The Best Grunge Songs of the 1990s
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A look at the best grunge songs of the 1990s, including tracks by Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains.
Smells Like Teen Spirit- Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a song by American rock band Nirvana. It was released as the lead single from the band’s second album, Nevermind (1991), in September 1991. Written by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, the song uses a verse-chorus form where the main guitar riff alternates between verses and chorus. The song was Nirvana’s breakthrough hit, propelling Nevermind to the top of several album charts at the start of 1992, and cementing the band as one of the leading acts of the 1990s grunge movement. Although Cobain disliked how popular the song had become, claiming he wrote it for himself and never intended it to be a single, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” remains one of Nirvana’s signature songs and is widely considered one of the greatest songs of all time. The music video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was directed by Samuel Bayer and first aired on MTV on September 10, 1991. The video features footage of a live performance by Nirvana intercut with scenes filmed inside a high school gymnasium. It became a classic example of 1990s alternative rock and music video artistry, winning several awards.
Come As You Are- Nirvana
The first single off of Nirvana’s second album Nevermind, “Come As You Are” is one of the most popular grunge songs of all time. The song was written by Kurt Cobain about how people are not always what they seem, and how people can put up a façade to hide their true selves. The song was acommercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard charts and cementing Nirvana as one of the biggest bands in the world.
Lithium- Nirvana
“Lithium” is a song written by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. It was first released on the band’s second album, Nevermind, in 1991.
The song is about a man who is struggling with depression and turns to religion for help. The lyrics were inspired by Cobain’s own experience with lithium medication. The song has been described as one of Nirvana’s most popular and well-known songs.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been included on several Nirvana greatest hits compilations, including 2002’s Greatest Hits.
In Bloom- Nirvana
“In Bloom” is a song by American rock band Nirvana, written by frontman Kurt Cobain. It is the fourth song on the band’s second album, Nevermind (1991), released on DGC Records. Despite being released as the third single from the album, it was not included on the UK release of the singles compilation album, Heart-Shaped Box.
The song was first performed live on April 17, 1991, at MacArthur Court in Eugene, Oregon. It was one of the first songs Nirvana recorded with producer Butch Vig at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin in March 1991. The music video for “In Bloom”, directed by Kevin Kerslake, features the band performing in a dimly lit staged setting.
Like most of Nirvana’s songs, “In Bloom” was written by vocalist and guitarist Kurt Cobain. The main riff was inspired by Lead Belly’s version of ” Cindy “. In a 1994 interview with Guitar World magazine, Cobain said: “‘In Bloom’ is an ode to all those blokes who buy guitar magazines and have only one guitar solo on their albums—and that’s always in a major key.”
Heart-Shaped Box- Nirvana
Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” is one of the best grunge songs of the 1990s. The song was released as a single in 1993 and became one of Nirvana’s most popular songs. The song is about a relationship that is falling apart and the difficulties that come with it. The lyrics are dark and depressing, but the song also has a catchy chorus that makes it enjoyable to listen to.
Drain You- Nirvana
“Drain You” is a song by American rock band Nirvana, written by Nirvana vocalist and guitarist Kurt Cobain. It is the seventh track on the band’s second album, Nevermind, released in September 1991.
The song was first performed live on April 17, 1991, at the Pyramid Club in New York City. It was later included as the seventh track on Nevermind and was released as the third single from the album in Australia and New Zealand in 1992. “Drain You” features a distinctive guitar riff and dual lead vocals from Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic. The song’s structure has been likened to that of the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand”.
Critical reception of “Drain You” has been generally positive, with reviewers praising its catchy hooks and melody. The song peaked at number 16 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart in 1992, making it one of Nirvana’s highest-charting singles in the United States.
About a Girl- Nirvana
Nirvana was one of the most popular grunge bands of the 1990s. About a Girl was one of their first hits, and it remains one of their most popular songs. The song is about a girl who is in a relationship with a guy who doesn’t seem to care about her. Nirvana’s lead singer, Kurt Cobain, has said that the song is about his then-girlfriend, Tracy Marander.
School- Nirvana
Nirvana’s “School” is one of the best grunge songs of the 1990s. The song was written by Kurt Cobain and is about his experience with anxiety and depression in high school. The song is raw and honest, and provides a look into the mind of one of the most iconic musicians of our time.
Sliver- Nirvana
Nirvana’s “Sliver” is one of the band’s most underrated songs. A thumping bass line, pummeling drums, and anguished vocals make it a perfect song for headbanging. The song is also notable for its DIY ethos—it was recorded in a single day on a four-track recorder.
All Apologies- Nirvana
“All Apologies” is a song by American rock band Nirvana, written by frontman Kurt Cobain. It was released as the third single from their second album, In Utero, in 1994.
The song was nominated for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 1996 Grammy Awards. “All Apologies” was ranked as the number 344 of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004 and number 12 in Spin’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time”.
