Is The Hole a good place to start with Golden Earring?

Yes, The Hole is recommended as a starting point for new Golden Earring listeners. A vibrant blend of classic rock and progressive elements underscored by catchy melodies and reflective lyrics. Released in 1986, The Hole marked Golden Earring's transition into the mid-80s rock scene following their earlier successes. It came after the hit album Cut, showcasing their continued evolution as they experimented with sound while maintaining their signature rock edge.

The Hole works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, melodic hooks for sing-alongs and for evening drives.

How many songs are on The Hole?

The Hole has 9 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

The Hole

Golden Earring · 1986

44 min · 9 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant blend of classic rock and progressive elements underscored by catchy melodies and reflective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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They Dance Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Save the Best for Later — This track features a captivating chorus and a dynamic arrangement, showcasing the band's knack for combining heartfelt lyrics with an energetic sound.
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Have a Heart — With its infectious groove and compelling vocal delivery, this song encapsulates the album's emotional depth while retaining a catchy melodic line.
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A Shout in the Dark — This track stands out for its darker tone and introspective lyrics, demonstrating the band's ability to explore more profound themes within their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout tracks that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
Several songs incorporate layered guitar harmonies and extended instrumental sections, particularly in 'Jump and Run' and 'A Shout in the Dark'.

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

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 groove
melodic hooks for sing-alongs
for evening drives
uplifting vibes with reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced music
seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued evolution and strong songwriting in mid-80s rock context.
Themes: mid-80s rock evolution· introspective darkness· catchy melodic reflections
Career context: Released in 1986, The Hole marked Golden Earring's transition into the mid-80s rock scene following their earlier successes. It came after the hit album Cut, showcasing their continued evolution as they experimented with sound while maintaining their signature rock edge.
Stylistic neighbors: The Alan Parsons Project· UFO· Thin Lizzy