There are few albums in the history of music that had the monumental impact that Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ did in 1991. Undisputedly the major release of the ‘grunge’ movement, Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl reinvigorated alternative rock, putting themselves in the lofty accolades as ‘Spokesmen for the Generation’ with a fine album full of heavy but approachable guitar riffs, tangible power and anthemic songs that informed the next thirty years of music.
Debut album ‘Bleach’, released in 1989, saw Cobain first come to the fore – he was the ‘gem’ that had been unearthed by the independent label Sub Pop (with Nirvana remaining their biggest sellers to this day). But for ‘Nevermind’ the plan was different. Now with DGC Records, the band was free to compete outside of the Seattle grunge scene, bringing in the styles of the Pixies and Sonic Youth, to bring a more melodic touch to Nirvana’s tracks.
The clearest example of this is the world-renowned rock classic and tune that sent Nirvana to the peek of the music scene, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, which still today stands as one of the best rock songs of all-time. It was the first single that drew in everyone’s attention and from then on, ‘Nevermind’ is unstoppable. Monster tracks like the heavy brilliance of ‘In Bloom’, riff driven ‘Come As You Are’ and the melodic head-banger ‘Lithium’ are now similarly in the foundations of modern alternative rock.
This is an album that awes in its consistency, its craft and its universal appeal. The acoustic pop sides of ‘Polly’ contrast greatly to the heavy ballad genius of ‘Breed’, while the ground rules of grunge are set during fuzzy rocker ‘Territorial Pissings’ and downbeat but tuneful ‘Drain You’. ‘Lounge Art’, the adrenaline fuelled ‘Stay Away’ and ‘On a Plain’ lead into the unsettling and unnerving album ender ‘Something In The Way’ – quiet acoustic guitars and a violin-eerie backdrop. A simply magnificent alternative rock album.
Now, twenty years on from the album’s release, ‘Nevermind’ still stands tall as one of music’s defining moments. Alternative rock was now at the forefront of the scene, and it’s influence is still seen today in the likes of Feeder, My Chemical Romance and the whole new punk movement. Most of the bands who have picked up guitars since 1991 have taken atleast some inspiration from Nirvana.
Of course, we are now without front man Kurt Cobain – one of the most iconic rock stars of the century – who (reportedly) committed suicide in 1994. Drummer Grohl is now one of the biggest rock stars in the world, heading the brilliant Foo Fighters. Meanwhile, bassist Novoselic is now part-time musician, part-time political activist. But their contributions to one of the greatest albums of all-time transcends through time, and Cobain’s talents will continue to inspire bands for decades to come.
An unbelievable album, still sounds amazing today, and although it's a tough choice, here's my favourite track 'Breed'.
NWR
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