Reviews (page 3 of 8)
I’m a first timer on this album and I liked it very much. Really a 3.5 but bumping it up.
Favourites: Dishes, Help The Aged, This Is Hardcore, Seductive Barry, Sylvia, Like A Friend
There have been some really solid albums I’ve been generated recently, and this continues the trend. I was surprised to find that I didn’t recognise any tracks on here, despite britpop in general still being quite inescapable in the UK. This album was as good and catchy as I expected of Pulp, based on their other bangers (I’m looking at you, Common People). Overall, a really fun album. I think Sylvia was my favourite track on this.
The Fear is a great intro track. As a faux Bowie Jarvis brings a really good vibe to what he does. Good album and anyone who wants to just write off genres can do this but it's an interesting album and is well performed.
He is doing a very good David Bowie. Pretty good production for the late 1990s. I enjoyed this more than Different Class. Glory Days is probably my favorite track. Dishes and This is Hardcore were alright also. For the kind of music this is the tracks could be shorter. Overall a pretty good and cohesive album.
Gutes Album!
This has got kind of a grand post punk vibe that I think actually works well. It's a sound that I think is coming back (reminds me of Black Country New Road). Overall, I liked it, though I do wish it were shorter.
I've always enjoyed listening to Pulp. However, I wasn't familiar with the album. I particularly enjoyed the beginning. I thought it was going to be one of the new top favorites. Unfortunately, the mood dimmed a little as the album progressed. Perhaps it was also due to the computer problems I had to deal with on the side. 4/5
Nice!
3.75
Bowie meets Oasis, adom 😆😎
However horny you think Jarvis Cocker is, I promise he’s hornier than that
Pulp really goes all in on this one, going beyond the cutsey power pop or laddish rock of their Brit Pop contemporaries for something lush, cinematic, and grandiose. I like the drama, the noire moods, the big melodies and huge sweeping strings, the Bowie-inspired songwriting and the arch delivery full of both earnestness and irony. There's a big gap between the best songs and the rest though - lots of mid-tempo filler without much flair to it. Favorites: The Fear, Help the Aged, This is Hardcore, Sylvia, Glory Days
Having only heard 'Common People' from Pulp before this is quite the difference. I think I probably need more time to fully appreciate what this is, so maybe I'll return to it some day and explore deeper. There seems to be some depth here Standouts Help The Aged Sylvia 4/5
9.15 ★★★★½
Darker than other Pulp. I can like that. 4.5 stars
I think I actually prefer this slightly to Different Class. Some really good songs here, including "The Fear", "A Little Soul", "Sylvia", and "Like a Friend".4 stars.
that title track though 😮💨
Listened to Different Class instead, good album, most songs I already knew were good and most I didn’t were bad
Some really good songs on this record. The length of the last song with thr elongated note that goes on for like 9 mins ruins the vibe. I'm A Man is a good tune Sylvia is another enjoyable song
I love this pervert (jarvis cocker)
This music wasn’t made for me but I do appreciate the lyrics “I’m not Jesus but I have the same initials…I’d like to turn this water into wine.” Perfect music for gay Christmas (Halloween).
The Fear // Help The Aged // This Is Hardcore // Glory Days //
Seems fine
Detta var över förväntan, inte för att jag hade så mycket förväntningar då det var ett för mig helt nytt album. Sångaren känns klart Bowie-inspirerad. Gillar mixen generellt. Albumet har helt klart något, det finns en bra variation men samtidigt ett sammanhang. Känner att jag skulle behöva flera lyssningar för att avgöra om detta är bra eller jävligt bra. Tror jag ligger någonstans mellan en 3a och en 4a men känner mig generös idag och ger det en 4a.
Not as instantly grabbing as Common People, but perhaps more longevity. Great album
22/1001 This is really interesting, while the glam rock influences are obvious and inspire some great tunes, their britpop origins aren’t forgotten, an example being I’m A Man consisting of almost stereotypical britpop riffing and guitar tone, which fits so well with the glam rock. I think the highlight of the album is the title track itself. The intro until the vocals start is brilliant and it’s slow crescendo just works. 4/5
Despite the criticism that this album received, I quite like it!
Day 12: This Is Hardcore - Pulp. There is a large bias towards British music, and Britpop in general in 1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, so it is refreshing to hear a Britpop album that seems to be doing something rather different than the traditional Britpop band o' geezers n' lads. It has a nice and dark atmosphere. The guitars have a really interesting sound. The lyrics are really interesting. I was intrigued by the instrumentation in the songs from this album. The title track is a stand-out for me, personally. It features over six minutes of mysterious and gloomy bliss, with strings and piano. It progresses really nicely. Overall, the album could've been a little shorter than it actually is. Personal Enjoyment: 4/5. How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
This Is Hardcore by Pulp delivers a raw and compelling mix of 90s indie vibes and candid lyricism. Jarvis Cocker’s introspective storytelling, paired with the album’s moody arrangements, creates a unique exploration of fame and vulnerability. It’s a solid listen for those who appreciate darker, more reflective moments in indie music.
really cool album. at best very eclectic and at worst its horny glam rock.
I don't really listen to Pulp, actually. I mean, I've heard of them. I know they are called "Britspop," and I may have heard some of their tracks, but I haven't checked their discography, ever. This album is enjoyable, very modern, and very late 80s and 90s. Every sound of it reminds me of that era, from different aspects, obviously, so I guess you can say they are versatile. A worthy 4/5. “Dishes” and "This Is Hardcore" are terrific.
Et album der tager et skridt væk fra den optimistiske Britpop lyd. This an’t Disco 2000, This is Hardcore. Det er et lige lovlig langt album, og uden et hav af store sange. Men på The Fear, Help The Aged, titelnummeret og flere andre numre formår Pulp at levere dyster stemning med den velkendte tunge i kinden.
this album was actually quite good. it reminded me of almost a hard rock version of david bowie.
I remember when this album came out and the press was all over it (even in the states), and there was a surprising amount of fervor over the release with big posters in local record stores. However, I don't really remember a lot of the buzz dyed out not to long after. It's a good very record, even if it's a little bit of a discount David Bowie, but it just didn't seem to have the staying power that the initial hype implied it should outside of any influence it left on the music to come.
Wow, pretty good!
It´s hard to match the quality of a milestone like "Different Class". And this album definetly didn´t. It shows a quite different Pulp and I needed a few runs to get used to it, but I miss all the anthems and banger on it. Nontheless really solid britpop although some tracks got a little long. Not an easy decision between three and four stars for me. favourite: "Fear", "Help The Aged", "Glory Days", "Party Hard"
This is quite a mood-shift from some of their earlier stuff. Pulp were nothing if not interesting. The Fear is such a great opener. It's got so much atmosphere to it, with so many interesting bits thrown in, from the ominous strings, to the backing vocals. I like how melodramatic parts of this album are, and I like some of the darker textures and soundscapes in there. Help the Aged is excellent, and I love it when that goes big. Plenty of other great tracks in here, but the overall quality isn't as good as something like 'Different Class'.
December 10, 2024 HL: “The Fear”, title track, “A Little Soul”, “Sylvia”, “The Day After the Revolution” The last Pulp was quite a while ago, but I still get songs like “Disco 2000” stuck in my head from time to time. This is Hardcore, while less immediate and catchy, still has enough charisma n’ style to be a worthy successor. It IS more morose, which probably will turn off some casual listeners.
