Having achieved worldwide success as actors, some stars still feel the need to branch out into the music business, regardless of any discernible talent. Nobody could argue with the likes of Johnny Depp, a talented guitarist currently on tour with the Hollywood Vampires, but some actors should clearly stick to what they know best.

Gwyneth Paltrow, an American star, who won an Academy Award as best actress for “Shakespeare in Love”, has actually released four singles. Her chosen genre is country music, and she achieved a lowly number 63 in the UK charts with her duet with Tim McGraw, written by her ex-husband Chris Martin of Coldplay.

One of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood, Jennifer Lopez began her career on an American comedy sketch show before her thoughts turned to music in 1999. With eight studio albums to her name and being the only female entertainer to have a number one movie and number one album simultaneously, her decision to combine acting and singing was apparently the right one.

American actor, producer and comedian Jamie Foxx won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the 2004 biographical movie, and to add to his music credentials has released four albums that have charted in the top ten. The video for his hit single “Blame It” features appearances from fellow actors Forest Whitaker and Samuel L. Jackson.

Other actors making a foray into the music industry include Russell Crowe who has been a member of two Australian rock bands, comedian Steve Martin who has won a Grammy award for his bluegrass album, and Scarlett Johansson whose collection of Tom  Waits’ covers received mixed reviews, only reaching number 126 on the charts.