Reviews (page 3 of 15)
Before starting this, I made a topsters top 100 list of albums that meant a lot to me and Nevermind was my #1 so this was an incredibly easy 5
37# reaction: damn. might be my favorite album of like um all time? maybe. review: hits like a mother when her son just finished painting what he thinks is his magnum opus on the bedroom wall with a pink plasticine. (this isn't necessarily based on true facts)
Similar age to the RHCP stuff and that feels so inane and bland. Much more enjoyable but very raw. Lyrics are playful Picks : Something in the Way; Lithium; Come as you are
It's no wonder this is an iconic album of the 90's that helped inform a subculture
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
such a consistent album
The album that defined the era of music that I grew up listening to. I’ve often thought of it as a bit overrated, and it’s been a while since I listened to it all the way through, but it truly is full of great tracks.
Probably shouldn't be surprising that every song on this album is a banger.
An absolute juggernaut of an album. Over 30 years of staying power. Iconic stadium anthems, equally appropriate over headphones or in the car. And may Lithium forever be the sound of a Kraken goal.
An all time banger and one of my first albums! This is what got me into playing guitar. Smells like teen spirit is the perfect gateway song to power chords
Giving this album anything less than a 5 would be blasphemous. Rest in peace Kurt.
Been listening to this album for over 30 years. Not much lately but still packs a punch. So much better than the PJs and AICs of the time. 5 Heard before? Yes Owned: Yes 54/226 (23%) Will I get: Already have
Q mas se puede decir?
Really great and VERY obscure album nobody's ever heard of. It's more polished than other Nirvana records production wise, but it works really well here. The songs here have a real edge to them while still sounding clear. Lots of great songs here and Kurt Cobains vocal performance is one of the best in Rock music.
great
(7/7) I forgot how good this was
Everyone had such pretty eyes in the early 90s...
Possibly the greatest album ever recorded.
This is a five star album. It’s a no skip, change your life kind of album. Nirvana was my favorite band when I was in middle school. When this album came out, it was so different than everything that had been popular. While I love hair bands, there is something so cool about being part of something new. There had been no mainstream bands like this before. This album contains many classic radio hits, but also some other amazing songs like Polly, Drain You and Lounge Act. I tried to listen to it without my emotional attachment and it is just a great album from start to finish.
This is not the music of my youth, but you can easily see why it would be emblematic of another generation’s youth. The energy just never stops. It’s electric. I added “Lithium” to my Generator playlist.
otro clásico, me encanta. me hace acordar a mi yo de 13 años y a mi madre. mis favoritas son in bloom y breed, disfruto mucho el bajo de lithium
great 4.5
Seminal and still enthralling after all these years
At first i wanted to say that it was overrated but after listening to the full album i really just cant say that cause its awesome
*1991. 2nd studio album. *Smells Like Teen Spirit, In Bloom, Come As You Are, Lithium, Polly, On a Plain, and Something in the Way. *Just stacked. Even the lesser known songs are pretty decent. RATING - 9.5/10
Amazing. groundbreaking, still great after all these years.
🤩😍🤩😍
Heel gevarieerd, en nirvana is altijd goed
I was the perfect age when this came out….8th grade. Made a huge impression. I can remember the first time I ever saw the “Teen Spirit”video. Easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’d never listened to this album but somehow I knew every song already from the singles, hearing them in video games / movies etc. It was sort of surreal.
I was 14 when this album came out, just entering high school. It’s hard to describe just the absolute zeitgeist surrounding Nevermind and how much this changed everything. I came ready to give this a 3, maybe 4 star review, just because of the sheer over played-ness and saturation of this through the early to mid nineties. I still prescribe to that era’s many anti-consumerism, anti-mainstream ideals and if something is popular then it must inherently be less than. But listening to this critically, honestly it’s just so so good from start to finish. I even listened to endless, nameless- which I definitely skipped back in the day - and it’s so fucking good as an end cap after something in the way. The simplicity, rawness, and absolute beauty of harmonies while being shrouded by dirt, clouds, and grunge is magical and this album really was the greatest and shaped who I am and the music I still listen to.
TOP notch
That exceedingly rare thing - an album so fully ingrained in the firmament that you can demarcate popular culture before and after it, that does not lose an iota of it's thrill decades after it's release. I can't wait for the day I play this to my young sons, to watch their faces as they hear it all for the first time.
An influential 5 star classic.
I will argue with anyone about this; this is the lightning in a bottle moment that it has always been sold to be. I get that Pearl Jam/Soundgarden are better musicians whatever, I get they’re just ripping off the pixies, I get the fatigue that comes with this album being as popular as it is, but it is undeniably one of the best records ever created. Every single song on here is a hit. What they lack in traditional training they more than make up for with the emotion conveyed by their art. I’m biased as hell because I do think Dave Grohl is the best drummer to ever live (not including like crazy technical drummers). Emotion conveyed through playing will always be more important than technical skill for me and this album is as perfect an example of that as anything that’s ever been written. Krist falls into this category as well, his bass playing always serves the song and is never anything more than it needs to be. Butch Vig’s production on this album is a masterclass as well. I could talk about it for days come find me. Remised to not mention how talented Kurt was. Some of my favorite Nirvana songs are pre Dave, he really just had that sauce for songwriting. Everything is catchy as hell, lyrics are phenomenal, unique voice, melodies are fun to sing along. It’s everything the Beatles had and I feel like people just get stuck on the harshness more than they should.
What more can be said? Great album!
This is undoubtedly one of if not the most important and pivotal albums of the 90'ies and set the tone for so much to come. Musically it strikes an impressive balance between punk and rock/metal and with tight production and the clearly personal and very varied lyrics and vocal performance on top it's just such a complete package Standouts Smells Like Teen Spirit Come As You Are Lithium 5/5
I have nothing new to say about this album.
While the first half of this album may be overplayed, it is not overrated. It's kind of still amazing to me the stark contrast of the 80's glam and hair metal bands, to this grunge masterpiece. Stripped down instrumentation, focus on lyrics, minimal solos. I love everysong on this album front to back, although favorites would definitley be Drain You and Something in the Way. I also enjoy how catchy all of these songs are, Kurt really had an ear for a melody. I could gush about this album and In Utero for hours so I'll stop while I'm ahead.
Relisten Not a bad song on this album. Quintessential grunge, even the overplayed hits are still fantastic. The album effortlessly jumps between loud and explosive to moody and heavy in way that still sounds fresh today. Favorite tracks: Something in the Way, Lithium, Territorial Pissings, Come As You Are Least favorite: None
they just don't make albums better than this, 10/10
Hell yeah!!! I love grunge rock!! Perfect album to drink 8 beers with! Really good album, I am probably biased from hearing these songs on Tony hawk games but every track is iconic and played together is a great time that ends in a horrible car crash that is the shitty last song.
5 stars, no explanation needed
temazo tras temazo
"Yeah its Nevermind, it's fine" kinda forgetting how stacked this album is. Unreally stacked. So cohesive. One of those classic albums that deserves the hype and history.
An album I grew up listening to. There are so many heavy songs here that fit my angsty teenage mind, but there are an equal number of quieter ones meaning the album isn't all one note. I listened to the album on Spotify and ended up adding every single track to my favourites list by the end.
There's a possibility this is the album because of which I listen to Swans or Residents nowadays. Something changed in my brain the moment "Smells like teen" made it's way to my young ears. Forgotten were my BonJovi and Aerosmith albums from that moment on.
A great piece of work! I love it and listen to it from the day it out
An iconic album, gifted to me by my dad when I was a teenager. Really good and nostalgic
So good. The first track is an all time classic followed by more classics. The last two tracks are a bit rougher, but come nowhere near bringing this down from a five star record.