Guess I’m an outlier on this one. Really enjoyed. Far more than most of the other Britpop I’ve encountered on the list so far. Liked the memories, and the attitude, and the whole production. Will definitely listen again. 4/5
Anguished, isolated, coming down, heavily influenced by Roxy Music and other Art Rock - little of the sly humour or bounce of the "Mis-shapes" era, until we reach the anthemic "Glory Days". A good, dark, listen
Not quite on the same level as Different Class, but still a very strong album in its own right. Where Different Class was sharp, witty and socially observant, This Is Hardcore feels darker, more cinematic and more self-aware. There’s a sleazy glamour running through it — and at times I get major Bowie vibes, especially in the dramatic delivery and theatrical atmosphere. “Help the Aged” is a standout for me. It’s witty, uncomfortable, catchy — and classic Jarvis Cocker. The album as a whole leans into decadence and disillusionment, but it does it with style. Favourite track: Help the Aged Least favourite: None really — it’s consistently good throughout. Album artwork: A sexy, provocative cover that perfectly matches the album’s mood and themes.
erm its pretty decent i guess but still not as good as different class
Good, but not as good as Different Class.
I went into this blind expecting a heavy metal album because of the title. So you could imagine the pleasant surprise I was in for with this album. I didn’t pay too too much attention to it because I kinda had it on in the background but the songs I love, I loved! Im
Maybe the 3rd Best but still very good.
I love this album, but I can't say it's 5* :) Very interesting enjoyable and vibey, but not the bestest Pulp album and a bit patchy
4.4 - Not listened to much pulp but I'm a fan now! Will check out more
I like pulp, this isn't an album I'd heard before though. quite fun, no complaints
Never liked Pulp in my youth. Re listening to them again through this makes me appreciate them a lot more. This was a good album.
Cool album
As I said when somebody put I-Spy into music league, once you get past the classic Britpop singles everyone knows, you realise what a little fuckin weirdo Jarvis Cocker is (complimentary). Like, this isn't groundbreaking, but it's a good album of weird little guy songs, and that's a genre I have a lot of time for. Plus, I found the ten minutes of ambient resonance weirdly soothing? I listened to this in the bath, so it definitely added to a weird spa atmosphere. Less a fan of the Jarvis jumpscare (jarmpscare?) though.
There comes a time in everyone's life when, as much as I have now, they have to admit that Pulp are actually Quite Good. Jarvis Cocker is certainly a very angry man, but the songs bring across a wide range of emotions and events, all with excellent musicality behind them - easily going to be an album I come back to.
Never heard this album. Streets ahead of their other stuff. Enjoyed it. 3.6
4.0
Pulp are one of the best out there. I'll talk a bit more about it when Different Class pops up (which surely it will??). This Is Hardcore doesn't mess with the formula too much, evocative characters, stripped back verses and powerful choruses. I think This Is Hardcore has a better production overall, and some seriously punchy choruses but it also lacks the crowd-pleasing tracks that Different Class has, and some tracks need a bit of time to hit you. 8 / 10 Best tracks: Like a Friend if it counts (one of my top 10 of all time), Sylvia, This is Hardcore, I'm a Man, Help the Aged
Well performed... I got a Grunge-lite vibe that I really liked
Very good album from UK britpop band Pulp, which was released in the late 90s after their massive success 'Different Class' in the middle of the decade. It has a lot of great artpop, britpop songs, it's my kind of music. The outro of the last song is such a great ending of the album. However, with almost 70 minutes even this album is a bit too long. Not quite close to 5 but it's a 4 from me overall.
Never listened to this one. My interest in Pulp had wained with Different Class which was a shame as His n Hers was one I really liked at the time and still includes my favourite Pulp songs. So I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one but was fully expecting to dislike it. I was wrong. I really quite like the style of music they found on this which I wasn’t expecting. A lot calmer and musically much more interesting than the previous album. Things of similarity to Suede with their post-Britpop offering but much preferred this one.
really liked the album
Not really a big britpop guy, but was enjoying this one, the songwriting was very strong.
I feel very much the same about this record as I did Pulp's "Different Class" in that it's very competent Brit-pop, though I appreciate the attempted scale of this one versus the more radio-friendly sounds on Different Class. This is a very aspirational album, sort of Pulp's "Be Here Now" just without all the cocaine and not every song is attempting to be the Greatest Song Ever Written for a Stadium Tour. Dishes Help the Aged This is Hardcore A Little Soul Sylvia The Day after the Revolution All of these are great songs and if you put a gun to my head where I had to choose between This is Hardcore or Different Class then I am not sure which album I would choose. I like the more aspirational and epic sound of this one, but am not sure I could listen to it as regularly as Different Class. I criticize this book for being very British-centric and I think an argument can be made that only one Pulp album needs to be in the book. Saying that, after hearing Different Class I wanted to hear another Pulp album. Was it essential? Eh, not sure.
Súper cool álbum and it was nice to be reminded of “Like a Friend,” which was on a compilation disc I had when I was young.
4*
This may not be their best record, Pulp is easily the best (and by far the cleverest) of Britpop and they hold up better to their obvious forebear (Kinks) than Oasis do to theirs (Beatles, in an insult to the Beatles). This is is witty and fun with some legit dark tones on nearly every track – they were/are masters of the ironic anthemic (though perhaps one means anthemic irony). The pieces work very well as a hole, but the steady momentum build is what makes this so good. The standout cuts include "Help the Aged," title track, "A Little Soul," "Sylvia," "The Day After the Revolution," "Like a Friend." So good, so Pulpy.
Back in ’98, when this album first came out, it was probably a good album for its time. It’s a decent listen, but overall it sounds pretty average and similar to a lot of other Britpop that’s been released over the years. The album is more about polished production, with the guitar mainly used for layering texture rather than standout riffs. The keyboards and electronic elements do add to the overall feel and production, but while I don’t regret giving it a listen, it’s not really something I’d go back to anytime soon.
I've only listened to songs from 'Different Class' before. First half of this one has a little more somber tone, kinda? I liked it quite a bit. But gears switch between the vibes throughout, and "I'm A Man" is quite fun (I will not look at the lyrics).
Chad Brit pop. The Pulp are the best to do it.
A rare, RARE case where a pop-adjacent album ends with its best two songs. This album has me conflicted, there are moments of Bowie-inspired greatness, and most of the compositions, specifically the instrumentals, are great. Sometimes the vocals are a little all over the place though. I could see this being the greatest thing that ever happened to you if you were an impressionable teen at the time of its release, it has that sort of dramatic energy. This is a soft 4 for me for now. But I’m coming back to it, I’m interested in this albums replayability
A pretty solid glammy Britpop record.
Eine (Wieder-)Entdeckung, Like it ****
There's some good instrumentation here. I'd never heard of Pulp before, and just based on the first track I kinda wanted to not like them, but this was pretty good. 3.6
This isn't the Pulp album I would grab, but it IS the second pulp album I would grab if I needed more after listening to Different Class.
This was a good listen. Maybe not as good as Different Class, but close
I like this. Weirdly nothing stands out, no particular song is great. But the whole thing I can happily listen to.
Another Pulpy album. Like it, just not as much as Different Class…at least for the time being.
This Is Hardcore is a fairly notable departure from Pulp's Britpop stylings, apparently very deliberately so, and what you get is a hugely impassioned, somewhat angry and hostile record, but one still full with Cocker's outstanding storytelling. None of it is properly outstanding (and it's a bit long) but all of it is enjoyable as a piece of work, the compositions are quality, I'm A Man is my favourite track but I didn't dislike anything. Darker than its precedessors, it's a 4 from me.
