In Utero

A fine outing by these three fine lads. Can't wait to see what they do next!

This was an amazing album, among the best of its era. Sadly, it's also one of the band's best and an indicator of where Nirvana might have been headed musically had things turned out differently. The songs are stunningly crafted and pretty perfect, but deliberately less polished than on Nevermind. Musically, the band is unforgiving in their delivery. It grinds, it burns and blisters, but also sometimes with an ear towards the melodic. Cobain's delivery flows effortlessly from insouciance to raging in a way I can't even compare to another artist. Lyrically, Cobain is brutal, clever, sarcastic, clearly in pain. I would just like to add that this is the second album I have reviewed in the past week by an extremely talented person who took his own life after the album I was reviewing came out, and it's a bummer, to put it mildly. The world was a better place with Kurt Cobain and Elliott Smith in it. If you're struggling, there are people who can help you. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800-273-8255. Fave Songs: All Apologies, Heart Shaped Box, Dumb, Radio Friendly Unit Shifter, Milk It

Meh. The 1 star belongs entirely to All Apologies.

For so long I was trying to determine whether to rate this 4 or 5. But then I realized I was trying to determine how whether it could match or surpass Nevermind. Nevermind is a masterpiece but is polished and poppy from start to finish. But this album is raw and punkish. Sure, the more popular songs have the sound and genius songwriting we're used to, as in "Heart-Shaped Box" and "All Apologies", but the majority is more personal to Cobain. Overall, the songs flow together as a whole better than Nevermind, but the comparisons stop there. There is a dramatic contrast between pop and punk, and you can never tell what the next song will sound like, it's that unpredictable. Take "Dumb" for instance. It sounds like it should be one of those poppy songs, and like "Heart-Shaped Box" or "Rape Me", you'd expect grungy soft sound followed by a loud and guitar-heavy chorus... but it never comes. And of course, this works perfectly with the subject matter and makes for a memorable experience. But even with these pop songs, there is a rawness found in the recording you would never find on Nevermind. This is all an attempt to sound more like the indie albums Cobain admired, like Pixies's "Doolittle." Most songs get real personal to Cobain, dealing with his partner, his daughter, his drug use, and the media. Beyond a few bands, I always found the grunge genre to be dull and uninspired, but Cobain is one of those few who can remind us what the genre is about. Not just being a social rebel, but finding a medium to express the grimy elements of our lives, both the happy and sad parts of it. I admire Cobain's determination to take total control of this album and produce something they truly want, instead of what the public expects. It doesn't end up as garbage. Instead we have an album that, despite all, holds itself up as one of the greatest albums of the decade.

I hadn't ever listened to this album in its entirety before, and I went in expecting five stars. After a few songs I was like "never mind."

This is the best of it's genre and an extremely important album to boot. It's style, sound, and substance was huge, managing to enjoy mainstream success while also resonating with music nerds of the day (and today). To top it all off, it managed to do this while being the follow-up to the darling Nevermind, and it still rocks. Oh, and it has Albini production. Nirvana forever.

I enjoyed some damn good years in the 90s. But what I've come to realize is that how much of that was surrounded in myth because I don't miss the decade of snark, the cynicism, and in music that manifested into the "if it's not indie (which this wasn't...) it's utter shit" credo that wasn't even so much stated as just assumed. And Nirvana was the perfect synthesis of all of that. Which is probably why when they hit I hated them right off the bat. I wasn't stuck in the 80s or any particular era; as a marked counterpoint to that, the early 90s brought a revelation of/in rock music to me - so much amazing new music EVERYWHERE (I would say comfortably that nearly 100% of any excess money i made for a 2-3 year stretch went to buying new CDs) that I couldn't believe *this* was the band that stuck out and somehow got to be the symbol of the GenX rock fans. Goddammit WHY?! I wanted to revisit this today and give it a fresh ear. Because I hated this album. But I still hate it and maybe even more-so. Members of the loud/soft/loud cult of the late80s/early90s which I never enjoyed - there's not much melody to be found anywhere on this album; it's a noise record and - ok I can see how some people would like or even love this - but as much as I love power and energy in music there's no release in Nirvana's music for me. Kurt Cobain's voice is like listening to my cat angrily vomit into a microphone over and over which doesn't cover up the lack of musical progression. Listening to "Scentless Apprentice" are 4 of the worst minutes you'll ever spend. Until "Tourette's" - it's less than 2 minutes but feels like 20. Was going to give small points for occasional - OCCASIONAL - nostalgia. But then that same nostalgia gets some points docked because this is even worse than I remembered. No apologies. 1/10 1 star.

