Reviews (page 5 of 8)
However horny you think Jarvis Cocker is, I promise he’s hornier than that
this is so long
Didn't like it
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
2 not hardcore and quite boring
I have some friends for whom Pulp is their favourite band. Yes. They are citizens of the UK. Why do you ask?
Enjoyable. Would listen again.
Actually ended up loving this. Didn't at first but it warmed up.
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
this is not as good as the previous one lol
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.
If ‘This’ was Happy Hardcore then I would like it a lot more. As it is, it’s just very bleh and inessential. Where are the Common Peoples and Disco 2000s? Different Class and His n Hers so much better.
Cocker’s lyrics are a delight on this. Almost as good as Different Class. 4.5 stars but 5 on site.
that title track though 😮💨
Oh my god please talk to a woman you aren’t trying to have sex with. (2)
Liked it
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.
Rätt tråkigt även som bakgrundsmusik, kommer inte lyssna på igen.
Different Class had moments where I found the subject matter to not be to my liking. Mostly dealing with sexual escapades at others expense. The worst of the sex, drugs, and rock n roll. This album is full of just those moments. It seems like an accounting of the underbelly and the relationships are all about dominance and physical manifestation of that dynamic. The music itself is performed well and adds a gavitas to the Britpop band's sound that is welcome and suits the subject matter.
A bit of bad, but a whole lotta good. I would’ve preferred shorter songs though, but that’s just personal preference. Fav songs: I’m a Man, Sylvia, Glory Days Least fav song: I think it was Dishes but I honestly forgot
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 can tell you love Bowie, but I can also tell you don't get Bowie.
Pretty good. It definitely sticks with its own style.
There was nothing hardcore about this album. The music was uninspiring and boring.
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).
While it’s not always for me, I always appreciate music made for vampires and ghouls
I know people love Pulp, but this didn't click with me. Not much to say about it really. (10 known/18 new)
I actually mostly like Jarvis Cocker and his lyrics, but there's a thin line between the songs he pulls off, and the songs where he fumbles and it's all a bit embarrassing. This album has both. The album is longer than it should be, and there's absolutely no excuse for that 15 minute closer.
So fucking dull. Songs go on and on. Dude really loves the sound of his own voice.
Solid Brit-Pop
Enjoyed
The Fear // Help The Aged // This Is Hardcore // Glory Days //
Very decent album, had some great songs throughout but wasn't their best work.
already partially heard, fav is title track long bloated boring
Seems fine
This is...not what I was expecting
This sucks lol. It's like if a theater kid tried to make post punk. 1/5
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.
Älskar inte denna. Låtarna är helt enkelt inte starka nog IMO. Det finns inte mycket som är UNIKT med denna platta heller.
Not as instantly grabbing as Common People, but perhaps more longevity. Great album
Mmm... That wasn't as cool as I remember Pulp being.
Weird. To me it sounded very Bowie inspired, but lacked artistry and talent. Don’t think I finished a song and just skipped around. Definitely would not listen again
Interesting and new to me
Nope. I didn’t enjoy anything about this experience. I don’t have any friendly thoughts about this album or band at this point in their career. Maybe a vague less genuine and likable version of David Bowie which I assume is why this is on this list because the author has a fondness of all things Bowie. But this isn’t good for anyone. I feel like I need to take a shower after listening to this just to get it off me. They say that you can’t unsee things but I hope age will give me the kindness's of unhearing this album. 🤮 Sylvia was okay
OK pop-rock. Uninspiring. Nothing hardcore about this.
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
The end of the first song: yeah dude you're not cool or edgy you dip shit. The end of the last song: I don't remember how long was it, I think it was between 7 to 10 minutes. To whoever fell asleep on the button in the studio during recording. I understand that life can be rough and exhausting sometimes. We've all been there. But.... doesn't excuse you to fall asleep mid recording and give this piece of shite of the soundtrack to the world. Sleep better and produce better music and not this shite.
I guess 3.5
"the record 's somewhat mixed reception led some to speculate whether or not the group would continue". Then why the hell is this album here!?!?
I quite liked it overall. There were some clear ups and downs and moments where I needed to skip to the next song. Especially the last song, what the fuck was that? 10 minutes out of 70 of this albums are just somebody getting stuck on a single note?
Despite the criticism that this album received, I quite like it!
