This Is Hardcore
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we explore This Is Hardcore, Pulp’s audacious and theatrical follow-up to Different Class. A striking departure from their previous success, this album delves into the anxieties of fame and the dark underbelly of human desire.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signalled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: the story behind the band, their biggest moments, and their legacy. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Released: 30 March 1998
Artist: Pulp
Genre: Art Rock, Glam Rock, Britpop
Label: Island Records
Producer: Chris Thomas
Singles: "Help the Aged," "This Is Hardcore," "A Little Soul," "Party Hard"
Personnel: Jarvis Cocker – vocals, guitar / Candida Doyle – keyboards / Steve Mackey – bass / Nick Banks – drums / Mark Webber – guitar, keyboards
The Making of This Is Hardcore
Writing began in 1996, as tensions from Different Class success strained the band. Jarvis Cocker retreated to New York for isolation and inspiration.
Russell Senior left the band during the early sessions, forcing a creative reshuffle and deepening the album’s introspective tone.
Recorded over 14 months at London’s Townhouse and Olympic Studios, the process was marked by experimentation and orchestral ambition.
Chris Thomas, who had worked with legends like Roxy Music and the Sex Pistols, brought precision and grandeur to the project.
The Story Behind This Is Hardcore
The album reflects Jarvis Cocker’s struggles with fame, self-doubt, and disillusionment, veering away from Britpop’s exuberance.
Inspired by themes of mortality, ageing, and obsession, it offers a raw exploration of the darker aspects of success.
The title track, a sultry and menacing anthem, was accompanied by a controversial video likened to a gritty arthouse film.
The artwork, designed by Peter Saville and John Currin, featured a subversive image of a reclining model, symbolising decadence and vulnerability.
Rise to Prominence
This Is Hardcore debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying Pulp’s position as cultural innovators.
"Help the Aged" set the tone for the album, addressing social alienation with biting commentary.
The band’s live performances, including a theatrical set at Glastonbury 1998, earned praise for their dramatic flair.
Commercial Success and Critical Reception
Certified Gold in the UK, with 100,000 units sold within a month of release.
Acclaimed by Rolling Stone for its cinematic ambition, described as "a daring examination of the long, slow fade of fame."
NME hailed it as "a daring, devastating album that redefined Britpop’s boundaries."
Nominated for the 1998 Mercury Prize, marking Pulp’s third nomination in the award’s history.
Legacy and Influence
This Is Hardcore signalled the end of Britpop’s hedonistic phase, ushering in a more introspective era for British music.
Tracks like "This Is Hardcore" and "A Little Soul" remain cultural touchstones, celebrated for their honesty and emotional depth.
Frequently cited in discussions about albums that challenged the Britpop narrative, it influenced acts like Elbow and Arctic Monkeys.
Recognised in NME’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and Pitchfork’s 50 Best Britpop Albums.
Notable Facts
The title track samples Bolero on the Moon Rocks by The Peter Thomas Sound Orchestra, adding a cinematic edge to its noir atmosphere.
"Cocaine Socialism," a biting critique of Tony Blair’s New Labour, was recorded during the sessions but excluded from the album.
The album cover faced backlash for perceived sexism, sparking debates in the UK about art and representation.
A Japanese edition featured the bonus track "Like a Friend," which later appeared in the Great Expectations film soundtrack.
Defining Lyric
"Oh, that goes in there" — This Is Hardcore (1998)
Tracklist
The Fear – 5:35
Dishes – 3:30
Party Hard – 4:00
Help the Aged – 4:28
This Is Hardcore – 6:25
TV Movie – 3:25
A Little Soul – 3:19
I’m a Man – 4:59
Seductive Barry – 8:31
Sylvia – 5:44
Glory Days – 4:55
The Day After the Revolution – 14:56
Essential Listening
"This Is Hardcore" (1998): A dramatic, brooding exploration of desire and decay.
"Help the Aged" (1997): A poignant reflection on social isolation, with soaring orchestration.
"A Little Soul" (1998): A tender yet haunting ballad about regret and self-awareness.
Why You Should Be Listening to This Is Hardcore Now
Pulp’s This Is Hardcore offers an unflinching exploration of the darker side of fame, relationships, and human desire. Jarvis Cocker’s brutally honest lyricism, combined with lush orchestration and bold production, creates a record that feels as urgent today as it did in 1998. Rediscover This Is Hardcore for a vivid and unforgettable journey into Britpop’s most daring corners.
See you on down the road.
