NIRVANA- Nevermind

Alright, so I’m unoriginal, but there’s really nobody in their right mind that doesn't like this album. As cliché as it sounds, there is a reason why this will always be remembered as the definitive rock album of the 90s. The album has sold nearly 20 million copies in the world. Also, I will always respect Nevermind for bringing Seattle bands, and grunge in general into the forefront of rock. The early to mid 90s were the last time that mainstream rock was actually enjoyable to listen to. For better or for worse, this album influenced a massive generation of imitators. Some were good, with STP, Bush, and Toadies coming to mind, other like Nickelback, Three Doors Down, and most other rock band around today have significantly tarnished grunge’s reputation.

This is really the cozy, warm blanket of rock and roll. As weird as it may seem to describe a hard rock record in those words, this is the album that I come home to every time. Nirvana was really the first rock band I got into, and I spent a good year being completely obsessed with this album. "Lithium" was one of the first few rock songs that I liked. Also, I remember playing "Smells Like Teen Spirit" over 200 times in a single month. Nirvana’s impact is a significant reason why this album will certainly be one of my top 5 favorite albums FOREVER.

The Highlights are definitely "Smells Like Teen Spirit", "Lithium", "Come As You Are", and "In Bloom." Big surprise again. It nearly matches Jar of Flies' distinction of having four songs in my top 30 songs of all time ("In Bloom" is teasingly close #31). "Smells Like Teen Spirit" can be thought of as the song that ushered in Grunge. This king of modern rock is almost unanimously rated as the number one rock song of the 90s. "Lithium" was my favorite Nirvana song for a good amount of time, containing quirky lyrics of insanity and a bombastic, catchy chorus. "Come As You Are" has one of my favorite bass guitar riffs of all time, as well as unusually good vocals from Kurt, and an important message. Lastly, "In Bloom" has some characteristically crushing guitar and equally heavy drumming. It is basically Kurt giving a middle finger to poser, preppy fans, much like "Smells Like Teen Spirit." The mid tier of songs is somewhat similar sounding, and favorites include "Breed", "On a Plain", and "Lounge Act." Even weaker songs like "Territorial Pissings" and "Something in the Way" are better than 90% of the music out there today. The album flows well, it can be segregated by halves, each half starts with five heavy tracks and finished with tranquil ballads in "Polly" and "Something in the Way."

So why isn’t Nevermind number one, like on most people’s list? Primarily because I'm an asshole and I like to piss you people off (seriously, you couldn't tell by perusing this site??). That's only partially true. The real reasons are as follows... Well, first of all, this album isn’t very emotionally stimulating. Unless you consider rage as being an intellectual response, your emotions after listening to the record aren't likely to be of a higher order. Unless you consider kicking a hole in your bedroom wall a smart response. This album certainly is not often heady and rocking out definitely takes precedence to introspective analysis. Also, there are certainly moments where you find yourself thinking that if justice was served, the band would owe countless millions to Frank Black. Though incredibly timeless in general, there are some songs on the record which get tiresome after repeated plays. Also, Nirvana could have learned a thing or two from Smashing Pumpkins and made more diverse sounding and quieter songs. Finally, the vocals on this album are merely average; let’s face it, Kurt Cobain was a genius lyricist, but his singing can be painful at times.

1. Smells Like Teen Spirit- 10

2. In Bloom- 9.8

3. Come As You Are- 9.9

4. Breed- 8.5

5. Lithium- 9.9

6. Polly- 7.1

7. Territorial Pissings- 6.4

8. Drain You- 7.7

9. Lounge Act- 8.0

10. Stay Away- 7.3

11. On a Plain- 8.7

12. Something in the Way- 7.0

Overall Score – 10- The definitive 90s rock album.

Updated: 06/26/08