3 Grunge Classics by Nirvana That Will Forever Be in Our Rotation

Of all the big-name groups to come out of the Pacific Northwest in the 1990s during the grunge craze, Nirvana is assuredly the most well-known thanks largely to its iconic (and handsome) frontman Kurt Cobain. Not only was he one of the best songwriters of his era, he was also an incredible singer, capable of low-voice range and wailing screams.

The trio rose to fame thanks to its sophomore LP Nevermind, and quickly became not only the biggest band in the PNW but in the world. Along the way, Nirvana released several tracks that continue today to stand the test of time. Here below, we wanted to explore a trio of those tunes. Three songs that remain eternal.

[RELATED: 4 of the Best Cover Songs Nirvana Has Ever Performed]

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” from Nevermind (1991)

Perhaps the most famous song of the 1990s, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is both the opening track and debut single for the group’s 1991 sophomore LP Nevermind. It was so well known it even earned a parody from “Weird Al” Yankovich. The song itself displays the depressed apathy that grunge came to be known for, the kind of disaffected mentality associated with much of the decade’s youth. But diving past superficial stereotypes, the song, which has more than 1 billion plays today on YouTube alone, is a display of genius writing. On it, frontman Kurt Cobain sings,

With the lights out, it’s less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido
Yeah, hey, yay

I’m worse at what I do best
And for this gift I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end

“Come as You Are” from Nevermind (1991)

While “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is Nirvana’s most well-known song, the title of this track is perhaps the phrase most associated with the band. “Come as You Are” is a popular song for beginning guitar players to learn and it’s a classic offering from the grunge group that highlights the idea that no one needs to put on airs. They can come as they are, grimy and human. But some of the lyrics also perhaps point to Cobain’s heroin usage—in fact, the line doused in mud, soaked in bleach refers to a Seattle-based ad for AIDS prevention from shared needle use. Local references aside, however, the song is an allowance to be your weird self. On it, Cobain sings,

Come as you are, as you were
As I want you to be
As a friend, as a friend
As an old enemy
Take your time, hurry up
Choice is yours, don’t be late
Take a rest as a friend
As an old memoria

“Heart-Shaped Box” from In Utero (1993)

This song was released on Nirvana’s third album In Utero, the follow-up to Nevermind. It was written about children who are suffering from cancer, a supremely sad subject Cobain even highlights in one of the lyrics, I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black. The song’s chorus is a bit ironic, with Cobain talking about having yet another complaint—the king of pointing out what’s wrong with the world. Nevertheless, the song builds and buzzes, rocks and rouses, and on it, the frontman sings,

She eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak
I’ve been locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks
I’ve been drawn into your magnet tar pit trap
I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black

Hey
Wait
I got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey
Wait
I got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Hey
Wait
I got a new complaint
Forever in debt to your priceless advice
Your advice

Meat-eating orchids forgive no one just yet
Cut myself on angel hair and baby’s breath
Broken hymen of Your Highness, I’m left black
Throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back

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