Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Brit pop going artsier, I still really like it
Of all of Bowie's musical offspring, Pulp is probably the best. My fave Pulp album.
I was in a bit of a state when this album came out. It resonated. I still can't decide if it was a solace or a bad influence. Maybe a bit of both.
I am a big Pulp fan, and I admire them more as I get older. The wit, the craftsmanship of the music and songwriting. This album doesn't have their best songs, but it's arguably their magnum opus, and it is one of those albums that really is a feat and stands out of time as something of beauty (and, in this case, allure).
Pulpy as hell. Always had an affinity for Pulp for some reason. This is a pretty good semblance of the band. Sylvia, Glory Days and TV Movie ae all standouts for me. The same way Martin Parr is quintessentially British, so to is Pulp.
For me , it’s up there with his n hers and different class. These three all have their charms and show pulp at their very best. This is the darkest of these albums and the most rock oriented. Brilliant
I have never listened to Pulp before but I loved this album. I really enjoyed all the songs. I’m definitely going to listen to more.
Not as good as Different Class but there’s no way it ever would have been. Still great. Pulp might just be my favorite britpop band
Pulp is one of my all-time favorites so I’m definitely biased on this one. It’s just fantastic for so many reasons. I feel like Pulp’s (and Blurs) 90s arc encapsulates the Britpop movement the best. His N Hers is brimming with life as the movement really goes into full flight, Different Class is the peak of the movement and tackles the central class themes of Britpop much better than its peers, and This Is Hardcore is the hangover from the party as the movement comes to an end. In terms of how it relates to the bands personal experience, it is a harsh rejection of the fame they had been seeking for over a decade. It is a purposefully going the other way as Different Class. The lyrics and sound all going into darkness, anxiety, fear, and isolation whereas its predecessor is a celebratory, unifying, call to arms. So of course Different Class will be more fun to return to. But in terms of executing the idea and mission of the record, it is just as good as Different Class. The Fear, Help the Aged, This is Hardcore, A Little Soul, and I’m a Man are all top tier Pulp songs. This record has its own unique texture compared to any of their others while still being undoubtedly Pulp. The B-sides are again excellent as is par for the course for their 90s work. The backside of the record could’ve been improved if they kept the original lyrics to Glory Days (Cocaine Socialism on the deluxe edition) and it does go on a bit long (fits with the hangover theme but feels like a cop out). I have grown to love all of the weaker songs on here but they are not as essential as Different Class where I can’t imagine any of the songs being cut. Definitely check out Like a Friend on the deluxe edition. It is one of their best but was made for a soundtrack so part of this era but not technically the album (same as Mile End from previous era). If you have the chance to see them live, I was lucky enough to go a month ago and they are phenomenal. Jarvis still sounds just as good as the 90s recordings. Rating: 4.8
A different direction to ‘Different Class’ but a great album nonetheless! If ‘Like A Friend’ made the original track list, this would be a 6!
Flawless album from Sheffields top shagger/wordsmith/gyrater Fantastic selection of tracks with a wonderful sound to them, slow burn epic torch song vibes.
Never heard pulp before. The instrumentals are mostly slower and moody (not very hardcore), and the lyrics sound like it's about the most annoying horny guy you knew in college having a self-destructive quarter-life crisis. Definitely made me slightly uncomfortable at times. 9/10 really enjoyed it. Gonna go listen to more of their stuff. Favs: The Fear (the 5 seconds of theremin?!!?!? and then the hammered dulcimer for the second half?? excellent I love it); This is Hardcore; Like A Friend; The Day After The Revolution; Sylvia;
One of my favourites. Works together seamlessly, part seedy part uplifting.
Heavy 80’s instrumentation. Took me a minute, but this really vibed well with my train ride north
Brilliant!
Every song felt epic and unique
This was the first Pulp record I listened to. I'd heard a couple of other songs from them, I remember Common People specifically, but this album was my first introduction to what a Pulp record is. And what a record. 17-year-old me was sold. Even the lighter fare on this record has an edge or a darkness to it. There's nothing soft, which is of course entirely appropriate. Standouts for me are "The Fear", "Party Hard", "Help the Aged", "This is Hardcore", and "A Little Soul".
one of my favorite discoveries
Wow, this was really awesome. Never heard of them before but made me feel good and I loved it. Want to hear more from them!
Kad se sve zbroji i oduzme ovo mi je najbolji pulp. Strašan post fame album di sve umisto dva koplja popičnije ide u totalni mrak. Dishes mi je jedna od top stvari svih vremena❤️
some interesting social commentary with a lot of - maybe too much - sultry vocal fry. might try listening to it again later
Sounded like a more modern love child of Bowie and Pink Floyd
I like this Britpop album. You can tell Jarvis Cocker is a bit of a wordy songwriter, but can pull it off without being too pretentious.
Actually really enjoyed this. Didn't know what to expect. But I really liked it.
A Pulp album that I have not spent any time with. Very enjoyable and looking forward to putting it up there with His N Hers and Different Class. Faves: hard to say it gets better towards the end, probably every song after This Is Hardcore
9/10 хочется переслушивать Рок, вокал, бек - все прекрасно и в своем стиле
I think they are my favourite of the Britpoppers. Thanks for coming to my Ted talk
I wasn’t familiar with Pulp before starting this list, but I reviewed Different Class over 600 albums ago, and I absolutely loved it. I bought a copy of Different Class, and I’ve listened to it quite a bit over the last couple of years or so. I’ve really been looking forward to This Is Hardcore, and I’m honestly shocked that I didn’t just listen to it on my own before it was assigned to me. I don’t know any of the songs on here, but I’m really excited to give this a listen! I really enjoyed listening to this album, and I thought it was incredibly well made. This Is Hardcore definitely has a different Vibe to it than Different Class, but I enjoyed this album’s darker and moodier tone. I thought this album was incredibly strong from start to finish, and while there were definitely some songs that I liked more than others, I didn’t think the quality sagged at all during any part of the album. I find Pulp’s musical sound to be really big and bold without being self-indulgent, and that was on full display here. The piano playing and string arrangements gave this album a sense of being really well-refined, but it did it in a way that never felt pretentious. I loved Jarvis Cocker’s singing on this album as well, and I thought his voice was really well suited to the themes of disillusionment, fame, and getting older. Cocker and company explore these themes in a variety of ways, with a good mix of poppy ballads and upbeat rock. I was a bigger fan of the upbeat rock songs, like “The Fear,” “Party Hard,” and “Glory Days,” but tracks like “A Little Soul” and “I’m A Man” were fantastic too. This was a fantastic album, and it takes the listener on a really emotional journey over the course of its one-hour runtime. I would definitely listen to this again, and I’ll probably buy a copy of it very soon.
Dark, Ruminating, Self-reflective, and wonderful
Actually ended up loving this. Didn't at first but it warmed up.
Cocker’s lyrics are a delight on this. Almost as good as Different Class. 4.5 stars but 5 on site.
When I first heard this album I was probably 22, and the songs here – like those on Different Class – were all about someone else. I softly chuckled at the fates of these anxious middle aged men. But now... now some of this is a bit closer to home. Outside of the university bubble, the chimp is sometimes there sitting on my back [The Fear], I have swapped some of my wild aspirations for domestic duties [Dishes], and I can't remember the last time I was out past midnight [Party Hard]. And beyond all of the journeys and the characters these songs take you on, the music is absolutely mind-blowingly phenomenal. Why don't people talk about how incredible The Fear is? Or This is Hardcore? Or Party Hard? These are top class soundscapes. Yes, there are a few tracks which are a bit less exciting, a bit less memorable. And it's easy to compare this with Different Class and feel like there's something missing. But let's not quibble. This album is a solid 5, a top piece of work.
