Jim Carrey’s Ultimate Playlist: 23 Songs That Prove He’s More Than Just a Comedian

Jim Carrey is widely known for his iconic comedic roles, but beyond his outlandish humor and on-screen antics, the Canadian actor is also a passionate music lover. His musical taste is as diverse as his acting career, with a special fondness for the heavier side of rock, including an appreciation for bands like Pantera and Napalm Death. Carrey’s varied musical preferences offer a fascinating glimpse into his personality, revealing a deep, genuine connection to music across genres.

Carrey’s Love for Rock and Beyond

Carrey’s journey into music isn’t just a passing interest. His enthusiasm for rock, particularly heavier genres, is well-documented. He has shared a memorable story about the first time he encountered Pantera, the legendary groove metal band from Texas. As Carrey recalls, he and his manager were driving down to San Diego when they first played Pantera’s music, and the experience left Carrey laughing uncontrollably from the sheer intensity of it. This initial shock later led to an unforgettable encounter: the band checked into the same hotel as Carrey, adding a surreal layer to the experience.

But Carrey’s taste isn’t limited to the heavier genres. In 2007, during the promotion of his film The Number 23, he shared a list of his 23 favorite songs with Cinema Blend. The eclectic mix of tracks ranged from Nirvana’s grunge anthems to the indie rock sounds of Broken Social Scene, showcasing the actor’s musical breadth. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout picks from his list:

Highlights from Jim Carrey’s Favorite Songs

1. ‘Breed’ – Nirvana
   A fan favorite from Nirvana’s 1991 album Nevermind, “Breed” perfectly encapsulates the angst of the grunge era. Carrey described the track as “one of my anthems,” urging listeners to “imagine you’re pummeling your foe’s face into blood soup” when playing it. His vivid description captures the raw energy of the song, which remains a hallmark of the 90s rock scene.

2. ‘Fell in Love with a Girl’ – The White Stripes
   Carrey highlighted Jack White’s brilliance with this garage rock hit, noting that White is one of the few “originals” in music. “I like him so much that I never want to meet him,” Carrey quipped, reflecting his admiration for White’s unique musical style. This track, from the White Blood Cells album, marked The White Stripes’ breakthrough into mainstream success.

3. ‘Limp’ – Fiona Apple
   Carrey also expressed his admiration for Fiona Apple’s unconventional art-pop style, particularly in the song “Limp,” from her 1999 album When the Pawn…. He described seeing Apple live as “staggering” and praised her raw talent and intensity. It’s clear that Carrey has a deep respect for artists who push boundaries and create deeply emotional music.

4. ‘I Am the Walrus’ – Jim Carrey
   Perhaps one of the most surprising choices on the list is Carrey’s own cover of The Beatles’ classic “I Am the Walrus,” which he recorded for a 1999 compilation album. When asked about his take on the iconic track, Carrey simply stated, “Well, I am,” adding a touch of his signature humor to the mix.

5. ‘Hallelujah’ – Jeff Buckley
   A universally beloved rendition of Leonard Cohen’s haunting song, Buckley’s version of “Hallelujah” holds a special place in Carrey’s heart. Carrey’s appreciation for Buckley’s emotional depth and vocal mastery shines through as he includes this track as one of his favorites.

6. ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
   Carrey’s list even includes a heartwarming version of this timeless classic, performed by the Hawaiian artist Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. The rendition, which blends “Over the Rainbow” with “What a Wonderful World,” offers a peaceful and uplifting message—perfect for Carrey’s diverse emotional landscape.

A Man of Many Tastes

What’s particularly striking about Carrey’s music list is how it defies categorization. From the intensity of Pantera to the introspection of Fiona Apple and the joy of Kamakawiwo’ole, Carrey’s picks demonstrate a broad and eclectic musical palette. His choices reveal a man who is deeply in touch with both the light and dark aspects of the human experience, much like the roles he has played on screen.

Jim Carrey’s love of music is just another layer to his multifaceted persona. Whether he’s creating uproarious laughter in Ace Ventura or displaying a more contemplative side in The Truman Show, Carrey’s connection to music shows that his creativity and passion extend far beyond the screen. As fans continue to enjoy his work in both comedy and drama, his favorite songs remain a fascinating insight into the actor’s heart and mind.

Jim Carrey’s Favorite Songs:

• ‘Strawberry Letter 23’ – The Brothers Johnson

• ‘Breed’ – Nirvana

• ‘My Immortal’ – Evanescence

• ‘One’ – Mary J. Blige & U2

• ‘Close to Me’ – The Cure

• ‘Time Is Running Out’ – Muse

• ‘Overtime’ – Lucinda Williams

• ‘Fell in Love with a Girl’ – The White Stripes

• ‘Run’ – Snow Patrol

• ‘Breathe Me’ – Sia

• ‘Tear You Apart’ – She Wants Revenge

• ‘Lover’s Spit’ – Broken Social Scene

• ‘A.K.A. I-D-I-O-T’ – The Hives

• ‘Do You Realize??’ – The Flaming Lips

• ‘Hallelujah’ – Jeff Buckley

• ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

• ‘Round Midnight’ – John Coltrane

• ‘Limp’ – Fiona Apple

• ‘American Idiot’ – Green Day

• ‘Nobody Home’ – Pink Floyd

• ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ – Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

• ‘Hey Man Nice Shot’ – Filter

• ‘I Am the Walrus’ – Jim Carrey