Nirvana Popular Song Rankings [2025]

SCOFFNirvana43rank/position

Nirvana – Scoff

The 8th track on their debut album “Bleach.” The lyrics, which take a defiant stance of not caring how others see you, could be described as quintessentially youthful.

Musically, it features simple drums and guitar, with Kurt shouting in the chorus—a structure that makes it regarded as one of the representative songs from that period.

SchoolNirvana44rank/position

Nirvana – School (Live At Reading 1992) (Official Music Video)

This song is known as the one that was performed first in the setlist when Nirvana toured Europe in 1989 with their Sub Pop labelmates, TAD.

It is included on their debut album, Bleach, released in 1989.

Serve The ServantsNirvana45rank/position

Nirvana – Serve The Servants (Live On “Tunnel”, Rome, Italy/1994) (Official Music Video)

This is the first track on Nirvana’s final album, In Utero.

It begins with a somewhat mysterious guitar riff, and the languid vocals embody Nirvana’s signature style.

Rather than building up in the chorus, it’s characterized by repeating a low, striking phrase during the chorus.

Smells Like Teen Spirit (Sash_S & Phil Phauler Remix)Nirvana46rank/position

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Sash_S & Phil Phauler Remix)

A remix track of “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” the signature song by the American rock band Nirvana.

If you’re a fan of Western rock music, it’s probably something you’ve encountered once or twice.

The original, needless to say, is cool, and the remix is fantastic as well.

Territorial PissingsNirvana47rank/position

Nirvana – Territorial Pissings (SNL 1992)

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.

The Man Who Sold The WorldNirvana48rank/position

Nirvana – The Man Who Sold The World (MTV Unplugged)

The fourth track on the live album “MTV Unplugged in New York.” A cover of David Bowie.

They capture the mood and atmosphere of the original remarkably well.

Even when listened to back-to-back, it really doesn’t feel out of place.

By the way, Kurt ad-libbed some of the lyrics during live performances.

The Money Will Roll Right InNirvana49rank/position

Nirvana – The Money Will Roll Right In (Live at Reading 1992)

This song is a cover of the legendary punk rock band FANG, active in the 1980s.

Kurt Cobain sings it with a languid tone to match the punk rock sound.

It’s included on a live CD, but there’s no official studio recording.

However, Nirvana often performed this song live.