Nooit een hardcore Nirvana-fangirl geweest, maar dit album laat zich niet negeren. Het grijpt, schuurt en ontregelt nog steeds, zelfs 30+ jaar later. De bekende anthems (Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Are, Lithium) voelen vertrouwd, maar juist de flow van het hele album maakt indruk: rauw, ironisch, kwetsbaar en compromisloos. Minder favorieten werken functioneel als ontlading, terwijl de laatste nummers ruimte maken voor introspectie. Muziek die je uit je werk trekt en je dwingt te voelen. Onmiskenbaar iconisch, en nog altijd pijnlijk relevant.
Amazing
I love when a highly touted classic album lives up and smashes the hype. Bangers from start to finish!! RIP Kurt Cobain 🙏🏾
una bomba, hit tras hit en este discazo.
mange bangers her!
I've listened to this album a countless number of times and didn't realize how iconic it is until now. Obviously there are so many pop culture references to this album and artists that sample or build directly off some of these songs but I didn't appreciate it until now. Just peak 90s musicianship that has stood up as one of the greatest albums of all time without a doubt
perfect no notes
A killer record, never used to understand the Nirvana hype but the more music you listen to, the more you realise how groundbreaking they were.
A really good album. I especially like the songs "Something in the Way" and "Lithium".
What I can say more about this album.. it is quite legendary.. really love more then just the hit song.. But to me it doesn't really feel like an album more like a collection of songs Fav song - Smells Like Teen Spirit 5/5
I have this album on vinyl and I've heard it all many times. I like every track except the last one, so I find this album to be quite good. Five stars.
Я слушал данный альбом много раз и много песен из этого альбома у меня в Плейлисте, это действительно крутой альбом который в свое время многое поменял так что моя оценка 5/5
It's an influential album for a reason.
on its own it's really just 4 stars, but it did change a lot of things
God damnit. I am not a fan of grunge typically, but this is a perfect album. Understandable why it made the mark it did.
FUCKING PEAK
Simply a life changing album for me.
Nirvana – Nevermind (1991) On Day 56, we hit a definitive masterpiece that is entirely self-explanatory. Where do you even start with a legacy like this? From the iconic, "tuff" energy of "Smells Like Teen Spirit"—where you can't help but shout along: "My mosquito, My libido, a mulatto, albino!"—to the deep, atmospheric weight of "Something In The Way," the album is a masterclass in cohesion. It’s a "body of work" in the truest sense; I found myself relistening with the lyrics on just to catch the nuances of their message, especially after realizing they were critiquing the lack of understanding in their own audience. The production capability here is top-tier. The "Lennon" vocal technique gives Kurt’s voice a triumphant, thick presence that perfectly balances Dave Grohl’s drumming—which is some of the most powerful and technically precise in rock history. The range is incredible: you have the "conscious" and melodic hooks of "Lithium," "Polly," and "Come As You Are," but then you also have that raw, metallic explosion on the hidden closer "Endless, Nameless" which shows their sheer instrumental range. It’s an album that manages to be both "on steroids" energetically and deeply poetic in its discontent. It doesn’t just live up to its history; it defines it. A definitive 5/5.
Knew the big hits (so like a third of the album), hell yeah that was awesome
Stellar 5 stae
391/1089 - Very sophisticated textures lines and chords and importantly they sound fluid and serve the songs. Catchy melodies.
Fucking stellar. Near perfect.
A must listen
Jesus fucking Christ what an album
This album is nearly perfect. The moment it captures and hearing it all these years later, I’m 10 again and delighted and confused by what they’re doing. The darkness in the lyrics and this pervading sadness even when the energy is high. This album shaped my tastes more than almost any other album. I can’t tire of it.
Iconic alum cover. Iconic opening song. An unbelievably strong album with so many incredible tunes. Lyrics, vocals, drums, guitar tone are all incomparable. The huge breadth of emotion and subject material are expertly written into the most ear-wormy of melodies, somehow. Driving bass gives the album its pace. Pretty much every song on this album is a banger!
I have listened to the album over and over. Nirvanas best albums
favorites: in bloom, come as you are, breed, lithium, drain you
Classique absolu
Classic.
hui wichtigstes album meines Lebens und fulminanter Startschuss in die Jugend. ach kurt Club of 27 thank you for a youth with amazing music! c
I remember buying this when it came out, having already enjoyed Bleach. Then they blew up. All the hype, buzzwords, trends and unnecessary fawning aside, this is a solid album. Full of well crafted, well produced songs that have stood the test of time. I rarely revisit it these days, but I can’t see this as anything but a 5.
super
What else can you say about this record?It's where most of teenage people found their place, where this album is discovered and how it remains such a staple throughout the years. You can never get enough of it.
This is an easy 5. It really changed everything--not that things were not changing anyway, but this album woke up a lot of bands that would probably not have happened.
Ive got too many memories attached to this album not to give it 5 stars. Listening to it with dad on the way to the climbing gym, being an angsty teen with lulu when we first met, rocking out when you need something to scream. Feels like an aggressive hug.
Absolute classic in every way. This album is such a classic that it's almost become ironic, with some brainless contrarians trying to claim that this is their sellout album and that they peaked with Bleach. But for the people who don't mindlessly dislike mainstream artists, this is recognised as one of the most influential rock albums of all time, and ultimately what brought the genre back into the public eye almost overnight. And even now over 30 years later, it has absolutely stood the test of time, still being one of the most memorable and essential rock albums ever made. It perfectly finds that balance of being so raw and unhinged, even with mild punk elements in some moments, but never feeling too full on or overwhelming. All around this is unequivocally one of the best written, performed, and produced albums of all time.
rated high for a reason. iconic album for a reason. all the songs are bangers. 9/10
Some iconic albums tend to be overrated, but not this one. Not only did this album inspire and popularise the entire grunge movement, it also just rocks. Every song on this album is good, but the first six tracks are simply legendary (yes, I'm including Polly here - it's an upsetting song but it really gets its point across). "Something in the way" is possibly one of my favourite album closers of all time. I don't know any other bands who achieved such a balance between soft verses and loud, explosive choruses as Nirvana did, at least not with as much success. The band is often remembered for Kurt, the lore surrounding him and his signature vocals, but the whole band was fantastic. I'm not too crazy about 90s music, but this album will forever be special for me. 5 stars
Classic Grunge album. Excellent album!
With one of the songs that blew my mind when I first heard it (SLTS), this album is still a banger. Hadn’t listened to it from stem to stern in a long while, but it won’t be long before revisiting it again. Amazing.
The moment when the musical power shifted from boomers to Gen X. When hair metal died. I’ve had somewhat of a conflicted relationship with this album. Many of these songs were overplayed on alternative radio even in the 2010s, so I grew to hate them. But after some time of streaming being a thing and me no longer listening to the radio I stopped hating them. And I like many of the non-hits off of this album too. The more I learn about Kurt, though, the more I respect this album. Kurt had and still has a ton of aura, and seemed like the chillest guy of all time. I might not give this a 5, but I didn’t give Nirvana MTV unplugged a 5 which I now believe it deserves unequivocally. Consider this a make up call
For me, Nevermind is Nirvana's best album, and it stoked a generation of music I loved dearly. I loved everything about them, the lyrics and edgy bits, and the sad demise of Kurt was always a dangling piece to life as I grew up in the 90s.
