Nirvana was one of the most influential and successful rock bands of the 1990s. Their music combined elements of punk, metal, pop, and alternative rock, creating a distinctive and powerful sound that resonated with millions of fans around the world. Nirvana’s songs were also known for their raw and honest lyrics, which often dealt with themes of alienation, angst, and rebellion.
Although Nirvana’s career was cut short by the tragic death of their singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain in 1994, they left behind a legacy of unforgettable songs that have inspired countless musicians and listeners. In this article, we will rank the top 10 Nirvana songs based on their popularity, impact, and quality. We will also explore the stories behind each song and why they are considered among the best of Nirvana’s catalog.
10. About a Girl
One of the earliest examples of Nirvana’s pop sensibility, About a Girl is a simple but catchy song that showcases Cobain’s knack for writing melodies and hooks. The song was inspired by Cobain’s relationship with his then-girlfriend Tracy Marander, who felt that he never wrote any songs about her. Cobain later said that he wrote the song in about 20 minutes after listening to The Beatles’ Meet the Beatles! album.
About a Girl was the only song from Nirvana’s debut album Bleach that was produced by Butch Vig, who would later produce their breakthrough album Nevermind. The song was not released as a single until 1994, after Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance, which featured a stripped-down acoustic version of the song. The Song Reached Number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks Chart and number 28 on the UK Singles Chart.
9. Heart-Shaped Box
The lead single from Nirvana’s third and final studio album In Utero, Heart-Shaped Box is a dark and complex song that reflects Cobain’s inner turmoil and dissatisfaction with fame. The song features heavy guitar riffs, distorted vocals, and a haunting chorus that repeats the line “Hey, wait, I’ve got a new complaint”. The lyrics are full of metaphors and references to Cobain’s personal life, such as his marriage to Courtney Love, his drug addiction, and his stomach problems.
The song was accompanied by a controversial music video directed by Anton Corbijn, which depicted surreal images such as a crucified Santa Claus, a girl in a Ku Klux Klan hood, and a fetus in a tree. The video won two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Alternative Video and Best Art Direction. The song peaked at number five on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number nine on the UK Singles Chart.
8. Come as You Are
The second single from Nevermind, Come as You Are is one of Nirvana’s most iconic songs. The song features a memorable guitar riff that was inspired by Killing Joke’s Eighties, a catchy chorus that invites the listener to “come as you are”, and a contrasting bridge that switches from quiet to loud. The lyrics are ambiguous and open to interpretation, but some have suggested that they are about acceptance, identity, or sexuality.
The song was also notable for its music video directed by Kevin Kerslake, which showed Nirvana performing in a dark and watery setting interspersed with images of guns, bullets, chandeliers, and dogs. The video was nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards for Best Alternative Video, Best New Artist in a Video, and Best Group Video. The song reached number three on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number nine on the UK Singles Chart.
7. Lithium
The third single from Nevermind, Lithium is a song about bipolar disorder and religion. The title refers to the medication used to treat mood swings, while the lyrics describe the narrator’s coping mechanisms such as joining a cult or pretending to be happy. The song has a dynamic structure that alternates between soft verses and loud choruses, punctuated by Cobain’s exclamations of “yeah”. The song also features one of Nirvana’s most anthemic hooks: “I like it/I’m not gonna crack”.
The song was originally written in 1990 during Cobain’s brief stay with his friend Jesse Reed in Olympia, Washington. Cobain later said that he wanted to write a pop song in the style of The Pixies. The song was released as a single in 1992 with a music video directed by Kevin Kerslake that showed Nirvana performing at various live shows mixed with footage of fans stage diving and moshing. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.
6. All Apologies
The final single from In Utero, All Apologies is a beautiful and poignant song that expresses Cobain’s regrets and apologies to his wife, daughter, and fans. The song features a simple but effective chord progression, a melodic bass line by Novoselic, and a cello accompaniment by Kera Schaley. The lyrics are sincere and heartfelt, with lines such as “What else should I be?/All apologies” and “In the sun I feel as one/In the sun I’m married”.
The song was written by Cobain in 1990 and was first performed live in 1991. The song was released as a double A-side single with Rape Me in 1993, with a music video directed by Steve Hanft that showed Nirvana playing in a distorted mirror. The song was also performed on MTV Unplugged in a more acoustic and subdued version. The song reached number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 32 on the UK Singles Chart.