This is very different from Different Class, probably not quite at the same level, but not far off. It's funny, dark, but really angry and frustrated in places. It all works quite well together (although Party Hard is a little bit jarring), he's a great lyricist, and tells some great (if a little dark) stories. One of my favourite tracks on it is the bonus one (that wasn't on the release that Spotify showed me first) - Like A Friend, that they recorded for the soundtrack of the Great Expectations movie. This version of the album also cuts out the unnecessarily long and drawn out end of The Day After The Revolution, which is well worth doing, it's a great song without the ten minutes of drifting at the end. Surprised that we got this on the list rather than His N Hers (or do we we still have that to come?). 4/5.
Pulp are an interesting band. I like them, but I'm not really sure why. I always feel like it's generic indie-pop with nothing special going for it, but I can't *quite* dismiss it.
I've listened to this before but never got this much out of it. Who knew that listening to lyrics would make a difference?
They have a fun sound, but nothing on this album hits as hard as Common People
Pure dirt from Jarvis and Co. I really want to rate this higher than Different Class, because there's no doubting is cooler and more artful. The title track is obviously total sauce, but there's also the growling and yowling through quite a lot of the songs (the scream in Help The Aged!) that gives it a much more grown-up feel than anything that's gone before. It's probably a reasonable case to make that this was the end of Britpop, and what a way to go out. Weirdly, I think that my favourite song on it - A Little Soul - is also a good example of why this gets top fours, not bottom fives, because it doesn't really fit on here and the album could maybe be a bit more cohesive.
A good album, I liked The Fear, This Is Hardcore and A Little Soul the best. I haven't heard a lot of pulp so it was nice to listen to this album.
It's fun to get another album in this collection by a band I'd never heard (or heard of) before, especially since I really enjoyed "Different Class". Of course, this album doesn't sound as unexpected as the first album I heard did, but it's still a really solid album, and impressively darker and bleaker than "Different Class", while still entertaining. (This album reminds me of some of Blue October's music, albeit with a totally different sound.) I was also really impressed at how much the videos added to the experience. Although even "Party hard" can't quite compete with "Common People" for sheer morbid fascination, they're all really compelling videos. The video for "This is hardcore" in particular is a stroke of genius, and adds a completely new dimension to an already intriguing song (and how impressive that Jarvis Cocker anticipated how the internet would embrace porn, and saw that in this song, yet never really address it directly). I also liked the combination of videos/songs "Help the aged" and "A little soul", as both tackle similar themes in completely different ways. I do wish it had been a substantially shorter album, though, as a number of the later songs weren't all that memorable; and that goes double for "The day after the revolution" (at least on the original release, as a 15-minute song just doesn't really fit the album or band). A shame, too, that the original release didn't include "Cocaine socialism" or "Like a friend", both b-sides to some of their singles from this album, and much better than some of the second half of this album.
**Album Review: This Is Hardcore by Pulp** Released in 1998, Pulp’s *This Is Hardcore* stands as a stark and brooding follow-up to their hugely successful *Different Class*. The album delves into darker themes, exploring the disillusionment and anxieties that accompany fame, aging, and the often seedy underbelly of celebrity culture. Below is an in-depth review focusing on the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, as well as a discussion of its pros and cons. ### Lyrics Jarvis Cocker’s lyrics in *This Is Hardcore* are a testament to his talent as a keen observer and commentator on the human condition. The lyrics are darker, more introspective, and at times more explicit than those on *Different Class*. - **Themes of Disillusionment and Despair**: The opening track "The Fear" sets the tone with lines like “This is our music from a bachelor’s den / The sound of loneliness turned up to ten.” Cocker’s exploration of fear and uncertainty permeates the album. - **Exploration of Fame and Its Fallout**: The title track "This Is Hardcore" paints a vivid picture of the emptiness and exploitation within the entertainment industry. Cocker sings, “Leave your makeup on and I'll leave on the light / Come over here, babe, and talk in the night.” This song stands out for its raw and unflinching look at the pornographic nature of celebrity culture. - **Nostalgia and Regret**: Tracks like "A Little Soul" and "Dishes" explore themes of regret and longing for simpler times. "A Little Soul" touches on failed relationships and personal shortcomings, with lyrics such as “I could have been a hero / You could have been a star.” - **Sex and Relationships**: The album does not shy away from the complexities and often grim realities of sex and relationships. "Seductive Barry" and "Sylvia" both address the darker, more obsessive sides of love and desire. ### Music Musically, *This Is Hardcore* is a departure from the Britpop sound that defined *Different Class*. The album incorporates a wide range of styles, from orchestral arrangements to gritty rock and roll. - **Orchestral and Cinematic Elements**: The lush orchestration on tracks like "The Fear" and "This Is Hardcore" provides a dramatic backdrop to Cocker’s lyrical storytelling. The cinematic quality of these songs enhances their emotional impact. - **Diverse Instrumentation**: The album features a rich tapestry of sounds, including brass sections, strings, and synthesizers. This diverse instrumentation adds depth and complexity to the music, making each track a unique experience. - **Rock and Roll Grit**: Despite its orchestral flourishes, the album retains a raw edge, particularly on tracks like "Party Hard" and "Help the Aged." The guitar work on these songs is gritty and powerful, providing a counterpoint to the more polished production on other tracks. - **Melancholic Ballads**: Songs like "Dishes" and "TV Movie" are more subdued, relying on simple yet effective arrangements that highlight Cocker’s vocal delivery and lyrical content. ### Production The production on *This Is Hardcore* is polished and sophisticated, yet it retains an organic feel that complements the album's thematic content. - **Producer Chris Thomas**: Known for his work with artists like The Beatles and Pink Floyd, Thomas brings a level of professionalism and expertise to the album. His production enhances the dramatic and emotional aspects of the music without overshadowing the band's performance. - **Atmospheric Soundscapes**: The use of reverb and echo creates a sense of space and depth on tracks like "The Fear" and "This Is Hardcore." These atmospheric elements contribute to the album’s overall mood and tone. - **Balancing Grit and Polish**: The production strikes a balance between the polished orchestral arrangements and the raw, gritty rock elements. This balance allows the album to explore a wide range of emotions and musical styles without feeling disjointed. ### Themes Thematically, *This Is Hardcore* delves into the darker side of human experience, exploring topics such as disillusionment, aging, and the emptiness of fame. - **Disillusionment with Fame**: Many tracks address the hollowness and exploitation inherent in celebrity culture. The title track, in particular, serves as a biting critique of the entertainment industry’s commodification of individuals. - **Aging and Mortality**: Songs like "Help the Aged" and "The Fear" confront the inevitability of aging and the fear of irrelevance. Cocker’s lyrics reflect a deep sense of existential dread, balanced by moments of dark humor and irony. - **Sexuality and Relationships**: The album does not shy away from the complexities and often darker aspects of sexuality and relationships. Tracks like "Seductive Barry" and "Sylvia" explore themes of obsession, desire, and the darker side of love. - **Regret and Nostalgia**: Throughout the album, there is a recurring theme of looking back with a sense of regret and longing for simpler times. This is particularly evident in songs like "A Little Soul" and "Dishes." ### Influence *This Is Hardcore* is a significant album in Pulp’s discography and the broader landscape of late 90s British music. - **Impact on Britpop**: While Britpop was characterized by its upbeat and optimistic tone, *This Is Hardcore* introduced a darker, more introspective dimension to the genre. The album’s critical acclaim demonstrated that Britpop could address more serious and complex themes. - **Legacy in Art Rock**: The album’s blend of orchestral arrangements, cinematic elements, and raw rock influences has made it a touchstone for later art rock bands. Its ambitious production and thematic depth continue to inspire artists exploring similar musical and lyrical territories. - **Cultural Commentary**: Cocker’s incisive lyrics and the album’s exploration of celebrity culture have resonated with listeners and critics alike. *This Is Hardcore* remains relevant for its commentary on the often exploitative nature of fame and the entertainment industry. ### Pros and Cons **Pros:** 1. **Lyrical Depth**: Jarvis Cocker’s lyrics are intelligent, incisive, and unflinchingly honest. The album’s exploration of darker themes sets it apart from more superficial pop records. 