Adam Sandler’s Surprising Favorite Album and George Clooney’s Classic Pick

When you picture Adam Sandler, grunge music probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Known for his laid-back style, oversized basketball shorts, and comedic songs about everyday mishaps, Sandler seems more like a hip-hop enthusiast than a fan of Seattle’s gritty rock scene. But looks can be deceiving. Sandler’s musical taste leans heavily toward the raw, emotional sound of 1990s alternative rock, as revealed by his all-time favorite album—a bold, female-fronted record that made waves in the mid-’90s and has since become a staple of the genre.

Adam Sandler’s Unexpected Grunge Obsession

During a recent interview with NME, Sandler sat down with George Clooney to discuss their new film, Jay Kelly. When asked about the one album he could listen to on repeat, Sandler didn’t hesitate.

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.’

Hole, led by Courtney Love, faced plenty of criticism when they first hit the scene, often dismissed as a side project. But their music, especially on Live Through This and Celebrity Skin, stood out among the best guitar-driven albums of the decade. Love’s fierce presence and sharp songwriting, filled with literary nods and biting comebacks, helped the band carve out a unique place in rock history, even as she faced constant comparisons to Yoko Ono during her relationship with Kurt Cobain.

The Story Behind Hole’s Breakthrough

Live Through This wasn’t just a title—it was a statement. Despite the album’s platinum success, rumors swirled that Cobain had a hand in writing the songs, fueled by his backing vocals on a couple of tracks. Before this record, Hole was known for their hardcore sound, but Love intentionally shifted gears, drawing inspiration from bands like the Pixies and Echo and the Bunnymen to create something more melodic and accessible. The result was a collection of songs that captured both vulnerability and power, setting the band apart from their peers.

George Clooney’s Timeless Favorite

While Sandler’s pick might surprise some, Clooney’s choice is a nod to rock’s golden era. He named The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band as his go-to album, saying,

There’s not a bad track on it. The way we thought about things changed and the music changed.

The conversation took place as the two promoted Jay Kelly, a film released last month that follows an actor and his agent on a journey across Europe, reflecting on their lives back in the States. Directed by Noah Baumbach, known for his work on Marriage Story and his collaborations with Wes Anderson and Greta Gerwig, the movie brings together two Hollywood heavyweights in a story about friendship and self-discovery.

Hole’s Legacy and What Came After

As for Hole, Courtney Love officially ended the band in 2013 after a brief reunion. Though there were rumors of another comeback in 2014 and 2019, with the group even rehearsing together, Love’s move to the UK put those plans on hold. She’s since performed solo, but the impact of Live Through This continues to resonate with fans—and, as it turns out, with Adam Sandler as well.