Absolutely middle of the road, nothing outstanding, nothing bad.
Another forgettable Brit rock album, it’s fine but way too long and nothing really stood out to me
Good album, not their best or the best of its moment but I guess there is something to be noted about 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 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
plenty of good songs but no great ones
My brain feels like it's been beaten to a pulp after listening to this mess.
If I could read this a zero I would.
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.
There is something about this album that really frustrates me
Adjacent to Britpop bands are not my favorite. This is about as textbook 3 stars are you can get. Totally fine.
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
nah
really cool album. at best very eclectic and at worst its horny glam rock.
Not awful. Not great. Sort of all sounds the same. No idea what NME was thinking with their rating or why it’s even on this list.
Album should be retitled: this is hardSNORE. Bored, start to finish. It's repetitive, tedious, mundane, repetitive, tedious, and mundane. Every song sounds the same: it's as if Jarvis Cocker took elements of Bowie, the Elvises (Presley* and Costello), and Leonard Cohen, threw them in a blender then strained out the good stuff and put the pulpy waste on an album. (Pun intended, yes.) *I only included Elvis Presley because the chord progression on Party Hard reminds me so much of Suspicious Minds that I was singing that in my head while listening to the song.
Basically the same review as Different Class. Good but not great, I don’t like the singing. Favorite song: seductive Barry, because he sings differently on that song.
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.
3 stars
Nah
Mediocre britpop. Jarvis Cocker tries too hard to be Bowie but he doesn't come close to the legend.
Nu har jeg hørt den 2 gange for at være sikker... Jeg troede jeg kunne lige Pulp bedre end jeg kan... Det er fint nok, men jeg det er bare ikke Disco 2000 nok.
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.
This was ok. No Common People on it, though. A little too dopey at times.
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.
THIS IS KIND OF TEDIOUS
Wow, pretty good!
Britpop-rock. Ni fu ni fa.
Fav song: A Little Soul This was apparently Jarvis Cocker’s horny album. There’s not much I like at all about this album, not a fan of the performance and delivery of the lyrics, not a fan of the flimsy sounding production, and generally I find Pulp’s sound to be a bit cheesy. Combined with the horniness of this album it all turns into a big old ball of things I just plain don’t like.
I never really liked Pulp first time around as found Jarvis Cockers shtick annoying. My feelings have softened and I found this alot more enjoyable than I was expecting. It needs a few listens as its a bit darker and less obvious although I still find his vocal mannerisms a bit annoying and discombobulating at times.
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"
I previously had Different Class, and I strongly disliked it. This follow up only amplified what didn't work for me. I was searching the reviews to see if anyone else had the same reasons for hating this, and I found a fellow 1 star who wrote a breakdown last January evaluating the lyrics that's perfect. I still don't like his voice, but I might if he did anything interesting with it. But it's mostly the lyrics that make me scrunch my nose and curl my lips. I don't care if many of the song were loosely based on some fictionalized Barry White character. The common narrator of these two albums I've listened to it still Jarvis Cocker, and this narrator is a cringey creep. I almost feel bad giving it 1 star because the rest of the band is good, but they needed a different lyricist / frontman. I only give 1 star if I truly dislike every single song, and this meets the criteria.
Album 622 of 1001 Pulp - This Is Hardcore (1998) Rating : 3.5 / 5 Described as Rock/Britpop/Indi, it is a challenging listen but well worth it. A bit different from their earlier work. Kind of a cinematic feel while honing in on some darker themes. It isn't pouring out the hits but overall, it is well done album.
Strong vibes of one of the many albums that are a solo project from someone more famous as a member of a band. Not my favourite, but not actively bad.
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.
It’s a vibe for sure. Really 2.5 stars.
1.5. I expected it to be more hardcore
This is an insane comparison but something about The Day After The Revolution is giving Billy Mack from the movie The Holiday (I just watched this which is why it's on my mind) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-bErbL5MVc Anyway, I'm not a big Pulp guy but I think I like His n Hers more than this one
I think I am learning that Pulp is not for me.
I love Different Class by Pulp but could never get into this album. Feels like brit pop had hit it's peak by the time this came out. The song Dishes really feels like it's trying hard to find subject matter. I'd probably stick to the first two pulp albums.
