Johnny Depp’s favourite albums of all time: Flawless tour de force
Johnny Depp is perhaps one of the most widely-watched actors to have ever set foot on a lot in Hollywood. Across a multitude of roles, either as Willy Wonka, Captain Jack Sparrow or the drug-addled Raoul Duke, Depp cultivated a career that few in Tinseltown could match. While problematic issues have left him without much work ahead, its easy to say that acting is a true calling for Depp.
But before he began his acting journey, though, he had another love. Before setting foot on the stage, Depp was deeply interested in music and performed as a guitarist. While Depp eventually focused on acting, which gave him the biggest platform, he has maintained a lifelong interest in music and is currently working on new musical projects, having even worked alongside the wondrous talent of former Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck and the maniacal Alice Cooper as part of the Hollywood Vampires group.
Having collaborated with the likes of Iggy Pop, Aerosmith and Marilyn Manson, among others, Depp can boast a truly impressive roster of musical collaborators. While much of those collaborations arose from his Hollywood status, Depp is certainly devoted to the craft. To celebrate the outcome of his lawsuit against Amber Heard, Depp joined Beck on stage, and the two even announced an album before the latter’s passing.
As such, the actor has often been tasked with picking out his favourite artists or musicians. As you might expect from an artist so wildly varied, his taste is just as eclectic. In an interview, Depp was once asked to name some of the formative influences on his life as an artist. While he cited the works of filmmakers like Howard Hawks and Tim Burton as well as writers such as Hunter S Thompson and Charles Baudelaire, Depp maintained that music has inspired him like no other art form.
Talking about his favourite albums of all time, the actor mentioned Histoire de Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg. He said: “So ahead of its time. So cool. Gainsbourg delivers his masterpiece here, and one which, for me, carries many a happy memory. So much so, my daughter was named in part after this flawless tour de force.”
Depp also singled out Tom Waits as a chief source of inspiration: “The devil doesn’t have the best tunes. Tom Waits does. It’s almost impossible to single out a particular recording of his. Over the years, Waits’ continued quality of output has never faltered. His high-water marks are countless. This is merely one among many. For moon lovers and junkyard dogs everywhere.”
Depp’s love for certain artists is evident from this list, especially his connection with The Rolling Stones who are mentioned twice in his selection, picking Tattoo You and Sticky Fingers, he said: “Almost impossible to pick one LP, even more difficult to name just two, as they are all glorious, but these efforts have successfully soundtracked many a riotous late night out, slurping up the city, in another life.”
However, the actor revealed that it was Patti Smith who created an interesting dilemma since he liked all her albums. He added: “To be honest, I could choose any Patti Smith record. They are each a gift from the gods. Alongside Dylan, Waits, and Richards, she is one of music’s great survivors, and a true legend in every sense of the word. As important a poet as has ever drawn breath.”
While the list is a relatively expensive one, it also highlights that at his heart, Depp has always found influence in the darker side of culture. Rock and roll likely represented a taboo that felt too tantalising to ignore as a young adult and that’s a spirit he has kept with him throughout his career.
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