2. **Musical Variety**: The diverse instrumentation and stylistic range keep the album engaging from start to finish. The blend of orchestral and rock elements creates a rich and dynamic soundscape. 3. **Production Quality**: Chris Thomas’ production is sophisticated and enhances the emotional impact of the songs. The balance between polished and raw elements is expertly managed. 4. **Emotional Resonance**: The album’s exploration of themes like disillusionment, aging, and the emptiness of fame resonates on a deep emotional level. Cocker’s vocal delivery adds to the album’s emotional weight. 5. **Cohesive Vision**: Despite its musical diversity, the album maintains a cohesive vision. The thematic content and overall mood are consistent, creating a unified listening experience. **Cons:** 1. **Dark Tone**: The album’s darker themes and somber tone may not appeal to all listeners. Fans of Pulp’s more upbeat work might find *This Is Hardcore* challenging. 2. **Explicit Content**: Some lyrics are explicit and confrontational, which might be off-putting to more sensitive listeners. The unflinching look at sex and exploitation can be uncomfortable. 3. **Pacing**: The album’s slower, more melancholic tracks may drag for some listeners. The pacing can feel uneven, particularly if one prefers more upbeat songs. 4. **Commercial Performance**: Compared to *Different Class*, *This Is Hardcore* was less commercially successful. Its departure from the Britpop sound may have alienated some fans. 5. **Accessibility**: The album’s complexity and depth require attentive listening to fully appreciate. Casual listeners may find it less accessible than Pulp’s earlier work. ### Conclusion *This Is Hardcore* is a bold and ambitious album that showcases Pulp’s willingness to push boundaries and explore darker, more complex themes. Its lyrical depth, musical variety, and high production quality make it a standout record in the band’s discography. While its darker tone and explicit content may not be for everyone, the album’s emotional resonance and cohesive vision ensure its place as a significant work in late 90s British music. Despite some pacing issues and its initial commercial reception, *This Is Hardcore* remains a powerful and influential album that continues to inspire and resonate with listeners.
It misses the sparkling energy of Different Class but is still a very strong record.
Not heard this before and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought, given Different Class is the Pulp album with all the plaudits Very intriguing lyrics which give a properly insightful view into Jarvis's thoughts on hitting the big time. Also notable for some minor but experimental elements which I wouldn't associate with Pulp, but does have the big choruses you expect. Probably too long to give it 5*, the track Seductive Barry ruins it a bit. But I like this
4 stars, and I wanted to like this more. The beginning just did not inspire me with the music but the vibes really were there. Even when he was explicitly sexual (it happened a lot) it didn't put me off or anything. Sounded kinda like Blur at different points
Some more male manipulator music by Pulp. Similar vibe to the previous album, but this one has themes of pornography and its emotions. I liked the album overall. I viewed it as more of a conceptual thing, and I didn’t hear as much of the lyrics. Didn’t need the almost 10 minutes of synth on the last song. Cut that down to like 2 and you have a good song with a cool ending. Standouts: The Fear, Help The Aged, This Is Hardcore, I’m A Man, and Sylvia.
78/100
Took 2 listens, but there is good stuff here. Particularly Side A.
I found this a bit on the pretentious side, but I think there might be times when I would appreciate it more, as I did with Different Class.
I listened to this a couple of days ago and didn't get to writing the review. I had the impression that I didn't really enjoy it, but thought that I should do a revisit before deciding. On this listen, I appreciated what was happening...very dramatic...
Lushly theatrical.
This goes hard now but will go even HARDER when I have my mid-life crisis.
Best Song: Like a Friend Worst Song: Seductive Barry
Tasapainoinen brittirockplatta! 4/5
This grew on me the second time around.
Much darker in tone, but a good album nonetheless
First time listening to this band, a bit melancholic at times but overall enjoyable
I really like this album. The intensity, strong (but not too strong) musicianship, and moodiness capture the essence of (90s) Britpop. The oddly deep/bellowy Blackstar-era Bowie vocals took some getting used to, but once I did, it was a good time. Apart from the opening track (The Fear) and the title track, none of the tracks had particularly memorable hooks, but this was generally made up for by having a really gratifying emo-ish quality to it. Roaring, slightly distorted guitars, often without a distinctive riff and mostly providing a loud atmosphere. Fun use of synths in tracks like Party Hard – and not overused, which is a plus. Additionally, I did enjoy every single track (and added them to my Liked Songs playlist!). The same can't even be said for some of my all-time favourite albums. That's gotta count for something, right? 4/5 Key tracks: The Fear, Help The Aged, This Is Hardcore, I'm A Man
This is a stronger album than I remember. It doesn’t contain any of Pulp’s biggest hitters but singles like A Little Soul and the title track are low-key among their best work, and there aren’t any real duds. Thematically it’s very coherent; the meditations on ageing, decaying, desperation and the futility of it all are a refreshing change of pace for a Britpop album. It's often grimy and seedy but they still make it sound anthemic and, at times, even defiant.
Don’t like it quite as much as the other one but it’s still really good. Missed me the first time around but I’ll have to spend more time with it.
Fun
Приятный альбом.
Very fitting the first album of the 1001 I get is from one of my favourite bands! - This album isn't nearly as immediate as Different Class but is well worth repeat listens. In terms of a follow up to how big Class was, they can consider what they produced here to be very good material. - The first five tracks on here are an incredibly solid run. Hardcore is a phenomenal track and it's a shame The Fear hasn't made a return to the setlist in 2023/2024. - Glory Days is a fine track but would be better in it's original Cocaine Socialism format. - Day After The Revolution is an enjoyable closer but it's a big shame Like A Friend wasn't used instead (probably a top five Pulp track!).
A bold and ambitious follow up to Different Class. More mature and muted than it's predecessor with with themes of aging and desperation. No bouncy singles, but once again 100% achieves it's (very different) artistic intent. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: Help The Aged Date listened: 11/06/24
Jarv is king.
Very solid
Liked it.
This is a really interesting album with a range of styles. Would happily listen again.
There's definitely quite a bit of gothic and glam rock inspiration to be found on here, even if it does come off as a bit more artsy (and also a bit mellow) with some of the tracks. The vocalist's voice sort of reminds me of David Bowie in both his sincere and aggressive delivery.
Not as musically catchy as previous albums but the lyrics are great!
this is a great album, i like different class quite a bit but this is better. 8/10
This album name is an utter lie. This isn't hardcore! Oh well, at least the album is good. With how much I've seen complaints about the overabundance of Britpop on this list, I haven't gotten very many Britpop albums as of lately, and the one's I've gotten so far have been mostly alright, with Pulp's "This is Hardcore" being no different. This album is fairly Bowie-esque in a way, mainly with the singing at times. I kind of like it. The sound is pretty enjoyable to listen to. The writing is slightly repetitive and the album is a bit long, but those are minor issues that don't really impact the album all that much. I think this is a pretty good album. Not the best I've listened to, but a fairly solid album that gives me a good first impression of Pulp. Maybe I'll like Different Class even more! Light 4/5.
