Review
'Celebrity Skin' is like a postcard from the sun-soaked, star-studded streets of LA, but with a gritty edge that only Courtney Love could deliver. This 1998 release saw Hole trading in their grunge roots for a sleeker, more polished sound that had everyone from critics to casual listeners nodding along. It's the kind of album that makes you want to drive down the Pacific Coast Highway with the windows down, belting out lyrics about the dark side of fame and fortune.
The title track and 'Malibu' are total earworms, thanks in part to Billy Corgan's songwriting magic. But don't let the catchy hooks fool you – Love's lyrics are as sharp as ever, taking aim at everything from the music industry to her own personal demons. Songs like 'Reasons to Be Beautiful' and 'Hit So Hard' pack an emotional punch that'll leave you reeling.
What's really cool about 'Celebrity Skin' is how it manages to be both a critique and a celebration of California culture. It's like Hole took all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, mixed it with a healthy dose of cynicism, and turned it into a platinum-selling album. No wonder it hit number nine on the Billboard 200 – this is the kind of record that speaks to anyone who's ever felt both drawn to and repelled by the promise of stardom. - Zara