This Is Incredible "I am not Jesus but I have the same initials" Jarvis is better than Jesus and although only 40% of the way through this list I doubt that there will be many better than this
Amazing album. JC (not Jesus Christ, the singer just has the same initials) really knows how to write a good powerful song, with perfect use of energy. The lyrics are great too. This album runs on a little long (especially if you listen to the CD version of the last song with a 10 minute outro) but there are in no way any bad songs here. They're all gold
Not sure if was my mindset what I listened to it, but this was awesome.
JARVISSSS
Class
i’m gonna give this a 5 solely because i can’t stop listening to it
Pre-listening thoughts: PULP!!! I’m kind of sad that this is the last Pulp album we get. His N Hers isn’t on this list (shocked tbh) so I might just listen to it anyways on my own time. Post/during listening thoughts: this certainly has a different tone than Different Class but I kind of dig it. “I am not Jesus but I have the same initials” is cracking me up. I like the more mellowed out tracks on this album a lot. People complained that it sort of falls into “lazy tempo territory” but even if it does I have absolutely no problems with that. The one leg up that Different Class has over this album is Common People. And I’m so serious. That song is so incredible and while this album is also great, there’s no standout like Common People (although Glory Days sounds a LOT like Common People to me). I’m so so torn on my score for this album and literally rewrote this review three times. It’s really really good and I wish I could give it five stars but there are just a few weaker links that sink it to a four and there’s no real standout track. Ughhhhh 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: I mean not necessarily? But damn it, I’m gonna recommend Pulp to the masses now Fav tracks: almost everything 🙏 Least fav tracks: Party Hard, Seductive Barry *EDIT* - I relistened to this one and my god it is a 5. I’m sorry Pulp I feel like I did you so dirty on first review. I liked both of the tracks I marked as least favs. Like didn’t even realize I had disliked them on first listen. It’s at least a 9/10.
liked this one alot.
I really liked this, other than the fact that roughly the last seventh of the album is just the last chord of the last song held out for 10 minutes. That was stupid but I still really liked this
Obviously a decline from their 2 previous albums and the title track is very cringe. However, there are some great songs on here and Jarvis hits form when needed. Bring back the 1990s
Sounds kind of like a punk David Bowie
a beautifully crafted and volatile british rock album, with plenty of raunchy and rough sounding songs about humanity's turmoils and random turns. partying, exhaustion, love, anxiety. the almost sinister and gothic atmosphere is perfect for those who like their alt rock and gloomy new wave. i love that the material is never too scary, but rather refined in nature. it's a classy emotional, and uniting rock album.
the lyrics are bad at times, but overall I’m drawn to the dry humor and grandiose instrumentation of indie rock.
Great Pulp album. His N Hers and Different Class are 10/10. This Is Hardcore is 9/10 (both in 1998 and in 2024).
I'm not a huge fan of Brit pop, but for some reason that I haven't been able to figure out yet, I really liked this album. I probably should revisit Different Class now, which I only gave three stars.
Ive only ever known Pulp for Common People, a funny rock song that also goes kind of hard. This album also carries that humor and tone. Jarvis Cocker is a clever, tongue in cheek artist. And the music sounds good too. I like this sound from a decsde that is typically pretty grumpy. My favorites are Help the Aged, Seductive Barry, and I'm a Man.
Hell ye, this is hardcore
Well, they are my favorite so I am biased and of course this is perfect. What an amazing follow-up to another perfect album (Different Class). I don’t mind skipping ‘Seductive Barry’ though, and I infinitely prefer the version of ‘Like A Friend’ that’s on the soundtrack to A Life Less Ordinary, but that’s just a minor gripe.
On Pulp's arguably most mature release they move a little away from in-your-face catchiness for a more cerebral, sensual, sweaty play. There is some distinctly nasty tone to everything and that makes it all just oh so much more voluptuous.
I like this energy and these lyrics. "The Fear" is a strong start to this album. "Dishes" follows up by somehow being both silly and serious. Love the title track too! Surprised by how much I liked this album.
Bowie/costello/weezer/new wave vibe
i loved this!!!
I wasn’t super impressed with the first track—nothing wrong with it, but it didn’t seem to be anything special. But I loved the second track, “Dishes,” and it completely changed how I heard the rest of the album. There’s a definite Bowie influence here. The thing I like about Britpop is the catchiness it has compared to grunge, and though this album has some darkness to it, the songs remain catchy, memorable, and fun. There are some sonic similarities to Super Furry Animals (who I adore), but this feels less experimental and a bit more grounded. Tracks 2-4 are top notch. “I’m A Man” and “Sylvia” are also bangers. After my first listen, I wasn’t certain how I was going to rate it. I gave it a second listen and enjoyed it more the second time through. I think I’m probably going to grow to like this album more with repeated listens. I think though I’d probably give it a 4.5 if I could, I’m going to round down because it didn’t grab me as effectively on first listen. But I have a feeling I may one day regret giving it only a 4. EDIT: It's been two years since this initial listen, but I've come to absolutely adore Pulp—and it all started with this album. I don't think "This is Hardcore" is a perfect record, but it has a viewpoint, great songs, and launched my personal love for Pulp and Jarvis Cocker. "The Fear" has grown on me considerably, but it really works best when compared to the music Pulp had released up to that point. "Dishes" remains a favorite. "Like A Friend" is another all-timer for me (though I know it technically doesn't come from this album). Anyway, all things considered, I have come to regret that initial 4 star rating, and have come to rectify it.
Solid outing and a great sound.
Pulp is a still low key gem, they never became huge but they sure are great
BRILLIANT
I love Pulp, they are great. I love the lyrics, they are so simple and to the point usually. Jarvis' voice is so iconic and the general theme is excellent throughout. I prefer Different Class to This is Hardcore but it's still a banger
I came to Pulp quite late, about uni time, they are now probably in one of my top 3 bands, Jarvis's lyrics and voice are just amazing, I love the storytelling in his songs. This album I haven't listened to as much as His 'n' Hers and Different Class but still love it. TV Movie is so sad, listened to that one a few times. The last track Like A Friend is v good as well, makes me think of a lot of past interactions
10/10 damn, I loved the other Pulp stuff I’ve heard, but this is peak
Pulp's "In Utero." Dour and uncertain after a cult classic. What it lacks in Nirvana's vitriol it makes up for in cinematic grace, especially on the title track.
Instant obsession
only could find this one song. liked the songc
I think I can count Pulp pas the band I'm most glad I discovered as part of this exercise. I was teetering on 4/5 for this, but as I'm about to go back and listen to this and Different Class again, right now, it's got to get the 5 for stoking my interest.
A Lovely followup to their "breakthrough" album this is just strange enough to want me to listen over and over again!
Another Pulp masterpiece
Loved it. Not sure what to day. It was idiosyncratic, dynamic, had a bunch of nuance. And the long held chord outro on the final track? Chef's kiss.
A bit of good old brit pop, the fears gotta be one of the best songs ive heard.
oh how i love pulp!!! enormement...
epic, 10/10
Pulp’s masterpiece. Beautifully constructed pop songs with a surprising undercurrent of paranoia and, well, The Fear. The darkness seems to come from Cocker actually achieving his dream of music stardom and critical acclaim only to be hit by - what next? What was that ambition otherwise hiding from me, lurking in the shadow? What did I think that would fix? And here the answer - or the response - on record. The arrangements and orchestrations are sublime and the band’s performances are truly excellent. A great work of art, with a band progressing from observation on Different Class to introspection on This is Hardcore. Magnificent and a worthy come down album to the highs of BritPop. RIP Steve Mackey.
The most grim Britpop album ever. Brilliant.
Really enjoyed that - opened my ears up to Pulp. Quite melodic in place and shows there's more to them than 'Common People' which still seems to get overplayed all these years on....
