johansson's vocal limitations as much as to add psychedelia.

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed Album of 2008
61
#61 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 57
  3. Negative: 15 out of 57
  1. abpplanetearth
    Sep 23, 2015
    9
    I had never heard Scarlett sing before. I'm not a huge Tom Waits fan, but find his stuff to be at least interesting most of the time (this isI had never heard Scarlett sing before. I'm not a huge Tom Waits fan, but find his stuff to be at least interesting most of the time (this is almost an entire Tom Waits cover album). I found this album to be very soothing, relaxing, and eerie. Scarlett's voice fits the mood of the album very well. Thumbs up!… Full Review »
  2. ernis_v
    May 4, 2012
    10
    I know most critics aren't fond of this record, but for some reason, this is my favorite album of all times. There's something special aboutI know most critics aren't fond of this record, but for some reason, this is my favorite album of all times. There's something special about every song, and the feeling that I can relate to every bit is incredibly huge.… Full Review »
  3. DejanS.
    Aug 20, 2008
    8
    Mix of Nico and Sonic Youth. Amazing! Perfect 4 lazy evening.
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