In many ways, Nirvana was my introduction to music beyond what could be heard on local radio and MTV. Sure, in the early 1990s Nirvana was an incredibly popular band, but their popularity saved me from a life of listening to the cookie-cutter hair bands that dominated much of mainstream music in the years before I finally stopped listen to the music that my parent’s chose for me. Although my interest in them may have waned a bit over the years, they will always hold a special place in my music collection.
With Kurt Cobain’s suicide in 1994, it’s sometimes easy to write Nirvana off as a band that has been a bit hyped over the years. And indeed, there may be some truth to that. Many of the songs are cryptic and border on nonsensical, but within their short career, Cobain firmly placed himself among rock’s greatest songwriters and Nirvana among rock’s greatest bands.
In that spirit, here’s my list of the top 10 Nirvana songs. Many of them were not terribly popular and some were originally obscure b-sides and harder to find songs (to download any of these, click on the song titles):
Nirvana – About A Girl
This is one of Nirvana’s best pop songs. It’s a great song about love lost through the unique-and often tortured-view of Cobain. Released on Nirvana’s first album, it was clear that this band would go on to be quite popular-even if many thought they wouldn’t achieve mainstream success. Cobain could capture a range of feelings in his lyrics and as the parasitic lover, he wrote a darn good “love” song.
Nirvana – Been A Son
This is a great song for anyone-like me-who grew up to love music and art but still felt pressured by society’s expectations of what a man should be. It’s got a perfect rock structure with simple chords, catchy melodies, and great lyrics. Moreover, this song contains a great critique of masculinity.
Nirvana – On A Plain
Truth be told, while I absolutely loved “Nevermind” when I was in middle school, I have a hard time listening to the album now. I find that I can’t relate to many of the lyrics. However, there are a few gems on the album and “On A Plain” is one of them. It’s the catchiest song on the album and one of the most deceptively “happy” Nirvana songs even if it is about the joy of a drug-induced high.
Nirvana – Pay To Play
This song-written in the time between “Bleach” and “Nevermind”-is a critique of the music scene at the time and the corporate rock bands that existed simply to get money. The actual title allegedly comes from the practice of rock clubs charging bands for the “privilege” of playing on their stage. The song is an insightful look at why Cobain was so unhappy with fame.
Nirvana – Oh Me
Released only on Nirvana’s “MTV Unplugged” album (it wasn’t even aired on the original show), this is a haunting cover of the Meat Puppets. Cobain’s vocals are at his best on this song and it’s a heart-wrenching song about never living up to everyone else’s expectations-a familiar theme in Nirvana songs. Cobain makes the Meat Puppets’ song his own-so much so that few probably remember that it’s a cover.
Nirvana – You Know You Are Right
When I heard that this song was going to come out a few years ago on Nirvana’s greatest hits collections, I had mixed feelings. It seemed unlikely that it would be very good-given that it was unfinished-and I questioned why they would chose this song when there were so many “unreleased” Nirvana songs that found their way onto bootlegs over the years. Needless to say, I was presently surprised. This song is straight out of “In Utero” era Nirvana. It’s a great song that is both catchy and dark, just like many of Nirvana’s best songs. Sadly, the self-deprecating lyrical content makes it clear how deep Cobain’s depression was by the time he committed suicide.
Nirvana – Verse Chorus Verse
This song originally appeared on the “No Alternative” compilation, making it one of the more obscure Nirvana songs, but it’s easily one the top 10 Nirvana songs. It’s an indication of how much pain Cobain felt with lyrics about filling the void he feels in his life with medication and blinding himself to what is going on around him, only to have that sense of despair broken by someone repeatedly hurts you over and over. Sadly, this song is not readily purchasable and you are going to have to search around a bit for it, but it’s well worth it.
Nirvana – All Apologies
Nirvana’s “All Apologies” needs no introduction and no list of the best Nirvana songs would be complete without it. Whether you listen to the album version or the “Unplugged” version, it’s an incredibly moving song that seems to sum up much of Cobain’s unhappiness.
Nirvana – Breed
Figuring out exactly what Kurt Cobain’s lyrics meant can be a daunting task and if you attempt it, there is a good chance you will still be wrong. “Breed” is one of those songs that you just have to appreciate for its structure, simplicity, and catchiness.
Nirvana – Something in the Way
This is the most haunting song on “Nevermind.” It’s captivating in much the same way as “All Apologies”-it’s an insight into Cobain’s mental state. As with that song, he uses his voice and the stripped down song-to convey his immense pain. It’s a brilliantly dark song that exudes tortuous emotion.
