Top 20 Actress-Singers

I mentioned The Charles Shaw Project was fronted by an actress turned musician.  In that spirit, here are my top 20 actresses turned singers. I'm sure I'm leaving someone off, so as with all things scientific, I will leave it open to further evidence.

1. Jenny Lewis - The Wizard? Troop Beverly Hills?  Don't worry, you didn't miss anything. Just make sure you check out "Rabbit Fur Coat" or any Rilo Kiley.  No one else on this list even comes close.

 

2. Zooey Deschanel - I knew I liked her voice just from her appearance in "Elf", but her collaboration with M. Ward as part of She & Him sealed the deal.

She and Him - Magic Trick

3. Kylie Minogue - I can't even really explain it, but Kylie makes me like dance music like no one else...and it goes beyond just watching her dance. She even makes me want to do the locomotion.

 

4. Scarlett Johansson - Singing Tom Waits ain't a bad idea.

 

5. J-Lo - Jenny from the block had some nice dance hits, but nothing quite like Taco Flavored Kisses

6. Ashlee Simpson - I remember when she first came out with "Pieces of You" and had dark hair and a real nose she was a bit of a guilty pleasure.

7. Milla Jovovich - Lovable in "The Fifth Element," but check out her demos  and this video to decide for yourself

8. Jennifer Love Hewitt - When I'm in a bubbly pop mood, I actually kinda like this song, but I think most guys would prefer if the video was literal.

9. Minnie Driver - I'll always think of her as Skylar in "Good Will Hunting," but her album wasn't horrible.

 

10. Gina Gershon - much better jazz than Cybill Shepherd, with a rock angle.

 

The best of the rest:

11. Emmy Rossum - I liked Phantom of the Opera, but more than her album.  Not bad, kinda like Frou Frou/Chantal Kreviazuk.

12. Hilary Duff - I can't go to the gym without hearing her

13. Lindsay Lohan - see Hilary Duff

14. Juliette Lewis - she would be higher on the list based on artistic creativity, but I have a hard time looking at her.  Nice video though. Love the cheesy special effects.

15. Brittany Murphy - Did the world need more Brittany Murphy grinding against a wall?  Happy Feet wasn't bad though.

16. Ashley Tisdale - at least this one song was bearable.

 

17. Lucy Lawless - originally wanted to be an opera singer until she discovered the discipline it took. Warrior princess has a couple cds out, you can buy them here

18. Miley Cyrus - Best of both worlds?  One world at a time, Miley, one world at a time.

19. Hayden Panettiere - It's always good to get your start in Cinderella III

 

20. Cybill Shepherd - not a bad voice, but oh sweet nothing she’s boring.  Bad lounge jazz.

1. Cybill Shepherd - The Menopause Blues - Sept 2004