Image: Anton Corbijn [Official Press Photo]
Today, in honor of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, we are highlighting ten of the greatest songs from the most famous grunge band of all time. Born on February 20, 1967, Cobain would have turned 58 today. But his music lives on! That’s why we’re dedicating this list to ten of the best songs from his career with Nirvana.
Lithium
For many, this might not be the first song that comes to mind when thinking of Nirvana. However, this single from their iconic album Nevermind (1991) features incredibly powerful lyrics - something typical of Kurt Cobain’s songwriting.
Lyrically, "Lithium" tells the story of a person who turns to religion in their grief, seeking comfort. Cobain once commented on the song:
"I've always felt that some people should have religion in their lives. That's fine. If it's going to save someone, it's OK. And the person in ['Lithium'] needed it."
Come As You Are
"Come As You Are" is one of Nirvana’s most well-known songs and another single from Nevermind. According to Cobain, the song was heavily inspired by the Pixies, a band he was a huge fan of. The song became extremely popular on the radio, also playing a significant role in the band’s mainstream success!
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Now we come to the song that is simply inseparable from Nirvana’s discography - their first single from Nevermind. Both the lyrics and the unmistakable guitar riff of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" are instantly recognizable.
Once again, there’s a strong Pixies influence in the song. In fact, Kurt Cobain described the riff as being very cliché. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he even admitted that he felt embarrassed performing the song live - despite it becoming an international hit.
About A Girl
"About A Girl" first appeared on Nirvana’s debut album Bleach (1989). However, it gained much more attention when it was re-released in an acoustic version on the iconic MTV Unplugged in New York (1994).
Heart-Shaped Box
"Heart-Shaped Box" is one of the most beloved songs among Nirvana fans. It was the first single from their third and final studio album, In Utero (1993), and received multiple covers. Initially, their label considered the song not commercial enough, which led to a remix by Scott Litt before its release.
Something In The Way
Another standout track from Nevermind, "Something In The Way" takes a different approach - quiet and melancholic instead of loud and unrestrained. This contrast makes it even more striking on the album. The song recently saw a resurgence in popularity after being featured on the soundtrack of the 2022 film "The Batman", starring Robert Pattinson.
The Man Who Sold The World
This song wasn’t originally written by Nirvana - it was first released by David Bowie in 1970 on his album of the same name. Nirvana covered the song during their MTV Unplugged performance, making it part of MTV Unplugged in New York (1994). A bold cover, but one that became one of the most memorable tracks in Nirvana’s history.
All Apologies
"All Apologies" was another one of those songs that was initially releases on one of their studio albums (in this case In Utero), but truly came into its own during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged in New York performance in 1994. This version remains unforgettable for all Nirvana fans.
In Bloom
With "In Bloom", Nirvana delivered another hit single from Nevermind, though Kurt Cobain wasn’t exactly thrilled with the aftermath. The song's massive success attracted a type of fan he never wanted - people who enthusiastically sang along without actually understanding the lyrics.
You Know You’re Right
In 2002, a greatest hits album simply titled Nirvana was released. The opening track "You Know You’re Right" had never been officially released before and was the last one recorded by the band before Kurt Cobain’s tragic death in 1994. After leaked versions surfaced and years of legal disputes were resolved, the song was finally made available on this album.
