The Most Popular Nirvana Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:45
In the swirl of grunge and guitar strings, Nirvana carved out sounds that transcended the early 90s music scene. Fans around the world are drawn together, sharing a deep connection with their music. Yet, amidst their extensive discography, opinions diverge on which track stands as their crowning achievement.
This interactive hierarchy offers everyone a chance to cast a vote for the songs they believe should top the list. Through each vote, a clearer picture of the most cherished tracks emerges, encouraging a dynamic engagement within the Nirvana community. It's more than just a list; it's a collective celebration of a legendary band's musical journey.
What Is the Most Popular Nirvana Song?
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153votes
Smells Like Teen Spirit
NirvanaThis is arguably Nirvana's most iconic song and one that helped define the grunge era of the early 1990s. It features a catchy guitar riff, memorable lyrics, and a powerful chorus that has been covered and referenced in popular culture countless times.Smells Like Teen Spirit is a iconic song by the American rock band Nirvana. It was released in 1991 as the lead single from their second studio album, Nevermind. The song is known for its powerful and energetic sound, combining elements of grunge, punk, and alternative rock. It is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, and it played a significant role in popularizing the grunge movement of the early 1990s.- Album: Nevermind
- Genre: Grunge, Alternative Rock, Punk
- Release Date: September 10, 1991
- Length: 5 minutes 1 second
- Songwriter(s): Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl
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230votes
Come as You Are
NirvanaAnother classic Nirvana track, "Come as You Are" showcases the band's ability to balance heavy, distorted guitar riffs with melodic vocals and lyrics that address themes of identity and self-acceptance.Come as You Are is a song by the American rock band Nirvana. It was released as the second single from their second studio album, Nevermind, in 1991. The song was written by Kurt Cobain, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band. Come as You Are has become one of Nirvana's most popular and recognizable songs, known for its catchy guitar riff and introspective lyrics. The song incorporates elements of grunge and alternative rock, showcasing Nirvana's distinctive sound. It explores themes of self-acceptance and authenticity.- Album: Nevermind
- Release date: 1991
- Writer: Kurt Cobain
- Genre: Grunge, alternative rock
- Length: 3 minutes and 38 seconds
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315votesFeaturing a driving rhythm and a memorable chorus, "Lithium" is a standout track from Nirvana's breakthrough album Nevermind. The song's lyrics deal with themes of depression and mental illness, adding a layer of depth to the band's signature sound.Lithium is a song by the American rock band Nirvana. It was released as the third single from their second studio album, Nevermind, in 1992. The song was written by Kurt Cobain, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band. Lithium became one of Nirvana's most popular songs, known for its powerful and catchy chorus.
- Album: Nevermind
- Release Year: 1992
- Single Release: Third single
- Genre: Grunge, alternative rock
- Songwriter(s): Kurt Cobain
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418votes
Рәшиҙә Ғизәтуллина · CC BY-SA 4.0In Bloom
NirvanaWith its catchy guitar riff and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, "In Bloom" is a playful yet poignant commentary on the commercialization of alternative music in the early 1990s. The song's chorus is also incredibly catchy and memorable.In Bloom is a song by the American rock band Nirvana. It was released as the fourth and final single from their second studio album, Nevermind, in 1992. The song combines catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, reflecting the band's signature grunge sound.- Album: Nevermind
- Year: 1992
- Length: 4:15
- Genre: Grunge
- Label: DGC Records
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520votes
Heart-Shaped Box
Kurt CobainOne of Nirvana's darker, more introspective tracks, "Heart-Shaped Box" features haunting vocals and a brooding guitar riff. The song's lyrics are cryptic and open to interpretation, adding to its enduring appeal.Heart-Shaped Box is a widely renowned Nirvana song, released in 1993 as the lead single from their third and final studio album, In Utero. The song was written by Kurt Cobain, the frontman and primary songwriter of Nirvana. It has become one of the band's most recognizable and enduring hits.- Release Date: August 30, 1993
- Album: In Utero
- Genre: Grunge, Alternative Rock
- Length: 4:41
- Producer: Steve Albini
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68votes
All Apologies
NirvanaA somber, acoustic-driven ballad, "All Apologies" is a departure from the loud, aggressive sound that Nirvana is often associated with. The song's lyrics address themes of regret and redemption, making it a poignant and powerful track.All Apologies is a widely recognized song by the American grunge band Nirvana. It was released as the lead single from their third and final studio album, In Utero, in 1993. The song was written by the band's frontman Kurt Cobain and is known for its introspective lyrics and raw, emotional sound.- Release Year: 1993
- Album: In Utero
- Genre: Grunge
- Songwriter: Kurt Cobain
- Duration: 3:50
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75votes
Rape Me