Lots of rock stars scream about how difficult it is, how they can’t be their true selves, how the system eats them up but very few deliver something this gutteral and beautiful. Make no mistake this is a real album about rock star angst. About feeling like you’ve sold your soul and trying to stay true to your craft. Just read the first line of the album “Teenage Angst has paid off well” It’s a thing of wonder that I didn’t fully appreciate until I was a bit older. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of the greatest albums of the '90s and possibly ever. Nirvana expanded their dynamics on this album which gives it more texture and shows that the band was not simply content to rehash Nevermind. This album hints at their Beatles and Pixies influence while incorporating elements of punk and hardcore music. Kurt Cobain was a master songwriter and an avid student of music.

Get the shotgun

Not often on this list does an album incontrovertibly deserve to be on it regardless of personal feelings about the band, the music, etc. Rarer still, does the album earn all five stars in spite of that as well. At this time, there are two studio and one live album by Nirvana on 1001. This being their final studio album, it did ride on the success of "Nevermind" but demonstrated more importantly that Nirvana was not single happenstance, but rather a hot iron that had everyone scrambling to strike. While the success of "In Utero" was comparatively somewhat dwarfed by "Nevermind" any band with any dreams of success would be hard-pressed to achieve what "In Utero" did as it would likely be their best performing album of their career if they did. This album captures all of the heavy, the hard, the angst, and grunge elements of an era, an era not necessarily started by Nirvana, however nearly 30 years later, comparisons and root traces still find Nirvana as their common ancestor. Bands who have "Seattle-based" as part of their promotional material is undoubtedly drawing from the mythos of Nirvana. Subsequent or "new" music can all go back to what Nirvana did to rock music in the early 90s, when music collectively abandoned overnight the glam rock and heavily synth'd pop of the 80s. People found that Cobain's introspection asked people to look inward, ultimately for him which led to a tragic end. Casting a shadow on an entire city that became socially ubiquitous with a perception of depression, and mental fatigue. The album deserves 5-stars because it proved "Nevermind" was not a fluke, that Nirvana had indeed codified into the world of music how things were going to be.

This album is better when played as a whole rather than as several disconnected singles. It is clear that this record was meant to evoke a visceral response in the listener. From the opener, Serve the Servants to the closer All Apologies this record is meant for movement but is at it's heart disturbing emotionally.

Bores me

1.5 nahvana

It is often seen where bands go from punk to a more "radio friendly" genre, becoming polished over time and losing that "edge", but Nirvana did the exact opposite here, releasing their critically acclaimed Nevermind first and later following it up with the more edgy, unpolished In Utero. There are some songs on this album that have that similar Nevermind polish, but this is ultimately a more primal album. And as I understand it, this is exactly what Nirvana was going for. Still, the magic of Nirvana is there for those that are drawn to it in the first place. You have grating, visceral emotions from Cobain's vocals and lyrics. His words fit the grunge genre so well, as he is adept at telling his very personal stories with dirty, grimy, grungy lyrics befitting of the genre. The music, while also incredibly grungy and distorted, is masterfully edgy; you can tell you're listening to musicians who know how to do more than slam on their instruments. While I understand that Nirvana wanted to go more unpolished, I personally believe they were at their best on Nevermind. Still, this album is solid, and a very shining example of 90s grunge and punk-adjacent genres. Cobain was known for pushing hard for what he wanted, and Nirvana shows here what they wanted to be, and they were uncompromising on that. And it proved to be a success. This likely would have been the beginning of their sound moving forward, had it not been for Cobain's untimely death.

Ghastly pub rock drone

Basically if you take Nickelback, then dip them in a vat of crack and meth you get Nirvana. While I think the guitar riffs are really cool, I don't like how they fit with Kurt's voice; as soon as his voice comes in I'm like ah shit stop singing. I love counterculture music and Nirvana do have some better songs on other albums, but just never been able to appreciate this band in particular. Knew a few of these songs but I always prefer non-singles, which weren't decent enough to save this album for me.

never really cared much for Nirvana

Nirvana never does it for me.

ugh. Never liked them; never liked grunge or whatever they called it.

If this album's goal was to annoy me then it did its job well. I don't like this genre and this album solidified that fact for me. If I wanted something to make me go deaf with just straight noise, I'd pick this. Favorite track: All Apologies

Disappointing. Not heard a Nirvana album before, so was excited. But it was boring & the singer's voice grated with me. Forgettable

Someone should've told him he was brilliant. Best Tracks: Serve The Servants; Heart-Shaped Box; Radio Friendly Unit Shifter

One of the best albums of grunge, alternative rock and 90's music at all. Raw sound and pure energy! Listened dozens of time.

Sharp, tight guitar, definitely hear Albini's hand at the controls

There's so much of Steve Albini here. Great great production.

