by Nirvana
Released September 24, 1991 via DGC Records
Reviewed September 16, 2021
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Smells Like Teen Spirit (53%), Come As You Are (49%), Lithium (42%)
Quite easily one of the biggest breakthrough albums ever, Nirvana’s Nevermind is synonymous with the 1990s. It’s as culturally significant as any record you can think of, forever altering the trajectory of rock, punk—and of course, grunge. The muddied sound that melded various forms of punk and metal, combined with introspective and angst-fueled lyrics and became the signature sound of Pacific Northwest (Seattle, specifically) in the mid-to-late 1980s. The area’s remote location, coupled with its typically gloomy weather and sweeping financial deprivation, cultivated a tight knit scene that was both wholly communal and fiercely independent. The trio of Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl mastered this style; with Nevermind, they brought it to the masses. Power chords, heavy overdrive, and simplicity were hallmarks, with an unignorable noise, but Nirvana’s penchant for catchy hooks was virtually unmatched. Uncharacteristically dark for a chart-topping, record-breaking, and airwave-dominating record, Cobain’s songwriting captures very strong, overwhelming feelings of self-doubt, despair, and deep psychological trauma, even at its most cryptic. The full scope of Nevermind’s impact is impossible to overstate, it was a phenomenon of the 1990s that has yet to dwindle even 30 years later. – Dominick (10/10)
Nevermind, Nirvana's second studio album, is a superb starting point for anyone wondering where to begin on their quest down the rock rabbit hole. The album’s music heads down a relatively simple path––any music that becomes this popular has to in a way––but that’s what is so special about Nevermind. The material doesn't rock the boat as far as conventions are concerned, but when backed with the explosive energy that Cobain, Novoselic and Grohl bring, it’s nothing short of irresistible. Nevermind is an open book ready for anyone to come along and enjoy. Great musicianship, strong rhythms and direct songwriting sit at the forefront; a combination that, when done well, will take flight. While Nevermind may not be the best album of all time, it transcends the grunge movement of the early 90s, and to this day resonates infinitely. – Peter (8.5/10)
Dominick: 10/10 | Hadley: 10/10 | DeVán: 9/10 | Pax: 8.7/10
Peter: 8.5/10 | Jared: 8/10 | Cam: 7.3/10
