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.

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 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."

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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

Ein Album voller super Songs. Definitiv ein Meilenstein!

“Nevermind” may be the commercial breakthrough but this is THE essential Nirvana album. Not only does it cement Cobain as a one-of-a-kind talent, it also proves that Steve Albini is a one-of-a-kind producer/engineer. Rest in peace to both of them.

Rocking. Love everything about it. Drums, guitar, bass, vocals. All rocking. Not even my favourite Nirvana album (Unplugged just pips it) but still a rock solid 5 star classic.

Amazing! It’s crazy how good this is

Dude. What can I even say about this album? I had very high expectations going into In Utero. I already knew I loved Nirvana, so I definitely knew I would like In Utero as well. I actually relistened to Nevermind pretty recently, and loved it even more than the first time. So, how do I feel about its followup? Is it better or worse than Nevermind? I don't know. I genuinely don't know. Both albums are excellent, albeit in different ways. Of course, there are things that both albums have in common. Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, and Krist Novoselic show off just as much musical talent in this album as they had in the past. If anything, there's even more talent here, especially from Kurt. His writing in this album is just excellent. I think the biggest think that makes In Utero stand out is the production. Steve Albini had a very different vision for this album in comparison to what Butch Vig had for Nevermind. This is a much rawer album in sound, but given the more personal nature of the writing, I think it works very well. Besides, it's not like the production's bad. It's still quite good, just in a different way. This album has some amazing songs. "Heart-Shaped Box" has always been one of my favorites. There's something about it that's just mesmerizing. Some songs really lean into the aggression like "Scentless Apprentice" and "Tourette's," while others are much more somber and personal like "Dumb" and "All Apologies." "Rape Me" is another standout track, largely for the lyrical matter. The song caught a bit of flack upon release, but Kurt made it clear that it's an anti-rape song, and I can definitely see that that's what he was going for. That song's pretty neat. Overall, In Utero is an outstanding album, and a great swansong for one of the most influential bands of all time... unless you count MTV Unplugged, but we'll get there when this website decides to give me that one. In Utero is amazing. 5/5.

yeah i love this

Zero complaints. Not just a great album but, with cultural touchstones, impossible to listen to and not find yourself contemplating history, what might have been, and what we gained or lost. Sort of like The Wall in that way but even more accessible. More every-day. Nirvana did such an impeccable job of never feeling sold out. Always feeling like the throes of a flu fever. My mother woke me up with breakfast the day Kurt topped himself. My brother and I are came to the kitchen table and then she handed us the paper and simply said: "guys, I'm sorry. I remember how I felt when Lennon died. It's ok to be really sad." We were.

The impossible task of a perfect follow up was achieved before tragedy set in and elevated it further.

A great album that I've always thought was not meant to be great.

The pinnacle of grunge and sadly the last LP by Nirvana. Cobain's raspy voice really adds to the grittines and raw quality of the songs. Short, yet poignant lyrics, at times enigmatic. The stark contrast in the dynamic amplifies the bipolarity of the album. Standout Tracks: Scentless Apprentice, Heart-Shaped Box, Pennyroyal Tea, All Apologies

Serve the Servants Scentless Apprentice Heart-Shaped Box Rape Me Dumb Pennyroyal Tea All Apologies

01) Serve the Servants - 8,0 02) Scentless Apprentice - 7,0 03) Heart-Shaped Box - 10,0 04) Rape Me - 10,0 05) Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle - 9,5 06) Dumb - 9,5 07) Very Ape - 9,5 08) Milk It - 9,0 09) Pennyroyal Tea - 9,5 10) Radio Friendly Unit Shifter - 9,0 11) Tourette's - 8,5 12) All Apologies - 10,0 TOTAL: 9,13 (91/100) Current ranking: 28/378 Hey, wait! I got a new complaint! Ljubljana is only two hours away from my home... I was 15 and a half years old on February 27th, 1994, when Nirvana played their second-to-last show at Hala Tivoli in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Maybe I could have been at that show if things had been different back in 1994. But than again, maybe if things had been different, maybe Nirvana would have had more concerts since then. Some 25 years later, in a different two hours away city, I did see a Foo Fighters show, so that's at least some kind of consolation. Right? Oh, yeah, did I mention that the album is a solid A?

"In Utero" by Nirvana delivers a very deep and personal mindset from Kurt Cobain, beautifully matched with the music. The drums are at their peak, driving the sound forward, while Kurt's vocals are incredibly deep and emotional. The album captures his struggles and thoughts, creating a raw and powerful experience for listeners. It's a remarkable reflection of his inner world, making it one of the band's most impactful works.

Ohhhh nostalgía. Frábær plata. Svo mikil angist. Ekki margt sem ég get sett út á. Svo gott production. Hrátt og in your face.

Alveg geggjuð plata. Snilldar pródúktjón þar sem hrár krafturinn og sálarangist Kurt ristir inn að beini. Nirvana eru indie pönk ekki grunge.

