Widely recognized for her work as an actress, Amy Irving has attained success in theater, film, and television. Diverse and up to challenges in the world of cinema, many recall her portrayal of the complex Sue Snell in the 1976 Brian De Palma-directed Horror classic Carrie.
A springboard toward more success for Irving, in 1978, she took a leading role in another De Palma Horror film called The Fury, before starring with Willie Nelson in the 1980 film Honeysuckle Rose. Just some of her early work that transcended into a rather lengthy career, those paying attention may look to her role in Honeysuckle Rose, as country-and-western singer Hadass Vishkower in 1983’s Yentl, and as the singing voice of cartoon starlet Jessica Rabbit in 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit as an awakening to broader talents.
Perhaps a footnote to those less in tune, in truth, these select performances broadened the curiosity of mainstream audiences that, beyond being an actress, Amy Irving was a highly competent singer. A part of what defines her passion for the arts is that it was not until decades later that Irving recorded her music album. Emerging in 2023 with Born In A Trunk, the debut featured ten covers of songs that touch on something personal in Irving’s life. It was a lovely and smooth listen, a musical memoir of sorts, with a heartfelt mix of classic Jazz style singing.
While Born In A Truck was not Irving’s first appearance singing on a record (having performed for the soundtrack to Honeysuckle Soundtrack alongside Willie Nelson), you had to wonder if she would give another album a whirl at some point again in the future. Answering that question in 2025, she returns with her second album, Always Will Be. Released on April 25, 2025, through Queen Of The Castle Records/Missing Piece Records, the new album is a different side of Irving that should pique a ton of curiosity.
The album has quite a different feel from Born In A Truck. Done so intentionally, this new album pays homage to Irving’s enduring friendship with Willie Nelson. Taking ten songs written or sung exceptionally by Nelson over the years, Irving handles the task confidently and genuinely.
Working with bandleader Goolis (Jules David Bartkowski), Irving also has a great group of guests on board for the album, including Amy Helm, Louis Cato, Chris Pierce, Lizzie No, and Willie Nelson himself. The album is cohesive, yet impeccably diverse. You have a great performance songs like “It’s A Dream Come True,” “I’d Have To Be Crazy,” and “I Wish I Didn’t Love You So” (featuring Steve Earle), but also others like the very Punk Rock “If You Want Me To Live You I Will,” and Latino flared “Everywhere I Go.” However, you cannot miss the stunningly emotional “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” featuring Willie Nelson.
It is evident that Amy Irving put her heart and soul into the recording sessions that became Always Will Be. Having a close bond with Willie Nelson, it is easy to see that she let these songs get under her skin. The passion is there, the performances are exceptional, and the mood is just right. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Amy Irving’s Always Will Be 4 out of 5 stars.
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