As a skater punk during my early teens Nevermind (alongside Green Day’s Dookie) was on literal repeat as me and my buddy skated in front of his house on Cleo Avenue. To say it was a formative part of my childhood experience as I made the transition from a young kid to a young man would be an understatement. And I wasn’t the only one who went through that experience.
When you talk about albums that singlehandedly changed the face of music and pop culture, Nirvana’s Nevermind is in a class entirely of its own. Nevermind singlehandedly killed 80’s metal, brought alternative/punk to the mainstream, blew open the doors for indie artists to find financial success in the music industry, gave credence to artists with something meaningful to say, made it f***ing cool for male artists to be anti-sexist, bridged generational gaps between Gen X and Millienials, made counterculture perspectives mainstream (read that one again!), and ushered in the era of grunge that dominated the 90’s discourse.
It’s not overwrought to call Kurt Cobain the voice of a generation. He simply just was, in a way that I’m not sure we’ll see ever again considering the depth of themes and the ferocity of that message he communicated on Nevermind. His lyrical brilliance, gritty pained vocals, and uncompromising power chords speak for themselves.
The rest of the band is excellent here as well. Dave Grohl’s skill set behind the kit is unparalleled and unmatched in alternative rock history, but his recklessness at the age of 20 years old with Nirvana is an absolute treat to listen to. Alongside bassist Krist Novoselic the rhythm section is both tight and unhinged at the same time, acting like a train pushing the whole thing forward while keeping it barely on the tracks.
One thing I’ve always appreciated about Nirvana is underneath all that angst and dissonant noise is a collection of immaculately crafted pop songs that feature massive dynamic changes. Songs like “Lithium” and “In Bloom” are perfect examples of that– soft and delicate verses that explode into choruses with soaringly simple pop melodies laid over a dissonant wall of noise. It’s easy to miss, but when you catch it, you gain a greater appreciation for just how masterful Cobain, Grohl, and Novoselic were in blending the line between alternative and pop music.
Standout Songs: “In Bloom”, “Come As You Are”, “Lithium”, “Drain You”, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, “Stay Away”, “Something In The Way”