A juggernaut album that somehow balances a polished sound with utterly raw anger and emotion. Nirvana's clearly mastered their craft here and are confident enough to come out with guns blazing and hearts asleeve. It has an entirely different sound to its predecessor, Nevermind, despite being in the same genre and technically involving similar instrumentation and textures. These three guys create a huge sound over some truly great (and catchy) compositions, including Heart Shaped Box ("Hey! Wait! I got a new complaint"), Pennyroyal Tea ("I'm anemic royalty"), and the mature closer All Apologies ("All in all is all we are..."). I wish we'd gotten more from this band other than the three studio albums and the incredible MTV Unplugged live album, because this is some gritty stuff. Cobain's vocal is at its finest in this album. The drumming and guitarwork is maybe a little less radio-friendly than in the band's earlier catalogue, but it's played to perfection. There are a few tracks that could be considered smudges on the otherwise rock-solid setlist that is In Utero. Scentless Apprentice verges into death metal, which isn't everyone's cup of tea – it definitely isn't mine – and it's best to tune it out. The "token death metal track" of the previous album, "Endless, Nameless", is better placed at the end of the album, where it doesn't mar the listener's expectations essentially right from the get-go like Scentless Apprentice does. Tourette's is also a rough listen, though fortunately it's well under two minutes. Songs like Milk It and Radio Friendly Unit Shifter are maybe a little questionable, but all the remaining ones are excellent. And don't you forget it! 5/5 Key tracks: Heart Shaped Box, Dumb, Pennyroyal Tea, All Apologies

That kid on the drums is pretty good.

I completely reject the idea that Nirvana are only to revered today because Kurt Cobain died early, and this album is the reason why. Nirvana were a part of the grunge scene in the early to mid 90s, and like many "scene" genres, grunge was destined not to last. If you look at another grunge band like Pearl Jam for example, they are still going to this day and they have been stuck making the same album from a dead genre for 20 years because they never evolved their sound. But Nirvana were never going to fall into that cycle. Even though they had such a short run, they evolved their sound with every album. And with In Utero, they start to take influence from noise rock (a slightly more timeless genre), and mixed with their grunge roots it sounds amazing. It's a real shame that Kurt died so early, I would love to have seen what Nirvana managed to achieve after this.

Nirvana doesn't have a bad album. I'm a huge fan of Kurt Cobain and his songwriting and musical arrangements. It seems so trite to write that, but, Nirvana shaped and continues to shape my musical tastes - what I listen to, what I play, how I play it, etc. Heart Shaped Box, Dumb, Pennyroyal Tea, and All Apologies are among my favorite songs.

Always felt Nevermind was the most front loaded album I've come across; then earlier this year I gave this one a proper listen. Perhaps it's the sequencing but I find this much better overall, even if it starts off a bit keen. The middle section (tracks 3 to 6) is incredible and the album ends beautifully. Ultimately the best thing they released is the lowest rated of their three entries on here.

Hard, edgy, brilliant

Fantastic

I'm dumb is my anthem

yay

Total

As close to a perfect album from the 90s as you can get and the soundtrack to my teenage years and beyond. A wall of energy- gritty and beautiful. The sound of a band at their peak and about to implode. Hearing the different mixes released a few years ago was interesting although I think the original sounds fantastic. I think that in the next 50 years, only a few 90s albums will still be played regularly and this is one of them. Has aged beautifully and gets all the kudos and recognition it deserves. The drop in Frances Farmer still makes me want yell out in joy jump into the pit.

I think it's their most refined album. All they're albums are great but this shows the artistic range of the band.

Awesome

On a hot streak of great albums. And this is one of them. Just incredible.

This is so raw and personal it’s uncomfortable.

This is #day71 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... here we are now, entertain us! The first grunge entry on the list and Nirvana's first album featured as well. Among the Big 4 of Grunge, Alice In Chains takes the top spot for me, followed by Nirvana, with Pearl Jam and Soundgarden sharing a tie for third. Speaking of In Utero... it stands out as a raw, abrasive, gritty response to the polished sound of Nevermind. It’s meant to be blasted loud with a middle-finger-in-your-face attitude that contrasts noise and melody, screaming and singing, and rage and serenity. Well, grunge, you know... Songs like "Scentless Apprentice", "Milk It", "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter" and "Tourette's" hit hard, while others like "Heart-Shaped Box", "Dumb", and "All Apologies" reveal a more introspective side, although still straddle those extremes. This is a hands-down essential 90s alternative rock record you must listen to before you die. It's also an incredibly poignant one, knowing it was the band's last. It makes you reflect on what could have been... I'm giving it a 5 out of 5, of course. Looking forward #day72.

Easy 5/5. Checks out all of the boxes I have for a strong 5: I like all of the songs, I will be coming back to it a lot (and already have in the past in this case) and it has had a huge impact. Amazing song writing skills from Kurt as always. The way he managed to juxtapose noise with beautiful poppy Melodie’s was what made the band timeless. Is it better than nevermind though?

definitely genre defining, really enjoyed it and it holds up!

An accomplishment verging on genius, raw and painful. Full points for interest, impact, importance. Personally, though, I'm not this raw and painful and would rather listen to Nevermind.

timeless

Superb.

Fantastic album, great use of noise and lyricism

A forever favorite.

Probably THE best grunge album ever. Loveed every single song and I want to listen to the super deluxe sometime

Fantastic that this should follow the Pixies

The rawer and more unhinged approach in comparison to nevermind. Objectively i would give it a 4.5 but I really love music from nirvana so it’s a 5 Star album in my books to be honest.

Another formative one. Albini's (RIP) production is on point. And man such lyrics and hooks, which with such a powerhouse rhythm section makes Nirvana stand out still, despite prior overexposures. Lot's of great lines, apparently lyrics were a bit of an afterthought for young boy, but man he came up with some memorable bits. Always in that sweet spot of relatable vs specific. And man, not my observation but the tortured screaming in Scentless hits harder than any nerd future subdivision of metal ever would. Come back as fire, burn all the liars