Jarvis Cocker, the unmistakable frontman of Britpop legends Pulp, has returned with a fresh perspective on love and life. Known for his sharp wit and candid lyricism, Cocker is revisiting the theme that first inspired him as a teenager: love. But unlike his early years, the new Pulp material reflects a more mature, heartfelt take, proving that love songs can evolve with the songwriter.

Story Highlights:

• Jarvis Cocker releases first album in 25 years with Pulp: More.

• New single Got to Have Love reflects mature perspective on love.

• Album inspired by band reunion and personal losses, including Steve Mackey and Cocker’s mother.

• Tracks like Spike Island highlight Cocker’s passion for live performance.

• More blends classic Pulp sound with earnest modern storytelling.

• Pulp performs at Suffolk Downs on Sept. 13.

Growing up, Cocker adored the love songs of the 1970s, the kind of pop ballads that promised romance in sweeping gestures. When he started Pulp as a teenager, he attempted to craft his own love songs, only to discover that love in real life was far messier than what records suggested.

“I started the band at the same time that I started trying to date girls,” Cocker told the Boston Herald.

“And when I started to try to date girls, I was horrified that it was so difficult. It wasn’t easy and I felt betrayed by songs. Love wasn’t this nicey-nicey thing.”

Although Cocker’s teenage self loved pop music, he felt the lyrics had sold him a “dud,” a romantic ideal that reality refused to match. That sense of disillusionment shaped his vow to write songs that captured the truth of human emotion, not a sugarcoated version of it.

Today, that approach is most evident in Pulp’s new album, More, their first release in 25 years. The album, filled with both familiar Pulp sounds and newly honed perspectives, explores love, life, and performance with a striking honesty.

Take the single Got to Have Love, for instance. Here, Cocker’s voice carries both longing and certainty:

“It cannot be denied, I waited far too long/To believe, to believe in the words, I once wrote to this song.”

“I would have felt just too embarrassed to write that song,” Cocker explained, reflecting on his younger self.

“It doesn’t say it in an ironic or tangential way. It just says, ‘Got to have love, and I’m not going to argue about it.’ In fact, I’m going to tell you off in the middle of the song. ‘Can you even spell it? Because I’ll even spell it out for you.’”

The song concludes with a spoken-word section, emphasizing the necessity of love, and marking a significant shift from Cocker’s ironic teenage lyricism to the earnestness of a mature artist.

More is not only about love; it’s about embracing the full experience of life. Opening track Spike Island demonstrates Cocker’s self-awareness as a performer:

“I was born to perform, it’s a calling. I exist to do this, shouting and pointing,” he said.

Cocker, now 61, admits that performing live allows him to channel music fully. “I’m a person who tends to think all the time… When you perform live, there’s no time to think. You become a channel, shall we say, for the music to come through.”

The creation of More was influenced by both joy and personal loss. Bassist Steve Mackey passed away, and Cocker’s mother also died, marking a period of reflection for the band. “It’s been an interesting period, and upsetting in certain ways,” he said.

“Things like that were significant in that if you were going to try and do something creative, why not get on with it because you don’t get forever to do it.”

The album was recorded in a rush, partially due to a minimalist studio setup. The band even bought the cheapest IKEA couch to fill a hallway. Despite the simplicity, the recording process captured a sense of immediacy and authenticity.

While songs like Tina and My Sex retain classic Pulp energy, More introduces a new sincerity. Cocker’s reflections, both lyrical and personal, bring a powerful resonance to the band’s signature sound.

With More, Pulp proves that love songs can grow alongside the artist. Their upcoming performance at Suffolk Downs on September 13 will showcase both their legendary stage presence and their evolved musical narrative.

For fans of Britpop and Pulp alike, the album is a reminder that while youth may color our early songs, experience adds depth, honesty, and urgency. Jarvis Cocker and Pulp have returned not just to recreate the past, but to redefine it for today.

Appreciating your time:

We appreciate you taking the time to read our most recent article! We appreciate your opinions and would be delighted to hear them. We value your opinions as we work hard to make improvements and deliver material that you find interesting.

Post a Comment:

In the space provided for comments below, please share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions. We can better understand your interests thanks to your input, which also guarantees that the material we offer will appeal to you. Get in Direct Contact with Us: Please use our “Contact Us” form if you would like to speak with us or if you have any special questions. We are open to questions, collaborations, and, of course, criticism. To fill out our contact form, click this link.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss out on future updates and articles.