The 10 best Nirvana songs of all time

Nirvana was an influential American rock band formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. The band consisted of Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass), and Dave Grohl (drums). Nirvana played a crucial role in the rise of grunge music, a genre that combined elements of punk rock and heavy metal.

Their breakthrough album *Nevermind* (1991), featuring the iconic single “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” brought them worldwide fame and is considered a pioneer of grunge and alternative rock. The album’s raw sound and introspective lyrics appealed to a whole generation of listeners.

Nirvana’s music is characterized by powerful guitar riffs, emotional intensity and Cobain’s distinctive voice. The band released three studio albums: *Bleach* (1989), *Nevermind* (1991) and *In Utero* (1993).

Tragically, Kurt Cobain’s death in 1994 marked the end of Nirvana, but the band’s impact on rock music remains profound. Their influence extends beyond their era, shaping the direction of rock and alternative music and leaving a lasting legacy in music history.

1. Smells like Teen Spirit

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is one of Nirvana’s most famous songs and was released in September 1991 as the first single from their second album “Nevermind”. The song was written by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl and is considered to be the song that brought grunge music into the mainstream and influenced an entire generation.

The track is known for its raw, powerful sound and catchy distorted guitar riff. The lyrics, often described as cryptic and abstract, capture a sense of teenage angst and rebellion. The chorus “With the lights out, it’s less dangerous, here we are now, entertaining us” reflects the song’s disillusioned and defiant attitude.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” was a huge commercial success, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming an anthem of the 1990s. The music video, featuring a high-energy performance in a high school gym, further increased its cultural impact and cemented Nirvana’s place in rock history.

2. Come as you are

“Come as You Are” is a popular song by Nirvana, released in March 1992 as the second single from their landmark album *Nevermind*. Written by Kurt Cobain, the song is known for its distinctive, reverberating guitar riff and introspective lyrics.

The song’s chorus, “Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be,” invites listeners to embrace their true selves without pretense. The lyrics deal with themes such as authenticity and self-acceptance and have resonated with fans.

“Come as You Are” was a commercial success, peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving frequent play on alternative rock and mainstream stations. The music video, with its simple yet striking imagery, further added to the song’s impact. One of Nirvana’s most memorable songs, “Come as You Are” remains a defining piece of the grunge era and a testament to the band’s influence on rock music.

3. Lithium

“Lithium” is a well-known song by Nirvana, released in 1992 as the third single from their breakthrough album *Nevermind*. Written by Kurt Cobain, the song is celebrated for its dynamic alternations between quiet, thoughtful verses and explosive, energetic choruses.

The lyrics of “Lithium” deal with themes such as emotional conflict and inner struggles, with the chorus reflecting a sense of resignation and detachment: “I’m so happy, ’cause today I found my friends, they’re in my head.” The song’s title refers to the mood-stabilizing drug lithium, which Cobain uses as a metaphor for the ups and downs of his emotions.

Praised for its raw intensity, “Lithium” became a staple of Nirvana’s live performances. It peaked at number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the band’s most enduring and influential tracks, demonstrating their ability to combine introspective lyrics with powerful, grunge-tinged sound.

4. In full bloom

“In Bloom” is a song by Nirvana from their 1991 album Nevermind. Written by Kurt Cobain, the song features a catchy riff and a mix of grunge and alternative rock elements. The lyrics address the phenomenon of people not fully understanding or appreciating the deeper meaning of Cobain’s music, but still enjoying it. The catchy, upbeat melody of the chorus contrasts with the more introspective verses, creating a dynamic and engaging song. Known for its energetic delivery, “In Bloom” has been hailed as one of Nirvana’s defining songs, often associated with the band’s rise to mainstream success.

5. Heart-shaped box

“Heart-Shaped Box” is a notable song by Nirvana, released in September 1993 as the first single from their third and final studio album *In Utero*. Written by Kurt Cobain, the song is known for its complex structure, haunting lyrics, and dynamic mood shifts.

The track opens with a distinctive, eerie guitar riff and features a mix of heavy, distorted choruses and more subdued verses. The lyrics, which include the lines “Hey wait, I got a new complaint,” are often interpreted to reflect themes of isolation, desire, and emotional turmoil.