1998. The bloom of Britpop has faded. The main characters are either in hiding or falling apart. Princess Diana is dead. Cool Britannia is officially on ice. Jarvis Cocker is aware of this. At one point, Pulp were one of biggest bands in Britain after years of being under the radar. His N' Hers and Different Class had propped and pushed them into stardom. Yet this is different. This is altogether new. This is exhilarating. This is suffocating. This is sleazy. This is uneasy. This is offensive. This is hardcore. Pulp's highest of highs were complimented by the lowest of lows. Long sojourns towards the deepest depths of despair and debauchery were allowed. The lonely and sexually frustrated housewives were replaced by distant fathers, forgotten lovers and memories of a golden age. Pulp were no longer playing things safe (and never did, to be honest), they had gone off the deep end. And it was for the best, for their penultimate album is perhaps the best statement they have made. What exactly would we do for an encore? It's best that we shall not know.
Here's comes Billy Boy with his head like a cement mixer and horror movie smile. Look at him performing backflips for the crowd outside of the back of Tesco. He makes me feel sick to my stomach. His propeller mouth and his bulging belly hanging out over his tight jean shorts. A short-sighted lager swigger, with flame hair, drooling at the sight of the penguins dancing in the blizzard.
Nice album, really good
I LOVE love love this. How have I not listened to Pulp before?
A 90’s gem. Reminded me how sad I am I missed out on tickets for their new tour. I don’t think anyone tells a story in a song like Jarvis Cocker, and when he cranks up the emotion it’s like a punch in the stomach. It’s long, but I never got bored or wished it was shorter. A brave change too following Different Class, and definitely a more refined sound than almost all other bands of that Britpop era. They reckon this album finished Britpop. Good. It’s been a long time since I properly listened to this and even then there’s a good few songs I didn’t recognise. Sounds fresh. Sounds class.
“What exactly do you do for an encore? Cause this is hardcore” Accurate statement.
My 2nd or 3rd album on this thing was The Verve’s Urban Hymns. My review was something like, I only like slow Brit pop if it’s Pulp. This is the album I was referring to.
Enjoyed this a lot. Great combination of varied alt rock songs with interesting lyrics.
So, I have heard like, one Pulp song before in my life, and while I didn't mind it or anything, I had no particular hopes for this album. But I really liked this! Don't know if it's quite a true 5, but relative to what I expected, I'm happy to round up. Some slight Bowie-ish vibes that I really enjoyed.
I’m going to be a bit generous, but here we go. 4.5 / 5
I like this. One of the most unique brit-pop I have listened to and I very much enjoy the theatrics. I wish it really was hardcore though.
Unbelievable beauty
Jarvis H. Tapdancing Cocker
So much better than I remember. At the time I thought This is Hardcore was luck lustre compared to Pulp's previous albums. It is just different and in many ways better. It is like a concept album focusing on a very British brand of sleaziness. I can almost smell the stale cigarettes, disinfectant, and vaseline as I listen to this album. Where I doubt I could listen to Common People again on a regular basis, I have now found a new Mellow album to wind down to in This Is Hardcore
Now that's a fucking album. Another band I have heard of but never listened to. I've been missing out. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Loved this one! Possibly the best brit-pop album and one of the best British new wave albums I've heard. The music doesn't stand out all that much by itself and there were no real standout tracks. But it was just excellent as a whole. All of the elements really come together to turn elements that could be drawbacks into strengths - it's sleazy, but just the right kind of sleazy, it has an air or self-importance, but is convincing enough to pull it off, the vocals are frequently off-key, but the singer is skilled enough to make clear that it's on purpose. Count me a fan.
nakon šta san poslušala Different class, ništa manje nisan ni očekivala! iznenadilo me šta mi je čak nekoliko pisama poznato otprije, ali ovako slušajući cili album, ostavljaju upotpunjen dojam. Posebno me obradovala This is hardcore jer, za razliku od drugih pisama, ima istaknut klavir umisto gitare šta je neobično za ovaj đir glazbe. 4.5/5
Ovaj challenge mi je otkrio Pulp. Hvala na još jednom albumu!
Wow. This was suprisingly fantastic. I did not expect it to be. Silly me :)
I love this album.
Fun album. Good voice, spectacular lyrics.
Very fun album with a lot of stylistic diversity. Peaks early with more a more goth-rock/darker sound before moving to brighter glam-rock on the 2nd half, which is good but not as engaging in my opinion. Still a blast to listen to overall with a lot to enjoy. Top tracks: The Fear, Help the Aged, This is Hardcore
Listens: 4 Standout Tracks: Dishes, This Is Hardcore, Like A Friend I liked this a lot more than their other album, Different Class; It reminds me of The Cure'. The blurb on YTM suggests an art rock approach and glam rock influences, but I don't really hear that. When I think glam rock, I think KISS and other hair-metal bands, not whatever this is. But, what the hell do I know. I'm no music expert, even after almost 500 albums down on the List so far. Anyways, top track for me is the titular track, This is Hardcore. Great creeping progressive sound at the beginning of the track with the trumpet and piano. And, all things considered, its pretty explicit... it feels simultaneously clean and dirty.
Having skipped over it altogether, I’m still coming to grips with the term "Britpop" — and releases like this make me think it’s more of a catch-all term than a description of any particular sound. Because I had always assumed Pulp was a rowdy lad band in the vein of Blur or Oasis when that clearly isn’t the case. This is Hardcore has a harrowing autobiographical arc that reminds me of Wall-era Pink Floyd; the title track adds a bleak desperation to a song about carnal desire and objectification. It’s not always the easiest of listens in that way, but Jarvis Cocker is a clever songwriter with a lot more to say than, say, the Gallagher brothers: “I am not Jesus / Though I have the same initials / I am the man / who stays home and does the dishes.” I’ll definitely revisit this one.
01) The Fear - 9,0 02) Dishes - 8,0 03) Party Hard - 8,0 04) Help the Aged - 9,0 05) This Is Hardcore - 9,5 06) TV Movie - 8,0 07) A Little Soul - 8,0 08) I'm a Man - 8,5 09) Seductive Barry - 8,0 10) Sylvia - 8,0 11) Glory Days - 8,0 12) The Day After the Revolution - 7,5 TOTAL: 8,29 (83/100) Current ranking: 207/945
This was a nice change of pace from the last few albums I got... The Residents (awful) and Lightning Bolt (putrid). So perhaps it got a bit of an artificial bump but I enjoyed it a lot nonetheless.
Pulp is the band I miss most often on song quiz. Simply put it's just good 90s alternative. I'm sure it's huge overseas but here in the United States they definitely went under the radar. I don't know. I feel like it's almost as if somebody decided to take with the pixies were doing but apply to late 90s pulp fiction/fear and loathing vibes. You should listen to it. It's good. I may actually check out more of what they did.
not too bad. similar to may other albums on the list tho
Pretty solid! The title track really stood out as something with a lot of energy, and the other songs didn’t quite keep it up
Pulp pulp pulp pulp pulp pulp pulp. Non stop references to smoking cigarettes. They’re soo fucking cool, this album is fantastic, moody, reflective, crescendos everywhere. Songs that are all so well constructed. Come on 4.0/5.0 Best Song: Sylvia
Superb album, superb song writer, one of Englands very best. Although i think this is probably their third best album. Best Track: Help the aged
Vocals were just right, music sounds nostalgic. I listened to this on a sunny morning at 6am and it was perfect.
Help the aged alone bumps from 3 stars to 4 stars
I'm a man! Great song, classic Britpop reminding me of Bowie etc.