Definitely the best Nirvana album. The songs are catchy and raw, and the instruments are peak 90's grunge. Kurt's anger and energy throughout the album help solidify it as the best Nirvana album for me. The worst thing about this album is that it's their last (studio album, at least). Highlights: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12.

I've never given Nirvana the credit other people do. I think it was just a metal kid's resentment towards grunge? Maybe it was thinking Dave Grohl made better music in Foo Fighters? But this album rules! || It might also be because I have a higher base stressed-out level these days, but the raw tones and attitude in the all of the tracks just seems to resonate and feel comforting. || Never knew it was recorded in Goodhue County, literally one over from where I grew up in Dakota County! doesn't mean much, but neat! ||

9/10. no idea why this site wants me to listen to so much 90s music but im not complaining. seriously like half of these fucking albums have been 90s. what the hell! anyway this album is great. i wrote a more serious "review" on my rym top 200 list but aside from scentless apprentice this is super good and connects with me kinda hard. probably needs a relisten!

Whew, it’s been a minute since I revisited this record. So a little backstory: I grew up in the 00s, and Nirvana were absolute legends. I loved Nevermind and MTV Unplugged, and I remember listening to this one too - my dad had an old cassette of it - and finding it a little more difficult. Which it is. I picked out songs I liked from it and kind of just carried those forwards, so I’ve not actually sat down and listened to this as an album for years. I’m surprised by how much I like it, actually; it IS a difficult album. You can feel Kurt’s real uncomfortableness with the band’s success, not only in songs like Radio Friendly Unit Shifter and Rape Me, but also in the blasts of static and impenetrable walls of sound in songs like Scentless Apprentice, a long way from Nevermind’s gentler melodies. But in some ways I think that very rage gives it a sense of cohesiveness, even from the very first lines (“Teenage angst has paid off well/Now I’m bored and old”). It might not be a very “playlist friendly” album (I reckon Kurt would’ve hated that idea anyway…) but I’m definitely not going to leave it as long before I revisit this one again.

Possibly the first time I ever listened to this beginning to end. I was 11 years old and living in rural Germany when Kurt Cobain committed suicide, so I guess it's fair to say that I didn't exactly get to experience the grunge craze of the early 90s in real time. And when a friend eventually turned me on to the whole Seattle scene a couple of years later, I got way more into Pearl Jam than any of the other bands, including Nirvana. I had of course been familiar with their major songs, but somehow their music always seemed just too raw (both sonically and emotionally) for my taste. Ironically, now, thirty years later, it's exactly this rawness that I find appealing. I don't love everything on here, but the highs are really high. Essentially I think this is timeless punk rock with a strong pop sensibility. We really used to have proper bands, didn't we?

A personal and anxious vocal performance that is complimented adeptly by obstreperous rockers.

4.2 + I appreciate the warts on this album now that I'm older. When I was 14, I was disappointed that this didn't sound like "Nevermind 2.0." Steve Albini captures a more live, organic feel, and there's more dynamism in the guitars. Compared to "Nevermind", there are higher highs ("All Apologies", "Heart-Shaped Box"). But there are also lower lows, which almost tank the second half ("Tourette's", "Radio-Friendly Unit Shifter"). Some of the same themes around anatomy and disease are here with some darker kinks ("eat your cancer", basically all of "Milk It", "umbilical noose"...). It's a messier, nastier, less poppy and more interesting record than "Nevermind." My only knock is with those two aforementioned tracks - they kind of stink.

Ok, I am about to get my 90s kid credentials revoked. Let me preface this by saying that I like grunge. I like the mix of rock and punk and all the grit and distortion that comes with it. But for whatever reason, I just could never get totally behind Nirvana. There are lots of songs I like (All Apologies, Dumb), some I love (Heart-Shaped Box), and some I don't really get but I'm willing to go on that ride (PennyRoyal Tea). But I actively dislike Scentless Apprentice and especially Tourette's (why is that possessive??). They are just noise for the sake of noise. Rape Me has always bothered me because it is supposed to be an anti-rape song like "go ahead and rape me but I will survive this" but you can't really get that unless you read that Kurt intended it that way. Ultimately I feel like Nirvana is Ethan Hawke's character, Troy, in Reality Bites. Trying to be counter culture, anti-everything artists on the outside with a soft, sensitive center...but in reality Troy (and Nirvana) just aren't as good as people want to believe them to be.

All the apologies in the world wouldn’t suffice for making me listen to this butt rock bullshit.

My dad's friend loaded my psp with grunge when I was 13.

