Nirvana Popular Song Rankings [2025]

I Hate Myself & Want To DieNirvana36rank/position

Nirvana – I Hate Myself & Want To Die

It’s a song that was included as the B-side to the 1994 single “Pennyroyal Tea,” and also appeared on the 1993 compilation album “The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience.” It’s also known for having inspired Oasis’s hit single “Live Forever.”

I Hate Myself and Want to DieNirvana37rank/position

Nirvana-I hate Myself and Want To Die Lyrics

It’s a track that wasn’t included on the album, but it’s very polished and has that quintessential Nirvana vibe.

It feels like it packs in all the best elements of grunge rock.

The guitar noise and the whispers that come in partway through are also fun highlights.

Jesus Doesn’t Want Me for a SunbeamNirvana38rank/position

Nirvana – Jesus Doesn’t Want Me for a Sunbeam – MTV Unplugged In New York

The third track on the live album “MTV Unplugged in New York.” A cover of a song by The Vaselines, whom Kurt greatly admired.

Kurt’s murmured vocals, set against the accordion’s timbre and soft guitar sound, give it a different flavor from the original—and it’s wonderful.

NEGATIVE CREEPNirvana39rank/position

Nirvana – Negative Creep

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.

Old ageNirvana40rank/position

nirvana- old age

An outtake from the smash-hit album Nevermind.

It seems it was omitted to preserve the overall balance, but its quality is fully on par with the major album.

This was later included in an outtake collection.

It consistently sings about the fear of growing old, which was probably one of Kurt’s enduring themes—especially poignant given his passing at a young age.

On A PlainNirvana41rank/position

Nirvana – On A Plain (Live at Reading 1992)

A song included on the 1991 album Nevermind.

It was also released as a limited single in the form of a promotional CD.

The track has been covered by artists such as Agent Orange, Frank Turner, and The Album Leaf.

Pennyroyal TeaNirvana42rank/position

Nirvana – Pennyroyal Tea [Unplugged In New York, Lyrics, 1993 HD]

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.