Susanna Hoffs has unveiled two new duet covers featured on the soundtrack for the upcoming film The Roses. The tracks include 'Happy Together' with Rufus Wainwright and 'Love Hurts' with Eric D. Johnson of Fruit Bats and Bonny Light Horseman. These collaborations tie into the reimagining of the 1989 film The War of the Roses, directed by Jay Roach and starring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Release Details
The soundtrack for The Roses became available on November 23, 2025, through Hollywood Records, ahead of the film's theatrical release on August 29, 2026. Hoffs' contributions highlight her ongoing musical endeavors, following her 2023 debut novel This Bird Has Flown and recent albums. The duets were inspired by the film's narrative, with Hoffs selecting songs that resonate thematically.
Collaborations and Insights
For 'Love Hurts,' Hoffs partnered with Eric D. Johnson after viewing an early cut of the movie. She expressed enthusiasm for the track's fit, referencing her admiration for the Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons rendition. 'Singing live together, close to one another, is always so special,' Hoffs commented on the recording process with Johnson.
On 'Happy Together,' Hoffs collaborated with Rufus Wainwright, praising his vocal style. 'Rufus is so emotional in his singing, and I’ve always loved that. The tone and beauty of his voice always dazzles me,' she shared. These releases underscore Hoffs' versatility, blending her pop roots with fresh interpretations for cinematic contexts.
Film Context
The Roses updates the dark comedy The War of the Roses from 1989, focusing on marital discord through the lens of Colman and Cumberbatch's performances under Roach's direction. The soundtrack's inclusion of these covers enhances the film's emotional depth, offering listeners a preview of its tone.