Released in the shadow of her husband's death, Courtney Love and Hole delivered their sophomore album Live Through This in a tsunami of emotional turmoil. Propelled by three hit singles, the album would launch Love into stardom and influence a generation of visceral, outspoken musicians that took inspiration from songs about motherhood, abuse, postpartum depression, and other topics not found on Billboard 200 charting albums. In looking back almost thirty years, the layers of musicianship that might have been glossed over by the larger moment are revealed. Guitarist Eric Erlandson's shifts between vitriolic riffing and crunchy leads to subtle and understated without missing a beat. Speaking of beats, drummer Patty Schemel shines, adding controlled bombast that, paired with bassist Kristen Pfaff, gives the album a tightness without feeling stale or rote.
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