Falling in Reverse

It's crazy to think that the beloved 2007 movie Once and its soundtrack almost didn't happen, at least not in the way that ended up charming the world. Cillian Murphy was originally meant to play the role of a busker who falls for a young flower seller and creates magical songs with her before a star-crossed, not-quite-happy ending. In real life, of course, it was Glen Hansard who ended up starring opposite Markéta Irglová, winning an Oscar alongside her for "Falling Slowly," forming the folky duo The Swell Season and (for better or worse) inspiring countless imitators—and becoming a couple. The relationship lasted long enough for a second album in 2009, but the duo parted ways even as Once lived on as a Tony-winning musical. Hansard has released several solid, sometimes very good, albums on his own and with The Frames, and Irglová has continued to make music as well. But neither has re-created the success or alchemy of their original partnership.