It's crazy how Smells Like Teen Spirit isn't even on the top 5 songs on this album. Generationally important album that still sounds fresh 35 years later. Standouts: In Bloom, Come As You Are, Lithium, Lounge Act, Something In The Way
Quiet pain turned into a global explosion. Rating: 4.9/5 Short Review: This album is raw emotion wrapped in perfect hooks. It sounds messy, sincere, and unstoppable at the same time. Every song feels like it meant too much to be polished away. Favorite Track: Come As You Are. Gentle, haunted, and weirdly comforting.
peak
Classic album 10/10
I've always been a like them not love them with Nirvana, but I don't think there's any denying this is a 5 star album and one of the ones most worthy of being on this list.
Perfect grunge
hey i know these guys! he has such a distinct singing voice. fun beats
An absolute classic! I'm 33 days into this Challenge and this is the first album I've had that I actually own and love. Fantastic music!
If I’m being honest, this album, like Snoops’s Doggystyle, falls a bit short of a 5 star, but because it’s undoubtably the best of the genre, I’ll give it the nod.
Simply stated, one of the best rock albums of all time. No stinkers to be found, and I don't think it's just my familiarity with this. Fun to remember the boomers' collective realization that their hold on the "we have the best music" claims were being blown away as they covered their ears and complained about the noise. This one does not get old, and is WAY more musical than it was given credit for in its time
One of the BOAT! My friend and I listened to this over and over after Kurt Cobain died, trying to decipher what led him to suicide.
banger after banger
What a spectacular album! I can see why it's such a cultural phenomenon. Cobain reminds me of the lead singer of Linkin Park and I get similar vibes from the music. There are many different genres sprinkled throughout the album, giving it variety. The lyrics are random at times, but feel emotional and heartfelt.
not a whole lot to say. 5 stars
Can't not give this icon 5 stars. A timeless album.
What a classic!! One of the first albums I listened to when I was in a very young “angst I hate the world and constructs” phase. Kurt a very very talented musician and of course driver of the alternative rock genre, a true original and legend. I love this album I’ve listen to these songs and album countless of times with purpose or simply hearing them on radio. Made me fall in love with the guitar and drums in all songs and different albums, great perfect piece of art
I really like this album.
This album made me want to be just like Kurt and get the Remington haircut.
Great Nirvana album full of their best. Tough to not love this one.
Круто Мелодия Вокал Инструментал Энергия Вопросы Историческое дерьмо
8/10 The beats and the bass and the vocals are amazing. I like that there’s variety not all the songs sound the same. The album reminds me of an old teen rom-com. You can really feel Kurt’s emotions when he sings. Not really any complaints I think this is what’s going to get me into alt rock
10/10 nothing more needs to be said. Pivotal, monumental album
A true classic Makes me connect to my younger self. I was pretty excited to get this and it didnt dissapoint. Fav: in Bloom, Territorial Pissings 4.6/5
It's Nevermind. It changed music. How could I give it any less than a 5.
Great album. banger after banger. All time for good reason
Come on man, this took grunge to the stratosphere. So strange to see heavy sad music be so culturally accepted and popular. Love all the bsides. Not one bad song. However, I did find myself skipping the overplayed tracks
Such a classic
Obviously I've listened to this before, as everyone did as a teenager. It's still great.
Yes
Every song is a bop. I think it took me 30 years to realize the pop sensibilities here... it just sounded heavy and awesome (and subversive) to me as a teen. But there is a direct through-line from the Beatles to Nirvana. It's not hard to see at all in hindsight.
Kirt smelss lke teen spirit thank tou kathleen hanna
Omg awesome you already know
Purposely haven't listened to this for years. This album is still amazing. That first half is blisters. But Something in the Way may be one of my top 10 songs of all time. 5/5 easily
Realized that I've never listened to this record front to back. First three tracks are absolutely unquestionable hits. Something In The Way is so beautiful. Territorial Pissings and Endless, Nameless are standouts for chaos. Going all the way to a 5 cause why not, it's undeniable.
I've listened to this album many, many times, but it's been awhile and it was nice to listen to it again. It's one of those albums that you can play all the way through from front to back and not skip any songs. At the time it came out, it was so much different than anything else that was out at that time. It's truly an album that defined a musical genre.
Generally, I prefer Nirvana's other albums, mainly because I prefer the rougher production style. However, I will say the album is basically perfect. You have big anti-rock anthems, with kind of big anti-guitar solos, like In Bloom and Smells Like Teen Spirit. The overdubbed vocals and guitars make these songs sound so huge. And then you have the incredibly intimate Something in the Way. Overall I think the album in demonstrates how much of a natural talent Kurt Cobain was, while not being a great accomplished musician, he certainly had a natural ear for melody. That combined with his own internal conflict and insecurities, you get something that stands on its own, very separate from the rest of grunge and alternative rock in general.
I almost skipped this one as I've heard it many times before, however not in some years. I went back to it out of a sense of duty and it blew me away. I was a little too young when this came out for it to land in my wheelhouse but everyone's older brother had this album. Not a weak song on the record. Bands try for years just to have ONE big song, nevermind 13 of them. 5 Stars!
Not the biggest Nirvana fan, but it’s an all time classic
So good and gone too soon
It's real good. Appreciated the shredding on some of the later songs.
The first album jr high guitar players learn, 5 stars
Wish we could’ve gotten more Nirvana albums
Top 3 album all time
It's hard to express how good this album is. They nail it on every level imaginable -- the musicianship is incredible; the lyrics are dark and poetic and somehow so relatable; Cobain's voice is damn near perfect; the songwriting is innovative, and catchy, and addictive; and all of this on a pioneering, genre defining record. And god, this is a depressing album. But the worst part is, it's written so masterfully that you see yourself in every second of it. Devastating, essential, wall-to-wall brilliance.
I didn't realise how many classic songs were on this album. I knew of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Drain You", but I didn't realise "In Bloom" and "Come As You Are" were also on this album. On top of that, I really enjoyed some songs I heard for the first time such as "Lithium" and "On a Plain" This is up there amongst some of my favourite albums of all time (albeit the final track is a little strange)
Favorite songs: Smells Like Teen Spirit, In Bloom, Come as You Are, Breed, Lithium, Polly, Territorial Pissings, Drain You, Lounge Act, Stay Away, On a Plain, Something in the Way Yeah, pretty much the whole thing is great.
Grunge-tastic !
Always Incredible to hear.
love this album classic for a reason
Favourite ever!
absolute masterpiece and a huge inspiration to me personally
i mean… an obvious modern classic. p.s. - in bloom is nostalgic for me because of rock band on the wii as a kid. totally forgot about it until today
Lots of great songs. Teen Spirit isnt even the best one
God album cried when Kurt died
You could not avoid Nevermind when it was released. It was massive. I hated it. But now that I am older, I have a better appreciation for Nirvana and the juggernaut that is Nevermind. Every song on here was an instant classic. It was culture-altering. Giving it anything other than a 5 seems like a poser move. Fun hockey fact: The Seattle Kraken use the "I like it" part of Lithium as their goal song, so I half expected to hear the chant of "Let's Go, Kraken!" when listening to it.
When this was released it changed everything. I remember the first time I heard Smells Like Teen Spirit on the radio, it sounded like nothing before. Listening again over 30 years later it still sounds fresh, original and energetic. I never noticed at the time, but the drumming is incredible. 10/10 a generational record.
Very nice
I can always remember exactly the circumstances of hearing this album for the first time.
Amazing.
It's really hard to rate this record without contextualizing it in its legacy, so I won't try to. I think grunge actually really blows (can't wait to go off on Alice in Chains), to say nothing of what it did to the following 10-20 years of rock music until The Strokes saved us again. Actually, yeah. This is Gen X's "Is This It". Except the Strokes copycats all made pretty good music. Still, you can't judge a book by its imitators. This is the "Nirvana's Nevermind" of grunge.
