Terrence Howard

The fine actor Terence Howard risks ridicule by turning to song. But here's the thing -- he takes chances and doesn't sound like anybody else. Howard's written, arranged and produced an original work that makes the most of his hushed vocals. A mix of 1970s free-thinking soul, eccentric soft rock and indie baroque-pop (think Terry Collier, a soulful Sufjan Stevens or Van Morrison in his Celtic jazz-folk mode), Howard's personal vision shines through. "Sanctuary" shows that Howard can be commercial while "War" could be from a Tom Waits session. A nice surprise from a real talent.