Kurt CobainDespite its controversial title and lyrics, "Rape Me" is a strong and memorable track that showcases the band's willingness to tackle difficult subject matter. The song's raw energy and powerful chorus make it a standout from Nirvana's final album In Utero.Rape Me is a song by the American rock band Nirvana. It was released as the second single from their third studio album, In Utero, in 1993. The song was written by Kurt Cobain, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Nirvana. It is known for its provocative title and controversial lyrics, which discuss themes of vulnerability, power dynamics, and societal issues. Despite the controversial subject matter, the song was often interpreted as a statement against sexual violence. The lyrics and the intense vocals by Cobain, combined with the band's characteristic grunge sound, contributed to the song's popularity within the alternative rock scene. While it wasn't as commercially successful as some of their other hits, it remains one of Nirvana's most recognized and influential songs.- Album: In Utero
- Release Year: 1993
- Genre: Grunge
- Record Label: DGC
- Song Length: 2:49
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87votes
The Man Who Sold the World
David BowieWhile technically a David Bowie cover, Nirvana's version of "The Man Who Sold the World" is so iconic that it deserves a spot on this list. The band's stripped-down, grunge-infused take on the song is a testament to their ability to put their own spin on classic material.The Man Who Sold the World is a song by the American rock band Nirvana. It was originally written and recorded by the English musician David Bowie for his third studio album of the same name, released in 1970. Nirvana's cover version of the song was recorded in 1993 for their iconic MTV Unplugged in New York live album.- Songwriter: David Bowie
- Original Release: November 4, 1970
- Genre: Rock
- Length: 3 minutes and 56 seconds
- Album: MTV Unplugged in New York
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98votesA melancholy ballad with a simple, repetitive melody, "Dumb" is another departure from Nirvana's more aggressive sound. The song's lyrics are introspective and contemplative, adding a layer of depth to the band's discography.Dumb is a song by the American rock band Nirvana. It was released as the fifth track on their third and final studio album, In Utero, in 1993. The song was written by Kurt Cobain, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band.
- Album: In Utero
- Release Year: 1993
- Track Number: 5
- Songwriter: Kurt Cobain
- Genre: Grunge
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104votes
Territorial Pissings
NirvanaA fast-paced, punk-influenced track with a memorable guitar riff, "Territorial Pissings" is a standout from Nirvana's breakthrough album Nevermind. The song's raw energy and rebellious spirit encapsulate the band's ethos and appeal.Territorial Pissings is a fast-paced punk rock song by the American rock band Nirvana. It was included in their second studio album, Nevermind, released in 1991. The song is known for its aggressive and energetic sound, featuring loud guitars, heavy drums, and the raw vocals of Kurt Cobain. Territorial Pissings showcases Nirvana's signature blend of punk and alternative rock, with its catchy riffs and rebellious lyrics about personal identity and social themes.- Album: Nevermind
- Release Year: 1991
- Genre: Punk rock/Alternative rock
- Length: 2:23
- Songwriter(s): Kurt Cobain
Missing your favorite song?
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Ranking factors for popular song
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Chart performanceCheck the peak positions of Nirvana songs on major music charts like Billboard, Official UK Charts, and other international charts. A higher position on the charts often indicates a more popular song.
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Sales and certificationsConsider the number of copies sold, as well as any certifications (such as gold, platinum, or multi-platinum) awarded to the song.
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Streaming numbersLook at the number of streams or views the song has on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Higher streaming numbers suggest a more popular song.
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Radio airplayConsider how frequently the song is played on radio stations. More airplay indicates a more popular song.
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Critical acclaimTake into account the song's reception by music critics and its inclusion in various "best of" lists or ranking articles.
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Cultural impactConsider the overall influence of the song on popular culture, its use in movies or TV shows, and its impact on other artists or the music industry.
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AwardsCheck if the song has received any prestigious awards, like Grammy Awards or MTV Music Awards, as this can indicate its popularity.
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Live performancesConsider how often the song is played at live performances and its crowd reaction during concerts, as this can indicate its popularity among fans.
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LongevityTake into account how long the song has remained popular and continues to be enjoyed by fans and listeners, indicating its enduring appeal.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Nirvana song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1358 views
- 161 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular nirvana song
Nirvana is an American rock band that was formed in 1987 by Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic. The band achieved massive success in the early 1990s with their second album "Nevermind," which featured hits such as "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "Come as You Are," and "Lithium." Nirvana is widely considered to be one of the most influential bands of the 1990s, and their music continues to have a lasting impact on the rock genre. In this poll, we're asking you to vote for the most popular Nirvana song - whether it's a classic hit or a lesser-known gem, we want to know which track stands out as the best of the best from this iconic band.
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