What makes The First Session by Hole notable?

Although not widely recognized upon its release, The First Session has since gained a cult followership for its intimate and unrefined approach to songwriting. It serves as an important artifact highlighting the grunge movement's DIY ethos and has influenced countless alternative artists seeking authenticity in their music. Released in 1995, The First Session marked Hole's transition into a more polished sound following their acclaimed debut, Pretty on the Inside. This album showcases early versions of tracks that would later appear on their subsequent releases, reflecting a key moment in Courtney Love's career as she began to establish her voice in the rock scene.

How many songs are on The First Session?

The First Session has 4 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

The First Session

Hole · 1995

12 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A raw and energetic collection of lo-fi recordings that captures the chaotic essence of 90s alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Retard Girl — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of punk energy and emotional vulnerability, setting the tone for the album's exploration of identity and societal rejection.
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Phonebill Song — Its brief length contrasts with deeper themes of isolation and communication breakdown, showcasing Love's biting wit and lyrical economy.
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Turpentine — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this song highlights Love's ability to convey raw emotion while maintaining a melodic structure, embodying the band's artistic range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

44 /100

Lowland

Higher than 4% of albums we've rated

The EP captures a raw energy typical of its time, showcasing early songwriting while remaining cohesive in its chaotic presentation.

What we noticed

The EP features four tracks, each with a raw, unpolished sound that emphasizes the band's early lo-fi aesthetic.
Vocals are delivered with a gritty edge, often layered with distortion, creating an aggressive and chaotic atmosphere.
The instrumentation is sparse yet dynamic, with guitar riffs that drive the songs forward while maintaining a sense of spontaneity.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A raw, intimate EP that appeals to dedicated fans but isn't widely recognized.
Themes: 90s alternative chaos· societal rejection· communication breakdown
Career context: Released in 1995, The First Session marked Hole's transition into a more polished sound following their acclaimed debut, Pretty on the Inside. This album showcases early versions of tracks that would later appear on their subsequent releases, reflecting a key moment in Courtney Love's career as she began to establish her voice in the rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Nirvana· L7· PJ Harvey

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Retard Girl

The lyrics address societal perceptions directly, revealing deep-seated frustrations with identity and stigma.

This direct confrontation with public perception marks a pivotal shift from personal narrative to broader social commentary.