You’ve heard of triple-threat talents, but what do you call a supermodel mom who’s married to a rock god, co-owns a vintage store, and has a standout set of pipes? That’d be Karen Elson.

The impossibly porcelain-skinned, flame-haired cover girl (and wife of Jack White) released her debut album, The Ghost Who Walks, in late May. Naturally we wondered, Is she worth all the hype?

So when we found out she was in New York for a concert with Band of Horses and Grizzly Bear last weekend, we set out with camera in tow to see how she sounded without fancy audio equipment, backing vocals, and musical accompaniment.

The result is today’s video, in which Elson performs an acoustic version of her song “Cruel Summer” in a room at Ace Hotel. Ignore the sound of our jaw hitting the floor as her dark and mesmerizing Nashville-inspired voice fills the room.

For more information and to buy the album, go to karenelson.com. If you want to keep listening, check out our videos with Charlotte Gainsbourg, Josh Ritter, and Freelance Whales.

Up to 65% off Desmo
Lush Italian leather is always a sound investment. Desmo’s handcrafted bags in modern, simple shapes will last you well past Labor Day. Score one at up to 65 percent off on our sample sale site.