Never really liked Jarvis Cocker’s style of singing. Also didn’t know this album from before, but I gave it a chance. It’s better than I thought it would be. Not great, but quite good. Favourites: This Is Hardcore, Help The Aged and The Fear
I always confuse Pulp with Blur and I'm like "I love the woo-hoo" song! Then I realize this is not that band. This band has more of a Bowie/Floyd influence than their peers IMHO. The back half of the ablum has much more depth and what feels like a bit of Primal Scream, The The influence as well. Seductive Barry is an epic track. This remaster is headphone music. It's big and grand at times, while feeling intimate at others. Since I brought up the deluxe reissue, I ended up with a 15 minute version of The Day After the Revolution (Long Outro) and two songs in between that one and the original last track Like a Friend. I skipped those two. This album is a grower. The album should have ended on Revolution.
Not their best album but it’s their 2nd best. It apparently was mostly written in a strip club. That’s what I’ve heard and I will forever believe it. Choice cut: This is Hard Core
Not what I expected but was a nice listen. Ebbed and flowed differently throughout, which made it interesting. Perfect style for my day
More of this
This iis my 2d Pulp album after "Different Class" and they are a band that after listening makes me believe that I should have paid more attention to 30 years ago. This is a horny sounding album but oddly enough the titular song is not the best example of the horniness. This iis a well made album. There is a variety of thpe of song and everyhthing sounds good tegether.
I liked this more than Different Class, which was surprising to me. I enjoyed the more glam elements of this album, and it also felt like it had more range. If I'm putting on a Pulp album in the future, I'm reaching for this first.
Jarvis Cocker is easily the most acerbic of the 90s Brit Pop bunch. This record isn’t as much fun as Different Class but it’s way better than 99% of the Brit Pop on this list.
Pulp's a group that I appreciate and applaud for always going for it -- they build big crescendos and the releases of that tension are often anthemic. I do feel like I have to commit several listens before really connecting with any of it. for my ears, there just isn't much immediacy from most of these songs, and that's okay. not everything needs to be ear candy.
Why doesn’t America produce any frontmen like Jarvis Cocker, or Morrissey, or even that guy from King Krule? I feel like it has something to do with the UK’s tabloid culture, but idk. There’s a PHD thesis for you sociologists out there.
I like it but its no Different Class
Pulp son otro ejemplo de grupo heredero de todas las cosas que me flipan de los 70 y 80, sobre todo ingleses, ero aportando también su propia movida. Very good.
This is the first time I've listened to this album start to finish. There are some definite R.E.M. vibes, as well as Velvet Underground, and Bowie going on here, and I really like it. The single "Help the Aged" is probably one of the weaker songs on the album, in my opinion. It make me wonder what the record company was thinking.
Digging the moodiness
This was a brilliant next step after Different Class, with a darker, more morbid approach. Jarvis does particularly great in this sleazy enviroment, especially in the tracks such as The Fear, which require a pretty big range, both vocally and emotionally. Kudos to the rest of the band as well, everyone leaves a special mark at a certain point here. Still, it's not quite as consistent as one would expect a Pulp album to be at this point. There is a decent number of tracks I tend to skip nowadays. However, the highlights are some of my favourite tracks of the decade, so it evens out overall. Favourite track: This Is Hardcore
Some really fantastic songs, some snoozers.
7/10… brit pop / art rock / *1998
Classy, lyrical
A Little Soul is a top tune
les musiques sont bien et j'ai l'impression qu'elles me rappellent qqchose mais j'arrive pas à mettre le doigt dessus
this was a darker and more intense record to their critically acclaimed Different Class, but this was a good step in the right direction for the i think this was a really well made album with a good idea around it, class
Great band! The only ones that I didn't like on this album were TV Movie, Little Soul, and Seductive Barry because those drag a bit. Liked the rest.
Pulp really has a way of growing on a person. I’m still not a super fan, but I’ve found a deep appreciation for their song structures and unique, dramatic sense of style. It didn’t occur to me how much they are indebted to David Bowie until I heard Party Hard. This album may hold a slight edge overall to Different Class, though that houses Common People, which is definitely one of the best songs of the 90’s. 4.5/5
Very good.
Actually a pretty good new discovery for me. Pleasantly surprised
heard of this band but never listened before. thought this was awesome.
Hadn't heard of this before and enjoyed it.
Didn't zone out except for the last song. Was a long ass song. Interesting lyrics.
Sad Jarvis is still great Jarvis.
Þyngri en Different class en samt mjög góð.
This is Brit Pop's last wave of brilliance before its current resurgence
I love Pulp! I think I’m a Man was my fave.
Great album! I was a little bit hesitant at the start because it didn’t have any of the Pulp songs I knew on there and the first seemed more experimental/less accessible. But I really liked this. Also Pulp still out here releasing great songs in 2026! My favourites were: Sylvia, Glory Days, TV Movie and A Little Soul
This is really great. I love the evident Bowie influence. Britpop has never been my favourite genre, but I’ve always enjoyed the Pulp that I’ve listened to (even if it’s just Different Class). I’m glad that I listened to more of them because these songs have really well constructed drama to them. They just sonically build (or sometimes don’t) in the background and it tells a very nice little musical story.
A very good album with a provocative cover and title. I could use a deeper dive into Pulp, but my feel is this is slightly less enduring than Different Class, but still worthy of classic status.
Nice listen
This was my first Pulp album, and I really enjoyed it. I liked the slow moodier tone, and there’s a kind of sleazy tone I quite liked. The arrangements are pretty lush, and some are quite cinematic. Can’t really explain why, I just quite liked this.
Pulp Rules. I wish I liked them more. Sick Jeff Rosenstock Cover.
I feel like this one did a decent job "closing the door" on 90s Britpop and set the stage for some of the indie rock/pop that emerged on the scene around this time. Did really like the grooves on this one.
Weird. I know I've never heard this album(I've also never heard of the band), yet, it sounds so familiar. Maybe it's because this is supposed to be how British 1990s Hard Rock music sounds like. Really, that's fine with me. Favorite Track: "Help The Aged".
I really like Pulp's sound, they may fall under the Britpop branding but they aren't anything like Oasis or Blur, very lush pop songs, interesting lyrics, and Jarvis makes for a great front man.
Not up there with Different Class, and also not in Fiver territory with His n Hers (which I do hope comes up). But still bloody good, can’t get enough of Jarvis. Technically my favourite Pulp song is on the deluxe edition of this as well. Simpsons: No
Dit album heeft mij echt verrast. Ik vond het veel toffer om naar te luisteren dan ik dacht. 1 minpuntje: (bijna) alle nummers bezitten echt zeer toffe passages, maar er is er (denk ik) geen dat stand houdt in zijn geheel, altijd wel ergens waar ze de bal laten vallen :/
Is nice. Had the pleasure of seeing Pulp a few weekends ago. They've still got it after how many decades. Title track off this one went particularly hard.
