Artist: Nirvana
Song: Smells like Teen Spirit
Album: Nevermind
Nirvana are part of the cultural zeitgeist in a way that very few other bands have managed. They managed to take a fledgling genre and give it mainstream recognition. Their music was a sound that defined a generation, and in Kurt Cobain, they had a lead singer who personified the genre. And just like that, it was all taken away.
They’d been part of the Seattle Grunge scene for years prior to their mainstream introduction with the album ‘Nevermind’. A lot of people assume it was their first album, but that’s not actually correct. Their first album ‘Bleach’ was released in the late 80s and was released independently. It’s a much different and harsher sound than their more accessible followup. The lyrics are just as indecipherable though.
They first found success with their single ‘Smells like teen spirit’ and their success revitalized the alternative rock genre and introduced a whole slew of youngsters to not bathing, drugs and mumbling incoherently. Over time, their music got less angry, more poppy and with convoluted lyrics and wordplay. Songs such as ‘Come as you are’ and ‘In Bloom’ are a testament to that. Their third album continued their unique sound, but alas, it all came crashing to an end soon after that. I blame Courtney Love, but that’s just me. They’ve left quite a legacy behind them.
Best lyrics:
Load up on guns Bring your friends
It's fun to lose and to pretend
She's over-bored and self-assured
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