Realizing that my criteria for 5 stars is "does it have multiple bangers that I enjoy" AND "does it have a unique and coherent sound that I appreciate" and the answer to both is yes, even if grunge as a genre was sort of a dead end because it fundamentally built on the same sort of principles as rock musically, if not attitudenly
My favourite YouTuber ToddInTheShadows has a running gag on his Trainwreckords/One Hit Wonderland series of smash cutting to the beginning of Smells Like Teen Spirit while describing the video's subject as the newest victim of "Nirvana Killed My Career", as they signaled grunge taking over what kind of rock music would be popular. And after listening to the album, I get it! This does not feel like a beta version of the grunge that would become widespread, it's fully formed and basically flawless. I am still narrowing down what I consider a 5 or not, but FUCK IT
To me this is the sound of CFOX and the 90s, an era defining sound that was the template for so much that came after it. And it's really good! There's a lot of variation in the sound and I would say other than the closing track it's basically perfect. Favourite song: Come As You Are
it's a 5 but wow "Endless, Nameless" should have been left out
No question why Nirvana and Cobain were deemed the sound and voice of their generation. What a fucking album. This was also the most intentional listening I’ve done of Nevermind and made me really appreciate Cobain’s voice, on top of his lyrical and musical talent.
If Nevermind doesn't get a 5, Gen X is not getting any 5s, and an entire realm of music that follows doesn't get any 5s.
goated
I've never fully listened to this album until now and wow, this exceeded my expectations. I'm disappointed in myself for not listening to this sooner. Amazing album. Favorite songs: Breed, Drain you, Come as you are
I've never owned a copy of this and yet I've heard it so many times. It's an important album for my generation and, yes, it automatically warrants 5 stars. My winner on this one is Polly. So hauntingly creepy. I love the false vocal start. I think the older I get, the more I appreciate the screamy ones. The drums are so intense. 5 stars.
This album is like being raised on the idea that if you study hard at school and work hard you’ll find true love, have two kids and live in a four bedroom villa with a big back yard in a leafy suburb, then getting a bit older and finding out that’s not necessarily true.
Amazing album start to finish. Obviously has the classics but very much enjoyed the non single tunes as well. Amazingly powerful drums throughout
Legendary.
One of my all times favourites
All the songs aside from the last one make this album. Endless, Nameless kind of creates a nice segue to In Utero. This albums full of real commercial shit, but it’s good commercial shit, this is what made Nirvana good. They knew how to make music for commercial success without pissing off the pissed off.
Great album and a true classic! Loved it since I was fourteen. It shaped me then - and it still hits hard.
Rating: 9/10 Short Review: This shit absolutely BANGS. like woah. Just straight heaters. Album so good it's got me talking like I'm straight.
One of the albums of my generation. Powerful
bangers
Probably one of the top 3 albums of the era. Hit after hit after hit. Raw, loud, real, honest, simply a masterpiece of rock with social critique and songs that needed to be written, recorded and played on commercial radio.
I mean, there isn't anything really to say (I will have stuff to say though) about this one. This is about as perfect as an album you can get on this list short of an Abbey Road or Rumours. I was only three years old when this album came out, so I don't really have any frame of reference on the impact it had at the time, but I have to imagine that this thing was basically an atom bomb on the music landscape, reordering things in the span of a second. But yeah, it's been a minute since I've listened to this record, so getting it here is a good excuse to really dig into it. And I have always had my favorites (Smells Like Teen Spirit, In Bloom, Come As You Are, Breed, and Lounge Act), but this re-listen is allowing me to pay attention to the tracks I haven't had on my playlists for decades. It's a testament to the quality of this album that it takes until the sixth song that I can say there's a song that doesn't quite hit 10/10 for me (Polly), and it's still a great fucking track. I've always known Krist Noveselic's bass playing was fantastic, but damn some of his work on here is amazing. Especially on tracks like Lounge Act and Stay Away where it's just so prominent (Stay Away being the type of song Grohl would go onto make numerous times for the Foo Fighters). Also, it's cool listening to this album for the first time since I got really into Seattle/Pacific Northwest type punk and indie rock music like Sleater-Kinney, The Spinanes, and Built to Spill. Grunge music (And Nirvana as a result) always sounded kinda separate from that scene despite being from the area, but hearing songs like Drain You and On A Plain, I can definitely hear a through line to those other PNW bands. Those songs in particular just sound "Seattle" to me. So yeah. One of the best records of all time.
5/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/nirvana/nevermind/ Obvious classic
Classic
If I could give this a 10 out of 5 I would.
5 still seems low for the impact it had and still has
4.5
What can I say about this album that hasn't already been said. It was the voice of gen-x before gen-x was even named. Everybody had this album and you'd hear 'Smells Like Teen Spirmit' everywhere. Felt like the start of something special at the beginning of the 90s.
Quel classique bordel. Un no skip comme j'en ai rarement vu. Une énergie que j'ai jamais entendu ailleurs, mon dieu les frérots savaient transmettre leur rage. Des riffs puissants et dégueulasses, la voix de Kurt Cobain juste aberrante une tension et une puissance du début à la fin de l'album. L'album s'ouvre sur le plus gros enchaînement de l'histoire ??? Smells like teen spirit, In bloom, Come as you are ??? nann c'est trop grave. Un album qui hurle son mal être, sa révolte, qui se libère du sens pour se concentrer sur les émotions et le ressenti. Globalement pas grand chose à dire, un des plus grands albums de tous les temps. chat : Nevermind (Nirvana) est surtout un album de grunge, un sous-genre du rock alternatif né à Seattle à la fin des années 80. Le son mélange guitares très saturées, énergie punk et dynamique “calme → explosion” avec des mélodies accrocheuses. Thèmes typiques : mal-être, désenchantement et rejet des codes, dans une esthétique brute et anti-glam.
Shocked by how much i enjoyed this
Hell yeah this album is such a banger there’s a reason it’s one of the best of all time
Classic album, I know all the songs, I still prefer In Utero.
banger
Think I might still prefer In Utero, but it remains perfect.
Very good
Absolute banger
Absolute bangers!
Need I explain
Not much to say. Probably a top 10 album of all time. The first 5 songs are nearly flawless.
Outstanding. It just sinks its teeth into from the first chords and doesn't let go.
Devonshire mix of the album for life ❤️
One of my favorite albums
Muy bueno
💖💖
this white boy music hits different
Great album, a lot of emotions into it. You can be numb while also adventurous with this album.
An amazing blend of sounds that somehow became mainstream while still feeling like a raw mess. A couple clunky songs but so many great raging ones that seem to make everything else after it seem lame.
when I think of grunge, I always think of Nirvana. first full listen to this album, surprisingly.
Un classique dans la famille
Ah ah my childhood and the one of my daughter 🥰
18/20 Un album exceptionnel ! Que dire, a part que les titres sont tous plus incroyables les uns que les autres. Je suis probablement biaisé par la nostalgie, mais l'album reste excellent dans tous les cas
Classic - my favorite Nirvana album. Every song (except maybe one) resonates. Kurt Cobain was brilliant. What a tragedy.
For a long time I sort of dismissed Nirvana, never really "got" them and was fed up of hearing Smells Like Teen Spirit. So it goes without saying I'd never listened to this album in full, even though it is one of the most famous rock albums with the iconic, instantly recognisable cover. I have to say this album thoroughly surprised and impressed me. The first 5 songs contain 4 of their biggest hits which are still very good regardless of being heard a lot. The rest of the record really kicked things into gear and was a lot heavier than I expected, both musically and lyrically. "Breed" and "Territorial Pissings" are straight up bangers and brought an energy I didn't quite expect. The same goes for "Lounge Act" and "Stay Away" another two favourites of mine. Couple that with the slower "Polly" and haunting "Something In The Way", this is a complete record start to finish.
