Fronted by the enigmatic Courtney Love, one of the most controversial women in rock ‘n’ roll history, Hole rose to prominence in the 90s as part of the Grunge and Alternative Rock movement. Their raw energy and punk ethos quickly made Hole one of the defining bands of the era.
They produced hit after hit that showcased Love’s unique vocal style and lyrical prowess alongside some sensational guitar riffs. So, I decided to take a look at the Top 10 Hole songs. From the ferocious Punk anthems that made them famous to the more mainstream sound of their later years, these songs represent the best of Hole’s musical legacy.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this list of Hole’s Top 10 songs will be quite the ride. So, in chronological order, let’s get going with…
23 Best Hole Songs of All Time
1Teenage Whore (1991)
Some of you might only know Hole’s more “polished” later sound. “Teenage Whore”, however, shows the abrasive, gritty, and uncompromising sound the band had when they started. It was the first single released from Pretty on the Inside, their debut LP.
There is no holding back in this brutal tale of a fractious relationship between a mother and daughter. Love’s performance is a powerhouse of vitriolic rage that put her in a very select group of female vocalists. The story is apparently a biographical one. And that would go a long way to explaining the level of emotion involved. It seems they didn’t get along too well.
Love’s tirade is accompanied by foreboding guitar riffs thrashed out with an equal measure of venom. As a whole, it’s a pretty unsettling experience which is exactly what it was meant to be. The song failed to chart in the American market. But, it was far more appreciated in the UK, reaching #1 in the Indie Chart and declaring the band’s explosive arrival.
2Doll Parts (1994)
The 1994 hit single “Doll Parts” is considered one of the most iconic Hole songs. The lyrics are an ode to Love’s husband, Kurt Cobain, from Nirvana. They reflect on a time at the start of their relationship when she couldn’t understand what he saw in her. It’s a simple acoustic track made up of only three chords. Yet, it still manages to evoke a powerful and emotional response.
The line “Someday you will ache like I ache” took on a deeper meaning after Cobain’s death. But the song’s lyrics also speak to the universal experience of longing for someone.
Whichever way you read the song’s meaning…
“Doll Parts” stands out as a quintessential Hole song because it can be interpreted in different ways. It is a deeply personal song, yet it also connects with listeners on a universal level. And that makes it a truly special and rare piece of music.
“Doll Parts” reached #4 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart on its 1994 release. Rolling Stone magazine placed the track at #208 in their 2021 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.
3Miss World (1994)
“Miss World” was the lead single from the hugely successful 1994 album, Live Through This. The song deals with low self-esteem and drug abuse. And about how striving for superficial beauty makes people ugly on the inside. Several band members were also struggling with addiction at the time. So, it’s likely that influenced the lyrics.
Musically, “Miss World” is a perfect blend of Alternative and Punk Rock. Courtney Love’s raw, heartfelt vocals lead the charge. The guitar riffs are sharp and heavy, while the drums drive things forward nicely. The song’s dynamic structure and powerful instrumentation make it a standout track on the album.
“Miss World” was a commercial success for Hole. It reached #13 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart. The song’s success helped to solidify Hole’s place in the 90s alternative rock scene. To this day, it remains one of the best Hole songs for many fans.
4Violet (1995)
“Violet” is a fierce rejection of romance. It’s a harsh, aggressive song marked by its raw energy, violence, and emotion-fueled eruptions. In other words, the hallmark Hole sound. The lyrics “Go on take everything – Take everything – I want you to” showcase Hole’s ability to channel rage and emerge victorious all the same.
Love’s rage competes with an equally angry guitar riff on this single from Live Through This. On its 1995 release, it reached #17 on the UK Singles chart. And a respectable #29 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart.
“Violet” is unapologetically anguished and full of conflicting emotions. For example, lines, “When they get what they want – They never want it again.” This track is a perfect example of the band’s raw and powerful sound. So, hearing it performed live at the peak of the band’s power must have truly been something to behold.
5Petals (1998)
Hole’s final track from their album, Celebrity Skin, is a powerful and evocative song. One that highlights the band’s ability to create a concept and execute it effectively.
Courtney Love, Eric Erlandson, and Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins (who was Love’s love interest at the time) share the writing credits. “Petals” features sparkling melodies and 60s-style guitar riffs that complement the lyrics about the destruction of purity and innocence. The lyrics paint a vivid image of how inequality and abuse can impact the innocent and destroy their self-worth.
There are several great sonic enhancements, including the feedback at the start of the song that sounds like crashing waves. Love’s vocals take on a more mellow tone as well. The song is a stark contrast to Hole’s earlier Punk Rock sound. But that just highlights the band’s ability to experiment and evolve.
6Celebrity Skin (1998)
“Celebrity Skin” was released as the title track of their third studio album in 1998. The song is a departure from the band’s earlier, more abrasive Punk sound. Instead, it features a more polished, mainstream Rock style. This shift in sound is evident in the song’s catchier Pop hooks and upbeat tempo, making it one of Hole’s most popular songs.
