In 1991 little a little known band by the name of Nirvana would release an album that would forever change the face of rock. While not the purest Nirvana album-Producer Butch Big had a huge impact on the sound of the album- it is probably still their best.
1.- Smells Like Teen Spirit- A song that needs little introduction. The now famous four cord grunge intro is largely responsible for the rise of so called "alt-rock." A good song with lots of emotion, basically-as most Nirvana songs are-a pop song...just heavier. Quite verses followed by a loud thundering chorus. While the most popular Nirvana song definitely not the album's best, but a great opening song. 4/5
2.-In Bloom- One of the first songs to speak of Kurt's obession with guns. A great song that slowly builds in intesity until it is unleased by a furious drum explosion provided by David Grohl, and is his best work on the album. The song also contains one of Kurt's best solos. 4/5
3.-Come As You Are- Another Nirvana classic with a great chorus soaked intro. Another song also following the pop formula set up by Smells Like Teen Spirit. This is song is also speaks of guns, as Kurt continually repeats "no I don't have a gun." This song is a nice change of pace displaying a little bit of diversity to Kurt's playing. 4.5/5
4.-Breed- Breaking away from the previous formula this song kicks off with a slightly strange guitar riff and is heavy throughout. While entertaining there is not anything special about this song, nice though. 3.5/5
5.-Lithium- Starts off with one of the cleanest riff's Nirvana has ever produced. Great lyrics although they are probably so related to Kurt that it's hard to tell exactly what they mean. Probably the best use of the quite verses loud chorus formula. Great emotion is Kurt's singing. Overall one of the best songs on the album. 5/5
6.-Polly- By far one of the quietest songs on the album with little drums and amusing lyrics such as, "Polly wants a cracker, I think I should get off her first." Nice acoustic work but nothing special. 3/5
7.-Territorial Pissings- Polly one of the quietest songs of the album followed by one of the most fast and furious songs on the album. A heavily distorded guitar rips through the song to create a suprisingly catchy song. The highlight of the song probably being the pulsing bass lines, some of Chris Novosalic's best work on the album. 3.5/5
8.-Drain you- Although I'm sure I'll catch some flack for this I consider this twisted love song the best song of the album. If the music doesn't get your attention then the lyrics surely will...if you can understand Kurt's singing. "Chew your food for you, pass it back and forth, in a passionate kiss from my mouth to yours." The highlight of the song, and the album, starts at about 1:40, when instead of of putting a solo here Kurt instead filled this interlude with strange sounds such as a rubber ducky and hairspray. Then as you are wondering what is going on the song begins to pick up building anticipation until it explodes with a scream and Kurt boldly rips back into the man riff. Simply great! 5/5
9.-Lounge Act- Begining with a funky bass line, the guitar and drums finally kicks in but neither is very special. Overall a rather bland song, but this is only when weighing it on Nirvana's standards. 3.5/5
10.-Stay Away- Another great bass riff and a catchy chorus make this another great Nirvana song but once again there is little else worth meationing. 4/5
11.-On A Plain- For some reason this is another favorite of mine. A simple drop d tuned riff starts this song off. The lyrics are amusing but were considered more of joke within the band. But Kurt's singing is what is really special here, displaying more range than anyother Nevermind song. 5/5
12.-Something In The Way- Another acoustic song but after such catchy songs this song is too slow and hard to follow a weak end to a rather awsome album. 2.5/5