One of the best albums ever made
Amazing amazing amazing but really hated the last song, should have ended with something in the way
What is there to say - obviously incredible album
Lyden av 90-tallet. Står som ei påle!
Great album, never listened to more than the first song before but def a good vibe
A generation defining album that marks the end of hair metal dominance. "Punk is musical freedom. It's saying, doing and playing what you want." -Kurt Cobain
Hell yeah! This album helped change the course of my personal history. I was 16 when this came out and just beginning to fully develop my musical tastes. Master of Puppets began my journey of metal that wasn't full of makeup and hairspray. And this cemented a love for the alternative scene sprouting its head. Not really digging punk, this showed me I didn't need to be Kirk Hammet to play cool sounding guitar riffs. The album itself has aged pretty well. Kurt's gravel voice and choices in interesting melodies still really hold up. The power, the energy, the angst all shine through. Somehow the seemingly nonsensical lyrics still resonate. And I forgot how much I love hearing Dave Grohl play drums. I was excited when this came up on Friday. Have me time to explore it again a few times over the weekend. Easy 5 star album.
Fuck ya
good
There are so few perfect albums, and this is definitely one of them. I love this album.
No skips
One of the most iconic albums ever. It goes without saying that this is a 5 star album
This album was released upon the world just as I was entering college. Hugely influential and one of my favorite albums of all time. We miss you buddy.
Fantastic!!
A timeless classic, needs no review.
The summary page has labelled me as “generous” and as a “cheerleader”. I think because I’ve been doling out 5-stars like candy lately. The truth is, if I have a great time listening, there aren’t that many other metrics I’m paying attention to, and lately the albums have been just damn good. I realize this trend may damage my credibility in the long term. So Nevermind then. What will this one do for my credibility?
The true strength of this album is the ‘minor’ tracks - Territorial Pissings, Lounge Act, Stay Away. Also it has amazing appeal across demographics. Meathead thugs love it, music wankers love it, accountants love it. It’s done more for unity than any happy happy joy joy initiative every has.
yet another case of this website throwing a mega-popular record at me and expecting me to have something new to say. you definitely know all of the singles from Nevermind; they entered radio rotation almost immediately, and have never really left since. the album's first five tracks are a masterclass in no-frills rock songwriting, featuring some of the most iconic riffs and melodies ever penned. you can really hear Kurt Cobain's dueling interests in pop songwriting formulas and raw, noisy imperfection reach a tremendous compromise. elsewhere, "Polly" and "Something in the Way" showcase the band's soft, sensitive side, whereas "Territorial Pissings" and "Stay Away" point to the even noisier, more confrontational direction In Utero would go in. people endlessly debate whether or not Cobain wanted all the press and popularity he received off the back of Nevermind, let alone the credit for single-handedly transforming rock music in the 90s, and ending the glam era in the process. part of me thinks he must've known what he was doing; you don't write a song as catchy as "Smells Like Teen Spirit" unless you want to turn a lot of heads. this is my favorite Nirvana album. I have no hot takes here. decent 9/10.
Incredible first pick. A all-time favourite album of mine that was due for a re-listen and a real think about. Some of the best guitars ever with a unique rage barely replicated since.
I have loved nirvana since I was like 10 so I already have listen to this album beforehand.
What a pull for my 100th review. This is the album that heralded the arrival of grunge and alt rock to the forefront of the musical landscape in the 90s. An absolute masterpiece of noise, aggression, and teenage angst. I could sing this album's praises for days on end, but I wouldn't end up saying anything that hasn't already been said in this album's 34 years of existence. Kurt, Krist, and Dave, along with Butch Vig producing, created something that so strongly defined a generation of music, that it's still lauded to this day. If you've somehow never listened to this album, you absolutely owe it to yourself to sit down and experience the sonic energy that defined the 90s.
Por supuesto que viene Nevermind justo después de escuchar el disco de Mudhoney.
album culte, je l'avais déjà écouté, il est dans ma playlist, toujours un plaisir de l'écouter
Favorite Nirvana album. Every song is good except the last.
Grijs gedraaid als tiener en nog steeds goed. Niet meer zoveel impact als toen...
Best Song - Come as You Are Worst Song - Something in The Way (not bad though) My favourite Nirvanna album. Influential, original, works well as an album and as individual tracks -has no misses. Not a huge Nirvanna fan but Nevermind deserves the praise.
peak
dang, so many classics right off the bat. Back half gets out there
Unbelievable Tueaday pull! One of the greatest rock records ever released. Nothing but bangers front to back.
Best album ever — reminds me of my teens.
The definition of Grunge. Probably the most important and influential album of the 90s.
10/10 no notes. It goes weird towards the end and I'm here for it.
Honorable mentions: Come as you are It smells like teen spirit Drain you Really solid album with most of their songs being fucking great. Last track is trash though. Great album for its time, and still now.
I loved it. Are there surf rock influences?
Banger after banger after banger. Spectacular production of a perfect three-piece. Such a shame that fame and heroin killed him. This is a stunning album that transformed rock. Wish I'd been in seattle for that incredible scene
I don't even have to listen to this to give it an instant 5. But did anyway. Oddly it didn't change my world when it came out like it did others. It was just another heavy sounding rock album at the time. And over the years it became a bit like wallpaper, it was played at every party. So I avoided it for a long long time. Coming back to it though, it's just a perfect set of pop songs. Not a dud track on. And Butch Vig's big production is perfect for it.
Ok, this album represents a special moment in time for me so I'm going to be biased. It's one that will always get my blood pumping and my air guitar strumming
Knew that album as a high grunge fan Absolute masterpiece
Great album! I wonder what would have happened if Kurt Cobain didn’t die and gotten help with his mental issues.
