Known globally for her dramatic roles and blockbuster action turns as Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson surprised family audiences in 2016 by lending her distinctive voice to the animated film Sing. She played Ash, a punk-rock porcupine who finds her true artistic identity. Movie-going parents were totally conquered when Scarlett Johansson broke her heart out with the rock anthem “Set It All Free,” proving she doesn’t need a stunt to hit those high notes! She shattered the stereotype that voice actors just “sing for fun.”

High Notes and High Stakes: An Anthem of Empowerment

The track “Set It All Free” is a critical emotional centerpiece in Sing, serving as Ash’s cathartic rebellion against her dismissive boyfriend and the industry’s pressure to conform. Written specifically for the movie by songwriter Dave Bassett, the song perfectly channels a raw, garage-rock sound, transforming Ash’s heartbreak into an anthem of freedom and empowerment. Johansson’s signature husky voice, which many might have initially associated only with acting, was deployed with surprising power and control, conveying both Ash’s initial vulnerability and her ultimate rock-star confidence. The moment she started singing, the whole theater exploded with true rock star energy emanating from the actress.

The Data: A Viral Hit That Endures

The song achieved significant popularity on streaming platforms and remains a favorite from the film. The soundtrack for Sing, released on November 24, 2016, peaked at No. 8 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The original audio track and movie clips of “Set It All Free” on YouTube have amassed tens of millions of views, testifying to its lasting emotional resonance with the film’s audience well into 2024. For those who followed Johansson’s career beyond Hollywood, her vocal success was less of a surprise. She had already released her debut album, Anywhere I Lay My Head, in 2008, and collaborated with musician Pete Yorn on the critically praised 2009 collaborative album, Break Up, demonstrating a genuine commitment to music. The success of “Set It All Free” in Sing firmly legitimized her standing as a credible musician in the public eye, proving that the raw, emotional energy she brought to her cinematic role as Ash was authentic and powerful.