5. In Bloom
The fourth single from Nevermind, In Bloom is a song that criticises the mainstream audience that embraced Nirvana after their success. The song features a heavy and catchy guitar riff, a groovy drum beat by Grohl, and a sarcastic chorus that mocks the clueless fans: “He’s the one who likes all our pretty songs/And he likes to sing along/And he likes to shoot his gun/But he don’t know what it means”. The lyrics also reference Cobain’s childhood in Aberdeen, where he felt out of place and misunderstood.
The song was written by Cobain in 1990 and was originally recorded with Chad Channing on drums. The song was re-recorded with Grohl for Nevermind and was released as a single in 1992 with a music video directed by Kevin Kerslake that parodied The Ed Sullivan Show and The Beatles’ appearance on it. The video won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Video. The song peaked at number five on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 28 on the UK Singles Chart.
4. Rape Me
The second single from In Utero, Rape Me is a controversial and provocative song that challenges the notions of victimhood and empowerment. The song features a simple but effective chord progression that resembles Smells Like Teen Spirit, a distorted guitar tone, and a defiant chorus that repeats the title phrase four times. The lyrics are ambiguous and open to interpretation, but some have suggested that they are about Cobain’s experience of being raped by the media, his resistance to censorship, or his support for women’s rights.
The song was written by Cobain in 1991 and was first performed live in 1992. The song was released as a double A-side single with All Apologies in 1993, with no music video due to its sensitive subject matter. The song was also banned or censored by many radio stations and retailers, who objected to its title and lyrics. Despite the controversy, the song reached number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 32 on the UK Singles Chart.
3. Smells Like Teen Spirit
The first single from Nevermind, Smells Like Teen Spirit is arguably Nirvana’s most famous and influential song. The song features a catchy guitar riff that was inspired by Boston’s More Than a Feeling, a powerful drum intro by Grohl, and an explosive chorus that captures the spirit of rebellion and youth: “With the lights out it’s less dangerous/Here we are now entertain us/I feel stupid and contagious/Here we are now entertain us”. The lyrics are nonsensical and cryptic, but they reflect Cobain’s frustration with the music industry and society.
The song was written by Cobain in 1991 after his friend Kathleen Hanna spray-painted “Kurt smells like Teen Spirit” on his wall, referring to a brand of deodorant that his girlfriend wore. Cobain later said that he wanted to write the ultimate pop song in the style of The Pixies. The song was released as a single in 1991 with a music video directed by Samuel Bayer that showed Nirvana performing in a high school gymnasium with cheerleaders and students rioting. The video became an instant hit on MTV and helped to launch Nirvana into superstardom. The song reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number seven on the UK Singles Chart.
2. Dumb
The fourth single from In Utero, Dumb is a melancholic and introspective song that explores Cobain’s feelings of isolation and depression. The song features an acoustic guitar strumming pattern, a cello accompaniment by Kera Schaley, and a soft vocal delivery by Cobain. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, but they convey a sense of resignation and self-deprecation: “I’m not like them/But I can pretend/The sun is gone/But I have a light/The day is done/But I’m having fun/I think I’m dumb/Or maybe just happy”.
The song was written by Cobain in 1990 and was first performed live in 1991. The song was released as a single in 1994 with a music video directed by Kevin Kerslake that showed Nirvana performing on MTV Unplugged. The song was also featured on the soundtrack of the documentary Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck. The song reached number 11 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 34 on the UK Singles Chart.
1. Where Did You Sleep Last Night
The final song on Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged album, Where Did You Sleep Last Night is a haunting and powerful cover of a traditional folk song that dates back to the 19th century. The song tells the story of a man who suspects his lover of being unfaithful and asks her where she slept last night. The song features an acoustic guitar, a bass, a cello, an accordion, and a harmonica. The vocals are raw and emotional, with Cobain delivering one of his most memorable performances. The song ends with a chilling scream that leaves the listener speechless.
The song was popularized by blues musician Lead Belly, who recorded several versions of it in the 1940s. Cobain was a fan of Lead Belly and owned one of his guitars. Cobain chose to perform the song as the last song of Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged session in 1993, saying that he wanted to end with “something that’s very special to me”. The song was released as a single in 1994 with no music video. The song reached number five on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 16 on the UK Singles Chart.
The Bottom Line
Nirvana was a band that changed the course of music history with their songs. Their songs were innovative, influential, and timeless, blending different genres and styles to create a unique and powerful sound. Their songs were also honest, expressive, and meaningful, reflecting their personal experiences and views on life. These are the top 10 Nirvana songs that we think are their greatest hits, but there are many more that deserve recognition and appreciation. What are your favourite Nirvana songs? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Top 10 Nirvana Songs: A Definitive List of Their Greatest Hits appeared first on Rock Informer.