I am thoroughly convinced that Nevermind is the best album to release in the last 50 years and this umpteenth listen has not dented this take. I'm a bit biased in that some of my earliest, fondest memories were listening to scratched-up Nirvana tapes in the back of a paddock bomb on bucolic summer days, whittling the world away while cutting my teeth on what is undoubtedly one of the best tracklists to build taste to. One of the most interesting things about going back into this early 90s, early Seattle grunge era of undistilled alt-rock angst is they have this scrappy nihilistic vision of the state of the world. It's this deathwish vibe, An apathetic response to a society where a voracious, unthinking commercial consumption has finally choked out the public subconscious. Nirvana was a direct, rebellious, and churlish epitome of the growing rejection of that all-encompassing consumerism. Just look at the deliberately provocative album cover! Apparently it was originally meant to be a photo of an underwater birth, but the labels obviously considered this far too uncouth. "I'm so ugly, that's okay 'cause so are you" - the gross out industrialized aesthetic would end up defining the entire look of the era. People often say that mainstream horror themes of a time are reflections of what society fears; I think you could say the same about the book-burning fears of dystopian lit of the post WW2 era, the anti-nuclear flowery hippie movement, and finally the distressed jeans and cheap flannel of the 90s. In the same way that the modern concept of the 'teenager' evolved out of the relative economic surpluses of 1950s America, the specific du jour flavour heading into the last throes of the millennium was this foolhardy angst. Irony became the watchword of the 90s. The world was on the precipice of the drastic introduction of the internet, and the death wail of this neo-punkish fuck-you attitude was the first real movement into twenty-first century lyrical modernity. Literary scholars and critics often credit Wordsworth with being the original 'modern' poet, in that his introduction marked the shift from poetry as an exploration of the external world to the internal one. While not the first, Cobain isn't interested in re-excavating the love ballads of the hair-metal era. Instead he digs up the navel-gazing self-loathing of the new wave artists like New Order or The Smiths, except with the ironic detachment that would quickly become the iconic masthead of the radical 90s youthquake. Unlike the protesting hippies before them (which had by this time long since donned the silk noose neckties that once disgusted them) and the spiky-haired anarchists in leather jackets that made up the 70s punks, 90s alt-rock politics was lacking a real obvious political drive. It was a movement of simple sabotage, their idols being the slackers you would later see in Clerks or Office Space. The lyrics in the chorus of the iconic opening track 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' embody this idealized detachment with a careless nonsense: "A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido!". the album is literally called 'Nevermind'. Nothing matters and the rockstars are all self-annihilating heroes. Success becomes an idiot game, where the only way to escape the unsatisfactory samsara of commercial society is via the hypochondriac Bartleby's firm old maxim: "I'd prefer not to." The American future died on the vine. In this way Nevermind is an intensely New World album, and I think it's that difference in tone that makes this album so different to its most obvious audiological predecessors (thinking of The Pixies in particular.) It's interesting, then, that the cultural legacy that came out of this era of thought was essentially this post-post-ironic detached cynicism to any sense of authenticity. It's the ultimate irony that a record like Nevermind, fit-to-bursting with honest and candid self-reflections on intensely vulnerable topics like suicidal ideation and depression, became the quintessential example of detached 'irony'. It's the dark comedy of depression - of hating yourself more than you hate the world - that I think makes the special sauce in Cobain's lyricism and prevents it from becoming some lazy pulpit-preaching about bare misanthropics. Obviously, there's a lot of mythology surrounding this album, much of it hearsay. But I think it's a pretty beautiful time capsule of a mood, a rebellion, that no longer exists. fav tracks: everything (except On A Plain and Endless Nameless)
This album is as fresh as it ever was. Timeless. I know this may be because it was a critical part of my upbringing, but I can't imagine anyone not loving this album. It pushes boundaries, while still being easy listening for some reason. It's a sing-a-long and a revolt at the same time. A challenge and a comfort. The music scaffolds Kurt Cobain's esoteric lyrics in a way that brings a context that I think everyone can relate to. This album is INCREDIBLE. And will always be. I remember Breed feeling like an anthem to what I was going through 30 years ago and it feels like an anthem now. Long live Nirvana. "Just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean they're not after you."
A treasure of a record. I was in 4th or 5th grade when this came out, and it was one of the only current albums that I was interested in, as I was mostly a fan of 60s and 70s rock. But this one got through! “Something in the Way” was always a standout, with a gorgeous cello part by Krist Novoselic.
YO LETS FUCKING GO Instant 5 INSTANT CLASSIC RRRAAAH All the singles are bangers But I actually love endless nameless
Kurt cobain makes the “coolest” music of all time. And I mean that as a compliment. All of these songs ooze with a weird slick confidence. The guitar sound on this record is pretty amazing. Classic for a reason
Nirvana. I'm a kid from the pacific northwest...this is absolutely one of my favorite albums ever.
Stunning as hell. This is just one of my favorite albums. I remember getting into it at 15/16 and just thinking this shit will never get old. A decade later, sure enough, I was correct. It's difficult to think of a more influential album on either my taste in music or the general culture's. The start of the album (from first chords of Smell's Like Teen Spirit until the bass sputters and fades out on Come As You Are) is truly unfathomable to virgin 1991 ears. All is well while listening to Kurt at full volume.
damn, this guy’s sad fr
One of the most influential albums in history.
Great album
Hahahaha uwielbiam :3
Repeat
Iconic
Loved it
ground zero record for me in retrospect -- and i remember i wasn't allowed to have it in the house so was limited to MTV and radio play. As an adult now getting into vinyl the clear demarkation between A and B side songs was eye opening... although I probably should have understood that at the time.
Love this album forever
Yks kaikkien aikojen levyistä. 6/5.
5/5 one of the goats
Listening to this again after 30 years of music nerdery, it's just so obviously outstanding, in a way that I was unable to appreciate when it first came out. The way that some tracks feel slow and fast at the same time is just like being stuck in addiction. F → B♭ belongs to Kurt forever.
Fantastic
Apparently Joshua tree has the best opening 3 song set on any record - that is only true as this has 4 . This album starts brilliantly and retains that quality, mostly, all the way through. Unlike other albums that kick off with the best song this one keeps giving I’m not sure why I don’t own this on vinyl , but I’ll be rectifying that soon ( with a reprint as this is from the 90s or the time that forgot vinyl) I never really appreciated Nirvana at the time - partly due to the ubiquitous nature of Grunge in the early 90s- with the knock on affect of diminished metal output that pissed me off around that time - also allowing Tosh like the god awful mudhoney rose in prominence purely as they where Grunge… My only gripe, and this seems petty, is the production is a little too clean and precisely mixed . Some of the raw energy is lost . This does not affect the big hitter songs but songs like Stay away or breed or even lithium would have hit better if they were not quite so clinical … the closing Endless, nameless come close to delivering that feeling. Great way to close an album . I was expecting to go hard on this as I don’t like grunge and how overplayed this was back in the day .. but even a 4 would feel harsh . ( the second half of the album is weaker but it’s still great )
How did I skip this? Kurt cobain is sexy as hell. The music is great. And I’m sorry he got sick of it, but SLTS is one of the best rock songs in history.
"Nevermind" is the second album and major-label debut by American rock band Nirvana. Grunge and alternative rock are the Wiki-listed genres. Right on. The album was produced by Butch Vig which resulted in a more polished, radio-friendly sound than their previous work. The album was attributed to bringing grunge and alternative rock to the mainstream, accelerating the decline of hair metal. It was the first album to feature Dave Grohl on drums which bassist Krist Novoselic commenting that everything fell into place with the band. Lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain rounds out the group. Commercially, it reached to the top of the US Billboard 200 and #7 in the UK. In 2004, it was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its artistic significance. The famous guitar riff, Grohl's drums and we're off with "Smells Like Teen Spirit." This is the ultimate soft-loud-soft song in both music and vocals. The iconic guitar solo. Cobain mocks the mainstream culture; the song was named after a comment by Bikini Kill's Kathleen Hanna about a teenage deodorant which Cobain had no idea about. It's heavy and punk and rocks and ends in a rage. Another hard guitar riff opens "In Bloom." An interesting wobbly guitar solo. Melodic guitar and vocal riffs. Cobain down tunes the guitar to start off "Come As You Are." A softer song and, yeah, it sounds a lot like Killing Joke's "Eighties." Both are good songs. The band stays the punk course in "Territorial Pissings." The band in full-throttle mode with Cobain screaming throughout in a song about alienation. They can also keep it a straight-forward pop-rock lane which they do in "On a Plain." A deeper song in which Cobain contemplates things. Lastly, they aren't bad at delivering a ballad either; of course, the vibe is very haunting in "Something in the Way." The cello brings home the isolation that Cobain was undoubtedly going for. I first remembering hearing "Smells Like Teen Spirit" while record shopping at the Morninglory record shop in Isla Vista, CA (I think it might have been on the day the album came out) and immediately asked the person working there: "What is this?" He told me, commenting "pretty good, eh?" I bought the album immediately. The music and vocals cover a number of styles and elements with rock, heavy metal, punk, pop and I really think even emo and shoegaze. They pretty much perfected the soft-loud-soft dynamic which would be an alternative music go-to for the rest of the decade. Themes of alienation, frustration and anti-establishment with dark, humorous and disturbing tones. The lyrics do have meaning but there are seemingly random words and sentences which may give insight in Cobain's psyche including ones on guns and drugs. There's probably books on that. The one thing that has stayed constant over the last 34 years is that this is a great collection of quality songs. They sounded great back in 1991 and especially today. I could go on but...a great record with an obvious high recommendation.