I was gonna purely write this off and go "I like the one that says Some Pulp" for this reviews because I'm famously not big on Pulp, but I actually really like this one! Pulp are effectively the most famous Roxy Music worship band, and while Jarvis is a much worse and more obnoxious vocalist than Bryan Ferry, it works here for the more art rock-leaning aspect of Pulp's sound. It's consistently enjoyable, something I can say a lot more for this than Different Class or His N Hers. I FINALLY understand what people get out of this band. 7/10
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
Well. There goes any worries about genre ambiguity. Hardcore Punk. Or just beat down Hardcore like Terror? We shall see. It could be an elaborate ruse meant to bait me but that simply cannot be. What??? Wait a second?? Is this just an intro to the hardcore album? It’s really long for that. Alright guys you got me. Can’t wait for the Discharge influence to really break through on the next one. My commitment to this dead/dying bit aside, I can’t decide how I feel about this right away. There’s a melodramatic, theatrical element that I hate, but there are some nice moments of melody as well. “I’m not Jesus but I’ve got the same initials.” I audibly groaned. This almost feels like something I’d like if it had any shred of likability. Does that make sense? Bah. I’m sure none of my reviews have anyway, so why start now? These lyrics are awful. Bordering on a joke song where I’m still waiting for the punch line. Oh god this song is horrible. It makes me want to party in the style of John Belushi. Overdosing and dying. Maybe I’ll fade out before the end of this song! Another boring song. Everything feels very tongue in cheek, but also devoid of anything to say. What are we being subversive against? This is Hardcore. Again. The false advertising. This sounds like a film score and due to the lack of vocals, probably starts better than any song on this album thus far. And there they are. After hearing “you are hardcore, you make me hard,” I would typically skip but I said I’d do this right. I have to be here. This is the background music to a terrible sex scene in a show about young people written by old people. Dreadful. Holy shit it’s not over? Bottom of the barrel here. Can only elevate from this point. I might break it up with an Agnostic Front song or two. The vocals are so bloody obnoxious. Swamp fumes levels. Miasmic stench rippling off of every belch from this pretentious dolt. And this was the best song so far. Still, not good. The giggle before “Try me,” made me punch the screen. Awful. This is Type O Negative afflicted by a horrible blood disease. Those affected “baritone” vocals. Look up BoDaddy Harris on instagram. Some weird man who essentially belches songs. This has to be his favourite band. Hopefully the singer was restrained and also cast off to sea. Oh no he’s back. STOP SINGING ABOUT SEX. YOU ARE GROSS. Hey. The lyrical content is vomit inducing, especially coming from this fella, but at least the slow pulse of the song fits the vocal delivery. The whispered soliloquy halfway through this marathon through broken glass has genuinely made me asexual. Hahahahahah. When he tries to exhibit range. Fuck. Also, how many allegations does this guy have on the books? How many *off* the books?? You should apologize to me. Not Sylvia. This is almost a decent song. It sounds like an Oasis song went through the paces at a Steven Seagal vocal delivery camp and was then slowed to half speed. We really are in the glory days! This album is almost over! Besides a FOURTEEN minute escapade to fully bring this medical waste barge to port. 10 minutes of ambient chime interrupted by this moron saying “bye bye.” Just shut up. Man. I get such a pretentious feel from this. While not Type O Negative, I think they might actually relate more to Type AB+. The universal recipient. They offer nothing to anybody. They only take. It took my time, my ear space and even small amounts of electricity. Everything has a disgusting, unctuous sheen that makes this so thoroughly unlikable. Add in bad clap sound effects, fairy tale swells and slap a girl on the cover. You’ve got “This is Hardcore.” Music for people with a pocket full of rohypnol who think they’re the smartest person in the room. 0-0.5 HIGHLIGHTS: I almost forgot to include this section! That was close.
Quirky energetic songs tat sometimes feel a little forced. Listenable but dated
The last song is a banger, the rest of the album is lackluster
This album took me 4 hours to listen through. There are parts of songs I like but no songs I particularily enjoyed. More birtish rock-slop. Spilled a bunch of paint at work to Sylvia. Overall cursed/5
Where does Pulp get their inspiration? They go from existential crisis to having the same initial as Jesus. Overall pretty good, not bad.
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.
A few cool songs but I could t make it through the complete album. Why are there two Pulp records? Even one is too much.
erm its pretty decent i guess but still not as good as different class
Not sure if was my mindset what I listened to it, but this was awesome.