Primer acercamiento a Pulp en formato de LP. This Is Hardore cuenta con gran producción y composición en sus canciones (siendo Seductive Barry, a mi juicio, la más destaca por ello) así cómo letras satíricas con pegajosos coros. El disco cuenta con un concepto y temática que me resultaron atrapantes, pero que peca de una duración un tanto extensa para lo que ofrece. Buen álbum con algunas canciones increíbles. Esperando que el algoritmo me vuelva a recomendar otro LP de Jarvis y compañía!! FAVTRAXS: The Fear, Help The Aged, This Is Hardcore, Seductive Barry, The Day After The Revolution LEASTFAV: Party Hard 3.5/5
Tamed Bowie, and I mean that as a compliment. Way more standard than a Bowie album, but I love it all the same. Surprise hit for me.
Britpop/indie pop similar to Oasis or Suede. Not too bad at all. Favourite songs: Glory Days, The Fear, I'm A Man, Sylvia, Party Hard, Help the Aged, A Little Soul Least favourite songs: Seductive Barry Dishes, This is Hardcore, The Day After the Revolution 4/5
Jarvis is like if Morrissey wasn't allergic of sex. He's like David Bowie if he could write interesting lyrics and music. I never really looked much past Help The Aged on this one in the past, but I should have. The same wry humour that was present on Different Class is sprinkled throughout this album. This also made me remember the absolute madness of Jarvis Cocker on Ali G singing Help The Aged in the most unhinged way. Core memory unlocked.
Este album es magnífico.
Highlights: The Fear, This Is Hardcore, TV Movie, A Little Soul, I'm A Man, Seductive Barry, Glory Days. In a nutshell: the sound of someone losing the plot. This is Pulp as we know it. And it's not. It's darker, dirtier and more cynical than Different Class. The glam era and plastic soul era Bowie vibes remain. The disco flourishes, Bryan Ferry crooning, cool Britpop guitars with mood setting synth are still there. The clever, sarcastic and sex-charged lyrics are still there. Yet on Hardcore, it feels like a purging. It's like you have a really bad hangover. This Is Hardcore was written shortly after *that* BRIT Awards incident and when Cocker's mental health spiralled. Jarvis Cocker dreamt of being in a famous band ever since he was a kid. When Pulp got that fame, it was not what he hoped for. It was worse. A lot of reviewers on here may have missed the point on the title track. It's not supposed to be erotically hardcore, nor is the concept of being hardcore an overarching theme of the album. Jarvis compared fame- and being famous- to pornography. A bad pornographic film, where you're the unlikely and clueless star. Showbiz is intended to be titillating and glamorous. It's not. Fame and the entertainment industry is meticulously staged. People hype up your beauty and talent. You do your best to show your wares to the world. You do your thing. Someone shouts "cut!" and it's over before you can blink. Everyone packs up the set. You're in a state of exhaustion and suspension. You're invisible to everyone. You can't find your clothes and are getting cold. You realise that it was all lies. You're brandished as disposable, and they move on to the "next big thing". Kinda poetic, really. The band that helped establish the genre was the one who added the bookend. Be Here Now by Oasis killed Britpop. Pulp's This Is Hardcore shovelled and patted the soil upon the grave. Overall: 7/10
It started out strong with The Fear, then took a dive with Dishes and Party Hard.. After those two the album got into its groove again and stayed there till the end. I hated the aforementioned songs so much I cannot give this more than a 4, without them- it would have been a 5.
Pulp > Oasis
It's a clear statement of maturity, a move from the jolly and fun sound of "Different Class" to a darker, deeper atmosphere. It can be seen in the title, using the word "hardcore". The cover art portraying a half-naked woman in a black-velvet red color scheme. The general sound, which is rockier and less poppy than "Different Class". And it worked. Not as good as "Different Class", but an elegant follow-up nonetheless.
A really sick album, amazing music is a constant throughout it. Its easy listening on a first run through which is impressive. Very fun very cool very whatever, i dunno its good. Also an amazing start to the album, super strong super cool, super swag
This is a good one. Kinda like that first arcade fire for middle age. Follows the formula of "common people" - deeply sung/half spoken verse with simple bass and drums, soaring chorus. Malaise and shit. A week or two after listening again, have kinda been unable to remember specifics of songs. First half stronger. Have to be in the mood a little, unlike the common people album which puts you in the mood for itself.
Drags slightly, but the haunting, uncertain mood really sticks with the listener.
Definitely not Pulp's best album, but there is still a lot to love here. It still has a lot of the same energy as Different Class, but definitely in a slightly more watered down way. The vocals are as good as they always are, and the majority of the songs are classic sounding Pulp. A handful of moments definitely drag on, but nothing that is too detrimental to the album as a whole.
I will listen again
I loved the sound and probably will become one of my favorite albums over time . Sylvia and the title track were good listens
Excellent LP, title track is superb.
3.5/4
I quite enjoyed this one
Underrated, cocaine shouldn't sound so good fr fr
This is Hardcore This is great, I love Different Class, but this might sneakily be my favourite pulp album. I certainly listen to it more frequently than DC. It has that dark, melancholic atmosphere, that is very evocative of the post Britpop period. Some great songs and great lyrics, wry, grown up but also funny. It’s not as immediate or as obviously tuneful as DC, the melodies aren’t straightforward, but they really get their hooks into you once you’ve heard them a few times. And all the songs fit so well with the feel and themes of the album. Overall it’s such and interesting album, maybe it’s quite hard to figure out, but it rewards repeat listens. Is it a 4 or a 5…I think it it falls just on the side of a 4, but it’s close to a 5 for me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lourd et épais comme un cocon, familier.
Ok. Nothing earth shattering but not too offensive despite the cover looking bad.
this is a good and interesting album! the album starts off strong, with the first five tracks being bangers, though party hard is the weakest of the five. TV movie is the first boring one. a little soul sounded like the 90s britpop idea of what a bruce springsteen song sounded like. seductive barry was too long and weird. love how most of these songs have 1-3 million streams on spotify except for the day after the revolution, which only has 70k. what happened??? after two full listens, i still jammed to the first part of the album the most and the middle and end didn't really make an impact. still solid overall though. favorites: the fear, dishes, help the aged, this is hardcore
1998 Genre: Art rock, glam rock, Britpop Singles: ---------------------------------- Help the Aged (#8, UK) This Is Hardcore (#12 UK) A Little Soul (#22, UK) Party Hard (#29 UK) 5/5: Help the Aged, This is Hardcore, 4/5: Party Hard, The Fear, Dishes, TV Movie, A Little Soul, I'm a Man, Silvia, Sounds a bit like Bowie at times. Rating: 4/5
Great album. Like it very much.
Really liked this.
well it's not different class the fear this is hardcore i'm a man seductive barry sylvia glory days
Not as good as Different Class or His n Hers, but a fine outing.
A good album, wasn’t sure if I would like Pulp given how overplayed their big hits are but enjoyed it.
They lyrics are so poetic and complement the music perfectly. This was my intro to Pulp and I think I need to listen to more.
Known Before: No Standouts: No 7.0
Little bit Roxy Music, little bit the kinks all British.
Album cover 🥵
This sounds like a mix of late ‘90s indie and garage put together by an expert mix. Made by a band that clearly knew how to structure their tunes and write good music. An excellent and diverse listen. Brilliant.
reminded me of Ours. really like it, especially as it got further into the album.
V good
A more mature album than the previous Pulp album. It has later stage David Bowie & Blur vibes. It's good, but I think I need to listen to to again to really like it. It's one of those that probably gets better the more you listen. 3.5 stars for now.
