John C. Reilly Set to Release Debut Album “What’s Not to Love”

Renowned for his versatility as a performer, John C. Reilly is once again venturing into the music scene with the release of his debut album, What's Not To Love?, under the moniker Mister Romantic. This exploration into the Great American Songbook is a significant step for Reilly, highlighting his deep-rooted passion for music that has been evident throughout his multifaceted career in theater and film. His forays into musical projects have ranged from his Grammy-nominated performance in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story to his acclaimed role in the musical Chicago. Now, with his album set to be released on June 13 via his own Eternal Magic Recordings, Mister Romantic brings a collection of classic tunes back to life.

The album features 13 tracks, all beloved standards from the annals of American popular song. Reilly has delved into an impressive array of music, including well-known classics such as “La Vie En Rose,” “You Don’t Know Me,” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Among these cherished tracks, the first single released is a cover of Johnny Mercer’s 1944 hit “Dream,” which finds Reilly crooning to an arrangement reminiscent of veterans like Frank Sinatra and Roy Orbison. The album, co-produced by Reilly and Grammy-winning producer David Garza, aims to capture and pass on the emotive, timeless essence of these iconic songs.

Reilly, who has performed with artists such as Beck and Sierra Ferrell, conceptualized Mister Romantic as a persona born out of a sense of both hope and despair. The character is an eternal optimist, seeking and celebrating love through music. In a heartfelt statement about the project, Reilly shared his creative vision: “I looked at our weary world a few years ago and tried to think of a way I could spread love and empathy. I decided the most fun way to do that was through performing and singing and telling people I loved them.” Through Mister Romantic, Reilly aims to invoke a sense of community, tradition, and emotional connection, resonating with audiences through the shared language of timeless standards.

Reilly describes the collection as a “candle in the darkness” designed to uplift and remind listeners that love is a fundamental and enduring good. Through his renditions, Reilly hopes to breathe new life into the storied songs, much like other artists before him—keeping them alive for new generations. His project not only pays homage to past giants of the genre but also serves as a personal artistic statement fueled by a lifetime of music appreciation and artistic expression.

The album also serves as another testament to Reilly's diverse capabilities. While known primarily for his film career with memorable roles in films like Boogie Nights and Step Brothers, Reilly has consistently shown his musical inclination, be it through on-screen characters or live performances. With this debut as Mister Romantic, he invites his audience to experience a different facet of his artistry, one focused on retrospective affection and melodic storytelling that is deeply rooted in the fabric of American musical heritage.

Check Out “Dream” by Mister Romantic Here: