Nirvana’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

PollyNirvana26rank/position

Nirvana – Polly (Live at Reading 1992)

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.

Spank ThruNirvana27rank/position

Nirvana – Spank Thru (Live at Reading 1992)

It wasn’t included on any album, but it’s surely one of their early classics.

Unusually for Nirvana, it incorporates a slightly funky rhythm.

The heavy guitars gradually intertwine, the sound gets louder and transforms into a distinctly grunge vibe, with Kurt Cobain shouting his lungs out.

Aero ZeppelinNirvana28rank/position

Nirvana – Aero Zeppelin

It’s a song written about Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin.

It was recorded on January 23, 1988 at Reciprocal Recording Studios and included on the 1992 album Incesticide.

Danny Peters plays drums on this track.

Big Long NowNirvana29rank/position

Nirvana-Big Long Now

It’s a song included on the 1992 compilation album Incesticide.

When Kurt Cobain wrote the song, he didn’t yet have a title for it, and it’s known that the title was supplied through a conversation with Chad Channing, who was the drummer at the time.

BreedNirvana30rank/position

Nirvana – Breed (1992/Live At The Paramount Theatre, Seattle/Performance Only)

An early Nirvana song created when the band toured Europe with TAD from the Sub Pop label in 1989.

It’s described as a primal rock ’n’ roll track that’s hypnotic and puts listeners in a state of ecstasy.

The song was written when Kurt Cobain began to explore his songwriting talents more deeply.