It’s September 1991. The Simpsons were about to enter their third season, Pearl Jam had just released a masterpiece about a month ago, and you’re sitting there wondering when the next greatest thing is about to come around.
Here it is, Nirvana’s legendary Nevermind, the first album to feature their classic lineup of the late Kurt Cobain on vocals and guitar, Krist Novoselic on bass, and brand new drummer Dave Grohl on the drums. Now, all you see are teenagers and college kids wearing Nirvana shirts, probably not even having a slight clue as to what songs they made. If these kids were to drop the Billie Eilish and the Lizzo in exchange for this, they would not only have a better reason for wearing the shirts, but learn that mainstream music used to be pretty badass.
Known for its punk velocity, heavy metal aggression, and its overall angsty lyrics delivered beautifully by Kurt, it’s not hard to see how and why Nirvana took the world by storm.
I feel the best way to properly analyze this album is to discuss each song track by track. So here we go!
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Pretty much the song everyone and their mother knows. A fantastic start to the album and the official anthem of the 90’s. Packed with an aggressive chorus section as well as a very Pixies-inspired instrumentation during the verses, this song pretty much set the standard that many other bands of the time hoped to achieve. Interesting to note that Little Things by Bush and Self-Esteem by The Offspring owe quite a bit to this track.
“In Bloom” – Believe it or not, this was actually the first Nirvana song that I think I actually have heard. Although at the time I had no idea the song was about fairweather music fans and was just laughing at the fact that Kurt said “reproductive glands” in the first verse. All in all, another excellent single.
“Come As You Are” – This song was arguably the biggest single off the album next to “Teen Spirit.” Marked by a brooding and almost eerie sounding bassline, all the instruments come in full force by the chorus, definitely making this another memorable single.
“Breed” – Definitely one of the more punk songs on the album. Here, the guys pretty much take their Black Flag and Husker Dü influences and turn it into something even more aggressive and distorted. Not a single though.
“Lithium” – A fine song detailing a man’s search for meaning and purpose after the death of his girlfriend. Following a similar structure to “Teen Spirit,” the band decides to explore the quiet/loud dynamics of the new genre that they have just exposed to the masses. Also the namesake for the best SiriusXM station out there.
“Polly” – One of the softer songs on the album that has nevertheless received a lot of airplay then and even now. The song is allegedly about the kidnapping and rape of a teenage girl, from the point of view of the girl. Very scary track, up there with “Wrong Way” by Sublime.
“Territorial Pissings” – Another one of the punkier songs, although not my favorite track on the album. Pretty much a Sonic Youth song on crack, very reflective of the Bleach years.
“Drain You” – By far my favorite song by Nirvana. This song is a meet cute tale about two lovers as infants, hence the lyrics “One baby to another says I’m lucky to have met you.” If there was ever a “super grunge” track, this would be it. It is noted for the use of many guitar overdubs, therefore giving the song a lot more body and complexion.
“Lounge Act” – Undeniably one of the faster paced songs on the album although not as heavy as the others. The song name was derived from the fact that it sounds appropriate to play at a lounge bar.
“Stay Away” – Once you hear Dave’s drumming and Krist’s urgent basslines from the start, you know you’re in for some serious shit. It’s a two-way tie between “Stay Away” and “Drain You” for best track on the album. Packed with urgency and aggression, it’s hard to “Stay Away” from this gem.
“On A Plain” – Definitely the one song where you can truly hear the “I don’t give a shit” in Kurt’s voice. A fine track even though very basic in structure and tone.
“Something In the Way” – The final track on early pressings of the album. Very somber and mellow in tone. Excellent way to end the album, with all the 90’s angst still intact.
“Endless, Nameless” – The hidden track and final track on newer pressings of the album. A fine cacophony of the best sounds grunge has to offer.
Although certainly not as intricate as other 90’s albums such as Tool’s Undertow and their 1993 effort In Utero, it’s not hard to see how this album made the group superstars. From its agression and its urgency, this album is a must have of anyone looking to experience the essence of the 90’s sound.
11/10
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