Adam Sandler's Surprising Forever Album Pick Shocks Fans
The comedy star reveals an unexpected musical obsession that completely contradicts his public image, choosing a controversial 1994 grunge masterpiece over mainstream hits.
When you picture Adam Sandler's music taste, grunge probably isn't the first genre that springs to mind. The comedian's signature oversized basketball jerseys and history of comedic rap performances suggest someone more aligned with hip-hop than the raw, distorted sounds of Seattle rock. Yet musical preferences can surprise us, and Sandler's choice for his all-time favorite album reveals a deep appreciation for one of the 1990s' most polarizing yet brilliant records.
The Unexpected Revelation
During a recent interview for his latest film Jay Kelly, Sandler made a confession that caught many off guard. Speaking alongside co-star George Clooney, the actor disclosed his pick for the one album he could listen to endlessly: Hole's 1994 release "Live Through This." His enthusiasm was unmistakable as he recalled the moment of discovery.
"You know what entire album I listened to? No problem. Hole, Live Through This. I remember I was on tour. I was doing standup and uh that album just came out and I was in my car a lot and I listened to the track one and I was like, 'Ooh, that was Nasty'. Track two, I was like, 'two for two.' And then I just said, 'I guess this whole album is going to be great,'" Sandler explained.
Defending a Misunderstood Masterpiece
Hole, fronted by the fierce Courtney Love, faced unfair criticism during their peak years, with many dismissing them as merely a celebrity side project. However, the band's musical output told a different story entirely. Their songwriting prowess rivaled any guitar-driven act of the decade, producing not just "Live Through This" but also the equally impressive "Celebrity Skin."
Love proved herself as both a formidable performer and gifted songwriter, weaving literary influences into sharp-tongued responses to critics who compared her to Yoko Ono during her relationship with Nirvana's Kurt Cobain. The album's title seemed to serve as Love's personal mantra, a declaration of survival and artistic independence.
Artistic Evolution and Commercial Success
Despite achieving platinum status, "Live Through This" continued to face skepticism, with some claiming Cobain had ghostwritten the material—speculation likely fueled by his backing vocal contributions on two tracks. This represented a deliberate artistic shift for Hole, who had previously been known for their hardcore sound. Love intentionally moved toward more melodic, commercially viable territory, drawing inspiration from bands like the Pixies and Echo and the Bunnymen.
The contrast between Sandler's choice and his co-star's preference highlighted their different musical sensibilities. Clooney selected The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" from 1967, explaining, "There's not a bad track on it. The way we thought about things changed and the music changed."
Their new collaboration "Jay Kelly," directed by Noah Baumbach, features the duo as an actor-agent pair traveling through Europe while reflecting on their American lives. As for Hole, Love officially disbanded the group in 2013 following a brief reunion, though rumors of reformations surfaced in 2014 and 2019 before Love's relocation to the UK ended further speculation.