Nirvana’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

All ApologiesNirvana8rank/position

Nirvana – All Apologies (Live at Reading 1992)

A song dedicated by Kurt Cobain to his wife, Courtney Love, and his daughter, Frances Bean.

It sings about everything he had hoped for and the changes he experienced.

The track was covered at a concert by the Christian band DC Talk.

In BloomNirvana9rank/position

Nirvana – In Bloom (Official Music Video)

In Bloom, with its 60s-style promotional video, leaves a strong impression.

You can even catch the rare sight of Kurt Cobain wearing glasses.

It’s a classic Nirvana grunge track that starts quietly and explodes in the chorus.

SliverNirvana10rank/position

Nirvana – Sliver (Official Music Video)

A semi-autobiographical song written by Kurt Cobain about being abandoned by his parents.

It predates Dave Grohl’s joining Nirvana as their drummer, with Mudhoney’s Dan Peters playing drums.

It is also known for having influenced Weezer’s track “Heart Songs.”

Rape MeNirvana11rank/position

Nirvana – Rape Me (Live On “Nulle Part Ailleurs”, Paris, France/1994) (Official Music Video)

A song by Kurt Cobain that supports women and delivers a strong message against violence toward them.

It is also considered to address “rape by the media,” such as Vanity Fair and MTV.

The song was released as a single in 1993.

SappyNirvana12rank/position

Nirvana – Sappy

A song whose musicality and lyrics—blending poignancy and sadness—resonate deeply.

First released in 1993 as a hidden track on the AIDS-eradication charity album No Alternative.

This work portrays the inner conflicts that lie deep within people and the struggle against societal expectations.

It was frequently requested at Nirvana’s live shows and was reportedly performed three times during their 1994 European tour.

A must-listen for anyone who feels the futility of self-sacrifice or of pursuing others’ happiness.

Cobain’s aching voice may just bring you to tears.

Been a SonNirvana13rank/position

Nirvana – Been A Son (Live at Reading 1992)

A semi-autobiographical song written by Kurt Cobain about a father who wants a son instead of a daughter.

The track appears on the 1992 compilation album Incesticide and the live album The Muddy Banks of the Wishkah.

BlewNirvana14rank/position

Nirvana – Blew (Live at Reading 1992)

It’s the opening track from their debut studio album Bleach, released in 1989 on the Sub Pop label.

The song explores entanglement and a desire to break free from society’s constraints.

The album received positive reviews from music critics.