What makes Violet by Hole notable?

The song 'Violet' became a defining anthem of the grunge movement, notable for its candid exploration of themes like pain and empowerment. It received positive critical acclaim, appearing on several year-end lists and contributing to the album's overall success, which helped maintain Hole's relevance in the alternative rock genre during the mid-90s. When 'Violet' was released in January 1995, Hole was riding the wave of their breakthrough album 'Live Through This', which had been released the previous year. The band was solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene, with Courtney Love emerging as a prominent figure in a male-dominated industry. This single marked a significant moment for Hole, showcasing their evolution and cementing their status as key players in 90s rock.

How many songs are on Violet?

Violet has 4 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Violet

Hole · 1995

15 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A raw, powerful blend of grunge and alternative rock that channels fury and vulnerability through visceral lyrics.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Violet (LP version) — As the lead single, 'Violet' encapsulates the raw energy and emotional intensity that defines this album, with its aggressive instrumentation and poignant lyrics reflecting personal turmoil.
→
Old Age — 'Old Age' showcases a more reflective side of the band, combining melancholic melodies with sharp lyrical commentary on disillusionment and aging within a chaotic world.
→
He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss) — This cover offers a haunting reinterpretation of a classic song, emphasizing themes of abuse and complicated love, thus highlighting Love’s fearless approach to contentious topics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks full cohesion as a standalone work.

What we noticed

The title track 'Violet' features a dynamic shift between quiet verses and explosive choruses, creating a stark contrast that drives the song's emotional weight.
The second track, 'Old Age', employs a slower tempo and layered guitar textures, providing a reflective counterpoint to the intensity of the first track.
The cover of 'He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)' maintains the original's haunting quality while adding a raw edge through vocal delivery and instrumentation.
The live version of 'Whose Porno You Burn (Black)' captures an energetic performance with audience interaction, differing significantly from studio recordings.

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: 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Released after 'Live Through This', it solidified Hole's reputation in grunge.
Themes: female rage· 90s grunge scene· toxic relationships
Career context: When 'Violet' was released in January 1995, Hole was riding the wave of their breakthrough album 'Live Through This', which had been released the previous year. The band was solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene, with Courtney Love emerging as a prominent figure in a male-dominated industry. This single marked a significant moment for Hole, showcasing their evolution and cementing their status as key players in 90s rock.
Stylistic neighbors: Nirvana· L7· PJ Harvey