Given what would eventually happen down the line, In Utero is the sound of one's acceptance of death. Nirvana's stratospheric rise to the top of the food chain was both affirming and cataclysmic, for Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl finally became rock stars but were also fully unprepared to deal with the baggage that it required. The pressure, the expectations, the cultural shifts and the scrutiny given to non-musical aspects of life all bore down into an acerbic, scowling, at times downright hostile repudiation of what was now Alternative Nation. In Utero can be seen as an autobiography of sorts for Kurt Cobain, weaving in his now known troubled adolescence and mind-fuck adulthood alongside endless fascination with the female anatomy, equally troubled forgotten celebrities and breaches of trust with others. It is tempting to think of what would have come after had Kurt not taken his own life but, upon thorough listen, it's clear that he had long made his mind up.

If she floats than she is not. A witch like we had thought. Most babies smell like butter. He was born a scentless apprentice. Forever in debt to your priceless advice. Rape me my friend. I'm not the only one. It's so relieving to know that you're leaving. I think I'm dumb. Or maybe just happy. If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to ask someone else first. I am my own parasite. Sit and drink Pennyroyal tea. I'm anemic royalty. What is wrong with me? Heyyyyyyy! Heyyyyy!Heyyyyy! What else should I say. Everyone is gay.

"All apologies" is a classic. The rest is good.

5/5

Would it get a 5* review if it wasn’t Nirvana. Good question but academic.

One of My favourite albums.

I was working at Scratches Records in 1991. It was a grungy little store in Newtown that sold new and secondhand records, with a heavy alternative leaning. I was 21 years old, and had just moved of home, dropped out of university, and hanging around the alternative music scene a lot, back when the alternative scene was not just an arbitrary genre label, but a generally alternative industry with separate bands, record labels, stores and media. Every week, I took home just enough cash to pay the rent and buy a few beers, and the rest of my pay went on vinyl. It was a heady time to be working in a record store. And Nevermind changed everything. Suddenly, every store, even the most boring mainstream mega-stores, wanted to stock the hip new alternative bands. While it led to a short period of better music on the radio, major label contracts for bands that you never expected (Butthole Surfers, who would have thought?) and an uptick in sales of flannel shirts, ultimately, the capitalist machine chewed up, watered down, and spat out the masticated and lifeless husk of what had previously been a vibrant and interesting alternative scene, yet another victim of the incessant appetite of a consumerist society for fresh meat and new fashion. While I have to admit that Nevermind was a pretty damn good record, it was wildly over-played, and everyone I knew who worked in a record store at the time was heartily sick of listening to it. It was literally everywhere, all the time. I remember being at a Boxing Day barbeque at the end of 1991 and someone went to pop Nevermind on the ghetto blaster, to howls of protest from all the record store clerks in the room (and there were a few). Great record, but overplayed. Don't get me wrong; I bought a copy (at wholesale; $14.51. Original vinyl pressings now to sell for a pretty fair chunk of change). But I skipped seeing Nirvana when they toured Australia in early 92. I was pretty skint, and was a bit sick of them and all the hype, and preferred Mudhoney anyway. I really regret that decision. My flatmate, Andy, went to see them at the Phoenician Club, and said they were awesome. I was especially sick with jealousy and regret when In Utero came out, and there on the inner sleeve of the vinyl version (not the CD, just the vinyl) was a photo of the crowd at that very show, and there, pressed against the barrier, was Andy! I was spewing! I preferred In Utero to Nevermind as a listening experience. I don't think objectively it's a better album; there are quite a few filler tracks here. But the decision to try to deliberately piss off a chunk of their mainstream audience with an aggressively noisy record was right up my alley. I was familiar with the Albini production oeuvre, so the squalls of noise and feedback and screaming was par for the course. I really like the sound of a great band just hammering it out in the room. Albini really captured them trying to blow up their career. But Cobain still couldn't help himself from writing some really great tunes, especially Heart Shaped Box and All Apologies. I found the whole approach exciting and funny, and this was on pretty regular rotation until Kurt died, when I found it all a bit too real, and I hadn't played it the whole way through again until today. These days, I find the lyrics overly anxious, angry and depressing. All the self-loathing just makes 53-year old me feel tired and sad for Kurt, a young man who clearly didn't have a handle on life. I wish the kid could have found some happiness. So probably not (objectively) as good or important as Nevermind, but still five stars.