Interesting, much better than Mars Volta for sure
What if Robert Goulet and Billy Corgan had a Jaguar?
Enjoyed this more than I expected. It has elements of 70's rock but doesn't stay stuck in the Ziggy Stardust vibe at all.
Comes across more like a novel than music. I did like some songs towards the end and also on the bonus 2nd disc.
JARVISSSS
I don’t like Pulp :(
Good, but not as good as Different Class.
Still sounds a bit like Bowie. They are ok, but the album is still too long.
I actually liked it more than I expected. The main song I liked was Help the Aged because the lyrics were valid and strong at the same time
Meh. Liked their other album we had on this list. His voice was mildly annoying in this album. Also it was a really long album which I wasn’t a fan of. Best song on the album was the last one everything else was okay or decent but nothing really wow. Don’t know why I NEEDED to listen to this before I died.
why are they on this list with (at least) 2 albums?? voice still sounds like Bowie, lyrics are pretentious/cringy
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
78% Best: The Fear; Party Hard; This Is Hardcore; Glory Days; The Day After The Revolution Must-Hear? Not quite
Maybe the 3rd Best but still very good.
A bit more interesting than I would've thought but still a little generic and not sure why it would be included here.
This wasn't hardcore, it was just bad.
Fine as background noise, fairly boring. Nothing to really catch my interest or imagination
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
Just a bit boring
4.4 - Not listened to much pulp but I'm a fan now! Will check out more
What a weird album. It’s trying waaaay too hard. At its worst it is totally tasteless, putrid, cringeworthy. At other moments it’s just dull, and occasionally it’s very interesting, as on the title track. There are songs where I like the instrumentation and then Jarvis comes in sounding like a stuck up douchebag or just saying something incredibly lame, like comparing himself to Jesus because they have the same initials. Richard Ashcroft vibes. Not clever, not funny, just a bit sad. Fave Tracks: This is Hardcore, I’m a Man 2.2/5
Meh this was fairly average, not too exciting.
This is fine. Fairly generic sound.
I really like a bunch of Pulp's music, but this wasn't quite hitting the same highs of their other albums, so it's 3-stars from me. Disco 2000 is a great track though.
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.
boring as -
Cool album
I feel bad about this review because I couldn’t hear it very well.
Class
So annoying and pretentious that I can’t even get through one song. This band is wildly overrated.
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.
It wasn't enjoyable
Nothing about the album is bad, but nothing about it is memorable. Very bland
“This Is Hardcore”’s sales pitch offers exhaustion: over an hour of post-Britpop malaise. What I found was a hang out, a place I happily spent much of a busy day in. Cocker’s heavily in hock to Bowie here, but his personality never completely disappears under the Dave-face, and the regret on display is of the decadent kind, which I always find more appealing. The diversity of sounds plays well to this theme, a woozily over-boozed box of liqueur chocolates. The band rock hard, which is not what I would usually turn to Pulp for, and while it has no absolute bangers, the songs have depth and I didn’t want to skip any of them on later playthroughs, though some could be shorter. Decadence is a pose against mortality. Good luck to us all tomorrow x
Underwhelming at the time, still enjoyed a few tracks today today but its welcome wore out long before the extended non-events towards the end. Try not to have a midlife crisis on record, it never works out well for the listener
Pulp is the horniest band I've come across on this generator
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.
A pleasant surprise, this was extremely tolerable. Didn’t expect it as I think Pulp are fucking shit. Never going to listen to it again.
Apparently being hardcore means writing needlessly long songs filled with half-whispered vapid lyrics about how hardcore you are. This dude needs us to think he has the depth of an ocean but it's obvious he is standing in the kiddie pool.
Soft content that blurred from track to track to track to track
These guys are part of the same genre as Blur and Oasis, as one of the \"big three\" Britpop bands, they sure sound more musically ambitious. It's still all a bit too sanitized for me - and kind of long-winded. I like my sub-pop genres to be immediate, but this album feels like the opposite. My three favorite songs 'Sylvia', 'Glory Days' and 'Help The Aged' are the stickiest songs here - everything else leans into this "art pop" sound that was never doing anything that blew me away. Not to say any of it is bad, it's just that the layer of polish on the more ambitious cuts here like 'This Is Hardcore' and especially 'The Day After the Revolution' with its long outro makes everything a bit too artificial. I didn't really care for 'Seductive Barry' either, not until its final minutes at least where those strings come in. At times, it reminds me of Lloyd Cole the commotions' jangle-pop sounds with just how all over the place it can be. The vocals and music are still solid, I suppose.
liked this one alot.