Not different class but good
I was nervous about this because I had in my head for some reason that I wouldn't like Pulp... I hadn't listened to them purposefully and didn't know much about them at all. I also saw the length of the album and was filled with dread. Now after listening to this album I feel like that's really quite criminal!! This will become one of those great discoveries from doing this for me. I ended up listening to the whole album a few times and really loving it. I loved listening to an old-school double-sider where it has new life almost in the second half, fun to imagine that would be a different record you'd have to change. It was a real two-part story with epic highs and lows. Love his voice and now I realise other music from Jarvis Cocker that I love and it becomes a theme. Love his sound and personality on the tracks, don't know much about him though! I especially liked Sylvia.
This one exceeded my expectations. Not very much I can say, other than it was very good. I’d listen again, and I’ll probably be checking out more of Pulp’s music. 8/10 Top 5: 1. Sylvia 2. Like A Friend 3. The Fear 4. Help The Aged 5. The Day After The Revolution
Shame he can't sing, as he's a great frontman. Songs are a bit hit and miss, but at least they are songs with melodies. Not for me, but I can see there's something there for someone.
Competent third installment of a great run for this band as they hit their stride. Punchy poppy density digestible however quirky creative and fun
I helped the aged
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I feel like I’ve been inundated with 90s rock on this list for about a week but this isn’t bad. I enjoy his voice. The only issue for me is length. Added to playlist: Sylvia
First time running thru this and it was enjoyable. It’s a girthy album but didn’t feel weighed down with too much fat. Aside from A Little Soul, there aren’t any stinkers. Pulp’s strength is their ability to architect epic pop rock tracks, they build and burst with excellent strings, piano’s, horns, just a great full sound with some moodiness. Seems to be a strong Bowie/The Cure influence and I’d guess the Artic Monekey’s were influenced by Pulp. Really enjoyed this, standout tracks The Fear, This is Hardcore, The Day After the Revolution and Like a Friend. 4 stars
Great production and sophisticated, anthemic tracks. I can definitely see thousands of British teens singing their hearts out to each one of the songs in the album. Good stuff
This is more interesting and layered than I had expected. Good album!
This album have grown on me. It started at the end of first listening. That make me listen it one more time and I don't regret it. It is a bit boring sometimes but it's not bad. Stockholm syndrome? Maybe
Moody AF
Great
This was my review of the last Pulp album we heard and it remains true. “ I don’t think I ever knew Pulp, but they sound so familiar and I enjoyed this album thoroughly.’ Reminiscent of Morphine and Cousteau. I kind of want to give it a 5, but I’m going to go with a robust 4.
I really dug this
Nice one solid 4
I think my biggest problem with the album is the falsetto. Not needed on the few songs it was done in. It makes the band feel... not as serious, like The Darkness-level serious. I did like most of the songs, although I still am uncertain as to why we needed two Pulp albums on the list. They sounded pretty much the same to me, and honestly that space could have been used for some other act that was not listed yet. But, Britpop seems to be heavily favored on this list, so... yeah. There's not any one song that stands out to me, unlike "Different Class," which had "Common People" on it. But I liked "Party Hard," the title track, "I'm A Man," and "Glory Days." Those were probably my favorite. "Dishes" just seemed odd lyrically. There wasn't any one song that I hated, so that's a plus. Just like the other album, I guess I would come back to it again. But I still don't see much of a difference between the two, so why have both on here?
Great big album
this is a solid 3.5 rounded up to a 4, the main failing is that it thinks it is cleverer than it is
It reminds me of old songs I used to listen to when I was a teenager. Maybe that's on purpose specially on songs like "Help the aged".
Better than I remember.
giood
Went in prepared to hate it. Liked this WAY more than I thought I would. Like a 90s alt Elvis Costello.
Worked really well as an album, wasn’t too repetitive and listening didn’t feel like a chore
Following the success of Different Class, Jarvis Cocker pulls Pulp in an all new direction on This Is Hardcore. It’s bleaker, bolder and more daring. It’s as if we’re experiencing Cocker’s midlife crisis and the end of britpop firsthand. On “Dishes” JC (the non-Judean one) comes as close as possible to comparing himself to Jesus Christ. A move that, considering the other JC’s popularity, must have been quite huge for Jesus. I was close to handing this a 5/5. But having to sit through the droning ending, that is 1/7 of the album, never sits well with me.
3.5/5
My first listen of this album was while high and playing video games and it’s a fucking great album that has a scary bit in it. Very operatic and emotional and cheesy but also awesome. Weirdly sounds like lcd sound system but less experimental with production. Who knows what I’ll think about it tomorrow. Well I listened to it a second time today and unfortunately it didn’t fully live up to my stoned hype. A good number of songs like help the aged were still good but overall it’s more of an above average 4 instead of a 5
Not as good as different class.
Pretty easy to see how later bands, especially 90s and 2000s British punk bands, took influence from the music this group produced
3,7
A little too long, but I enjoyed most tracks, particularly the level of grit on display.
Klinkt een beetje als het eerste album van Muse met Bowie. Goeie hooks
Riktigt bra
I hadn't heard of Pulp before, but finding this album led me to their previous album Different Class which is great, too. I'm excited to dig into the rest of their catalog
Very strong. The opener is so good
LOVED
The mother of all come-down albums, a completely feel bad album about fame. Perhaps not Different Class, but in the title track, Help the Aged, Dishes and Sylvia there's a fistful of memorable tracks. Elsewhere, Jarvis is never less than listenable and their sound is tougher and harder, if not quite as poptastic in the choruses. Solid four.
Good
Never listened to this before but enjoyed it. Pulp are pretty much known for 2 or 3 songs but their catalogue is worth a listen
Didn't know what to expect here as I'd never heard of it, or the band, before. What a gem this is! Pretty sure the run time was over an hour but that flew by without even a hint of 'Are we there yet?'. Wonderful from start to finish and a perfect example of why I look forward to my daily album from the list.
Didn't really like this one. Felt like a generic kind of britpop/rock thing.
Not their best album, still great though.
I like most of Pulp's hits, wasn't too familiar with the albums. I enjoyed this one, in an unsettling kind of way. Felt that a few of the tracks were trying to channel Bowie or The Beatles.
Different class
Man, I totally forgot about Pulp.
“I am not Jesus though I have the same initials” made me chuckle. Don’t let the sophisticated style and accent fool you, Jarvis Cocker is a degenerate. The “I guess I’m like him, I just didn’t know it then” line on Sylvia is killer.
revisit. enjoyed the 90s sleazeball vibes
I’m a sucker for the sleazy. Always loved Pulp’s two albums that preceded this one, but never made time for This Is Hardcore. Now that I’m approaching middle age, this one hits home. There’s a lot here to dissect, so will definitely be back.
1/17/23: Not a huge fan of britpop but I thought this felt different. Heavy message with interesting production and instrumentation.
great album...sounds a little like Bowie.
Very good Britpop album. A smidge too long. Not as good as His 'n' Hers. 7-8/10
Pretty cool album. Was a little on the fence at the start, but it really hit its stride on the back half. Favorite track: The Day After the Revolution
Very 90s. I enjoyed quite a bit
I loved this. It was like Pulp meets Bowie meets My Chemical Romance. Much more energetic than what I'm used to from Pulp.
I stopped listening for some reason after Different Class, and let's be honest, I only listened to Different Class. Not sure why...This is like Bowie done by Pulp...and I'm fine with that...I'm sure they would say that's mildly shitty, but it's high praise, indeed.