Pulp is an odd creature. Over the years as various Pulp records come out the challenge is really what kind of record are you going to get. Jarvis is to the 90s as Robert Wyatt was to the 80s. More British than Britain you never know how a record will sit with you particularly as a listener from across the pond. This is Hardcore is a sad fucking record. Not because it is bad - it isn’t. It’s sad because it is an album filled with morose observations about life as a middle aged person who has just enough experience with life to recognize the slow descent into oblivion. The Gear, Dishes and Help The Aged set a sonic and lyrical tone for the record, which, in my honest assessment, is the best Pulp records up until their recent return. At time there are interesting diversions on this record such as I’m A Man which captures just enough Bowie/Bolan/Roxy moments to be fun. To be fair, Pulp always were Glam adjacent but that is fully realized on this record of mellow glam. Seductive Barry is the full realization of Jarvis’ Robyn Hitchcock/ Pat Fish (Tje Jazz Butcher) fascination. This is the highlight of this record for me. 8:31 of lounge lizard music with Jarvis almost conquering his paranoia largely examined in the first 2/3 of this record. I actually like this record better than Different Class which was their hit record. The themes are certainly darker - pornography (This is Hardcore), Drugs (Fear) and finding fame and the resulting disillusionment (Glory Days). Closing track, The Day After The Revolution, could have been left off the record which is perhaps the long outro version is edited down from 14:56 to 5:52 on bonus track releases. Rest assured though, I listened to the entirety of the track as part of the amazing discipline it takes to listen to a full album every day with fresh ears and attuned to the rationale for inclusion on this list. Bye Bye. 4/5
This album was moody, dark and fascinating. To classify this as Britpop doesn't seem right to me, because it doesn't sound anything like what I associate with that term, like Oasis or Robbie Williams. Some of the songs on the back half of the album I could do without, but the first half of the album really gripped me for some reason. I think Jarvis Cocker's voice is haunting, yet I thought it worked really well with the music. I could see myself listening to (at least part) of this album again.
För mig har Pulp alltid varit "Disco 2000", men de är uppenbart mycket mer än så och en viktig del av en riktigt härlig era av britpop.
Kände inte till detta band, men det lät mycket bra!
Dramatic, weary and a fave of my wife’s
Buenísimo. Por momentos es Lou Reed en Trainspotting y luego te remata con una joyita como 'Glory Days'. Larga vida al Britpop.
Now THIS is how you do a 70 minute rock record! A nice ten minute ambient outro, good variation in the tracks, and differing but consistent production approaches? See you later! Now, maybe I just went in with low expectations as I'm not a huge Pulp enjoyer but yeah, really pleasantly surprised, here!
Good and not hardcore at all. Rockin
Good album, long, but cool.
No chance I would’ve appreciated this when I was eleven, but it’s cracking - rich and interesting. Favourite track: tough to pick, but The Fear stuck with me after a first listen.
Came in expecting it to be quite meh but I found a lot of enjoyment in a few songs. 7/10
Others have mentioned how much this album sounds like David Bowe and I totally agree!
I only knew a few Pulp songs before this. If I heard anything from this album I don’t remember. But I really liked this, especially the darker tracks with more alt rock sound.
Excelente álbum! Som sombrio e sexy. Truthear Zero: Red.
Pulp is rather a good band.
This album is quite nice. However, it would never be my go to album, but, well, I guess it's a very enjoyable record. I don't think it's as deep as the band would think it is (and I say so because, at times, the album becomes redundant with not much direction or interest – I mean... that end, those ten last minutes of the same sustained note... what's the purpose of it?), but it's a good album, with some very nice songs. So, I've liked it after all.
Me encanta Pulp y nunca me había escuchado un álbum entero de ellos, me sorprendió mucho porque siento que es un estilo más desarrollado que el de los hits de los primeros álbumes. Lo disfrute un montón, se siente original y auténtico. Guarde casi todas las canciones, tengo que volver a escucharlas tho asi me hago más con ellas.
Exceeded my expectations. Bit of a big anxious melancholy wall of sound, with some beautiful melodies mixed in. Faves: The Fear, Help The Aged, This Is Hardcore
Good late 90s tunes!
I had checked out on Pulp by the time this album came out. A nice listen but doesn't have the pop punch of the earlier ones. Still a quality album.
Not my type of rock music- but fun nonetheless
If all songs were as great as the title song it would be 5 stars.
Pleasantly surprising!
I knew of them but had never listened to an album front to back. I rather liked it.
4.25/5 Stars Top Songs: This is Hardcore, A little Soul, TV movie
An uncomfortable follow up to Different Class, leaning further into the darker seamier side of life often with the harsh realities of ageing staring them in the face. I never grew to love it, but songs like Little Soul, Help the Aged and Party Hard are superb.
jeg elsker jo richard hawley!! gleder meg til å høre mer av pulp. // dette liker jeg velldig godt. teatralsk og dramatisk og spennende.
Never really heard anything other than their big hits. I really enjoyed this one. Hints of Lou Reed, Arctic Monkeys, and some nice solid tunes. Will explore more of their stuff.
Missed this one. A nice find. A bit dated sound but overall one of the few records that I never heard before on this list.
cool
Wow, I liked this a lot. I didn't love it, but it had several good bits that I listened to more than once.
Broody like Roger Waters at times. Interesting.
I really enjoy Pulp - I find Jarvis Cocker's lyrics funny, with enough perverse honesty to make them endearing and memorable. Not as immediately enjoyable as "Different Classes", I plan on relistening to this at least a few times.
Jarvis Cooker's voice is suited SO WELL for indie ballad-esque songs. Mix that with the raw lyrics, this album is truly hardcore. This is an album I needed when I was 13. It resembles coming-of-age and new, uncomfortable experiences. Dishes; This is Hardcore; Sylvia
"This Is Hardcore" is the sixth studio album by English rock band Pulp. Art rock, glam rock and Britpop are the Wiki-listed genres. Following the success of their previous album, "Different Class," tensions grew within the band which led to the departure of guitarist and violinist Russell Senior. The remaining band was Jarvis Cocker (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Nick Banks (drums, percussion), Candida Doyle (keyboards, organ, backing vocals), Steve Mackey (bass) and Mark Webber (guitar, keyboards). The album reached #1 in the UK and #114 on the US Billboard 200. It had generally positive reviews and was nominated for the UK Mercury Prize. Ominous and droning synth and guitar notes open the album in "The Fear." Cocker singing anxiously about loneliness and dread of being middle age. Big and loud backing vocals in a song that ends dramatically. A harder rock, edgy guitar is backed by a dance beat in "Party Hard." Layered vocals in a song that is glam and Bowie-esque. A cynical look at the nightlife. "This is Hardcore" slows things down initially. A dark synth and deeper piano keys. The music and vocals get louder. Strings and horns are added. Almost jazzy. The emptiness of fame I had all but given up on any Britpop-type music showing up and then the last three songs showed up. "Glory Days" layers the guitars. There's the piano. No, this is not about recalling his baseball past but a reflection on the failure of youthful idealism. "The Day After the Revolution" continues the layered melodic guitars. A similar cynical look at the mid-90's Britpop. The majority of this album is more in the vein of the glam 1970's and David Bowie and that's not a bad thing to me. There's edgy guitars, dramatic strings and synths and overall darker music and lyrics. They do throw a Britpop dog bone to us in the last three songs. If you're expecting "Different Class 2" you will be disappointed. I actually liked the glam and art rock direction and think the album is fairly strong. At nearly 70 minutes, it could be trimmed, but, overall this is an album worth a listen.
Really enjoyed this one
Rock - gritty
David Bowie sound-alike vibe
Is Different Class on this list? Very odd to get TIH before it. Jarvis is a master at writing lyrics that make me feel uncomfortable. Does that mean I can't enjoy the album as much without abstracting it as 'art'? Maybe? This album has some incredible songs - Party Hard, the title track, Help the Aged - but I do feel it doesn't hang together great as a collection. Is the regretful old man of A Little Soul the same man as the title track? Much like a film like Lilya-4-eva or Requiem For a Dream, this is a brilliant work, but not necesaarily a comfortable one. 4*, but different class is a better album.
What an entertaining album! Between the intense lyrics, dramatic themes and gritty raw execution this album drew me in on the first track and kept my interest throughout. Different Class, which we reviewed a couple months back, was the first time I had really listens to Pulp despite vaguely knowing about them for years. I liked that album but quickly forgot about it, probably a reflection of how much new music I have heard since then, but also possible it had something to do with it not making quite as strong an impression on me. This is Hardcore is the the realm of album that feel a little bit like you can't look away, waiting to hear what the next track will bring. By the end of the album the volume knob had crept up and writing this now I am considering going in for another listen. If I spent more time with this album I think it is likely it would grow on me more, and may warrant a 5 star rating.