Never heard this album. Streets ahead of their other stuff. Enjoyed it. 3.6
Overall: 5/10 This was long and unimpressive. I found the songs to kind of drone on in the background of my thoughts and I kept wishing that I was just listening to David Bowie. There's obviously talent here but it isn't for me. Fav Song: A Little Soul Least Fav Song: Seductive Barry
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
I mean it's not too bad but it's not for me
Well performed... I got a Grunge-lite vibe that I really liked
Loved it from start to finish.
more ok britpop
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.
It definitely brings something new and quite original (although the voice did reminds me of Bowie), but not for me
The swan song of the whole Britpop era. Solid album, though it doesn't have many remarkable songs to highlight afterwards.
Not anything I would turn off if it came on to a stream I was listening to, but also unlikely to be anything I ever seek out again.
-interesting! I haven’t heard anything else by Pulp so im not too familiar with their genre specialties or whatever, but I wasn’t expecting the Bowie-esque glam rock stuff. It did feel a little on the slow side at parts but I really liked the variety especially in the second half -Favorites are Dishes, Party Hard, and Seductive Berry
2 bang average 1998 albums in a row eh. May as well go and see my comments on Madonna's "Ray of Light" tbh. "It's fine, there are other better albums this year bizarrely excluded"
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
A few songs in here made me perk up and say "oh...this is kind of cool". But for the most part I found it relatively slow and just okay.
Somewhat innocuous
I don't get the hype. Thought it was ok
Not bad, but somehow didn't seem genuine- like it was trying too hard to be sexy and cool. had some real highlights, but a lot of mediocrity as well.
Pretty good, but no Common People. We enjoyed this though.
Surprised on this one. I had never given this group a shot and although I had heard a few random songs I didnt really get into those songs so never listened to an album bit this is a very good album although I still dont love them. The song I liked the least was the single which pushed me away when this album was released. Glad I had the chance to listen now older and give it a chance and now I can judge it better.
A little too Morrissey for me...
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
"Mom, can I get this David Bowie album please?" "No son, we have David Bowie at home." Seriously, 8-minute long whisper songs are my kryptonite. That shit sucked. I was tempted to give one star for Seductive Berry alone, but have two and go back to the 90s where you belong.
No, it’s not.
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
I find nothing wrong with this. Kinda sounds like a movie soundtrack from the 70s. 3 stars
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.
Started off hopeful, but every song after the first one was really boring - it whittled its way down from 3 stars to 2,
Olispa enemmän hardcore… tai ehkä pitäisi keskittyä sanoihin. Nämä ovat tarinallisia biisejä. Mutta kirjoittaisivat myös kiinnostavampia melodioita (soittimille) eikä vain pauhua laulun taustalle! Mitä nyt kitara soittaa aina parit tii-tii-tii-tiit. Oasis voittaa tän ajan pelit. Mutta jotenkin ymmärrän tätä ja tahtoisin antaa 3 tähteä… kaks puol.
Bändin äänivallimainen musikaalimaisuus ei iske, mutta tälläkin levyllä on hetkensä. Dishes on ns. hieno kappale Leevi-näppäilyineen (mitäs tästä vertauksesta pidät, Jarvis). Hyvää materiaalia ei kuitenkaan riitä yli tunnin LP:n täytteeksi.
Not really a big britpop guy, but was enjoying this one, the songwriting was very strong.
Levyhaasteessa edellinen näiltä oli aivan eri luokkaa tähän verrattuna. Tämä levy tuntuu polkevan paikallaan ja käy nopeasti tylsäksi.
Vähän kyllä pliisuks
Oh sweet, another B tier album by a B tier band from a B tier genre. Another spot wasted on mediocrity 4/10
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.
Kind of the definition of mediocre
Незапоминающийся экспериментальный рок-альбом, тяжёлый для прослушивания. Есть местами красивые фоновые мелодии, но они не спасают.
