Eternity of grunge. A classic by Nirvana (NIRVANA)
Let me introduce some songs by Nirvana, the very definition of grunge rock.
As the band of Kurt Cobain—who, despite his musical success, struggled deeply and died young—they have become an icon of alternative rock worldwide.
Although he passed away in 1994, many artists still cover their songs to this day.
There are countless aspects to their appeal, but surely the greatest is Kurt Cobain’s voice.
Please take this article as an opportunity to once again experience the allure of Nirvana, the band that revolutionized the rock scene.
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The Eternity of Grunge: Nirvana’s Greatest Songs (11–20)
NEGATIVE CREEPNirvana
Track 7 from the first album, Bleach.
It’s a very short song that ends in a flash, featuring a style where the succinct lyrics are repeated.
Rather than grunge, it should be called hardcore punk: over the intense sound, Kurt keeps shouting—an extremely simple and hard-edged track.
DumbNirvana
A distinctive song that celebrates the simple, foolish pleasures of life.
It’s included on the album In Utero.
There’s a story that, because many fans had listened to a bootleg of this song, when it was performed at the Reading Festival in August 1992—before the album was released—the audience was already singing along.
Molly’s LipsNirvana
Track 6 on the compilation album Incesticide.
A cover of a song by the Scottish band The Vaselines.
The Vaselines seemed to be a band Kurt admired, and he covered other songs of theirs as well.
While retaining the poppiness of the original, the harder, more aggressive sound makes it a remarkable cover.
Been a SonNirvana
A semi-autobiographical song written by Kurt Cobain about a father who wants a son instead of a daughter.
The track appears on the 1992 compilation album Incesticide and the live album The Muddy Banks of the Wishkah.
Pennyroyal TeaNirvana
The title “Pennyroyal Tea” is known for inducing abortion when consumed in large quantities, and because of its toxicity, drinking a lot of it is considered extremely dangerous.
The song is about a harsh decision, the difficult choices surrounding it, and the guilt that follows.
Territorial PissingsNirvana
Among the tracks on the historic masterpiece Nevermind, this one is especially fierce and raw.
It was frequently performed live as a staple of their set.
While it’s a simple song built on four chords that just barrels ahead, it’s very Nirvana-like in the way it sets itself apart from a straightforward punk number—working in sections with only bass and drums and unfolding with unexpected turns.
The fact that such a melody sits so well on top is testament to Kurt Cobain’s melodic sensibility.
If you’ve got basic technique, it’s easy to copy, and even when you’re not in the mood, covering this song is guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Grunge Forever: Nirvana’s Greatest Songs (21–30)
BlewNirvana
It’s the opening track from their debut studio album Bleach, released in 1989 on the Sub Pop label.
The song explores entanglement and a desire to break free from society’s constraints.
The album received positive reviews from music critics.