Elijah Wood, best known for his role as Frodo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings films, has revealed his favorite album, and it might surprise some music fans—it’s not “Purple Rain” by Prince. Instead, Wood, a dedicated music enthusiast, shared that his top pick is “Sign O’ The Times,” reflecting his deep-rooted passion and broad musical knowledge.
Elijah Wood’s Musical Background and Deep Appreciation
The American actor Elijah Wood has long been recognized as much for his impressive taste in music as for his work in film. His love for music began early, largely influenced by his older brother, who introduced him to a wide range of genres and artists. An early exposure to classics like The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper” set the foundation for a journey that ventured from grunge acts like Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins to innovative British electronica bands such as The Chemical Brothers, Portishead, and Moloko during the mid to late 1990s.
While the name Elijah Wood might cause confusion with Canadian musician Elijah Woods, Wood the actor has carved out his own niche in the music world, even starting his own record label and working as a DJ in addition to his Hollywood career. His passion for music extends beyond passive listening, including active participation and curation within the industry.
The Lasting Impact of Prince on Elijah Wood’s Life
An artist who made a profound mark on Wood’s musical life is Prince. Wood credits his brother, who is seven years older, for introducing him to Prince’s work, describing the music as the soundtrack to his youth and a constant presence in his upbringing.
Prince has been a huge part of my life since I was very young, really since I can remember. My brother is seven years older than me, and he was coming up on Prince as all of that was happening. So that was kind of the soundtrack to my youth: Purple Rain, Parade, Around the World in a Day. I was reared on Prince; it’s been literally the background to my life since I can remember.
—Elijah Wood, Actor (for The Guardian)
Prince rose to global fame in the 1980s, with “Purple Rain” becoming a worldwide phenomenon after the success of the same-titled film, which earned an Oscar for Best Score, and a soundtrack that sold millions of copies. Despite the album’s acclaim, Wood’s preferences lean toward a different era of Prince’s work.
Why “Sign O’ The Times” Is Elijah Wood’s Favorite Album
Although “Purple Rain” remains iconic, Elijah Wood named the double LP “Sign O’ The Times” as his definitive favorite from Prince. Released three years after “Purple Rain,” this album delivered massive commercial and critical success and included several hit singles. The title track offered a socially charged reflection on the times, reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Notably, Wood finds the record consistently rewarding to revisit, highlighting its sophisticated production and emotional depth.
Sign O’ The Times, I think if I were to pick a favourite Prince record, it’s always been my favourite. I think it’s his masterpiece… It’s so sophisticated and so crafted, and it’s also incredibly spare, musically. It also contains two of my favourite Prince songs: ‘Ballad Of Dorothy Parker’ and ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’, which I could just listen to endlessly. So yeah, Sign O’ The Times; it’ll forever be my favourite Prince record and something that I will constantly be revisiting.
—Elijah Wood, Actor (for The Guardian)
The album’s resonance for Wood extends beyond chart performance, signifying an artistic pinnacle in Prince’s discography and standing out for its balance of complexity and simplicity. Tracks like “Ballad Of Dorothy Parker” and “If I Was Your Girlfriend” hold special meaning for Wood, reflecting his deep engagement with Prince’s body of work.
Continuing a Passion for the Arts On and Off Screen
Elijah Wood’s innovative spirit doesn’t stop at music appreciation. He remains active in entertainment, with plans to reprise his iconic Frodo Baggins role in an upcoming Lord of the Rings film set for release in 2027. Recently, Wood has appeared on Rachel Sennott’s “I Love LA” and took on a distinct character in Osgood Perkins’ comic horror film “The Monkey.” His eclectic career and wide-ranging interests underscore his creative energy and commitment to various artistic pursuits.
Elijah Wood’s favorite album, “Sign O’ The Times,” highlights not only his admiration for Prince but also his dedication to exploring music deeply. His choices reveal a lifelong journey of discovery, influenced by his family and shaped by decades of musical evolution. Wood continues to inspire fans, both with his enduring roles and his insatiable enthusiasm for music, ensuring that his voice remains a unique one in discussions about influential albums and legendary artists.