Mature, heartfelt, poetic, reflective Pulp, exquisite in the little details. Love: A Little Soul, Party Hard, I’m a Man, Like A Friend Enjoyed less: Seductive Barry
Like the weirdness at the beginning, then it sounds like more of the same. Plus annoying British voice becomes more prominent at that point.
More lame shit britpop
Really sleepy delivery from the lead singer I liked the title track
Not for me. But I tried
Not as good as the other one.
I always found this a pretty boring album and this listen hasn’t changed that. It has little of the catchy tunes or humour found in Diffeewnt Class or His n Hers, which if I felt the urge to listen to Pulp I would go to over this every time.
It’s not very good is it. While for Pulp this seems quite musically brave and just sounds ‘bigger’ than earlier albums, it really highlights the frailties of Jarvis’s voice when doing anything other than talk singing, and no amount of clever/funny lyrics make up for that. Only Help the Aged is particularly catchy (albeit very Suede’y). I’m out.
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.
Interesting at best.
I was NOT crazy about this... Pulp without the joy.
4*
This wasn't bad. Much better than I expected it to be!
3.4 Not too bad but not memorable
Wow surprising good
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.
Nope. Not for me. This album seems like it searching for its sound… and doesn’t find it. Sounds like a Bowie cover band.
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).
it gives a strange vibe like it "has the energy" of not being the first at anything but being a good attempt at it. like Help The Aged just sounds like we-have-Creep-at-home. is that fair? is any of that even fair? i have no idea but it's the rational-or-irrational feeling it gives me apart from that it sounds cool enough
There’s something there. Sounds a little like Pink Floyd.
This is a great album by a band that might still be underrated. Jarvis Cocker shines as one of the best lyricist of his generation: funny (I'm not Jesus, though I have the same initials), touching, clever. His descriptions of middle class english life, the boredom, the ridiculousness, the yearning for excitement and normalcy, the oddness, are just perfect. And the band is tight and unassumingly inventive: using samples for the first time ("this is hardcore"), with crisp guitars and bouncing watery bass and slapping drums. Sometimes reminiscent of Scary Monster-era Bowie (Party Hard). It lives in the cracks: somber / fun, lush / dry, melancholic yet danceable, hopeless yet optimistic and full of life. Brilliant work.
This isn't hardcore punk, it's Britpop! Thankfully it's in a different class than Different Class. It's moodier and a bit more post-punk influenced, and that thematic and sonic diversity changes things up just enough to pull me. I do think it's missing a true stunner – though "Sylvia" does come very close – but at least it's consistent. Still too overtly pretentious and smug for me, but more complex and unsure this time around, and that's to Pulp's own benefit. I'm not head over heels for Pulp still, and won't be revisiting this much moving forward, but in the polluted sea of over-represented blah Britpop albums, I'd take This Is Hardcore over a lot of other Britpop albums on this list.
Chad Brit pop. The Pulp are the best to do it.
Idc
Not bad but it didn't really grab me in any way.
This is boring.
This is a disappointment to a nearly immeasurable degree. Sure, it still sounds like Pulp, with Jarvis Cocker's ironic suave swing found in his voice, and the sensual lyrics and melodies that sound like they came straight out of a 70s Bond film, but it nearly completely lacks that pop-focused outlook on music, and it makes the music sound aimless. Many songs just don't have that driving charm with a vision, and it leads every deep cut to be extremely forgettable, save for maybe Seductive Barry, but that certainly isn't remembered positively. The hits fair a bit better, but they try much too hard to be different. "No, I don't wanna be popular!" Cocker cries, as he pens The Fear. Maybe it would've been a genuinely daring tone change in '98, but sad British white guys aren't meant to be frightening, and it is just a little goofy. Especially when that funny feeling bleeds into styles JArvis and co. already nailed on the prior album, such as the seductive tunes. The titular song has a great instrumental, but the lyrics are so stupid that I can't help but groan by the end, and the whole album gives off that unfortunate feeling. Just a few knob shifts and this could've been an album on par with Different Class, but it just leaves me hollow inside, and wishing I spent my hour elsewhere.
the lyrics are bad at times, but overall I’m drawn to the dry humor and grandiose instrumentation of indie rock.
It was ok, not the best. Has its moments I guess though.