Released in 1993, "In Utero" is the third and final studio album by the iconic American rock band Nirvana. Produced by Steve Albini, the album serves as a departure from the band's commercially successful predecessor, "Nevermind." This in-depth review will delve into the various aspects of "In Utero," examining its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also addressing both its strengths and weaknesses. Lyrics: Nirvana's frontman, Kurt Cobain, wrote the majority of the album's lyrics, showcasing his introspective and often cryptic approach to songwriting. The lyrical content of "In Utero" delves into themes of existentialism, disillusionment, and personal struggles. Cobain's enigmatic and sometimes abstract lyrics contribute to the album's emotional depth. Songs like "Serve the Servants" and "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle" reflect Cobain's inner turmoil, while tracks like "Heart-Shaped Box" and "Dumb" reveal a more vulnerable and introspective side. The lyrics are a highlight of the album, offering a glimpse into Cobain's complex psyche and adding layers of meaning to the music. Music: Musically, "In Utero" presents a departure from the polished sound of "Nevermind," embracing a rawer and more abrasive style. The album incorporates elements of punk, alternative rock, and noise, creating a sonic landscape that is both intense and experimental. The guitar work, driven by Cobain and Krist Novoselic, is characterized by distorted riffs, dissonant chords, and dynamic shifts, exemplified in tracks like "Scentless Apprentice" and "Milk It." Dave Grohl's powerful and dynamic drumming further adds to the album's visceral impact. The music on "In Utero" captures the essence of Nirvana's grunge roots while pushing the boundaries of their sonic palette. Production: Steve Albini's production on "In Utero" is a defining factor in the album's distinct sound. Albini's minimalist and unpolished approach aligns with Cobain's vision for a more raw and authentic record. The use of unconventional recording techniques, such as capturing live performances and avoiding overdubs, contributes to the album's unfiltered and visceral quality. The production choices create an intimate and immediate listening experience, heightening the impact of Cobain's impassioned vocals and the band's energetic instrumentation. While some listeners appreciated the album's rawness, others found fault in the lo-fi production, considering it a departure from the cleaner sound of "Nevermind." Themes: The themes explored in "In Utero" are deeply personal and reflective of Cobain's struggles with fame, relationships, and his own identity. The album's title itself, "In Utero," suggests a return to the womb, perhaps symbolizing a desire for retreat and escape. Songs like "Rape Me" and "Milk It" confront issues of exploitation and disillusionment, while "All Apologies" serves as a poignant reflection on self-forgiveness and acceptance. The themes on the album contribute to its emotional weight and resonate with listeners on a visceral level. The exploration of darker and more introspective subject matter distinguishes "In Utero" from the more accessible narratives of its predecessor. Influence: "In Utero" left a lasting impact on the alternative and grunge music scenes, influencing a generation of musicians and shaping the trajectory of rock music in the 1990s. The album's rejection of mainstream expectations and its embrace of a raw, unfiltered sound paved the way for a wave of alternative and indie acts. Nirvana's success also played a crucial role in bringing alternative music to the forefront of the mainstream, challenging the dominance of glam metal and opening the door for a diverse range of musical expressions. The rebellious spirit and emotional honesty of "In Utero" left an enduring mark on the cultural landscape, solidifying Nirvana's legacy as one of the most influential bands of their era. Pros: Lyrically Rich: The album's lyrics are thought-provoking, introspective, and add depth to the overall listening experience. Musical Innovation: "In Utero" showcases a departure from conventional grunge, experimenting with abrasive and dynamic musical elements. Raw Production: Steve Albini's production style enhances the album's authenticity, capturing the band's live energy and intensity. Emotional Resonance: The themes explored in the album resonate on a personal level, providing a raw and genuine emotional experience. Influence on Alternative Music: The album's impact on the alternative music scene and its role in shaping the 1990s rock landscape are significant. Cons: Lo-fi Production Criticism: Some listeners found fault in the lo-fi production, missing the cleaner and more polished sound of "Nevermind." Commercial Viability Concerns: The album's departure from a more mainstream sound raised concerns about its commercial viability, especially following the massive success of "Nevermind." Conclusion: "In Utero" stands as a testament to Nirvana's artistic evolution and Kurt Cobain's uncompromising vision. The album's exploration of raw emotion, coupled with its sonic experimentation, solidifies its place as a landmark in the alternative and grunge genres. While the lo-fi production may have divided opinions, it ultimately contributed to the album's authenticity and impact. "In Utero" remains a powerful and influential work that transcends its time, offering a window into the tumultuous psyche of one of rock music's most enigmatic figures.

This is my favorite Nirvana album. It's pure 90s and it's wonderful.

My favorite Nirvana album (usually). Not as rough as Bleach, not overly slick like Nevermind. 9/10 1. Heart-Shaped Box 2. Rape Me 3. Pennyroyal Tea

Just classic. I remember when this was released and how raw and urgent it sounded. Still no album like it

Hell yeah

Awesome. Just awesome.

One of the more raw Nirvana albums with a few defining hits. Playlist song Dumb.

One of my favorites, great sound and awesome songs, always

My favorite album tbh.