I’ve spoken pretty poorly about britpop throughout this project; I even groaned when I saw it was another britpop album this morning. Luckily, when I threw this album on, I was reminded that Pulp are probably the britpop act I’ve enjoyed the most so far. There’s definitely a lot more of a Bowie influence that I can hear in Pulp than a lot of the other britpop acts.
Very close to giving a 5, but not as exciting as other albums. The songwriting and performances are overall great!
Might be my favorite Britpop we’ve gotten? But the bar is low, and the album overstayed its welcome.
Good album but the lyrics are clunky
I can hardly add anything new to the reviews on here. This is a fascinating album with a pitch-black cynical heart. The lyrics are gorgeous and terrible. I'm a fan.
I enjoyed this more than Different Class. Every song on the album was solid, and I listened to it multiple times.
Strong 4.5 I’ve loved Jarvis Cocker since I heard him on Chilly Gonzales’ album Room 29. His voice took a while to get used to, its character is pretty unique. I actually had no idea he had a band called pulp, this is the first time I’m hearing them. What I really admire is his writing. It’s humorous, tongue in cheek but also has an emotional depth that I connect with. The personality and wit shines through and conveys a playful non-seriousness that I find very enjoyable. The specificity of his writing is also striking, always keeping it emotionally close and intimate, speaking to a specific person often. This record is exceptionally eclectic, every song feels new to me- however it still carries a cohesiveness in its mixing and sonic motifs such as the orchestral swells and melodies bringing up the back of the arrangements. I love the mix of modern (at the time) electronic synth sounds/patches and electric guitars with more traditional orchestral arrangements. I really enjoy the songwriting, the overall chord progressions are interesting to me, emotionally resonant and great to listen to. A unique sound that stands out from anything else I’ve heard. There’s a super clear British rock pop/indie pop sound that I’m pretty familiar with- it’s a sound that heavily influenced nz music. There are a lot of genre influences sprinkled through the record, with different tracks bringing in elements from rock, alternative rock, indie, electronic music of the time, obvious Bowie influence, orchestral, a real soup of musical influence. Not a huge fan of the long songs 8-10mins. A personal preference thing- short attention span generation I guess. The mix is lush, big- wide, plenty of shimmer and shine, glossy, splashy and energetic on the high end. Haven’t been listening on my good headphones so can’t get super specific (just listening on AirPods) but the sound placement feels spacious and well arranged- everything has its space. The sound feels round and glued, with a tasteful amount of verb that creates a washy feel to a lot of the tracks- which I enjoy. I enjoy the blending of the orchestral arrangements in the back of the mix with the verbs of other elements gluing together, creating an oily blend of sound that serves the overall lush, wide, big stadium feel. Overall a good balance. Vox can get lost in the mix at times, but honestly I find it fitting for the genre, blending into the mix and become more of an instrument than main focus.
Really strong song writing. This sounds like Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie but not nearly as depressed. (Compliment) The legibility of the lyrics deserves a positive note. The music on this album has a certain "UMPH" that I really appreciate. I'm not going to hold it against it because it wasn't on the original cut but, the last song, the "long outro CD version" pissed me off. 4.4 outta 5
Great album! Another group that I was basically unfamiliar with, but good vibes, nice late '90s / early 2000s indie sound.
If this has razzmatazz or common people, it’s probably a 5 star.
Is the title intended to be ironic? Because . . .
So in This Is Hardcore, Pulp takes a left turn from UK mainstream and delivers a great album, that talks about the dark side of fame. The title track, Help The Aged and Glory Days are my highlights https://youtu.be/LxNCPe0n5sI?si=iV-t4999aYCNdd5O&t=594 the day after the revolution shouldnt be 15 minutes long
An offbeat sound that is mysteriously familiar without a hint of expected pop sensibility
languid, beautiful, desperate.
Mit This Is Hardcore liefert Pulp ein düsteres, elegantes und zugleich verstörend ehrliches Album, das sich deutlich vom Britpop-Glanz früherer Werke abhebt. Jarvis Cockers Texte sind scharfzüngig und voller dekadenter Melancholie, während die Musik zwischen orchestraler Opulenz und zynischem Pop changiert. Highlights wie der Titeltrack „This Is Hardcore“ oder „Help the Aged“ zeigen eine Band, die sich traut, das Unangenehme zu umarmen – mit Stil und Substanz. Ein mutiger, reifer Schritt, der nicht jedem gefallen will, aber genau darin liegt seine Stärke.
Very good, his voice sounds familiar to me but I don’t know from what. Very good though
This starts off sounding super Pink Floydish, then kind of pulls back into a more 90s-like alternative sound. I think I remember a couple of these guys tracks on Much Music back in the day, but they never made much of an impression on me back then. Anyway, the album is pretty cool honestly. Some of the tracks are definitely original. Probably a high 3, could see it as a 4. Might listen to again. On another note, this guy's dancing is hilarious in some of the videos. Looks like someone's grandpa trying to get groovy.
Lo acabo de volver a escuchar (mas detenidamente) y realmente es un gran álbum.
At the height of their popularity Pulp shunned the radio-friendly stuff and created a much darker record that endures with some of their best songwriting
Джарвис Кокер брызжет слюной где-то час. Лучшая песня - This is Hardcore.
This is my kind of music
Out of all the Britpop bands, Pulp seems like they have the most sex. I’m not talking about a quick “shag”. Im talking about real sex.
I know I will sound like a broken record, but this is another of those "this is the reason I'm doing this project" albums. I have never listened to Pulp before. I'd heard of them, and head of Jarvis Cocker, but never put forth effort to hearing any of their songs. I can't say why other than I just didn't give this band or any of the other Britpop groups any of my attention, other than Oasis. As soon as the record started I just dug the vibe. I loved his voice and the music, and as the album progressed I loved the different styles of songs too. I do agree with some of the reviews that it is a bit longer than it needs to be, but I'd probably only take out Seductive Barry if I was editing the record. Not that everything else is perfect, but I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the variety that was presented.
Reminds me of the music my friends played when we were younger. Good times.
This was one of my favourites and is the sound of a band maturing in a way that a lot of their peers did not. Having ridden a britpop wave with the delicious 'Different Class' this is darker, sexier and more interesting sound with a soundtrack feel and sweeping orchestration. No longer is Jarvis peaking through a wardrobe door, he is writing the apology i've always wanted from my father. Its probably about 3 tracks too long to make it a 5 star, but its a really good album
Really liked the first 2 songs. Can’t really remember the rest much tho. It’s also way too long.
jarvis you crazy bastard…who else could make a record like this and get away with it? it’s somehow both sleazy and sincere, sexy and silly…and yet it doesn't get me in the gut the way "different class" does. there is admittedly a glaze of irony over the whole album that serves to undermine the emotional resonance of the more straightforward songs. but it really is proof that pulp was operating on a totally different level than everybody else during this time. including suede!! fav tracks: this is hardcore; party hard; the fear; dishes; sylvia; like a friend; the day after the revolution; a little soul
i love the sound of this album and how his voice enhances how dark and atmospheric it feels. i can't say there are so many songs on it that i can see myself returning to outside the context of the full album, but i really enjoyed myself while listening.
An interesting follow up to Different Class. It's a lot more neurotic and dark, verging on paranoid at times. Whilst it doesn't have the pop anthems of its predecessor, it's full of great songwriting and layered tracks.
I liked this a lot better than Different Class. The lyricist(s) toned down the sexuality and innuendos and had some clever and thoughtful moments “Oh and I could be a genius If I just put my mind to it And I could do anything If only I could get round to it”. Good stuff there. It has elements of the asshole in a suit genre that I like; nick cave, father john Misty, Leonard cohen, the National.
