Nirvana Nevermind - Review

BY Shanna Sivakumar

Nirvana is easily one of the first names people think of when asked about the 90s in America, and rightfully so. Despite a 1989 debut with “Bleach,” Nirvana is known for their resounding impact on the 90s. After all, the decade would truly be incomplete without the release of their sophomore album, “Nevermind,” in 1991. “Nevermind” brought rock music back to its roots by screaming themes of anti-establishment, anti-sexism, and frustration. From the feelings of alienation and young adulthood in “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” through the horrific events that “Polly” sings of, to the themes of religion and grief in “Lithium,” Kurt Cobain made sure to remind his audience what it means to translate society into music. With an explosive opening track like “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” this album was guaranteed to change lives. And perhaps what set Nirvana apart from other punk rock bands was their authenticity and rebellion against the norm. “Nevermind” was an album that shot up the charts on its own. It was not manufactured with fame and success in mind. Kurt Cobain despised being called “the voice of a generation,” but the label found its way to him anyway— posthumously. It seems that fame always finds those who don’t ask for it. (Fun fact about Nirvana: Their 1993 album, “In Utero,” was recorded in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. The band only took two weeks to record the entire thing!)