Pete and Scarlett make breaking up look easy

In what would seem like an unlikely combination, Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson collaborate to make “Break Up” a duet album about, yes, the downfall of a relationship.

The album is actually a surprisingly strong effort from both. Most of the tracks contrast a cheery background tune with the unfortunate dialogue in their lyrics, a la the Postal Service’s “Give Up.”

“Realtor” is a swift opener and a paradigm to the rest of the material. Johansson imitates Norah Jones’ sound while Yorn accompanies her with some of the catchiest tunes of his career.

The soft drawl of Yorn is pitted beautifully against Johansson’s equally tender vocals, and the album’s tone deteriorates to sadness by the last track “Someday,” emulating their figurative relationship.

This album is really quite fabulous, as Yorn stays true to his craft while Johansson proves to be his ideal partner. Hopefully this isn’t the end of their relationship.