Adam Sandler’s Surprising Favourite Album Revealed

Adam Sandler is not the obvious candidate for a devotee of 1990s alternative rock. Known for his loose-fitting sportswear and comedic musical sketches—one famously about misplacing his phone, wallet, and keys—he seems more at home with hip-hop than the distorted guitars of grunge. Yet, as it turns out, his musical loyalties lie elsewhere. His pick for a desert island disc is a 1994 release that, at the time, sparked debate but has since become a touchstone of its era.

Grunge Affection: Sandler’s Unexpected Choice

During a recent conversation with George Clooney for NME, Sandler disclosed his top album.

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.’

The record in question, Hole’s ‘Live Through This’, fronted by Courtney Love, was often dismissed at the time as a mere side project. In reality, the band delivered songs that outshone many of their contemporaries, with ‘Live Through This’ and ‘Celebrity Skin’ standing as some of the most memorable guitar albums of the decade. Love’s presence as a frontwoman was formidable, her lyrics laced with literary allusions and sharp retorts to the criticism she faced, particularly during her relationship with Kurt Cobain.

Controversy and Craft: The Legacy of ‘Live Through This’

The album’s title seemed almost a personal mantra for Love. Despite achieving platinum status, rumours persisted that Cobain was the true author behind the songs, a theory perhaps fuelled by his backing vocals on two tracks. Previously, Hole had been known for a much harsher sound, but with this release, Love steered the group towards a more melodic, accessible style, drawing inspiration from acts like the Pixies and Echo and the Bunnymen.

While Sandler’s selection might raise eyebrows, Clooney’s favourite is rather more conventional. He named The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ as his top pick, remarking,

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

On the Road and Beyond: Sandler, Clooney, and the End of Hole

The pair’s discussion took place in the context of their new film, ‘Jay Kelly’, which follows an actor and his agent as they journey across Europe, reflecting on their lives in America. The film is directed by Noah Baumbach, known for his collaborations with Wes Anderson and Greta Gerwig, as well as the acclaimed ‘Marriage Story’ and the blockbuster ‘Barbie’.

As for Hole, Courtney Love officially called time on the band in 2013 after a brief reunion. Although there were whispers of further comebacks in 2014 and 2019, with the group even rehearsing together, Love’s move to the UK put an end to any future plans for performances.