Iconic from the first pound of the drums. This is the defining record of my generation and it is still great 35 years later. Kurt gone far too soon.
I've listened to this album many times before, but have never given thoughts to it and each of its track. This won't be the only album like it going forward. This is the album Nirvana is known for and holds some of the most iconic Grunge songs in all of history. "Smells like Teen Spirit" has all the attitude in its lyrics, guitars, thrashy drums and moody bass to meet the title of the song. It's a classic for a reason. "In Bloom" is a great follow, with a guitar riff that has always hit me like a truck ever since I first listened to it. The lyrics, although catchy and fun to an extent, are scathing in the most subtle way. "Come as you are" is my favourite track, with easily the most iconic guitar riffs on the entire album; they inspired a generation to pick up the guitar and try to replicate the opening riff the world over. The lyrics feel personal despite being commentary on society as a whole, with Kurt's voice feeling both friendly and hostile in the right places. As someone who often feels like they don't fit in, the track feels cathartic. "Breed" has big energy with it's opening drums and bass. It never feels to make me think of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games, with Kurt's voice even slaloming around the the chorus. Despite it's vibe intentionally targeting teens/young adults, it's another song that manages to deliver quite serious social commentary under the hood. "Lithium" has a guitar riff I've always found real soothing, juxtaposed then by it's heavy yet upbeat pre-chorus and sinister chorus. Another instant classic track, Lithium stands as another favourite. It was shocking to learn the truth about "Polly" and Gerald Friend, considering the relatively nonchalant delivery of the lyrics by Kurt and how the song is written through the eyes of the abuser. There is nothing flash this song, with a single guitar guiding the lyrics. Another juxtaposition with the severe cruelty in the subject matter met with the rather "ordinary" song. It does an incredible and subtle job of delivering how things of this nature happen without any bravado or emotion by such a monster. The energy is brought straight back to ripping around the street on a skateboard with "Territorial Pissings", especially in it's thrashy chorus and on-brand lyrics. Kurt's Tour de Force in commenting on society in a way that's angsty and fun that slips under the radar of it's target audience continues with "Drain You", commenting on being in a relationship with a narcissistic person. Kurt's voice is more 'sing-song' in this track, which (intentionally or not) really hints to how flippantly some people enter and leave relationships. "Lounge Act" hooks you in with it's moody bass right from the get go. Despite it's rather personal lyrics, it's subject is one that is deeply relatable to anyone of any age. Kurt's screams perfectly reflect the emotion and frustration. This continues into the following track "Stay Away". "On a Plain" has a great chorus that, taken at face value, has maybe the first really positive message of loving yourself more than someone else can, but it's quickly swallowed in shadow by "Something in the Way", it's absurdist lyrics and dark tone leading to many interpretations of depression and hitting rock bottom. The final hidden track (titled "Endless, Nameless" on YouTube) has some really distinctive sounds, like none I've heard made with a guitar before. Despite it possibly being nothing more than experimentation or "messing around", it was interesting to have an insight into their process. It was great to sit down with this album and listen with intention for the first time, unearthing some of the deeper meanings contained within the lyrics. Many people have called this album overrated and, honestly, anything of high praise will always draw these people to it. However, it's impact on music can truly be described as Avant Garde, written by someone who was both brilliant and troubled, like most of the world's most inspirational people.
This changed everything. Over too soon. Still love it but now it's sad.
"No comment", parce qu'au final et en y réfléchissant, il n’y a rien à dire. Je vais vous balancer un 5/5, fermer ma gueule et regarder le bébé nager après son biffeton. Et c'est sans doute l’attitude la plus punk à adopter face à ce monument. Le silence, le respect craintif devant la bombe atomique qui a rasé le paysage musical il y a plus de trente ans. Mais bon, je suis payé (façon de parler, c’est du bénévolat pour la gloire) pour aligner des mots, alors je vais essayer de disséquer la bête, même si elle a déjà été autopsiée par la terre entière. Soyons clairs dès le début : "Nevermind" n’est pas juste un album de rock, c'est une putain de césure. Il y a un "avant" et un "après" septembre 1991. Avant, c’était le règne du plastique et on bouffait du Hair Metal au kilomètre, des types en collants moule-bite avec des permanentes de caniches qui chantaient des ballades sirupeuses sur des strip-teaseuses de Sunset Strip. C’était l’époque de la frime, du solo de guitare branlette et de la vacuité absolue. Et puis, trois ploucs de l’État de Washington, mal fringués, pas lavés et visiblement dépressifs, ont débarqué pour pisser dans la piscine du champagne. Le choc a été brutal et il porte un nom : "Smells Like Teen Spirit" et ses quatres accords. Un riff tellement simple qu’un gamin de six ans avec une main dans le plâtre peut le jouer. Et pourtant, dès les premières secondes, on a su, on a su que la fête était finie pour les autres blaireaux. C’était le son de l’ennui, de la frustration, de la rage adolescente distillée dans sa forme la plus pure. C’était sale, mais bordel, c’était accrocheur et c’est là tout le génie pervers de Kurt Cobain : avoir réussi à emballer le mal-être existentiel le plus noir dans des mélodies pop sucrées comme du chewing-gum. On parle souvent de "Nevermind" comme étant "l'authenticité" du grunge, mon cul, oui. Car "Nevermind", c’est une machine de guerre calibrée et Butch Vig, le producteur, mérite une statue (ou un procès, selon le degré de purisme). Il a pris la crasse de Seattle et il l’a passée au Kärcher. Il a compressé le son jusqu’à ce qu’il explose les enceintes. Écoutez cette batterie, sérieusement, écoutez-la. Dave Grohl ne joue pas de la batterie sur ce disque, il cherche à commettre un meurtre avec des baguettes. Chaque coup de caisse claire est un coup de fusil à pompe. C’est martial, c’est précis, c’est d’une violence inouïe, et pourtant c’est mixé pour passer à la radio entre Madonna et Michael Jackson. C’est le cheval de Troie ultime, les gens ont ouvert la porte pour la mélodie, et ils se sont pris le nihilisme en pleine gueule. Et les morceaux... Putain, c’est un véritable best-of car il n’y a pas un gramme de gras. "In Bloom" ? Une satire brillante des beaufs qui chantent les refrains sans piger les paroles ("He’s the one who likes all our pretty songs..."). L’ironie, c’est que ces mêmes beaufs ont fini par remplir les stades pour voir Nirvana. Cobain devait se marrer jaune, ou avoir envie de vomir, probablement les deux. "Come As You Are" ? Ce riff aquatique, piqué sans vergogne à Killing Joke (parce que les bons artistes copient, les grands artistes volent), c’est l’hymne de l’acceptation de soi pour tous les inadaptés de la planète. "Viens comme tu es, trempé de boue, vieux, ennemi, ami", c’était l’anti-glamour par excellence. On pourrait parler de "Lithium", cette ode à la bipolarité qui donne envie de hurler "YEAAAH" en chœur, ou de "Breed", qui donne juste envie de conduire une bagnole volée dans un mur à 180 km/h. La basse de Novoselic y est monstrueuse, un grondement souterrain qui tient tout l'édifice pendant que Cobain massacre sa Fender Mustang. Mais le plus beau, le plus tragique dans cette histoire, c’est que cet album est une lettre de suicide qui a rendu son auteur riche à millions. "Polly" est une chanson acoustique sur un enlèvement et un viol. C’est glauque, c’est dérangeant, et pourtant, ça passait en boucle sur MTV Unplugged. "Something in the Way", qui clôture l’album (avant que ce boucan d’enfer de "Endless, Nameless" ne vienne faire fuir les derniers survivants), est d’une tristesse abyssale. Deux accords, un violoncelle qui pleure, et la voix d’un mec qui semble déjà mort, qui marmonne qu’il vit sous un pont et qu’il bouffe du poisson. C’est juste magnifique et terrifiant. Alors oui, les puristes diront que "Bleach" était plus vrai, que "In Utero" est plus artistique, que Steve Albini a mieux capté l’essence du groupe. On s'en branle car "Nevermind" est le moment de bascule, c’est l’album qui a légitimé le fait d’être un loser. Soudain, ne pas être le quaterback du lycée, être le mec bizarre au fond de la classe qui écoute de la musique bizarre, c’était devenu "cool". Ensuite c'est vrai, le mainstream a avalé l’underground tout rond, a roté, et en a fait des chemises en flanelle vendues chez H&M trente ans plus tard. C’est dégueulasse, c’est le capitalisme, c’est la vie. Mais si on enlève tout le cirque médiatique, si on enlève le mythe, le fusil, Courtney Love, les théories du complot et les t-shirts portés par des influenceuses qui ne peuvent pas citer trois chansons... Si on pose juste le vinyle sur la platine et qu’on monte le son à fond : ça reste une putain de claque. C’est viscéral, ça prend aux tripes et ça donne envie de tout casser et de pleurer en même temps. C'est un 5 sur 5 parce que c'est indiscutable, parce que même si on a entendu "Smells Like Teen Spirit" quatre milliards de fois, quand le refrain part, on hoche la tête. On ne peut pas lutter, c’est Pavlovien, c'est inscrit dans l’ADN du rock désormais. "Nevermind" a tué les années 80, a défini les années 90 et après cela, il continue de faire passer tout ce qui sort aujourd’hui pour de la soupe tiède. C’est l’étalon-or de la rage adolescente devenue produit de masse. C’est parfait, c’est cynique, c’est bruyant. "No comment", car c'est effectivement la seule chose intelligente à dire. Tout le reste, n'est que du bruit.
