What makes This Is Hardcore by Pulp notable?

The title track became a critical highlight, known for its provocative lyrics and orchestral soundscapes, marking Pulp's continued influence on the alternative rock scene. The song's exploration of sexuality and fame resonated strongly, garnering significant attention from both critics and fans alike, which helped the band maintain their cultural relevance during this transitional period in British music. By the time 'This Is Hardcore' was released in March 1998, Pulp had already established themselves as a leading force in Britpop with their previous album, 'Different Class'. This album represented a shift towards darker themes and more complex narratives, signaling an artistic evolution as they approached the end of the Britpop era.

How many songs are on This Is Hardcore?

This Is Hardcore has 4 tracks, running approximately 23 minutes.

This Is Hardcore

Pulp · 1998

23 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A dark exploration of desire and disillusionment wrapped in lush, cinematic arrangements and Pulp's signature lyrical wit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Is Hardcore — The title track serves as a bold commentary on the grotesque side of desire and fame, encapsulating the album's thematic depth and musical ambition.
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This Is Hardcore (4 Hero remix) — This remix transforms the original into a complex electronic soundscape while retaining its haunting essence, showcasing Pulp’s adaptability within different genres.
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This Is Hardcore (Swedish Erotica remix) — This version takes a more sensual approach, emphasizing the track's themes of eroticism through a blend of rhythmic innovation and atmospheric layers.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100

Foothills

Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong composition and craft, but the remixes dilute its cohesion.

What we noticed

The title track features a slow, brooding tempo with orchestral strings that create a cinematic atmosphere.
The original song's structure includes verses that build tension before releasing into a lush chorus, emphasizing its themes of desire and disillusionment.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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: Breakthrough — This album solidified Pulp's reputation post-'Different Class' with critical acclaim.
Themes: sexual obsession· Britpop critique
Career context: By the time 'This Is Hardcore' was released in March 1998, Pulp had already established themselves as a leading force in Britpop with their previous album, 'Different Class'. This album represented a shift towards darker themes and more complex narratives, signaling an artistic evolution as they approached the end of the Britpop era.
Stylistic neighbors: Suede· Blur· The Auteurs