The lyrics, written by Courtney Love, are a savage look at the shallow and temporary life of female celebrities and their treatment at the hands of the press.
And, boy, does she let rip with the vocals…
Courtney shows both the soft and harder side of her incredible range. Some fantastic guitar riffs compliment the vocal assault nicely. If you’re looking for the quintessential Hole song that sums the band up perfectly, “Celebrity Skin” is a great place to start.
The track was a commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart. The song was also a hit internationally, reaching the Top 40 in several countries, including #19 in the UK Singles chart.
7Reasons to Be Beautiful (1998)
Celebrity Skin is full of sonic knockouts that pack a real punch. And “Reasons to be Beautiful” is one of them. This song was written after the passing of Kurt Cobain. The lyric “It’s better to rise than to fade away” is a positive spin on a famous line from Cobain’s suicide note. Kurt wrote, “It’s better to burn out than to fade away,” which was taken from a Neil Young song.
Instead of perpetuating feelings of disconnection, solitude, and depression, Love implores individuals to seek out beauty in their lives. Challenging the typical outlook of loneliness that was prevalent in the 90s alternative scene. “Reasons to be Beautiful” is a search for meaning and purpose. As a result, this song remains a cherished piece among Hole fans.
This song, much like Courtney Love, is a paradoxical blend of opposing elements. It is a combination of fury, tenderness, and familiarity that perfectly encapsulates the sorrow of losing a cherished person. More importantly, it’s an electrifying track that belongs in the Top 10 Hole songs.
8Awful (1998)
The third single from the triumphant Celebrity Skin demonstrates their transformation from underground Punk to mainstream Alternative Rock more than any other track. The sound has evolved from raw Grunge to a polished and commercialized Rock style.
Despite this change, the band has maintained its edgy and provocative tone, as reflected in the song “Awful.” The lyrics tackle the harsh reality of being a female in the music industry, exposing the exploitation and manipulation that often takes place in a male-dominated field.
The song shines a light on the way young women are used for their talents and bodies. And how they are kept in financial debt to their labels. Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the challenges facing women in the music industry. The track was a minor success, peaking at #13 on the Billboard Alternative Music Chart and #39 on the UK singles chart.
9Malibu (1999)
And now for something completely different. A song that showcases the mellow, less caustic side of the band. The track boasts gentle and airy chords, giving it a sweet and soothing vibe that stands in stark contrast to the Punk-fueled edge often associated with Hole’s music.
It’s this accessibility that likely helped make this song a hit with listeners, offering a much-needed break from the band’s otherwise heavy and intense repertoire.
Love has stated “Malibu” is about her experience living in the city with her first love. Rather than the speculation that it was inspired by Kurt Cobain’s staying at a rehab clinic there.
With its tranquil instrumentals and soothing backing vocals…
“Malibu” is a beautiful ballad that captures the essence of the laid-back lifestyle of the city. It’s a beautifully calming track that remains a standout in Hole’s discography. The song was nominated for a Grammy in 1999 and reached #3 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart.
10Nobody’s Daughter (2010)
Some consider Hole’s fourth album, Nobody’s Daughter, to be an album not made by the band but rather a solo project by lead singer Courtney Love. However, Love has always been in control of Hole’s artistic expression, as demonstrated in this track.
“Nobody’s Daughter” portrays Love’s journey of self-reflection, where she moves away from her past wild and carefree personality and instead chooses to acknowledge and work on her flaws.
This song holds a significant place in Hole’s discography…
It symbolizes a turning point for both the band and Love, with lyrics such as “I’m not that stupid – I just need a lot of help.” It showcases Hole’s maturity and growth but still retains the raw and emotional energy that has become its trademark. “Nobody’s Daughter” showed that Hole was still making edgy and relevant music right up until their last studio album in 2010.
11Softer, Softest (1994)
12Garbage Man (1991)
13Rock Star (1994)
14Plump (1995)
15Gold Dust Woman (1996)
16Boys On The Radio (1997)
17Northern Star (1998)
18Use Once and Destroy (1998)
19Be a Man (1998)
20Dying (1998)
21Heaven Tonight (1998)
22Letter to God (1998)
23Skinny Little Bitch (2010)
Looking for Hard-Hitting Rock Music?
If so, check out our thoughts on the Best 90s Grunge Songs, the Best Grunge Bands of the 90s, the Best 90s Rock Songs, the Best 90s Rock Bands, and the Best Classic Rock Songs for more great song selections.
Final Thoughts on the Top 23 Hole Songs
Hole’s discography is a rollercoaster of Punk, Grunge, and Alternative Rock. The greatest songs by Hole showcase the musical prowess of the band and its unforgettable lead singer, Courtney Love.
From the raw and ragged Punk sounds of “Teenage Whore” to the more polished Pop-inspired tracks of “Celebrity Skin,” Hole has left an unforgettable mark on the music industry.
These songs are just a fraction of the band’s impressive catalog and are a must-listen for anyone interested in a truly kick-ass band with one hell of a frontwoman at the helm. Let us know if you agree with our picks or what changes you would make in the comments below.
Until next time, let the music play.
