This Is Hardcore  by Pulp

This Is Hardcore from 1998 becomes Pulp's sixth album and comes after the sweeping success of Different Class three years prior, a success that pushed every member of the band to their personal limits. Notably, the band's composer and performer, Jarvis Cocker, "disappeared" for some time in New York, and Russell Senior left the group after almost fifteen years.

This Is Hardcore has little to do stylistically with its predecessor. Its songs belong more to the art rock genre rather than britpop, which has now faded. The compositions are not designed for pop hits, and the album requires several listens to unfold its grandeur. The album cover draws negative comments, but this does not prevent the album from reaching No. 1 in the UK its first week of release.

The album's production was done by Chris Thomas. The song lyrics are written by Cocker, while their music is the work of the whole band.