Matthew McConaughey’s 5 best albums of all time

Matthew McConaughey is one of the most recognizable actors of recent times. The Texas-born American captured the public’s attention through his charisma, to the point where imitations of his mannerisms are still popular today. But what would be his musical taste?

In a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone USA to promote your memoir, “Greenlights”, McConaughey was asked about his favorite albums. The actor had the first two names on the tip of his tongue.

Initially, he said:

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998), from Lauryn Hillit’s incredible… and Rattle and Hum (1988), from U2…”

One of the most important albums of the 1990s, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1999 and had more than 10 million copies sold in the United States alone. Apple Music named it the greatest album of all time in 2024.

Already Rattle and Hum (1988) is the soundtrack to the film of the tour of The Joshua Tree (1987), the most acclaimed album of the U2 until then. The public reaction was polarized, especially in the United States. Curiously, McConaughey He likes the album precisely for that reason. He explained:

Much of this album is live. And they were telling the truth, man. They weren’t asking for permission. They were honest.”

Other favorites

Matthew McConaughey continued his list with a famous heartland rock name. He quoted:

[The] Lonesome Jubileefrom John Mellencampit was a really, really big album for me. It shaped a lot of my sense of patriotism and even in terms of race and human relations.”

Launched in 1987, The Lonesome Jubilee was largely inspired by the death of his uncle Mellencamp by cancer. The loss made him reflect on society’s expectations for young people of a certain generation — and how people from humbler backgrounds are prevented from following their dreams because of this. The album also solidified his classic sound, due to the fact that his backing band had participated in the composition process since the tour of the previous work, Scarecrow.

The actor then chose a very recent album. He said:

Oh, and Metamodern Sounds in Country Musicfrom Sturgill Simpson. Another incredible album from start to finish.”

Available in 2014, Metamodern Sounds in Country Musicbrought with it a small revolution in country music. Simpson was seen as a drastic contrast to the artists of the 1990s and 2000s, with a sound reminiscent of the outlaws of the 1970s, such as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Since then, he has become one of the most celebrated singers in the genre.

Finally, McConaughey selected an album that doesn’t need much introduction or explanation. He named:

And finally, I will AC/DC, Highway to Hell.”

The Australian group’s 1979 classic is considered one of the best rock albums in history. However, despite the songs full of celebration and joy, it carries with it the legacy of being the final work of Bon Scott. The vocalist passed away in 1980, with the official cause listed as alcohol poisoning.

The rebirth of Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey was seen as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars during the 1990s and early 2000s. However, his career hit a low point around 2006. The actor left the spotlight around two years after his most recent films failed to deliver. expected return.

His return to the screen was triumphant to the point that the term “McConnaissance” emerged, a play on the English word for Renaissance. The actor discussed this period and his return in the same interview with Rolling Stone USA:

I basically disappeared. So everyone was wondering, ‘Where did McConaughey go?’ Suddenly, I became this new, clever idea. ‘Hey, do you know who would be an interesting idea for this role?’ And I thought, ‘If I’m putting together a portfolio of work right now, maybe I need a name.’”

During this reinvention, McConaughey He left romantic comedies behind and ventured into more independent projects. His performances in films Killer Joe (2011) and Magic Mike (2012) brought another image of him before the public. However, the biggest success of that time was Dallas Buyers Club (2013), for which the actor won his first Oscar for Best Actor.

Collaborated: Pedro Hollanda.