Nevermind is the second studio album by Nirvana, released on September 24, 1991 by DGC Records. It was the first Nirvana release to feature drummer Dave Grohl, and roduced by Butch Vig, it was recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, and Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin in May and June 1991, and mastered in August at the Mastering Lab in Hollywood, California. Written primarily by frontman Kurt Cobain, the album is noted for channeling a range of emotions, being known as dark, humorous, and haunting.
Thematically, it includes anti-establishment, anti-sexism, frustration, alienation, and troubled love views inspired by Cobain‘s broken relationship with Bikini Kill‘s Tobi Vail. According to Cobain, the album’s sound was influenced by bands like the Pixies, R.E.M., the Smithereens, and the Melvins. Although the album is considered a cornerstone of the Grunge genre, it is noted for its musical diversity, including acoustic ballads (“Polly” and Something in the Way) and punk-inspired hard rock (Territorial Pissings and Stay Away).
It became an unexpected critical and commercial success, charting all over the world. In January 1992, it reached number one on the US Billboard 200 and was selling approximately 300,000 copies per week. The lead single Smells Like Teen Spirit reached the top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. His video was also heavily rotated on MTV. Three other hit singles were released: Come as You Are, Lithium and In Bloom.
The album was voted the best album of the year in the Pazz & Jop critics poll, while Smells Like Teen Spirit also topped the single of the year and video of the year polls. The album also earned the band three Grammy Award nominations in total at the 34th and 35th Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album.
Nevermind and the success of their singles propelled Nirvana to be widely regarded as the biggest band in the world, with Cobain being dubbed the voice of his generation by critics.
The album brought Grunge and alternative rock to a mainstream audience while also ending hair metal‘s dominance, drawing similarities to the British Invasion of American popular music of the early 1960s. the beginning of a revival of interest in punk culture among adolescents and young people. adults of Generation X.
It has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. In March 1999, he was certified Diamond by the RIAA. Among the most acclaimed and influential albums in history. of music, it was added to the National Recording Registry in 2004 as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically important”, and is frequently ranked on lists of the greatest albums of all time.
Tracklist:
- Smells Like Teen Spirit
- In Bloom
- Come as You Are
- Breed
- Lithium
- Polly
- Territorial Pissings
- Drain You
- Lounge Act
- Stay Away
- On a Plain
- Something in the Way
- Endless, Nameless (hidden track on later CD pressings)
After the initial pressing, CD versions included Endless, Nameless as a hidden track which begins after 10 minutes of silence following Something in the Way, making track 12’s total length 20:35. The song is not included on vinyl versions.
Nirvana
Kurt Cobain: (credited for the Monkey Photo as Kurdt Kobain) vocals, guitars, photography
Krist Novoselic: (credited as Chris Novoselic) bass, vocals on the intro of Territorial Pissings
Dave Grohl: drums, backing vocals
Additional musicians
Chad Channing: cymbals on Polly (uncredited), drums on the Smart Studio Sessions (Deluxe Edition)
Kirk Canning: cello on Something in the Way
Technical staff and artwork
Craig Doubet assistant engineering, mixing
Robin Sloane DGC/Geffen Records Creative Director
Kurt Cobain cover concept
Spencer Elden infant in cover photo
Robert Fisher artwork, art direction, design, cover design
Michael Lavine photography
Bob Ludwig mastering on 20th Anniversary Edition
Jeff Sheehan assistant engineer
Butch Vig producer, engineer
Andy Wallace mixing
Kirk Weddle cover photo
Howie Weinberg mastering
Paul Carlsen engineering/digital editing
Kurt Cobain (February 20, 1967 – April 5, 1994).
