Jennifer Lawrence’s Funeral Song Pick Will Surprise You—And She Hopes You Forget This Movie!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
From her breakout role in Winter’s Bone to starring in some of the world’s biggest film franchises, Jennifer Lawrence’s career has been nothing short of meteoric. But while fans know her for her powerful performances on screen, they may not be as familiar with her diverse and eclectic music taste. In a revealing conversation with Spin shortly after the release of The Hunger Games, Lawrence opened up about her musical influences and the wide range of artists that have shaped her personal soundtrack.
Lawrence’s musical journey began with an iconic pop group. As a young girl, she was hooked on the Spice Girls, remembering fondly the first album she ever bought with her own money: “I think it was the first Spice Girls CD,” she recalled. “It was my everything. I would come home from school every day and play it as loud as I could.” Her dedication to the group was so intense that it even led to some sibling rivalry. “My room was right next to my brother’s, so it drove him nuts. Then he told me about this really cool trick that involved taking a pin and scraping the underside of the CD. I’ve never forgiven him for it. I don’t even give him Christmas presents,” she joked, showing that even in her early music years, Lawrence was passionate about her collection.
As she matured, Lawrence’s musical tastes evolved, moving from the pop anthems of the ‘90s to more reflective and introspective sounds. By the time she was 19, she discovered the legendary Joni Mitchell, whose album Blue resonated deeply with her. “I love Joni Mitchell,” she confessed. “I heard Blue when I was 19 or 20 and I thought it was the most beautiful album in the world. She’s an interesting character. I hear she’s not very nice, which would be really fun to play.” Lawrence’s admiration for Mitchell shows her appreciation for artists with depth and complexity, whose music has stood the test of time.
The actor’s music taste is incredibly diverse, blending pop, folk, and even electronic music. Lawrence’s exploration of dubstep came through her Hunger Games co-star Josh Hutcherson, who introduced her to artists like Skrillex and Bassnectar. “Josh started playing Skrillex and Bassnectar. It made my brain short-circuit in this great way,” Lawrence said, reflecting on how a genre she never expected to enjoy became a surprising favorite. This unexpected appreciation for bass-heavy, glitchy beats shows Lawrence’s willingness to embrace a wide variety of genres, from the old-school folk of Mitchell to the cutting-edge sounds of electronic music.
Interestingly, Lawrence also has a fondness for more traditional, folk-inspired bands, such as Mumford & Sons, further adding layers to her musical identity. Despite her love for dubstep, Lawrence’s admiration for the “timeless” Mumford & Sons shows her eclectic nature and appreciation for a range of musical influences.
When it came to selecting the song she would want played at her funeral, Lawrence’s choice reflected a more tender side. “I had an idea,” she said, “But I can’t do it now because it was in Love Actually. There’s a funeral and they play [the Bay City Rollers’ version of] ‘Bye Bye Baby.’ Hopefully, by the time I die, nobody will remember Love Actually and they’ll be like, ‘Oh my God, what an original idea.’” Her playful comment highlights her quirky side while still conveying the emotional connection she has to music.
Lawrence’s diverse music taste demonstrates that she’s more than just the roles she plays on screen. From the Spice Girls to Joni Mitchell and Skrillex, she’s someone who embraces a wide range of sounds, proving that her love for music is as multifaceted as her acting career. Here are just a few of the artists Lawrence mentioned during her interview:
Jennifer Lawrence’s Favourite Artists:
- The Spice Girls
- Joni Mitchell
- The Beatles
- Queen
- Skrillex
- Bassnectar
- 98 Degrees
- Bay City Rollers
- The Black Keys
- Destiny’s Child
- Mumford & Sons
Jennifer Lawrence’s music preferences mirror the same authenticity and variety that has defined her acting career—constantly evolving and ever open to new experiences. Whether it’s pop, folk, or dubstep, Lawrence has cultivated a soundscape that’s as diverse as she is.