I love the attitude Pulp bring to their work. Jarvis Cocker has a very personable style to his singing that I can’t help but admire. While I’m not so hooked on the balance of these songs, there’s enough here to really pique my curiosity. The deluxe version of this album also has some great tunes to spare. I hope we see more Pulp on this list! An optimistic 4 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First listen of this and it's pretty great. Very melodramatic and lyrical. Could be a five with repeat listens, just some of the later tracks passed me by somewhat.
Really enjoyed it. Much more swagger and a bit more polished than Different Class. Class album
I was quite surprised to see this album of Pulp, instead of their breakthrough and fourth album " Different Class" but after a thorough listen, I can hear why. This album is simply better, more mature with a dark twist of desperation and fear, perfectly encapsuled in songs like "The Fear," "Seductive Barry," and "Help the Aged". Even in the more uplifting (Bowie-esque) song "Party Hard" is a shimmering of fear present. Although the last songs on the album are more hopeful and try to find redemption like "Glory Days," "The Day After the Revolution", this is definitely a band that has been growing up after their immense success of their breakthrough album. 4/5
A really very good album, I loved the mixture of indie, theatrics and a lead singer who sounds similar to Bowie. The one major downside of this album and maybe because it’s Spotify is that stupid final song which is 14minutes but more than half is an outro, aside from that a great listening experience
Quite fun! Would be open to relistening, but nothing that really stood out at first listen. Probably 3.5/5, but I'll round up if pushed
It was so good that I almost rated it 5 stars, but after some thought, I felt that 4.5 was a more accurate score
It may be hardcore … but it’s not a different class
Really enjoyable. Great afternoon listen. Will listen to more Pulp!
7/10
Beforehand, I haven't dug into this one much, I've only known the title song, which I thought was just okay and Help The Aged, thanks to the Ali G clip (I still can't stop adding in the Ali G verses in my mind whenever I listen to that one, "Help the motherfuckin' aged, don't put them in a mofo home..."). All the songs felt very epic. I noticed a lot of them use a structure similar to the band's most famous song, Common People, which starts off calm, but gets more hard rocking later on. And it works! Although, my favourite song on this album is one that doesn't seem to use this structure, Party Hard. The strange electronic vocals in the chorus sound very Daft Punk-esque. And the guitar just sounds great. I also love the title song, The Fear, which really does have that fearful atmosphere. Overall, an awesome album, possibly even better than Different Class.
Play better than the first I think I enjoyed it enough that I would go back and listen to common people again and maybe re-write nice work hope 7.9
manwhore of the universe
This was the first Pulp album I got, mostly because I was curious about the band William Shatner covered (“Common People.”) I loved this weird album then, and remember preferring it to Different Class, which I finally got some years later. It’s a better Bowie-influenced album than any Arcade Fire album (including that one Arcade Fire album with Bowie on it). I’m looking forward to revisiting this again, especially as coming back to it like 15 years after I first heard it feels new and fresh.
Great! Never heard of Pulp before. Looking forward to putting this album on rotation.
„This Is Hardcore“ erschien 1998 und wurde in den Londoner Metropolis Studios sowie in Sheffield aufgenommen. Pulp, eine britische Band um Jarvis Cocker, bewegten sich damit deutlich weg vom optimistischen Britpop-Sound der Vorgänger. Stattdessen dominierten dunklere Themen, getragen von schweren Arrangements und einer teils bedrohlichen Stimmung. Bekannt sind vor allem die Titelstücke „This Is Hardcore“ mit seinem epischen, fast filmischen Charakter und „Help the Aged“, das bereits vorab als Single veröffentlicht wurde. Auch Songs wie „Party Hard“ oder „A Little Soul“ zeigen die Band in einer reflektierten, oft zynischen Haltung, die den Ton des Albums prägt. Musikalisch reichen die Stücke von orchestralen Popballaden bis hin zu düsteren Rock- und Elektronikelementen. Das Album markiert einen Bruch in der Karriere von Pulp: weniger euphorisch, dafür experimenteller und introspektiver. Gerade dadurch hat es sich als wichtiger Beitrag zur britischen Popgeschichte etabliert, auch wenn es kommerziell nicht an den Erfolg von „Different Class“ heranreichte.
Shit do I like britpop now
Really like Pulp. Best of the britpop bands i think
I actually liked this for the most part, although sometimes the singer’s voice irritated me. There are a couple songs I’ll keep for my 1001 Highlights playlist.
Very cure coded, not sure how it took me so long to listen to this band
423/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
Released as the Britpop wave was receding, 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘐𝘴 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘦 feels like a deliberate step away from the scene’s bright, celebratory mood. The album dives into themes of decadence, disillusionment, and the hollow aftertaste of fame, with arrangements that are darker, grander, and more cinematic than the jangly guitar pop of the mid-90s. Jarvis Cocker delivers some of his most cutting and uncomfortable lyrics here, set against lush strings, brooding electronics, and slow-burning grooves. It’s not built for instant singalongs, but its ambition and atmosphere make it one of the most compelling swan songs of the Britpop era.
8/10 Favorite: Sylvia
Another solid pulp album
If Different Class was a state of the nation album then this is very much a state of the human follow up And though Jarvis himself probably wasn’t in the best place, the songwriting remains top drawer
This is the second Pulp album that came up in the space of a week. It's darker and moodier than A Different Class, and I think I like that about it.
Liked this quite a bit. Very British, dark and sleazy, and Jarvis's Goth-Bowie vibe works well for the most part. Not perfect by any means but a fitting end to the britpop era.
Enjoyed
There's a lot of great tracks on this album - many of which push the boundaries of Britpop. I can see myself going back to this album again in the future. The only reason why it's a 4 and not a 5 is some of the tracks run a bit longer than they need to.
Never sought out Pulp before but I think I will now. A thoroughly enjoyable experience with clever songwriting, decent vocals and catchy instrumentation. I understand the Glastonbury hype now!
наконец-то жанр, который мне нравится, ура! как написал кто-то в рецензиях здесь - это самый боуиевский альбом, который сделал не дэвид боуи, и с этим не поспоришь! стильно, хорни, немного танцевально и абсолютно чарующе. но как будто чего-то не хватило немного... I am not Jesus, though I have the same initials (джарвис кокер, you will always be famous......)
1. The Fear 2. I'm A Man 3. Sylvia
A really solid album by the band, even if it was the final nail in the coffin for Britpop. A lot darker than their previous albums, probably a reflection of how the band were feeling at the time. Just slightly too long and the single choices for this album were poor. 1. THIS IS HARDCORE 2. THE FEAR 3. HELP THE AGED 4. SYLVIA 5. DISHES 6. I’M A MAN 7. A LITTLE SOUL 8. THE DAY AFTER THE REVOLUTION 9. GLORY DAYS 10. TV MOVIE 11. PARTY HARD 12. SEDUCTIVE BARRY
I think Pulp have become my favourite Britpop band. I was always a fan of Jarvis. His lyrics, his wit, his eccentricities. And he’s a great frontman as well. This was them trying to get away from being pop stars I reckon. A very different feel from Different Class. Just a bit too long. A strong 4 though, with potential to become a 5 over time
The first album I am rating, and I enjoyed listening to it. My knowledge of Brit rock is not far reaching, but generally it is a genre I do not enjoy a lot. Because to me, the songs I have heard so far are a little bit bland and lack genuine emotion. This album however, can really not be described as bland. "Party Hard" is really close to pop, while "Seductive Barry" is almost psychedelic. I enjoyed listening to the playfulness and the eerie feeling of the album. And taking it from the beginning to the end, I think the songs work together in well in a strange way. If you take the songs apart however, I do not feel very strongly there are any hits here.
