Nirvana Popular Song Rankings [2025]

Radio Friendly Unit ShifterNirvana15rank/position

Radio Friendly Unit Shifter (Live)

Its name recognition may be lower compared to their other signature songs, but it was often performed as the opener at live shows.

With an ominous intro built on guitar howls and noise, a cool riff, tight drums, and a heavy bass line, it’s a track that encapsulates Nirvana’s essence from any angle.

Even with a song like this, Kurt Cobain’s remarkable talent for crafting memorable melodies shines through.

Propelled to stardom in one leap by Nevermind’s breakthrough, the lyrics convey Kurt’s confused state of mind—leaving us with mixed feelings when we consider what would happen in the years to come.

Scentless ApprenticeNirvana16rank/position

Nirvana – Scentless Apprentice (Visualizer)

Its overwhelming sound, swirling with anger and hatred, showcases the very essence of Nirvana’s musicality.

Featured on the album In Utero, this track was inspired by Patrick Süskind’s novel Perfume and powerfully conveys feelings of social alienation and loneliness.

Produced by Steve Albini in September 1993, it achieves a raw yet delicate sonic texture.

The band also took on the unusual challenge of creating it collaboratively as a full group, making it one of the most experimental and ambitious works in their history.

Even for those new to Nirvana, it’s a track that offers a quintessential experience of grunge music.

Stay AwayNirvana17rank/position

Nirvana – Stay Away (Live at Reading 1992)

The song was originally recorded in 1990 under the title “Pay To Play” and was included on the 1994 compilation album DGC Rarities Vol.

1.

In 1991, it appeared as “Stay Away” as a bonus track on the album Nevermind.

All Apologies (MTV Unplugged)Nirvana18rank/position

Nirvana – All Apologies (MTV Unplugged)

A song that sets reflections and a longing for forgiveness to an emotive acoustic sound.

Kurt Cobain’s delicate vocals and Krist Novoselic’s striking bassline resonate deeply.

The performance at MTV Unplugged in New York in November 1993 became one of Nirvana’s signature works.

The album featuring this live recording, MTV Unplugged in New York, was released in November 1994, reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts, and won a Grammy Award.

This work remains an iconic track of ’90s rock, loved by many to this day.

Aneurysm (Live at Reading 1992)Nirvana19rank/position

Nirvana – Aneurysm (Live at Reading 1992)

A track packed with explosive energy and raw emotion! This live version, performed at the Reading Festival in August 1992, fully embodies the soul and spirit of Nirvana.

Kurt Cobain’s rugged vocals and the thunderous guitar sound shake the listener to the core.

The lyrics, infused with satire of pop culture and feelings of self-loathing, will resonate strongly with young people.

It’s a perfect song for waking up in the morning or when you need to get pumped.

As you listen, why not ignite your own inner rebellious spirit?

Big CheeseNirvana20rank/position

Nirvana – Big Cheese

A song written by Kurt Cobain that many people speculate is about Jonathan Poneman, the producer at Sub Pop.

It was included as the B-side to Nirvana’s first single, “Love Buzz,” released in 1988.

DumbNirvana21rank/position

Nirvana – Dumb (Live at Reading 1992)

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.