Best Nirvana Songs Top 10 All-Time
Nirvana peaked a new music genre – Grunge. However, they popularized alternative rock as a whole. Nirvana will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2014.
Nirvana only released three albums before the lead singer’s Kurt Cobain’s death in 1994. The albums were Bleach (1989), Nevermind (1991), In Utero (1993). However, several albums were released posthumously.
Band Members:
- Kurt Cobain – lead vocals, guitar
- Krist Novoselic – bass guitar
- Dave Grohl – drums, backing vocals (Dave is also the founder of the Foo Fighters)
Former Members:
- Aaron Burckhard – drums
- Dale Crover – drums
- Dave Foster – drums
- Chad Channing – drums
- Jason Everman – guitar
- Dan Peters – drums
Best Nirvana Songs
Nirvana song list curated by Matthew Campbell
10. About A Girl
Released in 1994
On Album MTV Unplugged in New York and Bleach
The song is about Curt’s relationship with then-girlfriend Tracy Marander.
9. You Know You’re Right
Released in 2002
On Album Nirvana
The song was written in 1993, making it one of the last known Kurt Cobain compositions.
8. Lake of Fire (Live – MTV Unplugged)
Released in 1994
On Album MTV Unplugged in New York
The song was first released by the Meat Puppets in 1984.
7. Rape Me
Released in 1993
On Album In Utero
Rape Me is a life-affirming, anti-rape song.
6. In Bloom
Released in 1992
On Album Nevermind
The song is addressed to the people outside of the underground music scene that began showing up at Nirvana shows after the release of the group’s debut album Bleach.
5. Lithium
Released in 1992
On Album Nevermind
The song is about a man who, after the death of his girlfriend, turns to religion as a last resort to keep himself alive.
4. The Man Who Sold the World (Live – MTV Unplugged)
Released in 1994
On Album MTV Unplugged in New York
The song was originally released by David Bowie.
3. Heart-Shaped Box
Released in 1993
On Album Utero
With multiple theories as to the meaning of the song, one is that the song is about the saddest thing he knows – cancer in children.
2. Come As You Are
Released in 1992
On Album Nevermind
The song is about people and what they’re expected to act like.
1. Smells Like Teen Spirit
Released in 1991
On Album Nevermind
Curt said the song was about teenagers because they don’t follow the guidelines of what’s expected as adults.
Listen to our best Nirvana songs playlist on Spotify.
If you have a favorite Nirvana song not on our list, please share it below so that it can be added.
Other rock group song lists to read:
Hot New Songs Delivered Monthly!
Leave a Reply