This album has great songs with wonderfully crafted lyrics but then also has long over indulgent long songs that drag it down. This stops me giving it 5 stars as there are not enough brilliant to make up for the downfall of the others.
i wasn’t super excited when i saw the almost 70 minutes runtime for this but it did not feel long at all. these guys do such a great job of creating a really nice atmosphere. super solid in all aspects
Surprised I enjoyed it. There a strong consistent theme that helps reign in the experimental music.
Прикольный альбом
really really enjoyed this (would have given 4.5)
Quite a topical choice seeing that Pulp are on the comeback trail and also made a big impression at Glastonbury last weekend. I like Jarvis Cocker and listened regularly to his Radio 6 Sunday Service Show a few years back. His choice of music really fitted in with what I like . Like most folk really rated previous album Different Class which is also on this list. Can’t remember without checking if I’ve had that yet. A follow up album from that was always going to be tough as it was literally different class. But this is a decent album made very much in the mould of Different Class but strives to build on that and which I think it succeeds in doing. An album missing from my collection which I now need. 4/5 2/7/25
this was really well timed as i have been in a glastonbury inspired pulp haze recently. did really enjoy this.
Love Pulp, great album
Good life advice here
3,5
I think I'm gonna need to re-listen to this one a few more times before I can give definitive thoughts. It's on the longer side, and I overall enjoyed the experience and there were several highlights for me. One of the things I really liked is how striking the first track is, it's so eerie right from the get-go and intrigued me immediately. I also really enjoyed "Seductive Barry," "Help the Aged" and several other tracks. Overall a good listen, though I'd like to dig more into the lyrics and such at another time.
Definitely like this a bit more than Different Class. I felt like I locked in a lot more to Jarvis’ songwriting in this one, and it is indeed excellent. Still unsure exactly what to think of him as a vocalist, though I definitely don’t think I dislike his singing by any means. “Dishes”, “Party Hard”, “Help the Aged”, and “A Little Soul” made the biggest impressions on me on first listen, but I’m excited to keep returning to this one. 4/5
Great album. Can hear Bowie and other various influences on this but no bad thing
I first came aware of Pulp when William Shatner did a cover of "Common People" (unfortunately not on this album, and am I weird because that Shatner versions is still my favourite version). That led me to the Pulp version, which led me to Pulp, and what I found was that some tracks hit me like a sledgehammer, lyrics so sharp and insightful they feel like they should be mandatory listening at school, but other tracks...vary between nice and " what are you wining about you wanker". On this album "Fear", "I'm a man", "Glory Days" & "Like a Friend" hit me with a sledgehammer. I liked "The day after the revolution" a lot. The rest sounded like a guy moaning into his mirror with a bottle of red wine. But that’s kind of what makes the album feel like the hangover after a wild party—you don’t love every minute, but the honesty is hard to ignore.
A bit too long for its own good, but that's Britpop for ya. 4.5 bumped down to 4.
I enjoyed this. Probably won;t listen to it again.
a classic
Much like Blur’s self-titled album - this post-Britpop, dark and gritty sound is fast becoming one of my favourite periods of music. Needs another listen as I think this has potential to score higher. But for now 4/5
Never heard pulp before, I was expecting more of an Oasis/Blur sort of thing. This is more Bowie / Muse like. Video for title track was very cool. Darker or more brooding that I expected. I enjoyed though I am not sure how much I can come back to this.
I adore the sad sleaze of this album, there's not much else like it. If you listened to a version without Like A Friend on it (which is a single B-side that is technically not on this album but is on the Spotify version) - please do yourself a favor and give it a listen.
“Dishes” alone gives this album 4/5 stars. Pulp is so fun and good. Jarvis Cocker rules.
This album caught me by surprise. I really enjoyed this. The singers voice is great!
I remember giving this a chance in 1998 after liking Different Class but finding it not as accessible or fun. I borrowed it but never actually bought it. The 27 year wait was clearly what I needed as I really enjoyed this in 2025. It takes the spirit of Different Class (indeed, the spirit of Britpop, if you will), and takes it that step further. More adventurous lyrics, more experimental instrumentation and just overall a more mature, accomplished album. Still not as fun as its predecessor but not everything needs to be fun if it's well written and still has plenty of hooks and great lines.
really entertaining!
There was incredibly delicious guitar throughout the whole album, and my ears were happy listening to the instrumentation on each song. I described my feelings about this album to Ethan, saying that parts of each song excited me, but I didn't love the whole song. This was especially true on "Dishes" and "Help the Aged." My favorite songs were "The Fear," "Party Hard," "I'm a Man," "A Little Soul," and "Like a Friend." The energy in the album was contagious, I appreciated the moody British sound. The color palette of the album cover perfectly captures the feel of the album. Rating this a four because I would listen to it again and I added a few songs to my May playlist! I do however wish the album was shorter :(
my second pulp album and, if i can be quite honest, i don't know if i quite get the appeal. there's some pretty decent stuff on here but nothing really blows me away. i was generally not a huge fan of the vocals and a lot of the songs didn't do a lot for me. not sure what i'm missing, but i am very clearly missing it.
1. The Fear - 7.8/10 2. Dishes - 7.6/10 3. Party Hard - 6.5/10 4. Help The Aged - 9/10 5. This Is Hardcore - 9/10 6. TV Movie - 8.8/10 7. A Little Soul - 10/10 8. I'm A Man - 9/10 9. Seductive Barry - 7/10 10. Sylvia - 9/10 11. Glory Days - 7/10 12. The Day After The Revolution - 6/10 13. Like A Friend - 10/10 8/10
British rock. Pretty good, hard to describe. I was getting English Springsteen vibes at points, don’t know why.
A darker side of Pulp. Great album, but may not appeal to everyone who bought 'Different Class'.
I didn’t think I liked art rock before I listened to this album. Lyrically fantastic, could be better mixed/mastered
I'm curious
What a brilliant album. Much prefer this over Different Class, though I'm looking forward to giving that another go whenever it appears here. A bit overlong, but almost all of it is great. 4.5.
I liked it a lot. One reviewer said “Bowie-esque.” That got me into it. Good stuff.
Enjoyed this once I came to terms with how different it is from Different People.
I mostly agree
Really enjoyed this
Getting this in the week Pulp announce their first new album in 20+ years. Can't wait to hear it and decide where it ranks in the discography. The follow-up to Different Class, this is much more inconsistent than its predecessor but relistening to it for the first time in many years, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed some of the tracks I had largely forgotten about. There's a lovely bit of Spanish guitar in the bridge of Dishes and Sylvia's soaring chorus is anthemic for example, but Seductive Barry is overling and a bit of slog though
Pulp! Well, this is is a good album that for me is marked by Jarvis Cocker's vocals - alternately crooning, whispering, sometimes histrionic. I'm not sure how 'great' this album is, as there are one or two dud tracks in here.
p828. 1988. 4 stars. An exercise in self disgust that make you want to take a shower after listening. Sharp lyrics, all that's missing are standout tunes.
Lots of heavy guitar and powerful drumming but I love the soundscape they create playing together. I really enjoy this album
I've really only ever listened to Different Class but this album is also great. Some serious U2 vibes on it. Fight me.
Nice - a Pulp album with no tunes I've been previously overexposed to. I quite dig this - can see me voluntarily revisiting it. Fave tracks - let's say the title track. Maybe "Party Hard", too, which desperately wants to be a Bowie tune. If I was a different sort of dickhead I mighta chosen the outro because I do totally listen to ambient drone all the time that sounds like that, but album length, but these days I can just admit that I like some Pulp tunes.... 😎
Great album - love the deluxe version.