“Heart-Shaped Box” received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 4 on the UK Singles chart. The music video, directed by Anton Corbijn, further enhanced the song’s impact with its surreal and symbolic imagery.

The song remains a significant part of Nirvana’s legacy and demonstrates the band’s ability to combine introspective and raw elements in their music.

6. All excuses

“All Apologies” is a popular song by Nirvana, released as a single from their third album *In Utero* in 1993. Written by Kurt Cobain, the track is known for its introspective lyrics and minimalist acoustic arrangement.

The song has a reflective tone, with lyrics like “What else would I be? All the excuses” expressing themes of self-doubt and regret. The chorus, “In the sun I feel like one,” contrasts with the darker, more somber verses, creating a dynamic shift that highlights Cobain’s emotional complexity.

“All Apologies” was released alongside its acoustic version, which was widely appreciated for its raw and stripped-down presentation. The song reached number 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.

The accompanying music video, directed by Kirk Canning, showed Cobain performing the song in a simple, intimate setting, further emphasizing its personal and reflective nature. Often considered one of Nirvana’s most poignant and enduring works, “All Apologies” embodies the band’s signature blend of vulnerability and intensity.

7. About a girl

“About a Girl” is a song from Nirvana’s 1989 debut album *Bleach*. The song was written by Kurt Cobain and has a melodic and somewhat upbeat sound compared to most of Nirvana’s grunge-inflected material. The lyrics reflect Cobain’s introspective and somewhat ambiguous view of relationships, combining personal reflection with a sense of disillusionment. The song gained renewed attention when Nirvana played it at their 1993 MTV Unplugged session in New York, showcasing a more acoustic and raw side of the band. “About a Girl” is often praised for its catchy melody and its place as one of the band’s early standout songs.

8. Rape me

“Rape Me” is a provocative song by Nirvana, released as a single from their third studio album In Utero in 1993. Written by Kurt Cobain, the song is known for its harsh and confrontational lyrics as well as its powerful and intense sound.

The song’s title and lyrics are often interpreted as a critique of victimhood and exploitation, challenging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about power and control. The chorus, “Rape me, rape me, my friend,” is both a statement of resistance and a provocative expression of personal anguish and defiance.

Musically, “Rape Me” features a grunge sound with hard guitar riffs and a strong rhythm characteristic of Nirvana’s style. Despite its controversial title, the song was praised for its boldness and Cobain’s ability to address difficult topics through music.

“Rape Me” peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and was noted for its role in the broader conversation about censorship and artistic expression. The accompanying music video, directed by Kevin Kerslake, further emphasizes the song’s raw and unfiltered approach.

9. Pennyroyal tea

“Pennyroyal Tea” is a song from Nirvana’s 1993 album *In Utero*. Written by Kurt Cobain, the song features a haunting, melancholy melody and introspective lyrics. The title refers to pennyroyal tea, a traditional remedy that Cobain used metaphorically to treat themes of pain, despair, and the search for relief. The song’s raw emotional depth and Cobain’s distinctive vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and struggle. “Pennyroyal Tea” is often praised for its intense, personal lyrics and the stark contrast between its somber mood and grunge rock background, making it a powerful example of Nirvana’s ability to combine emotional intensity with their signature sound.

10. The man who sold the world

“The Man Who Sold the World” is a song by David Bowie, released on the album of the same name in 1970. Nirvana covered the song during their MTV Unplugged performance in New York in 1993.

Nirvana’s version of “The Man Who Sold the World” is notable for its stark, acoustic arrangement, which contrasts with the more elaborate glam-rock production of the original. Kurt Cobain’s haunting vocals and stripped-down instrumentation give the song a new, introspective quality, highlighting its themes of identity and alienation.

The cover was well received and introduced the song to new audiences. It remains an important part of Nirvana’s legacy, showing their ability to reinterpret classic songs and put their own stamp on them. The MTV Unplugged performance in particular is celebrated for its intimate and raw presentation, which gives the song a unique dimension.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.