James Woods Embraces Songwriting in 'Second Act,' Releases Third Album
The veteran actor has found a new creative outlet, releasing 'The Killer's Wife,' a concept album inspired by a past relationship.
Actor James Woods has embarked on a new chapter in his career, focusing on songwriting and recently releasing his third album, "The Killer's Wife." This venture marks what Woods describes as his life's "second act," a period of creative serenity following his experiences in Hollywood and displacement due to recent wildfires.
The album, released under Woods' own label, Breakheart Music, is a collaboration with musical artist Bob Wayne and Grammy winner Shooter Jennings. The concept for "The Killer's Wife" was sparked by a true story from Woods' early acting days, involving a past relationship with a woman who was married to a serial killer. This narrative inspired both the album's title and its central theme.
"It has just such a unique flavor," Woods said of the music, which he describes as a "musical parable into the dark heart of evil, and the glorious triumph of good." Other tracks on the album, such as "The Hearts of Men" and "One in the Chamber," explore themes of spiritual battles and the need for preparedness in challenging times, drawing inspiration from biblical passages and contemporary observations.
Woods' musical journey began serendipitously after a meeting with Jennings at the West Hollywood restaurant Dan Tana's. Jennings encouraged Woods to write lyrics, which led to the creation of his first song, "Misty Morning," in just 20 minutes. This initial success led to his first album, "Hear the Thunder Crack," released in October 2024, followed by "Tombstone Opera." Both albums achieved success, reaching the Top 10 on Apple Music's country album charts.
"The Killer's Wife" was recorded at the famed Sunset Sound studio in Hollywood, adhering to Woods' commitment against using Auto-Tune or artificial intelligence. Woods contributes spoken-word passages to the songs performed by Wayne, adding a unique layer to the music.
For Woods, this new creative pursuit follows a distinguished acting career that includes roles in films like "Casino" and "Ghosts of Mississippi." After experiencing a period of being sidelined in Hollywood due to his conservative views, Woods also contributed to the production of the Oscar-winning film "Oppenheimer." He has spoken about finding peace in his current endeavors, stating, "I want to celebrate art and poetry and music and things I love."