Listened to this album a lot in the last 30+ years. Very familiar with every second of this album. There is always going to be debates about if this is their best album, or worst album or just a pop album. It's 5 stars regardless just for the cultural impact it had. I personally love this album and for me there aren't any "skip" tracks.
the best grunge album ever
Top
It's the first time I've listened to the whole album and loved every second of it. From quiet, to screaming riot grunge glory.
5 for nostalgia.
I think this is better than In Utero. Wasn't a big fan of the last song but every other one it's hard to dislike.
Oh fuck yes. This is my good karma for skipping Pearl Jam’s Ten a few days ago. Obviously I’ve heard this before but it’s been a very long time. HERE WE GOOOOOO — What can I really say that hasn’t already been said? My first five stars. Hearing this music as a kid made me start coming up with my own lyrics, not for the first time or anything but still it inspired me to write a few stanzas I don’t remember or have anymore. I think I referenced being willing to do anything to try a quaalude (before seeing the youtube guy saying there was nothing like one. i’m not entirely sure why i knew about them). Anyway, love this album.
People who give this one star to be "different" are idiots
Klasika
I always forget how hard they can rock.
The most important album for my generation
Best Track - "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
It's on lists like this for a reason...
What can I say - this album is the GOAT
If it sometimes feels like it drags a little bit, it’s only because the songs have been played to bits. I never play this album these days, but back in the day I had it on repeat. It’s definitely a great bunch of songs. This is also very much the sound of a generation, so even if you don’t like it I’d say it’s definitely one you need to have heard. 5/5
Some of the best work out of the 90s. Dave Grohls drumming is so tasty.
The album that jumpstarted an entire genre. That said, Pearl Jam is still better:)
Even today, the poppier undercurrents of Nevermind come as something of a surprise after the brutal metallic assault found on Bleach (and then the band dove back into abrasive noise on their next release, which we’ve already reviewed). In the decades since it dropped, it’s been fascinating to take in the extraordinary range of excellent cover versions of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” — everyone from Tori Amos to Robert Glasper and even Paul Anka — further cementing its status as an all-timer. The only other semi-novel things I can add to this comprehensively scrutinized album are that a) “Territorial Pissings” absolutely shreds, and that b) it makes me really curious about where Kurt Cobain would have gone musically had he not snuffed himself out so young.
I first heard Smells Like Teen Spirit fall of '91 and I was a dork highschool freshman but I felt that fuckin hook. Nevermind was one of the first two CDs (along with P.M. Dawn's release) I bought for the new stereo I got with the money I saved up from soccer refereeing. One bit I love about the album: The riff in Smells Like Teen Spirit was a sarcastic, minor-chord take on the riff in Boston's More Than A Feeling. Another is the roots behind that song title, I wholeheartedly recommend listening to Cobain's friend Kathleen Hanna giving the backstory here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWO4JnP2T40 Rest of the album's pretty good too.
Easy 5. This album stands as one of the greatest out there despite being overplayed. Nirvana is the epitome of 90s grunge Favorite Song(s): the whole album
An all time classic. Grunge's high point.
There are probably not even a handful of albums that had an impact on popular music the way “Nevermind” did. This album not only defined a generation, it started a movement. Not only musically, but culturally as well. It changed everything forever. I simply cannot overstate the importance of this album on the musical landscape. Nothing was the same after this.
Obv
Peakkkkk
5/5 levy. Klassikko jota on tullut kuunneltua alusta saakka ja edelleen kuuntelen, kun tekee mieli kuunnella jotain hyvää levyä. Tässä on kaikki kohdallaan. Hyviä biisejä ja erinomaista soittoa. Omat suosikkini on Breed, Lithium ja Territorial Pissings.
Is this a sausage factory that it produceth banger after banger?
It's crazy how iconic this literal entire album is. I've heard all of these songs so many times that I'm almost sick of them. Almost. It's really hard to get sick of ultimate grunge.
Some albums are classic for a reason. This one is perfect. Grungy, fun, deep, hard and soft. I know it’s a more mainstream sound, but damn it, this is so good. Rocks hard and gives the space for the softer songs.
Classic! Don’t listen to this enough
What can you say about this album that hasn't already been said?! What I can say, is that this album blew me away and set my musical taste on a completely different path. Having been watching the BBC4 re-runs of 90s Top of the Pops over the last few years, the impact of this album is laid bare. Following **Nirvana's** performance in late '91, not only were the charts awash with alternative bands regularly hitting the top 40 and often the top 10, but in the few years following we saw the likes of **Faith No More**, **Rocket From the Crypt**, **Stone Temple Pilots**, **Dinosaur Jr**, **Green Day**, **Hole**, **The Lemonheads**, **Therapy?** and even **Metallica** and **Megadeth** all gracing the studio with performances that would likely have never happened without this album. And yes, _Smells Like Teen Spirit_ has been overplayed, almost to the point of ruin but its impact can't be overstated and it's not even close to the best song on this album. And yes, perhaps the production has a little more sheen than the band wanted or than it was cool in the scene at the time, but the strength of the songs and the performance of them is the reason why it's held in such high regard, and rightly so. Of course Kurt gets most of the plaudits but he was backed by a perfect powerhouse drummer and an extremely underrated and melodic bassist (hear _Lithium_ and _Lounge Act_). But yes, he is the star and his performance is utterly compelling and has lost nothing in the nearly 35 years since its release. Just a monster album!