About this album
Where they were
Released in 1998, 'This Is Hardcore' is Pulp's fifth studio album and a significant follow-up to their breakthrough, 'Different Class.' At this point in their career, Pulp was firmly established as a leading force in Britpop, yet the album marked a shift towards more introspective themes that contrasted with the earlier celebratory tones of their previous work.
Why it matters
'This Is Hardcore' received critical acclaim upon release and peaked at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. The title track became emblematic of the band's darker lyrical explorations, influencing contemporaneous artists and contributing to discussions surrounding the complexities of desire and fame in pop culture.
Essential tracks
- "This Is Hardcore" ā The title track encapsulates the album's themes of disillusionment and hedonism, featuring haunting vocals paired with an orchestral arrangement that highlights Pulp's dramatic flair.
- "Help the Aged" ā This track juxtaposes nostalgia with a modern critique of society's neglect for the elderly, showcasing Jarvis Cocker's ability to weave poignant social commentary into catchy melodies.
- "Party Hard" ā 'Party Hard' serves as both an anthem for escapism and a critique of excess, embodying the tension between celebration and underlying emptiness that pervades the album.
- "Like a Friend" ā As one of the album's more bittersweet tracks, 'Like a Friend' explores complex emotions surrounding relationships, delivered with both sincerity and irony that reflects Cocker's lyrical prowess.
Release Date
January 1, 1998
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 The Fear 5:35
- 2 Dishes 3:30
- 3 Party Hard 4:00
- 4 Help the Aged 4:28
- 5 This Is Hardcore 6:25
- 6 TV Movie 3:25
- 7 A Little Soul 3:19
- 8 Iām a Man 4:59
- 9 Seductive Barry 8:31
- 10 Sylvia 5:44
- 11 Glory Days 4:55
- 12 The Day After the Revolution 5:52
- 13 Like a Friend 4:32