Most people know Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man or an Oscar winning powerhouse, but he is also an incredibly talented singer who once released a full studio album. While he shocked many fans years ago by flawlessly trading lines with Sting during a live show, his absolute best vocal performance is hidden on a television holiday soundtrack.
Long before he built the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey joined the cast of the hit TV show Ally McBeal in 2000 as Larry Paul. His character was a massive hit, but the real surprise came when the show released its holiday album, Ally McBeal: A Very Ally Christmas. Among the usual festive tracks, Downey contributed a solo cover that completely stole the show.
The track is a hauntingly beautiful cover of Joni Mitchell’s classic song, "River". Downey doesn't just passably sing the notes, his voice is rich, smoky, soulful, and completely heavy with emotion. The song is backed by a gorgeous, melancholy piano melody, his version strips away the Hollywood glitz and leans heavily into the absolute heartbreak of the lyrics.
At the time of recording, Downey was famously battling his own heavy personal demons in the public eye. When he sings lines about wishing he had a river to skate away on or confessing that he is "selfish and sad," you can feel the genuine, raw pain in every single syllable.
If you have only ever known him as Tony Stark, you owe it to yourself to listen to the song "River" below. It is a poignant, fragile piece of music from a truly multi faceted artist, that will give you a completely new appreciation for his talents.
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