This is weirdly a lot like Bowie, which was my album right before this. Sort of a brooding, melodramatic, alt-rock
Aptly following Oasis - this album is more classically up my street from the Britpop camp. Jarvis Cocker's sneer, the title track - and it being the sound of 1997 to me. It might not be as great as Different Class, but it's still a strong showing.
Classic, definitely one of the most interesting albums to come out of Brit-pop. Certainly better than anything Oasis did. #isaidwhatisaid
Ens van sorprendre a tots els que ens havíem enamorat de 'Different Class', que esperàvem una continuació en el mateix estil. Com Blur un any abans amb 'Blur', Pulp va decidir tallar d'arrel amb el brit-pop i entregar un disc fosc, depressiu, opressiu, complicat. Al seu moment, com tanta altra gent, no el vaig entendre, i va suposar el meu adéu a la banda. Però el temps l'ha situat al nivell que realment mereixia com una més que digna continuació del seu llegat discogràfic, i un disc d'art pop com pocs més aquella década
I've never heard of this group before, but I enjoyed the album. Some songs are very alternative rock/pop. I can hear a Bowie/Pink Floyd influence sometimes, and some songs sound like they're cut from the same cloth as Oasis. I'm definitely interested in checking out their other albums.
This album is beautiful. I will admit that a few songs were a bit boring, but for the most part I enjoyed every song to some extent. Like A Friend was a great song to end the album with. Also, I love this music video for This Is Hardcore. Fave track(s): Help The Aged, This Is Hardcore, I'm A Man, The Day After the Revolution, Like A Friend
Ah that goes in there, and that goes in there, and that goes in there, and that goes in there, and that goes in there...and then it's over. So, my favourite Pulp album His n Hers didn't make the list, but I'm happy this did, played it continuosly on release and no every word to most of the songs. The Pulp hangover record, the first half is so relentlessly (but wonderfully so) depressive and nihilistic, thank god there was a slight uplift in the second half or I might not have made it out.
It's strange that the title track is not available on Apple Music.
Goede mix tussen bijna zeikerige emo en meer actieve nummers
First pulp album I've listened to, always dismissed them a bit but this was really interesting, the hour run time went by quickly. Would like to hear this again and more pulp in general.
I had a bit of a negative view going in - I missed Pulp when they were big, but rather enjoyed the album as a whole. His singing has a certain style to it that lends itself to the melancholy numbers. The composition of the songs is overall excellent.
I completely missed pulp back in the 90s. I've recently listened to different class for the first time and thought it was great. This is good too but different. Took a few listens. I can't really pick out anything in particular but there was something about it Help the aged was the only song I was familiar with but by no means the best Will be listening to this again
A fun bop of an album
This is not hardcore, mais cest très bon pareil! Je connaissais pas le groupe, belle découverte, meme si l'album est inégal. Il commence alternatif/expérimental, mais rapidement il tombe dans du plus mainstream. Cest bon pareil!
good
awesome 90s album that sounds like the 90s
I like the hardcore punk-rock ballads. The song writing, instrumentation, and structure were fantastic. I enjoyed these songs, but they weren’t all that memorable or catchy in the long run. 4/5
How. How can an album be that long and that good. I loved it - Pulp have a really fun, nuanced and profound way with words, and it's really echoed in the music they make
very nice britpop album
I had really high expectations for this album after hearing the title track on an indie radio a year ago and giving Different Class a perfect score. I do think it's another great entry with a darker, more mature sound, but the songs don't hit me as they did with Different Class. There are a lot of ideas that miss the mark here. "Seductive Barry" is a 9-minute epic that repeats itself, and although I quite fancy the dreamlike sound, there isn't enough variation for repeated listens, and most people just end up skipping it. I understandably hardly see much appreciation for it online. The other songs are not much better at this, with 11 songs over a 69 minute album, over half the tracks go on for 5+ minutes. And with its moderate energy and lack of personality, it leaves you a bit dissatisfied and wanting more. Different Class had incredible songwriting and naughty lyrics, and although the writing is fantastic in some songs like "Dishes", I found most of them here to be quite tame. But at the end of the day, I do think this is a collection of really good songs. "Fear" is a haunting opener that reminds me of Arcade Fire. "Dishes" is a beautiful entry with interesting instrumentation (has strings, a vibraphone, and a bit of a jazz touch) and emotional lyrics. "Party Hard" sounds like something off Bowie's Berlin Trilogy, as I really dig the high energy and distortion. "Help the Aged" is the most accessible song, sounding like it came off Different Class, with cool synths and trip hop effects, but otherwise my least favorite off the first side. "This is Hardcore" gives me goosebumps and is definitely one of their best songs. "TV Movie" is a bit underwhelming but I like the folk vibes. "A Little Soul" has nice psychedelic instrumentation but doesn't fit with the energy of the vocals and piano which almost feels like a generic pop hit. "I'm a Man" is the most Britpop track on here, and I like it but pretty forgettable. I already talked about "Seductive Barry", which I enjoy, and sounds like a song by The Verve. "Sylvia" is alright, and I do like the busy instrumentation but not much else. Not a big fan of the closer "Glory Days" but it's alright and I'd vibe to it as a standalone piece. I had to describe all the songs to help me determine whether to give this 3 or 4 stars, and I think I'm inching toward the 4 stars. In the end, I could comment on something unique about each of them, which is enough reason for me to revisit the whole record and see my appreciation grow with repeated listens.
Another band I never had the inclination to explore and I'm here listening to this before Different Class which is not a good idea according to the reviews. 1/ yes it does sound like Bowie. 2/ yes it does sound jade and burnt out.......I like that. 3/ Is it neither good nor bad? To be honest 'average' Pulp is still better than a lot of bands. The lyrics are engaging and the music varied and interesting. So yes I guess I'm converted.
pretty good!
Overall enjoyed it, except for a couple of tracks. The three track run at the end are the best songs on the album for sure.
I only really heard the 2 previous fan fave albums (Diff Class, and His'n'Hers) which both have hits have a glib humour about them. This is much darker and at times is brooding and gorgeous. Will play again. 4
👎👍 maso
amazing. not what i, or anyone else, expected after different class, but really really good. probably suffered at the time from how good their last few albums had been. My favourite song is 'a little soul'; 'help the aged' & the title track stand out too, but every song has something interesting 4 🌟
Having been a britpop powerhouse for the past few years, Pulp was ready to move on to more ambitious music. Different Class was a big album for Pulp, examining the modern English culture on a backdrop of catchy rock tunes for the masses. The truth is that Pulp loves to reflect everyday people and their everyday lives. Party Hard, for example, would show us English nightlife a whole decade before Arctic Monkeys could put pen to paper for their debut album, and do it way better. There's a certain Bowie influence in the sophisticated vocals, and sexual undertones. Goddamn is Pulp sexual. I've yet to see a band so committed to being horny. It's not erotic or good either, it's aesthetically creepy. But the overall product is so well executed, it's hard not to enjoy this monolith of an art rock piece.
Kinda dope. Voice turns me off
Enjoyed this. Had a bit of a Bowie-esque sound to it.
Big Bowie vibes. I really enjoyed this album and it's a band I've never heard of so that's awesome. Great diversity in the songs.
Tbh I liked Different Class more, but this album also stand on his own. Pulp represents a lot the 90's britpop, it's like a fusion of Roxy Music and Bowie, so ofc my ears will be happy. 7/10 Favorite songs: The Fear, TV Movie,
3.5/5 Britpop rock album. Fairly pleasant melodic instrumentals. Vocals a bit boring and longwinded. Nothing standout, it's fine in the background.
Darker and less poppy than earlier releases, this was a very enjoyable listen with some witty lyrics
Never heard of this band but apparently they’re big! Pretty good album, no big complaints besides I guess the bias towards the sort of crooning male singer that this list has.
