Most of us know Robert Downey Jr. for his work as the sarcastic, yet lovable Iron Man in his many Marvel projects. But, did you know that Downey Jr. is also a musician? His talent as a vocalist has been showcased in his filmography. He has lent his musical talent to film roles such as Chaplin (1992), Friends and Lovers (1999), The Singing Detective (2003), and more. Hidden within the soundtrack for some of his films, are original songs from RDJ, making him a talent in more than one arena.
Videos by American Songwriter
Outside of his work in film, Downey Jr. has released one original album, The Futurist (2004). The 10-track record has a few hidden, self-written gems that further herald RDJ as more than an actor who dabbles in music every once and a while and instead as a tried-and-true songwriter.
Learn about four songs you didn’t know Robert Downey Jr. penned below.
1. “5:30”
“I remember when people used to say, ‘Robert, your songs are kind of depressing,'” Downey Jr. told CBS in 2005. “I was, like, ‘Well, I’m just singing what I know.'”
Lyrically, “5:30” is one of the songs that could be described as “kind of depressing.” So far, so sad / There’s a thorn / A cupid’s eye / No sides / In landside, he sings in a dejected tone. Musically, the song is jaunty and jazz-inspired. The juxtaposition between the two moods makes for an interesting listening session for the audience.
Wouldn’t claim it felt unfair
An asylum in my house
I could not escape his mouth
I could not escape it
For the moment I believe
As my hands adjust your hair
Let my cover blow
I was never real in there
2. “Broken”
“Broken” is said to have been written about RDJ’s ex-wife Deborah Falconer. In love with a broken heart / You fell in love with a broken heart, he sings in this simple ballad.
Throughout the lyrics, Downey Jr. paints himself to be a man who has much to learn before he can properly love someone. It’s a unique breakup song that puts the songwriter’s faults at the forefront as opposed to passing off blame. Downey Jr. has never been afraid to be 100 percent himself – faults and all. It’s a personality trait that apparently extends to his songwriting as well.
Love in these modern times
There’ll be someone new every night
With some other love yarn
To wrap my arms around
No one else can understand
3. “The Futurist”
The title track from his one and only album, “The Futurist,” is one of RDJ’s best vocal performances. His vocals are rich and well-rounded as he sings, It’ll be like lovers / For the rest of our lives / I won’t have to run around / Baby, you won’t have to think twice.
RDJ creates an ode of romantic devotion in this track, laying his infatuation on thick. He muses about the future, looking optimistically ahead with a clear mind about what he wants.
They’ll take the walk
We’ll save the world
Sounds like October
A futurist nose
Our furious, curious, fantasist code
Gimme your body
Won’tcha give me your sweet soul
Love when you take over
I love when you take control
(Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)
