The actor Idris Elba is planning to release an album of music inspired by his BBC detective character Luther.

Idris Elba has given the album the working title “Murder Loves John”. It is intended as the first of a series of albums which are character-inspired. In an interview with John Wilson on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row, Idris Elba explained: “I’d like to dissect the idea of someone who has to deal with so much darkness. Detectives carry a lot of stuff. They meet someone who’s done something heinous, but they have to have an objective perspective on them until proven. That could create some really good songs… and definitely an interesting mood, musically.”

The “character albums” are not Idris Elba’s first foray into the music world. The Wire actor released a five-song EP called “High Class Problems Vol 1” in 2010, under the moniker Driis and prior to that an EP entitled “Big Man” in 2006. Next week the actor releases his debut album, “mi Mandela”, which is inspired by Elba’s African heritage and his role as Nelson Mandela in 2013’s Long Walk to Freedom.

I have no doubt that Idris Elba’s new album will be a high calibre production, but whenever the Record Press author hears that an actor has released a record ( album or single ), my heart is filled with dread. For anyone of a certain vintage, that incorporates the 1970s and 1980s, will recall some of the heinous crimes imposed upon the ears of the radio listening public, best summed up by these monstrosities in this Top 5 Worst Songs Sung By Actors –

Top 5 Worst Songs Sung By Actors

1)   David Soul – Don’t Give Up On Us ( 1976 )

Sadly many female fans of TV series “Starsky & Hutch” responded to David’s plea and didn’t give up on him, taking the song to No1!!

2)   Telly Savalas – If ( 1975 )

The  line in the song, “If a picture paints a thousand words…..” should have been heeded and Telly should have confined himself to his onscreen role of TV cop, Kojak, rather than “talking” the lyrics of David Gates’ song!!

3)   Jimmy Nail – Love Don’t Live Here Anymore ( 1985 ) 

Is it any wonder Jimmy, with your appalling singing in the shower, that your girlfriend walked out of the front door of your shared home?!!

4)   Lee Marvin – Wandring Star ( 1970 )

More like a wandering melody, by tone deaf actor Lee!!

5)   Richard Harris – MacArthur Park ( 1968 )

It’s a pity that Richard wasn’t muzzled like the dog he was taking out for a walk  around the MacArthur Park!!