When describing Nirvana, the term meteoric comes to mind, a term that is not attached to many bands, especially bands that create bleak, unorthodox music. Back in the 90s this Aberdeen, Washington band elevated to prominence, pummelling the status quo as they went, gnashing their teeth at the establishment and glorifying grunge, a genre they had created. Nirvana was truly a phenomenon, not only because they designed a genre, but because they had an attitude many bands could not replicate. Dirty music was their bag, unapologetic lyricism was their poetic dealing, and being daring was their battle cry.

When Nirvana burst over through the skin to the smoke fuelled air, they could only dream of what was to unfold. Yes, they had released music before; they had put out songs that rattled against the grain, songs that were rough and raw, abrasive, but it was 1991’s Nevermind which catapulted them to glittering superstardom. This success made this humble band money, enough money to live a lavish life.

You guessed it; this modest band did not take to the stardom well. Lead singer Kurt Cobain shied away from the spotlight but was the lynchpin, the catalyst, a singer-songwriter who dared to be different. His shy persona made him an enigma. His mind held ruthless memories and visions, and he wanted to play and write and live a normal existence barred away from the shining lights.

Cobain did not want to be pigeonholed either. His lyrics showed he had a mind so far advanced. He wrote poetry worth the salt of the earth; he naturally joined words together to create dynamism; his art was unparalleled. Many critics hold Nirvana and Cobain in high esteem, and you can see why. Lauded and showered in praise, the band were the kings of grunge and the 90s rock scene.  

Shortly after Nevermind was released, Nirvana played shows and more shows. They sold old tickets as colossal venues and had become the band many craved to see. Although the success was riveting, it had taken its toll on Cobain. He became despondent and closed himself away from his closest friends, Bassist Krist Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl. The stardom was too much, a light too bright.

In 1994 lead singer-songwriter and guitarist Kurt Cobain had taken his own life. This news sent shock-waves through the music industry and the hearts of fans and critics. Such a somber moment in time, such a tragic affair, it left a large hole that would never be filled. A genius who showcased a sense of vulnerability and insecurity, Cobain did not fully know how much his influence had on musicians and the public. His ability, his knack for creating those simple but engaging riffs, those heart-breaking lyrics, will always be commended even 27 years after his death.

A cultural icon, a talent, a mastermind…

Nevermind – A Retrospective.

To spark a revolution through art, you must fight and scrap, you must tackle conformity and alienation. And through their music Washington band Nirvana channelled aggression and ruthlessness, building up a sound original and conceptual. The act nullified the useless noise and implemented their style and grace upon a musical landscape that was in transition, and by doing this they started a rallying cause. People listened to this unique and brooding sound, becoming automatically entranced, buying the merchandise, and truly immersing themselves in the aura of this sudden grunge movement.

It was a phenomenal album that placed Nirvana into the limelight. This disc prompted critics to respect what this band was trying to achieve. The monumental effort was named Nevermind, a collection of songs brimming with emotion and crammed with dark undertones. It was a compendium connected to sorrow and the trappings of melancholy too, which was a dream for the disenchanted, the disenfranchised and the people out on their luck.

Not only did Nevermind drive home a source of entertainment, but it also created a worldwide craze. When it landed, it birthed a new sound, a sound for the ages and the teenage contingent. Purists may have disbanded from the pack when Nevermind released its rage, as it was a different beast from the rawness of Bleach, a record many describe as Nirvana’s magnum opus. Bleach offered a brooding sound, breakneck guitars, and obscure lyricism, but it did not hold up against the fluency of Nevermind.

Nevermind subsequently blew open the glass ceiling. Its influence rekindled the spirit of punk rock, as the genre played a pivotal part in Nevermind’s progression. It was primarily grunge; it was a dark, despairing listen, but there were punk elements ticking along under its abrasiveness. Opening track “Smells Like Teen Spirit” certified this, as it was peppered in punk hooks and grunge drama. Lead singer Kurt Cobain sang with verve and confidence, exuding a glow that was infectious.

“In Bloom” yet again had that brooding sound. Cobain conveyed pain and misfortune. He dazzled yet again, and bassist Krist Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl added perfect instrumental brilliance. “Come As You Are” naturally bloomed as a magnum single, with a dirty riff complementing the sturdiness of Grohl’s drums. Cobain’s lyrical ingenuity was showcased masterfully. He sang about swollen memories. “Lithium” fully exhibited yet again the intricacy and beauty of Cobain’s dark lyrics. The tight riff was also pivotal to the track, showing off Cobain’s precise guitar playing.

At the end of Nevermind there was a song that generated emotion. “”Something In The Way” was a classic ballad with deep, depressive, somewhat gloomy undertones. An acoustic song that displayed lyricism of the highest quality from a misunderstood musician. Cobain describes the sorrow, the profound pain, the despair rattling against his bones. It truly was a majestic track.

Nevermind—Still Played, Still Honored.

Nevermind is still a well played opus. Still an immense stab at punk and grunge, it truly lives on. Many bands talk about Nevermind as their savior, their go-to record. Its influence is widely appreciated by critics, the public, and the industry, and its impact will never be denounced.