What makes Pussycat by Juliana Hatfield notable?

The album received significant attention for its candid lyrics and thematic explorations of personal and political dissatisfaction during a tumultuous political climate. It peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart, showcasing Hatfield's enduring relevance in the indie rock landscape. By the time Juliana Hatfield released 'Pussycat' in 2017, she was a seasoned artist, having established herself in the 1990s alternative rock scene. This album marked her return to solo work after a series of band collaborations, including The Juliana Theory and Hatfield's own projects following her last solo album in 2013.

Pussycat works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, heartfelt reflections on heartache and playful yet gritty energy.

How many songs are on Pussycat?

Pussycat has 14 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Pussycat

Juliana Hatfield · 2017

43 min · 14 tracks · rock music

A raw, confessional blend of power pop and indie rock that captures personal turmoil with sharp wit and melodic hooks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Wanna Be Your Disease — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious melody and biting lyrics about desire and entrapment, encapsulating Hatfield's sharp songwriting style.
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Kellyanne — This song directly addresses political themes through clever wordplay, using the persona of Kellyanne Conway to explore broader societal issues while maintaining a catchy pop-inflected sound.
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Short‐Fingered Man — With its playful yet scathing commentary on superficial relationships, this track showcases Hatfield's knack for blending humor with serious critique, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends personal themes with catchy melodies, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective tone.
Several songs employ a conversational vocal style, where the lyrics feel like direct confessions rather than traditional song structures.
The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, particularly in the last two tracks, creating a sense of resolution.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
heartfelt reflections on heartache
playful yet gritty energy
catchy hooks for casual listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced instant gratification
seek complex musical experimentation

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time Juliana Hatfield released 'Pussycat' in 2017, she was a seasoned artist, having established herself in the 1990s alternative rock scene. This album marked her return to solo work after a series of band collaborations, including The Juliana Theory and Hatfield's own projects following her last solo album in 2013.
Stylistic neighbors: Liz Phair· Veruca Salt· The Breeders