Creating an album that stands the test of time is a dream for many artists. A record that not only pioneers a genre but also shifts the definition of existing ones, becoming essential listening, is a rare achievement. For Dave Grohl, this has been a reality more than once.
Before stepping into the limelight as the frontman of Foo Fighters, Grohl gained fame as the drummer for Nirvana. The grunge trio, led by the enigmatic Kurt Cobain, offered a raw, murky take on rock that resonated with audiences. Their albums have secured permanent spots on all-time best lists.
Following the release of their debut, Bleach, in the late 1980s, Nirvana struck gold with their sophomore album, Nevermind, just two years later. This was Grohl’s first full-length project with the band, and it made a lasting impression.
The album produced iconic hits like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come As You Are,” solidified the grunge sound, and featured one of the most recognized album covers in history.
Nevermind consistently ranks among the greatest albums of all time, alongside Nirvana’s final record, In Utero. While Grohl hasn’t quite replicated that level of acclaim with Foo Fighters, his name frequently surfaces in discussions about iconic albums.
So, it’s intriguing that his choice for the greatest album of all time is unexpected.
Rather than selecting a classic rock album or a notable grunge record, Grohl chose a film soundtrack. “The number one of all time is Ry Cooder’s Paris, Texas soundtrack,” he revealed in a conversation with Condé Nast.
The soundtrack accompanies Wim Wenders’ film, which portrays a western-style road trip across America, complemented by Cooder’s beautiful score. Grohl discovered the record while driving along the coast of Italy in 1988.
He recommends it for anyone embarking on a long car or train journey, stating it will “soothe your soul.”
Indeed, the soundtrack offers a calming backdrop for travel. Cooder’s score is both simple and nuanced, featuring a twangy, sliding acoustic guitar that captures the film’s neo-Western essence. Released in 1984, Wenders’ film received acclaim, especially for Cooder’s evocative music.
This unexpected choice from Grohl makes sense as you envision him gazing wistfully out of a tour bus window, with Cooder’s emotional guitar melodies playing in his headphones.
It inspires a desire to take Grohl’s advice and hit the road with only Cooder’s lonely guitar for company.
