Nirvana was an American rock band formed by singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. Here’s a look through their history in music.
Short history of Nirvana
Bleach
Nirvana’s first album Bleach was released in June 1989 through Sub Pop records following the release of their debut single “Love Buzz” in 1988. Bleach was re-released by DGC records internationally after the success of Nevermind .
Nevermind
Nevermind was the second studio album by Nirvana, released in September 1991 by DGC. It was a seminal album in the grunge scene and the music canon. Some have called it one of the most important albums of all-time . The single “Smells like Teen Spirit” famously named by Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill, seemed to encapsulate the existential angst of disenfranchised ’90s youth. Nevermind also brought the Seattle music scene to the forefront , paving the way for the many grunge bands that would follow.
In Utero
After the overwhelming success of Nevermind , the band was under intense corporate pressure. In Utero was released in September 1993. Produced by Steve Albini it would be Nirvana’s last studio album. With singles such as “ “All Apologies” ” and “ Heart Shaped Box ,” it is haunting in the context of Kurt Cobain’s death eight months later. Some have gone so far as to call the album Cobain’s suicide note, while others have said it was their most innovative album.
Unplugged In New York
The live album MTV Unplugged was released in November 1994. The performance was taped Nov. 19, 1993 at Sony Studios in New York. Cris and Curt Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets sit in on three Meat Puppets songs. Two tracks not aired on the MTV broadcast appear on the album.