Cet album nous a présenté le dur combat du chanteur Pulp face a l'âme de Elvis Costello. En effet, le chanteur en question arbore à son coup un des objets du Millenium, à savoir le puzzle, qui renferme en son sein l'âme d'Elvis Costello. Dans la plupart des instants de vie du chanteur, rien n'est à signaler, comme notamment sur le premier son, où ce dernier nous offre une très belle performance. Seulement, par moments, Elvis Costello tente de prendre le contrôle, ce qui peut être facilemetn identifié sur certains refrains de l'albums, où la voix du chanteur déraille totalement. Cela n'empiète heureusement pas trop sur la qualité de cet album, auquel j'accorde la note de 4/5.
Rätt nice!
Wasn't feeling the singers voice at first but this really grew on me. I suspect there are better pulp albums out there.
Pretty cool. Still I don’t think I’ve come to appreciate pulp fully but I’m getting there. The end of “the day after the revolution” also sounds just like the beginning of “Mr Roboto” by Styx- is this just me or????
For me, it's not their very best. Still very good
Cool alt rock album
sounds like damon
i like pulp
Love the band. So tart and peppy, ragged-edged and sarcastic. Not sure it's my favorite Pulp, but a pleasure to listen to. Takes itself with precisely the right level of seriousness, with the perfect dash (or seven) of irony. Plus, it holds up well musically.
It’s not quite Different Class
Nakon dva poslušana albuma, drago mi je da san se priključila ovome i otkrila ih ☺️
A little long, but very impressive work. I especially liked the use of layering on the tracks Favorites: "The Fear", "This Is Hardcore", "A Little Soul"
Album is weird and not something I would’ve ever found on my own. Really dope and different, super glad I got to listen to it.
Always meant to give them a chance and happy to listen to this
Well first impression...I think I like this album better than Common People. Lots of good songs, more dramatic sounding than that other album. 3.75 🌟
Amazing. Not what I, or anyone else, expected after Different Class, but really really good. Probably suffered at the time from how good their last few albums had been. A little soul, help the aged, & the title track stand out, but every song has something interesting
One of the more interesting UK Alt. Rock albums that I've listened to. Lots of relationship issues in the lyrics. CAN I HAVE MY BALLS BACK PLEASE?
This was going to be 5 based on the first four tracks but then I felt it went downhill a bit and became a bit whiny/samey.
If this killed britpop I don't want it to live
Its no Different Class. A bit too long. Best: Help The Aged, This Is Hardcore, I'm A Man.
This was a trip. I enjoyed the album. Very wide soundscapes.
Not what I expected overall honestly. I think each song had its own vibe, and man it's catchy and different. It's a solid piece of work.
Controversially, my second favourite Pulp album!
Pretty dang enjoyable. I'm actually really surprised how short this feels despite the long run time. One of the better Brit albums from the 90's that I've heard.
Really enjoyed this albums from this band I knew little about. Had a the National vibe
Great album. Another band I hadn't heard that I really should have.
I love the music, dislike the voice of the singer. He’s not very good and he’s very serious
Good background music and also interesting
-Lots sounds like David Bowie, and 1 or 2 like Pink Floyd -Some interesting tracks
Glory days makes it a 4star on its own
Sexy som bare det! Kule tekster, helt spesiell stemning. Likte spesielt tittelsporet, dishes og like a friend (selv om den egt er bonusspor). *I am not Jesus, though I have the same initials*
A gorgeous and clever album that allows Pulp to transcend the Brit pop genre and cement Cocker’s status as a bit of a genius
In turns bleak, brilliant and hilarious.
Pulps finest album, gets better as it progresses, lyrically brilliant as always
Not bad. I enjoyed this.
Fabby album. Unexpectedly good
Darker than what you expect from a Pulp album. maybe 3.9 but very good
Un altre gran clàssic. Per mi, l'àlbum definitiu de Pulp, el que millor mostra les qualitats i els excessos d'aquesta banda. I el que té la seva obra mestra, "This is hardcore", per mi el seu millor tema, arriscat, ambiciós, colpidor i encertadíssim. L'àlbum comença amb "The fear", hereva directa del seu anterior "Different class", i continua amb un "Dishes" antològic. "Party hard" baixa una mica el nivell i després arriba "Help the aged", el sorprenent primer single de l'album. Després del tema central i capdal del disc, el nivell baixa una mica però encara una recta final notable, que culmina amb una impactant "The day after the revolution". Bones sensacions amb el retrobament d'aquest disc, ple de bons temes i un parell d'obres mestres.
Definitely not hardcore. But I liked it.
Decent British arty pop-rock music. I think I liked the vibe of the album more than I did the actual music. Could definitely see this as a strong 3 instead of the 4 I gave.
a little melodramatic, but also really lovely. if im gonna be a 90s cliche, its this or the cranberries
pretty decent. felt like it was trying to hard to have a unique sound
Very keen to dive deeper into these guys. Bowie like in its melodrama but hilarious and meta and not taking its self seriously at all.
I really liked the album but did not listen to the whole thing.
This was a super fun pop-rock album that sounds like an influence to Kirin J Callinan.
Had no idea what to expect and boy was that just great! Many great songs on here that were really just a vibe and the opening/closing songs are *chef's kiss*. It was a journey that I thoroughly enjoyed.
More modern, less Britpoppy than for example Oasis and Blur. Liked it a lot, especially the second half of the album. However due to the slow first half, I have to award a 4 instead of a 5
This was nice. The music was mellow and melodious and it brought me into a good headspace.
Finally something interesting haha
I don’t have a fully formed opinion on it yet after my fourth listen. But I like it and am gonna keep trying. I appreciate the Roxy-isms and that final track is a thing of beauty.
'If you ever get that chimp off your back / If you ever find the thing that you lack.' Oh so spooky, kooky, & dorky, This Is Hardcore, aka Britpop for the Brit snob, the one too cool for Oasis, simultaneously defeats the purpose & upholds the tradition. One thing is clear: this is a record that sounds good, really, really good, & that's probably more than just a matter of production. These blokes know how to play. But another thing is clear: irony's a losing game when it comes to pop music of a certain stripe. There's a whole lot of Bowie, T. Rex, or even their contemporary Suede here, but those chaps had a sincere vision they were chasing. These lads were chasing their own tail. Not unenjoyable - 'A Little Soul' is a strong one - but not my cuppa.
Kind of had a H.I.M meets Bowie with some Type O Negative style vocals. It definitely isn't "hardcore" but it was enjoyable.
2.5 - This is not what I expected Pulp to sound like. I liked some of it and disliked a bit of. Most of it was fine.
Not as terrible as the album art portrays it to be
Я може щось плутаю, але я мабуть ніколи не слухав альбом Pulp. Хоч і звичайно назва гурту була на слуху у зв'язку з бріт-попом. Сам альбом у мене викликає змішані враження. Він звучить ніби ці пісні були написані десь в середині 80х, але аранжування трохи освіжили вже під 90ті роки. Є тут якісь глемові фішки, які я не очікував тут почути. Йому не вистачає хітовості і по-справжньому яскравих моментів. Водночас є хороші пісні і середній рівень досить непоганий.
inspired by: david bowie ; inspired: arctic monkeys
Did nothing for me
Not a thing hardcore about this. Not bad though. Better than their other record on here. At best it reminds me of other things I like better: Bowie, U2, Pavement, etc.
I bet he was so proud of himself when he came up with the lyrics "I'm not Jesus though I have the same initials"