Hallowed Ground (studio album)
by Violent Femmes

Definitely not for me — I’m really disappointed. I had no expectations going into their first album and ended up loving it, but this time I did have hopes, and they fell flat. This one feels more like a parody album than a real follow-up. It’s a huge step away from their debut.

Most of the songs seem built on clichés, and it feels like the band is leaning harder into parody as a creative direction. That just doesn’t work for me — it sounds less sincere, less real. The raw authenticity that made the first album so compelling is completely missing here.

Even the instrumentation, which was so stripped-down and distinctive on the debut, feels overdone now. With all the added layers, it ends up sounding more generic — like something we’ve heard before, rather than something bold or personal.

I loved their debut, but I really didn’t enjoy this second effort. What a turnaround.

From TheDude85 04/10/2019 20:21

I stood right up in the heart of hell and proclaimed this album a second masterpiece by VF. While some listeners may be turned off by the over religious overtones of some of the songs, I found the music to be eclectic, apoplectic, eccentric, energetic, and affecting. I disagree with previous rater Brad1770 about the quality of "Black Girls", it's one of my favorites. I think musically this a far more diverse than their debut, and it creates an atmosphere ripe for repeated plays and discussions.

From Brad1770 09/15/2018 07:32

'Hallowed Ground' was the first Violent Femmes anything I ever heard , the guy across the street played me "Country Death Song" and it freaked me the fuck out , I found it creepy and scary all in equal measures & it left a lasting negative Violent Femmes impression on me for many years to come

But time heals all wounds and I would eventually grow to love their debut and enjoy 'Hallowed Ground'

Religious righteousness withstanding there's some superb tracks to be discovered here - "Country Death Song" , "Never Tell" and "Hallowed Ground" . My biggest complaint with 'Hallowed Ground' is the weak 3 track closer in "Sweet Misery Blues" , the awful "Black Girls" and "It's Gonna Rain"

Over all its good but far from great

55 Christian Rocks Out Of 100

From dmercado 09/15/2017 07:26

Undeniably American record, varying in sounds from country to gospel and what sounds like a saxophone grinding through a cajun meat factory. More theatrical delivery than the debut, Gano immerses himself in the emotion surrounding the tales of the characters. Extremely dark opener and the epic Never Tell are the highlights for me, but I get a kick out of the whole thing.

From junodog4 11/21/2016 00:57

Geez... is Country Death Song ever grim...

Excellent album, another master piece in the Violent Femmes Discography. Thourghly enjoyable would 100% reccomend!

From hoyquarlow 11/23/2015 04:27

Good album, love the artwork... it's not as good as Blind leading the naked tough. Never tell and couple of other songs are really great.

From apeiron 04/18/2015 20:43

If it weren't for the last three tracks, slightly worse than the others, this would be one of the best.

Country Death Song is the best song they ever gave a microphone nightmares over. Despite only hearing the two albums there is so much I like about this band.

Some really irritating songs on this album , but it's brilliant