Obviously, I love this album. It has some of my favorite non-hit Nirvana songs on it. Very Ape and Milk It really stand out.

Good album

It’s been over a decade since the last time I listened to this album end-to-end, and I’m surprised at just how well it holds up

Rough and pleasurable

1993. Key Songs: Serve The Servants, Heart-Shaped Box, Dumb, Rape Me

I've never been one to give a toss about Nirvana, and to be honest, I still don't really care for them much. But after giving Utero a proper listen, I've got to admit this album is a bloody impressive piece of work On the positives side, the raw energy on display is absolutely mad. The guitar work is pure dynamite, Eddie's riffs are as inventive and explosive as ever, and they really make you sit up and take notice. The mix is phenomenal, every instrument from the pounding drums to the rumbling bass and those blistering guitars, comes through loud and clear, creating a wall-of-sound that’s both powerful and immersive. Even the vocals, while characteristically mumbled and rough-edged, have this raw charm that manages to capture the gritty essence of Nirvana's sound. That said, there are some negatives that I can't ignore. Some of the tracks get a bit repetitive and, frankly, overlong. The relentless noise sometimes feels like it's too much, and while I can appreciate the sheer force of the sound, it occasionally leaves me feeling a bit bogged down. The overall vibe remains stubbornly grungy and moshpit-ish, which if I'm being honest doesn't exactly win me over. Despite all the technical brilliance, it doesn't do enough to change my overall opinion of the band; I'm still not a massive fan of Nirvana in general. In the end, Utero stands as a testament to Nirvana's raw talent and unfiltered energy, even if it doesn't quite convert me into a die-hard fan. It's a well-produced, electrifying record that commands respect, and while it might not be my usual cup of tea, I can't help but appreciate the sheer skill on display. A solid 4.3/5 stars, respectable even if it doesn't change my tune about Nirvana.

One of my favorites albums. Lots of memories of the 90s Arizona state fair $5 GA show

Good. Familiar with this one.

Such a perfect distillation of cynicism and earnest rage. It doesn’t feel like a singular moment in time, either - it just knocks you down and drags you into its own moment. Heart-Shaped Box was always one of my favourites and it probably still is. Dumb and All Apologies were also highlights. I’m choosing not to look to deeply into the fact that both of those songs feature Kurt Cobain yearning to be stupider so that he could be happier. I was also delighted by the Leonard Cohen reference in Pennyroyal Tea. It’s one of the things that the legions of Nirvana imitators usually failed to grasp - Kurt Cobain was the voice of a generation because he’d looked very far and very wide to find someone else who spoke for him and came up empty. But he respected all those influences and you can tell.

I don't believe I have ever listened to an entire Nirvana album before (not counting the Unplugged album from earlier on this list). I thought this was going to be an easy 5 stars but a couple of the early tracks are just too grating. Not sure I can give them less than a 4 though, so here you go.

I like this.

Better songwriting overall on Nevermind but this one has the riffs, and Albini’s raw production kicks too much arse not to deny its power.

Edging to this

An exhausting glimpse into Kurt's tortured brain. On one hand, he wants nothing more than to make a cacophonic mess that sounds like it was recorded in a machine shop, and there's Steve Albini saying yes! We can do that! But on the other hand he knows he is capable of writing coherent songs, and he has a baby on the way so he should probably try to sell a few records, and along comes Bob Ludwig to make that happen. It's a lot, but the singles are pretty good.

If it wasn’t for this generator, I wouldn’t have had a reason to revisit this album. Nirvana undoubtedly made a huge impact, and I don’t want to downplay their success, but my enthusiasm for them isn’t what it used to be. I listened to them so much when they were fresh that I just don’t enjoy them anymore, especially “In Utero.” I can’t even count how many times I played this album as a teenager. With that being said, I’ll leave the deep and impactful reviews to someone who’s more energetic and enthusiastic, and not as burned out on this album as I am.

I'm a Bleach fan, but Dumb is great song. Kurt is very relatable.