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
Definitely more glam rock inspired britpop, but I find myself becoming less and less interested in these 90s britpop albums as I go along. It also doesn't help that much of this is overly and uncomfortably sensual, so I guess the album cover should've been a sign. Much different than "Different Class" from a few years prior, but I don't think this quite reaches the heights of that entry in Pulp's discography. I'll leave this one behind.
A pretty solid glammy Britpop record.
I listened to the basic 65 minute version on Apple Music. I hear a bit of David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Nick Cave, the Cure(?) on this, but still overall kind of mediocre to me. For some reason the singer wants you to know his initials are the same as Jesus'. I looked it up and it's true - Jarvis Cocker - a name that would certainly get you a few playground beatings. A low 3/5.
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.
I may or may not have listen to this album. I don't think it has much to offer than there previous album, also on the list.
Did not like. I found it dull and I do not like Cocker’s voice.
This was a good listen. Maybe not as good as Different Class, but close
I was surprised by how different this was than Different Class. And I don't think the changes are in a positive direction. It's a fine album, but if I was going to listen to one Pulp album, it wouldn't be this one.
3 I felt emo listening to this
Rating: 5.5/10 Mixed bag album with plenty of very boring songs but also quite a few that were very good. Overall too long but still slightly enjoyable. Favorite songs: The Fear, I'm A Man, Sylvia, Glory Days, The Day After The Revolution, Like A Friend. Worst songs: Party Hard, This Is Hardcore.
Post New Wave The Cure? This is like if The Cure and The Velvet Underground/Lou Reed had a baby. Every song reminds me of some other band, Urge Overkill is coming to mind. Nine Inch Nails Light? Bowie, U2, maybe I'm not listening closely enough. It's not super compelling but it is also listenable. Ten minutes of fade noise with Jarvis Cocker saying "bye-bye" in the middle on the last song is inexcusable artiness with no real payoff.
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?
Horrible. Jarvis Cocker's unmusical warbling had me, at times, wondering as to whether this was a parody album. This Is Hardcore feels like a lengthy joke meandering towards a non-existent punchline.
I don't know if it is the fact that I've not been able to properly listen to music in a while or if Pulp is just growing on me as I get older but I really thoroughly enjoyed this album.
Pretty good listen, not something I'd come back to but it scratched an itch for the day. 3.5/5
This Is Hardcore is the sixth album by Pulp, originally released in 1998. I'm vaguely familiar with Pulp, but I've never given them a listen until now. All I really know is that they were big in the mid-90s Britpop scene. This record was released in 1998, so it was pretty much after the Britpop craze had passed. This was more pop-oriented than I expected (but somehow artsy at the same time), and very pretentious. It almost reminded me of a Nick Cave record at times. It also gets a lil creepy/weird. I can see why they wanted to try something new with this record, but I don't think it all works. Overall decent record, but it has its...interesting moments.
Meh
Some Nick Cave vibes.
Ok Britpop but doesn't not essential and doesn't need to be on the list.
Meh. Nothing wrong with this but the amount of 80s/90s British music on this list is absolutely insane. I dont even have anything new to say on that topic but wow, what a narrow-minded group of listmakers.
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.
Not as good as I was hoping.
Listened to this twice, and my gut reaction is not favorable. Something about this particular vocal delivery style always comes across a bit "try-hard" to me and I can't shake it. For some reason the effect is so pronounced that even when the instrumentals are solid, I feel something similar distrust. Some moments on here are fine -- Party Hard is a jam and This is Hardcore has a certain epicness to it that reminds of James Bond. But there are times when I really didn't enjoy this album: Dishes has an enjoyable structure, but some really dumb lyrics; and Help the Aged is another one with weird lyrical matter. All around this straddles the high 2 - low 3 line for me. Going lower to try to put a bit more diversity into my scores and reflect the fact that I would never come back to listen to this again.
A bit of and odd one. Not bad though. Not really sure how to classify this one, but the singer hits that Depeche Mode vibe that I don't love. The end had a nice triumphant sounding finish that reminded me of some band that I can't quite put my finger on. Ending pulled it from a low 3 to a regular 3.
Glamiest of Glam Rock. Not really my favorite genre at all but this album was pretty good at points. Some of the songs had some really cool rock aspects, others however felt like they were trying to hard to be epic songs. There was also a bit too much of seductive lyrics which kind of freaked me out at points. This one was hard to rate but I think it's landing as a low 3
This is so not hardcore. Something about this dudes voice or delivery seems so pretentious to me. Kinda hate it, which is a shame since some of the instrumentals are really solid. This was a slog to get through but had its moments. Won't be back though.
