Review
"Live Through This" is the fiery explosion of emotion you'd expect from Courtney Love and Hole, but with a striking newfound maturity. Gone are the raw, hardcore edges of their earlier days; instead, we get refined melodies and song structures that showcase Love's razor-sharp lyrics and unflinching perspective. Produced by Sean Slade and Paul Q. Kolderie, this record is a snapshot of Love's inner world, where beauty and ugliness coexist in a swirl of intense emotion.
From the opening riffs, it's clear that "Live Through This" is an album that's both unapologetically loud and disarmingly tender. Love's lyrics tackle depression, child abuse, and self-image with a brutal honesty that's both uncomfortable and compelling. And yet, amidst the anger and outrage, there's a sense of vulnerability and sensitivity that makes this record feel uniquely human.
Tragedy marred the album's release, with the devastating loss of bassist Kristen Pfaff just two months later. But despite the challenges, "Live Through This" went on to achieve platinum status in multiple countries, selling over 1.6 million copies in the US alone. Today, it's hailed as a career-defining masterpiece, a testament to the raw power and emotional depth of '90s alternative rock. - Sydney