-Serve the Servants — was okay, didn’t stand out particularly but was fine to listen to. -Scentless Apprentice—had to skip, too loud and screamy -*Heart-Shaped Box — was enjoyable. The chorus was angsty and rough while the verse was whispery, calm, intelligible and touching. -Rape Me — first, why? Interesting beat and melody. Skipped because I don’t want that stuck in my head. -Frances Farmer…—“I miss the comfort in being sad”, good vocals and guitar solo -*Dumb — love the guitar on this. The lyrics hurt which is the point. “I’m not like them, but I can pretend” -Very Ape—meh -Milk It—nope, I’d classify as explicit -*Pennyroyal Tea—one of the rougher ones that I can still tolerate. Cobain’s vocals are great alternating between the soft and hard -Radio Friendly…—meh, interesting but didn’t strike me as overly special. The guitars are making very interesting sounds so there must have been a lot going into that. -Tourette’s—not a fan of the delivery on this one, I guess it’s simulating Tourette’s but I don’t want to listen to that lol -*All Apologies—goooood; “all in all is all we are” said that 50 times and took me forever to get it; guitar is pleasant, contrast in Cobain’s voice is nice. Like this one I appreciate the talent of Kurt Cobain in his lyrics and also his delivery. His difference in tones and then, as mentioned, his soft singing and more rough/gritty delivery. The songs are emotionally intense in a frustrated kind of way. And because I know his name, Dave Grohl’s drums come through nicely without being overwhelming. Nirvana isn’t my cup of tea but I was able to enjoy some songs which I think can prove their great ability as musicians and lyricists *would download 3/5 or 6/10

I did not enjoy this as much as I thought I would. I imagine this music played in a small club full of sweaty guys jumping off the stage and it works.

Mostly crashy clashy noise with 2-3 major hits thrown in. I’m not a fan of Grunge but I appreciate these kings and what they did for music.

Completely different feel than Nevermind, with the exception of Rape Me which was written during that time period. For this record they returned to their Bleach sound, which feels more authentically them. Scentless apprentice is a masterpiece with an absolutely nasty signature Grohl drum groove. I love that they put such a divisive song second on the record, especially on the tails of their more mainstream Nevermind success. I dare you to not tap your foot to Frances Farmer, Very Ape (a favorite), and Milk It. Dumb is a Cobain classic. It’s dark and hilarious with a haunting cello — has some nice ride cymbal action too. Pennyroyal tea is a perfect blend of their older grunge sound and their new softer experiments. I love how they transition back and forth between those sounds on this record. The cello returns to close out the album with the droning melancholic All Apologies. It’s a no skip 5/5 for me.

I think this is my favourite Nirvana album, although they do all slap so hard. Perfect band.

When I was 13, I used to babysit 4 shitty kids with even shittier parents. The mother was my sister's old friend so I couldn't really say no, even though I knew it meant I would probably not get paid, would have yo stay overnight even though they needed me for "2-3 hours, top" and would probably wake up to a 5 year old boy making me smell his fingers fresh out his ass. The last time I went there, I saw this album on top of a pile and stole it just to fuck with them a bit. I still have it and it is an all time favorite of mine. It's probably the only good thing I got from babysitting there.

I’m surprised it only took me a little over twenty albums to get the next Nirvana album. But here we are. In my review of Nevermind, I mentioned I didn't have much to add to the larger conversation around that album. After all, it is the one that broke the band into the mainstream, popularizing grunge and alternative rock music. The attention the band got was overwhelming, to the point of irking Kurt Cobain as he was thrust onto a high pedestal. Thus, for their next album, the band opted for a more visceral sound and songwriting approach to lash out and find catharsis in the discomfort. It's why Steve Albini was brought on for the production, to allow the noise to come out raw and unpolished. The door is kicked down with the abrasive guitar lines, punching rhythm section, and Kurt's strained vocals on "Serve the Servants", and this attitude pervades through the rest of In Utero. They hadn't stopped incorporating strong guitar hooks, such as on "Heart Shaped Box" and "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter". They also didn't stop taking risks that paid off on this record. From Dave Grohl writing the guitar line for "Scentless Apprentice", to the use of a cello from session musician Kera Schaley on "Dumb" and "All Apologies", to the quiet-loud-quiet progression that builds to out-right screaming on "Rape Me", to the sliding guitar lines over the reverbed kick drums on "Very Ape", there's a fair amount of experimentation throughout the runtime that made these songs stand out well. Given there was no desire to surpass what they did on Nevermind, Nirvana opted for the road untraveled. As such, In Utero is a different-sounding album that I enjoy just as much. While we would never hear what their next sound could have been after Kurt took his life, it is remarkable what we got.

Arguably the best album in Nirvana's catalog

Love you ma'am I hope you are at peace

# Album Name: In Utero # Artist: Nirvana # Rating: 5/5 # Comments: Honestly, for me this is a great album. It doesnt have the pop hits like nevermind but its a really good album. You can feel the rage in several songs. Then it completely changes tone and goes rather mellow in several tracks like PT, rape me and dumb. There's a slightly different direction on this album with the introduction of more strings. I would have loved to see where Cobain would have taken the band. The best track on the album for me is Radio unit friendly shifter. The lyrics and energy in the distortion is brilliant. Its not quite up there with the "best of the best" albums of all time but its a cracker. Low 5 from me. # Top Tunes: RUFS / HSB / rape me / dumb / all apologies / PRT # Would I listen to it again? Yup

Exceptional

Another amazing album. My favs are dumb, milk it, very ape, and heart shaped box. One of the few bands I wish I could’ve seen from before I was alive. I think this is probably their best album, but I listen to the unplugged almost exclusively when I listen to nirvana.

