Why Scarlett Johansson Swears By These 5 Songs—And How They Shaped Her Career

Scarlett Johansson has long captivated audiences with her dynamic performances, from playing the fierce Black Widow in The Avengers to delivering deeply emotional roles in Lost in Translation and Under the Skin. But behind her fame as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, Johansson is also a passionate music lover with a broad and diverse taste in tunes. In a recent radio interview with KCRW, she revealed five of her favourite songs of all time, offering a rare and personal insight into the soundtrack of her life.

From childhood memories of Frank Sinatra to an enduring love for New York art rockers TV on the Radio, Johansson’s musical preferences paint a picture of an artist with eclectic and emotional tastes. Here’s a closer look at the five tracks that hold a special place in her heart.

1. Frank Sinatra – ‘Polka Dots and Moonbeams’

For Johansson, the timeless charm of Frank Sinatra was a childhood obsession. She recalls how, at a young age, she was drawn to Sinatra’s crooning voice, which sparked a deep connection with music. “When I was a little kid, my favorite singer was Frank Sinatra. I thought that maybe when I grew up I could sound like Frank Sinatra,” she says. The song ‘Polka Dots and Moonbeams’ was one of her early favorites, with Johansson being captivated by Sinatra’s dreamy vocals and the lush instrumental beginning.

She fondly remembers her portable tape player, where she would sing along to Sinatra’s Best of collection, microphone in hand. For Johansson, Sinatra’s music was the perfect introduction to a lifelong love of vocal performance, laying the groundwork for her own exploration in music later in life.

2. The Beach Boys – ‘In My Room’

Johansson’s second pick is ‘In My Room’ by The Beach Boys, a song that perfectly encapsulates the soothing harmonies of Brian Wilson’s genius. Johansson credits her mother with introducing her to The Beach Boys, and she remembers being deeply moved by the band’s arrangements. Johansson had a life-changing experience when she saw Brian Wilson perform live in London, particularly when ‘In My Room’ was played.

She was so overcome by the performance that she cried, explaining, “I don’t think I’ve ever cried that hard at a concert before.” For Johansson, the song’s lyrics about finding solace and comfort in one’s own space resonated deeply, reminding her of the comfort that music can offer in times of personal reflection.

3. New Order – ‘Your Silent Face’

Johansson’s love for electronic music and post-punk shines through with her third choice, ‘Your Silent Face’ by New Order. A lesser-known track from their 1983 album Power, Corruption and Lies, this song helped define Johansson’s teenage years. She shares how she discovered New Order, Depeche Mode, and other electronic bands while in high school, and ‘Your Silent Face’ quickly became a personal favorite.

Johansson reflects on the song’s cinematic qualities and the way it shaped her musical taste, “I remember sitting on the train in New York with my backpack and my giant headphones, probably doing some serious damage to my eardrums,” she says. For Johansson, the music of New Order was an escape into a sonic landscape that was both grand and immersive.

4. TV on the Radio – ‘Staring at the Sun (Alternate Version)’

Arguably the most obscure selection in Johansson’s list, ‘Staring at the Sun (Alternate Version)’ by TV on the Radio represents her admiration for experimental and ambient rock. The alternate version of the track, which strips down the polished production of the original, highlights the band’s songwriting brilliance. Johansson describes the sound of the track as “huge” and “orchestral,” while also carrying an eerie, haunting quality.

She recalls long road trips with a friend where the two would listen to Tom Waits and TV on the Radio, immersing themselves in the layers of music. “There’s a certain big-top quality to some of the songs and then others are just really dark and spooky,” she explains, showing her love for the complexity and depth of TV on the Radio’s sound. For Johansson, this track represents a unique chapter in her musical journey.

5. Tom Waits – ‘Burma-Shave’

No surprise here—Scarlett Johansson has long been a fan of the gravelly-voiced, avant-garde songwriter Tom Waits. ‘Burma-Shave’ is Johansson’s final pick, a song that reminds her of driving trips in her youth. She and a friend would listen to Waits for hours on end, and the evocative, atmospheric quality of his music left a lasting impression on her. Johansson fondly remembers the “beauty and heartbreak” she felt while listening to Waits, whose songs often blend dark themes with poignant beauty.

“I think there’s a certain big-top quality to some of the songs and then others are just really dark and spooky,” Johansson reflects, highlighting the multifaceted nature of Waits’ music that appealed to her as a young listener.

A Musical Portrait of Scarlett Johansson

From the smooth elegance of Frank Sinatra to the raw, experimental sound of TV on the Radio, Scarlett Johansson’s playlist offers a deep dive into her personal journey through music. Her choices reveal a sophisticated, eclectic taste that spans multiple genres, echoing the versatility and depth that Johansson brings to her work as an actress and musician. As she continues to explore her passion for music, Johansson’s five favourite songs offer a glimpse into the soundtrack of her life, providing fans with a rare and intimate look at the actress’s musical soul.