Nirvana’s 1991 album, *Nevermind*, was a game-changer for music, especially for the alternative scene. It struck a chord with listeners, making them feel emotions they hadn’t experienced in a long time, or perhaps ever. The album combined lo-fi sounds with polished production, Kurt Cobain’s raw vocals, and grungy riffs that were punk-influenced but not entirely punk. *Nevermind* also played a significant role in pushing hair metal out of the spotlight for years, as grunge took over the music scene.
Released 31 years ago, *Nevermind* catapulted Nirvana to legendary status and brought alternative rock into the mainstream. The band’s influence on the 1990s music landscape is undeniable, and their impact is still felt today. While Nirvana didn’t seek fame, they wanted their music to be heard, even if stardom came with its challenges.
With the return of guitars to radio and the rise of pop-punk, *Nevermind* remains relevant, just as it was when it reshaped ’90s rock. Kurt Cobain’s fearless individuality was truly ahead of its time. Interestingly, many great Nirvana songs aren’t on *Nevermind*. For example, “Blew,” the opening track of their first album, showcases the band’s grunge roots with its dark bass and Cobain’s intense vocals.
Nirvana’s influence is recognized by many artists today. Maynard James Keenan from Tool noted that Nirvana arrived when people were ready for something real, moving away from glam rock. Matthew Bellamy of Muse acknowledged that while Nirvana wouldn’t create a space-prog epic, their legacy is evident in their early noisy records. Jack Antonoff from Bleachers highlighted the genre fusion during the grunge era, with Nirvana and other artists dominating pop radio.