Teenage angst paid off well

Still remember when this came out. Still love it.

good

Not a huge grunge guy, but I do like a couple records quite a lot. And other than Pearl Jam's "Ten", this is probably my favorite. It waif's me.

Let's face it, Nirvana never put out a bad album. Kurt solidified that when he punched his ticket out of here. I do wish, however, that we could have Albini's production untouched, as I'm sure the album would be even better. Labels gonna label. It's still pretty great though.

Classic album. Before it's time and also ageless.

Absolute Masterpiece. The first verse is one of my favorites - Teenage angst paid off well, now I'm bored and old. Scentless Apprentice and Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle are great songs.

Absolutely incredible album

"Teenage angst has paid off well, now I'm bored and old." A big 'fuck you' from Nirvana to the huge commercial success of "Nevermind" The album that has been with me through my best and worst. No matter what I write, which words I choose to embellish my sentences with or how hard I try to explain, I fear I will never find the right words to even begin to tell the impact this album has had on me. If you've been fighting depression for too long, you know there comes a point when behind all that sadness, that pent-up anger, comes creeping the state of numbness. That's the point where you know you're in the deep end; you cannot feel anything, nothing brings you sadness, anger or frustration, let alone joy. During my lowest, up until the point when I first heard the line "I miss the comfort in being sad," I thought no one had ever nor would ever understand how I felt. Hearing that line felt like receiving the tightest hug filled with so much love and understanding from a great friend. "I miss the comfort in being sad" the exact words I'd wish to come up with to put my abstract feelings into concrete words. At least I was familiar with sadness; that was my natural state, where I felt home emotionally. And when, even sadness was taken away from me, all I could think was how I took it for granted and wished to feel something, even if it was only sorrow. My love for this album doesn't only come from "Frances Farmer", every single song on this album is just so raw and filled with so much emotion that one can bond with the album so quickly over so many great lines and feelings they convey. At least that was the case for me. Been hooked on this album ever since I first heard it and it has been on repeat since. Nirvana and especially Kurt made me the person I am today. They are the reason why I deeply attach to the music and musicians I listen to and have strong opinions about them and their art. Though I'd like to think I am doing better, I will never not keep Kurdt in my thoughts, especially for the way he was always there for the dumb, depressed 13 year old girl who thought life had to end then and there. It makes my heart ache every time I think about the album that I've found a friend in, who has always been there for me every time I needed and brought me such comfort, being their last. What a way to say goodbye Kurdt, still cannot believe you've been gone longer than you've been with us, man. I just wish the person who has brought me so much comfort could also find solace in his life. Miss you so much Kurdt, I always feel like I've lost a very dear friend whom I never got the chance to meet. I hope death is treating you kinder than life ever did. "There is nothing I could say that I haven't thought before" 11/10

No doubt there are hoards of selfish fans who mourn not just Kurt's death but all the music he/they would have made. Of course that opens big emotional can of worms, but where I go is just being grateful for what he did create/share. The elephant in the room feels like just how dangerous fame is. Reminds me of how if the public finds out about a beautiful beach it will be ruined in a short matter of time. I love the Frank Black energy in Scented Apprentice. The music industry is a real mind/soul fuck.

Perfect. I know it back to front. The most slick of their studio albums but it’s loud in every possible good way

Bonus points for sentimental value for 15-year-old-Dom whose room was covered in Kurt Cobain posters. Though admittedly, some songs were easier to sing along to back when my English was not great (looking at you, track 4).

This was great. I've not listened to much nirvana beyond nevermind, but I really enjoyed this. I'll be listening to this again at some point.

RAD!!!

Great album. Listened it thousand times

Smells like............

Was not a fan of this album as a teenager Didn’t get the whole craze around this band I appreciated this way more as a middle aged person. Caustic, Corrosive, distortion heavy goodness Singles from this album I never cared for. Still stands But songs like dumb and very ape and radio friendly unit shifter are amazing Not often a band eschews further polish and refinement in favor of less production and more grit

I literally listened to this several hours before generating this album. Anyway, this is an incredible and abrasive album. It's a great final album.

It's not quite "Nevermind" but that's not saying anything at all. You may as well be comparing the heat of two separate suns, the beauty of two different mountain ranges. It's like comparing two Nirvana albums. Pointless. Just enjoy.

Not much needs to be said. This one goes pretty hard