Not as interesting as the previous Pulp album on this list. Maybe it grows on you?
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.
Not bad but not nearly as good as Different Class.
Generally okay album. I really like some moments of some songs and their dramatic build ups. I do enjoy the mix of singing/talk sing. Nothing really stood out. Might take a few listens to grow on me but first impresión is just fine album. 2.5
Not a fan of Pulp, this kind of music sounds lacklustre to me.
Not my favorite, but if it was on in the background I probably wouldn’t notice.
This album is just a slog. Pulp trades in the catchy wit of their earlier work for something that feels heavy, self-important, and honestly kind of depressing. Most of the tracks drag on far too long, and the whole record feels weighed down by its own sense of misery. The big dramatic moments fall flat, and nothing here sticks in your head the way a good pop album should. It comes across as trying way too hard to be dark and edgy, but just ends up feeling tired. I was bored well before it was over.
Not as bad as I was expecting. Nothing memorable, but not bad all the same 3/5
**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.
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.
It misses the sparkling energy of Different Class but is still a very strong record.
This is Hard to judge. While Britpop is not my cuppa, I can jive with the direction this is heading. Strong rock pop blends and interesting music composure that does not confine itself to any particular formula. However, I find myself criticizing it more than I should and I land somewhere in between. The vocals ultimately drive the final nail of mediocrity.
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
Meh
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.
I like his voice.
I tapped out halfway through. It's alright. Nothing amazing though.
If this is hardcore, I'd rather go vanilla.
How much Britpop is too much Britpop? Listen to every goddamn Britpop album ever made on this list and find out!
Okay?
Man o man did they lie. This not hardcore, at all. Just a major crush on Bowie with none of the talent.
78/100
Idk this was kinda boring to me overall. It's not bad, but most of the songs hit the same emotional resonance to me and feel like he sings almost every song the same. \"I'm a Man\" and \"Sylvia\" were the two tracks that stood out to me.
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.
Certainly not hardcore. I thought it was a little “ boring”. I didn’t love it but I also didn’t hate it.
some of the songs sound good. sometimes his voice sounds like the lead singer of the National
“This is the sound of someone losing the plot”—an early lyric that pretty much sums up the whole purpose of it. It was decent, even if I wasn’t locked in the whole time.
Took 2 listens, but there is good stuff here. Particularly Side A.
Listened through this a couple of times, watched the video of the title track. The vibe is right in my lane, but I have a visceral reaction to Mr Cocker, he's just not Ferry or Bowie, however hard he seems to try. Makes it difficult to love what could be a stellar album
Nothing too remarkable but a nice listen. Probably a 3.5.
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.
I was not expecting a second album from Pulp to blow me away… and I stand here windblown and corrected. Holy smokes this is an incredible album. I’ve listened to it four times today and keep finding new delights in the music and the lyrics. Party Hard is an incredible party anthem! Seductive Barry was the most seductive thing this side of a Barry White album. The comparison of post-breakup life to a TV Movie is sheer genius. “You are the last drink I never should have drunk. You are the body hidden in the trunk.” Wow! An absolutely unexpected slam dunk for me today!
Sullen, low-key and somber. This is a very tame record with obvious elements of 90s alternative rock. Screeching guitars and almost-whining vocals layered over mysterious drum rhythms. This isn’t really hitting the spot, but it’s not terrible.
This goes hard now but will go even HARDER when I have my mid-life crisis.
I know very little of Pulp (I bet one song). But I do know of them. I have never listened to this album before. I was right: One song (and it wasn't from this album). This is decent. Sort of shoe-gaze-y and a bit Bowie-esque at times. But not really my thing. There were a couple of songs I would add to a playlist of similar-ish stuff but nothing that I loved.
I liked it, but was left a little underwhelmed. The highlights are really high on this, but I found the album as a whole quite a mixed bag. I think Pulp tend to do large, bittersweet, bangers really well, but I do think the more they experiment the less it works. Also I don't feel like album lives up to its title - it could be a lot sexier! Best Track: Like a Friend Worst Track: Seductive Barry