James Woods has spent decades delivering other people’s words on screen. These days, he’s increasingly interested in writing his own, and putting them to music.
The award-winning actor, producer and songwriter has released “The Hearts of Men,” the first single from his upcoming album The Killer’s Wife, due October 9 through his independent Breakheart Music label. The track was produced by Shooter Jennings and continues Woods’ collaboration with songwriter and musician Bob Wayne.
Woods wrote the lyrics and performs vocals on the track, while Wayne contributed music and vocals. Jennings shares musical and production duties with Woods, extending a creative partnership that has become a significant part of Woods’ increasingly serious move into music.
“The Hearts of Men” takes its inspiration from Matthew 24, with Woods using the biblical passage as the foundation for a song about human nature, evil and what he sees as the consequences of ignoring lessons from the past. Jennings describes the song as one half of a musical set of bookends for the story told across The Killer’s Wife, with the previously developed “I Am the Blazing Sun” providing the other.
The 10-track concept album draws from events Woods says are rooted in his early life on the road and represents his third release through Breakheart Music, the independent label he created to distribute his work directly to listeners.
It’s an unusual second act for somebody whose résumé already includes decades of film and television. Then again, retirement apparently gets considerably less attractive once somebody puts a guitar in the room and Shooter Jennings behind the console.
The Killer’s Wife arrives October 9.
Learn More: James Woods Official Website
Information provided by James Woods’ publicity team.