Who knew that Matt Damon's love interest in "Good Will Hunting" could sing?
So many times Hollywood actors and actresses find fame and decide they can sing. Mae West, Will Smith, Don Johnson and William Shatner are just a few of the celluloid heroes who couldn't quite capture the essence of vinyl.
Not so with Minnie Driver, whose debut album "Everything I've Got in My Pocket" (Zoe Records, a division of Rounder) is wispy, hauntingly melodic and very listenable.
Sarah McLachlan fans will dig this. Driver's vocals are smooth, sensual and wonderfully mixed. From the opening title track "Everything I've Got in My Pocket" to the stripped down acoustic closer "Ruby Adeline," Driver shows an artist's touch with her lyrics and careful delivery. "Down," which may be the best track on the album, has a catchy, earthy chorus with soulful resonation.
"Invisible Girl" (the opening notes sound just like Neil Young's "Heart of Gold") has a Liz Phair feel and Driver's cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Hungry Heart" is a unique, somber take on an uptempo pop classic.
Driver's singing/songwriting talent shouldn't come as a surprise. As a teen-ager she sang in London's jazz clubs, her band landing a deal with Island Records. But it was her acting that presented a greater opportunity. Since 1995, Driver has appeared in more than 20 films, most notably "Circle of Friends," "Good Will Hunting" and "Return to Me." She just finished filming "The Phantom of the Opera" and is now working on "The Virgin of Juarez."
Will her recording career be as successful as what she's delivered on the big screen? Probably not. But Driver is sharing another side of herself -- her songwriting and voice -- and it's a worthwhile effort, much better than one would think.
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