In the annals of rock history, few bands have ignited such fervor, admiration, and influence as Nirvana. Their discography comprises several critically acclaimed albums that have made a significant impact on the music industry.
Despite their short-lived existence, Nirvana’s influence continues to resonate with generations of music lovers. And in this article, we are going to explore each of the Nirvana albums in order of release.
Nirvana Discography Timeline
| Year | Album | The Vibe | Key Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Bleach | Sludge / Heavy / Raw | Jason Everman didn’t actually play. $600 budget. |
| 1991 | Nevermind | Polished / Punk-Pop | Butch Vig’s “Double Tracked” Vocals. Mesa Boogie Amps. |
| 1992 | Incesticide | B-Sides / Punk Roots | A mix of BBC sessions and demos. Very lo-fi. |
| 1993 | In Utero | Anti-Commercial / Visceral | Steve Albini’s “Room Mics.” Fender Twin Reverb. |
| 1994 | MTV Unplugged | Acoustic / Haunting | Martin D-18E ran through a Fender Twin (Not a PA). |
Nirvana Album Breakdown
Bleach
- Release Date: June 15, 1989
Overview
Nirvana’s debut studio album, recorded at Reciprocal Recording, Seattle. Initially, it did not chart but gained traction after the release of “Nevermind”. It achieved sales of over 1.9 million copies in the US.
Tracks
- Blew
- Floyd the Barber
- About a Girl
- School
- Love Buzz
- Paper Cuts
- Negative Creep
- Scoff
- Swap Meet
- Mr. Moustache
- Sifting
Nevermind
- Release Date: September 24, 1991
- The Producer: Butch Vig.
- The Sound: This is the sound of money. Vig convinced Cobain to double-track his vocals (sing the same line twice to make it thicker), a technique the Beatles used. The drums were sample-enhanced to sound like cannons. It is shiny, loud, and perfect.
- Key Tone: The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal on “Come As You Are.
Overview
Nirvana’s major label debut with the introduction of drummer Dave Grohl. The album’s themes range from dark and humorous to disturbing. It achieved worldwide sales of over 30 million copies.
Tracks
- 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)
Incesticide
Release Date: December 14, 1992
Overview
“Incesticide” consists of B-sides, demos, outtakes, covers, and radio broadcast recordings, offering a deeper look into the band’s earlier material and their musical evolution.
Tracks
- Dive
- Sliver
- Stain
- Been a Son
- Turnaround (Devo cover)
- Molly’s Lips (The Vaselines cover)
- Son of a Gun (The Vaselines cover)
- (New Wave) Polly
- Beeswax
- Downer
- Mexican Seafood
- Hairspray Queen
- Aero Zeppelin
- Big Long Now
- Aneurysm
In Utero
- Release Date: September 13, 1993
- The Producer: Steve Albini.
- The Sound: The Anti-Nevermind. Cobain wanted to scare away the “jocks” who bought the previous album. Albini used distant room microphones to make the drums sound like they were in a garage. No vocal double-tracking. No polish.
- Key Tone: The screeching feedback intro of “Serve the Servants.
Overview
The album sought a complex and abrasive sound and contains references to Kurt Cobain’s personal challenges. It achieved sales of 15 million copies globally.
Tracks
- Serve the Servants
- Scentless Apprentice
- Heart-Shaped Box
- Rape Me
- Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle
- Dumb
- Very Ape
- Milk It
- Pennyroyal Tea
- Radio Friendly Unit Shifter
- Tourette’s
- All Apologies
MTV Unplugged in New York
Release Date: November 1, 1994
The Vibe: Recorded just months before Kurt Cobain’s death, this is widely considered the greatest live album of the 90s. Unlike other bands who used Unplugged to play their greatest hits, Nirvana played obscure covers (Meat Puppets, David Bowie, Lead Belly) and ignored “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The atmosphere was somber, decorated with funeral lilies and candles.
The Engineering Secret (The “Electric” Acoustic): From a technical standpoint, this wasn’t really an “unplugged” performance. Kurt refused to rely solely on the venue’s microphones.
- The Guitar: Kurt played a rare 1959 Martin D-18E. This was an acoustic guitar that came from the factory with DeArmond magnetic pickups bolted to the top.
- The Amp: Instead of going direct to the PA system like a folk singer, Kurt ran his guitar through his Fender Twin Reverb amplifier.
- The Pedals: He used an Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus and a Boss DS-2 Distortion pedal. This allowed him to generate feedback and grit (“The Man Who Sold The World”) on an acoustic instrument, creating that signature haunting tone.
Key Tracks:
- “The Man Who Sold The World” (David Bowie cover)
- “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” (Lead Belly cover)
- “All Apologies
Conclusion
Nirvana’s meteoric rise and enduring legacy in the world of rock music are undeniably anchored in their albums.
From the raw energy of “Bleach” to the introspective depths of “In Utero”, and the revealing compilations like “Incesticide”, the band’s discography paints a vivid picture of their journey and influence.
While their time in the spotlight was tragically short-lived, the impact of their music continues to inspire and resonate with fans and musicians alike.
As we revisit their albums, we’re reminded of the timeless nature of their artistry and the lasting mark they left on the music scene.
FAQs
When and where was Nirvana formed?
Nirvana was formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. The band was founded by the enigmatic duo of lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic. They later added notable member Dave Grohl as their drummer.
What is Nirvana’s best-selling album?
Nirvana’s best-selling album is “Nevermind,” released in 1991. It sold over 30 million copies worldwide and featured iconic singles like “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Did Nirvana win any awards for their music?
Yes, Nirvana received multiple awards throughout their career. They achieved chart-topping hits, and their success earned them a well-deserved induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
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