5 Underrated Nirvana Tracks That Still Hit Hard Today

Nirvana

Claiming that any Nirvana song is underrated might seem like a stretch, given their limited yet iconic discography. But amid their hits like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come As You Are,” there are tracks that don’t get the attention they deserve. Here’s a look at five overlooked Nirvana songs that are definitely worth revisiting:

1. “Tourette’s”

Tourette’s” is a polarizing track. While some fans love it, others place it lower in the ranks of In Utero. We’d argue it’s far from mid-tier. With its raw grunge energy, murky instrumentation, and intense lyrics, it stands as one of the most punk-infused tracks on the album. It’s a pure expression of the chaotic and gritty sound Nirvana mastered.

2. “Lounge Act”

Though “Lounge Act” is a fan favorite from Nevermind, it didn’t achieve the chart-topping success of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Written about Tobi Vail, the Bikini Kill drummer Cobain dated before Courtney Love, this track carries emotional weight and intensity that might be missed by more casual listeners. It deserves to be recognized beyond its status as a deep cut.

3. “In Bloom”

While “In Bloom” is well-known, it’s sometimes overshadowed by Nirvana’s bigger hits. The song serves as Cobain’s blunt critique of the very audience he found himself surrounded by after Nirvana’s meteoric rise. It’s a biting commentary on the people who didn’t understand his message but showed up to his concerts anyway. Beyond its critique, “In Bloom” is a melodic and lyrical triumph.

4. “Aneurysm”

Aneurysm” is a fan favorite, yet it never made it onto a formal Nirvana album, which is surprising given its brilliance. Another song inspired by Tobi Vail, this track veers away from typical love songs. Instead, Cobain writes about his emotional dependency on Vail in a raw and almost painful way. It’s an underappreciated gem that showcases Nirvana’s depth.

5. “Very Ape”

Despite being a standout from In Utero, “Very Ape” often flies under the radar. It’s a fuzz-filled, hard-hitting track with a classic grunge sound that encapsulates the band’s essence, even as Cobain aimed for a more experimental approach on the album. His vocals on this track are especially noteworthy, carrying both grit and beauty.

These songs demonstrate that beyond Nirvana’s mainstream success, there’s a wealth of tracks that reflect their versatility, depth, and raw emotion. Dive back into these underrated gems to appreciate the full spectrum of what Nirvana had to offer.

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