The One Song Emilia Clarke Calls Her ‘All-Time Favorite’—It Will Surprise You

Emilia Clarke, best known for her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has had a career that spans blockbuster films and global stardom. However, beyond her acting achievements, Clarke’s life has been shaped by the music that has followed her from childhood to adulthood. In a 2020 interview on BBC Radio 2′s My Life in a Mixtape, the actress curated a deeply personal mixtape, offering fans a glimpse into the songs and albums that have influenced her life. These musical choices reveal the emotional layers of Clarke’s upbringing, her relationships, and her evolving identity.

A Family Connection: The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Clarke’s relationship with music began early, influenced by her father, who was a theatre sound engineer. One of her most cherished albums is Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, which she found in her father’s collection. Clarke fondly recalls this 1967 album as “the most important album” to her growing up. In the BBC interview, she explained how she learned all the lyrics, admiring the album’s iconic cover and pull-out sleeve.

The album’s significance grew after her father’s passing in 2016, making it a poignant reminder of their bond. For Clarke, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is not just a nostalgic piece of music—it symbolizes a connection to her father and to the roots of her musical tastes, shaped by his work in the sound industry. This sentimental attachment illustrates how music often intertwines with personal history and family legacy.

Exploring New Genres: Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”

As a child, Clarke was also drawn to a very different genre of music: rap. She vividly remembers discovering Coolio’s Grammy-winning track “Gangsta’s Paradise” in 1995. In the BBC Radio 2 interview, Clarke spoke about learning all the lyrics to the song secretly, drawn to its compelling rhythm and raw language, despite its “rude words.” This marked Clarke’s introduction to hip-hop, which played a significant role in shaping her musical tastes.

The song’s gritty lyrics and dramatic delivery introduced her to a different world of expression, contrasting with the classic rock she’d grown up listening to. Clarke’s early exposure to Gangsta’s Paradise reflects how music serves as a form of rebellion and personal discovery during adolescence, allowing her to explore new cultures and narratives through sound.

The Soundtrack of Her Drama School Days: Kings of Leon’s “The Bucket”

During her years at drama school, Clarke expanded her musical horizons further with the song “The Bucket” by Kings of Leon. Released in 2004 on their album Aha Shake Heartbreak, the track became an anthem of her youth, associated with the friendships she formed during this transformative time. Clarke described it as the first music she discovered independently, without her brother’s influence. She also explored other artists like LCD Soundsystem, marking her personal growth through musical exploration.

For Clarke, “The Bucket” represents more than just a catchy tune—it’s a soundtrack to the forging of her identity as an independent young woman and aspiring actress. The music from this period signifies the balance between her personal journey and her evolving career.

A New Discovery: Little Simz’s “101 FM”

In more recent years, Clarke has continued to discover new music that resonates with her. One such discovery was Little Simz’s “101 FM” from the 2019 album Grey Area. Clarke described hearing this track live at the Glastonbury Festival, surrounded by her “dearest friends.” She was captivated by Simz’s performance and described her as “the coolest girl she’s ever seen.” This experience marked an important moment in Clarke’s musical journey, as she embraced new, fresh sounds that aligned with her values of inclusivity and empowerment.

Little Simz’s music speaks to Clarke’s ongoing evolution as an individual, with the artist’s introspective lyrics and boundary-pushing sound offering a contrast to the classic rock and hip-hop she grew up with. The emotional connection she felt during this experience demonstrates the ongoing power of music to shape and inspire.

All-Time Favorite: Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice”

Perhaps the most influential song in Clarke’s life is Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.” This song holds a timeless significance for her, representing a connection to both her past and present. In her interview, Clarke referred to it as “incredibly important” to her, likening it to olives—something she didn’t appreciate as a child but came to love as she grew older. The track serves as a philosophical reflection on life’s questions, offering Clarke comfort and wisdom throughout her journey.

For Clarke, Dylan’s song represents a piece of musical history that transcends generations. It’s not just about the lyrics—it’s about the way the song makes her reflect on life, love, and growth, much like the way her own experiences have shaped her both personally and professionally.

Conclusion: The Power of Music in Emilia Clarke’s Life

Emilia Clarke’s musical influences offer a deep and personal window into the soundtrack of her life. From the rock classics of her father’s generation to the modern sounds that inspire her today, the songs and albums she has cherished over the years reveal the emotional and relational context of her journey. Whether it’s the Beatles’ nostalgic influence, Coolio’s rebellious energy, or the new sounds of Little Simz, music has been a constant companion in Clarke’s life, shaping her identity and her emotional world.

Through her personal mixtape, Clarke shares a side of herself that resonates with fans, showing how music has not only shaped her career but also been a source of solace, inspiration, and self-expression. Her musical journey is a reflection of her growth as an individual, and it is clear that the music she holds dear will continue to shape her future.