Eternity of grunge. A classic by Nirvana (NIRVANA)
Let me introduce some songs by Nirvana, the very definition of grunge rock.
As the band of Kurt Cobain—who, despite his musical success, struggled deeply and died young—they have become an icon of alternative rock worldwide.
Although he passed away in 1994, many artists still cover their songs to this day.
There are countless aspects to their appeal, but surely the greatest is Kurt Cobain’s voice.
Please take this article as an opportunity to once again experience the allure of Nirvana, the band that revolutionized the rock scene.
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The timelessness of grunge. NIRVANA’s classic songs (31–40)
Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana
This is one of Nirvana’s signature songs.
The crazed atmosphere it exudes will give you that extra push at the gym.
When you feel like you’re about to lose it and cry, “I can’t do this anymore!”, Kurt Cobain’s shouts will overlap with your own and carry you through.
Smells Like Teens SpritNirvana
One of the most famous rock numbers of the ’90s, it conquered the world with a single, brutally simple yet instantly memorable riff.
Smells Like Teen Spirit, the song that closed the hedonistic ’80s and heralded the arrival of the ’90s alternative rock era, now—three decades after its release, in the 2020s—feels like it’s being reassessed on the strength of the song itself, stripped of the gossip, preconceptions, and unnecessary ornamentation that have clung to Nirvana and Kurt Cobain.
Kurt’s genius for songwriting and his compelling voice; Krist Novoselic’s bass, generating a surging groove within the sparse dynamics of a power trio; and Dave Grohl’s legendary drumming—before he went on to global success as the Foo Fighters’ frontman—together form a precious masterpiece born of a miraculous balance where nothing could be missing.
As noted above, try to cast off every preconception and feel the sheer, overwhelming power this track possesses!
I Hate Myself & Want To DieNirvana
It’s a song that was included as the B-side to the 1994 single “Pennyroyal Tea,” and also appeared on the 1993 compilation album “The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience.” It’s also known for having inspired Oasis’s hit single “Live Forever.”
Jesus Doesn’t Want Me for a SunbeamNirvana
The third track on the live album “MTV Unplugged in New York.” A cover of a song by The Vaselines, whom Kurt greatly admired.
Kurt’s murmured vocals, set against the accordion’s timbre and soft guitar sound, give it a different flavor from the original—and it’s wonderful.
PollyNirvana
This song was inspired by a real incident that occurred in Tacoma, Washington, in 1987, where a 14-year-old girl was abducted and raped at a concert venue.
It was included on the 1991 album Nevermind and has been featured in video games such as Rock Band.
Grunge Forever: Nirvana’s Greatest Songs (41–50)
Something In The WayNirvana
“Something in the Way” that begins in a minor key with an acoustic approach.
Kurt Cobain sings a whisper-like, sorrowful melody.
The orchestra that comes in partway through is striking and elevates the song greatly.
The lyrics describe the time when Kurt lived under a bridge.
Tourette’sNirvana
The “Tourette” in the title refers to Tourette syndrome, a condition involving severe anger and violent outbursts.
The song is only 95 seconds long and features a mix of screamed vocals, overdriven guitars, and a pulsing drum beat.
It’s said that the final section, where Kurt Cobain shouts “Cold heart,” is the only fully intelligible lyric.