No band embodies grunge quite like Nirvana, and no song encapsulates that essence better than “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Released in 1991 as the lead single from their landmark album Nevermind, the track combined haunting verses with an explosive chorus and endless repetitions of the word “Hello.” Its infectious sound resonated with a generation tired of hair metal, seeking something rawer and more authentic.
However, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” did more than just capture the attention of early ’90s college students and critics; it solidified its place as one of the most iconic songs in music history. Its unforgettable riff continues to draw aspiring guitarists, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a grunge playlist that doesn’t feature it prominently.
While “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became Nirvana’s defining anthem and the soundtrack of ’90s youth culture, the band soon found themselves overwhelmed by its success. They developed a complicated relationship with the song, with Kurt Cobain even calling it “an embarrassment to play.”
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Cobain explained his reluctance to include “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in their setlist that evening. “I don’t even remember the guitar solo on ‘Teen Spirit,’” he confessed. “It would take me five minutes to sit in the catering room and learn the solo.” He expressed his frustration with the track’s overwhelming popularity, particularly because it overshadowed his other work.
“There are so many other songs I’ve written that are as good, if not better,” Cobain lamented, pointing to “Drain You,” another standout track from Nevermind. With its catchy grunge guitars and oddly romantic lyrics—“You’re my vitamins,” Cobain sings, “I like you”—”Drain You” certainly had the potential for similar acclaim.
Yet, despite its merits, “Drain You” never reached the same heights of recognition as “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Cobain hinted that had it gained similar popularity, he might have had a more favorable view of it. This suggests that his embarrassment about “Smells Like Teen Spirit” stemmed not from its quality, but from the overwhelming response it generated.
It’s understandable why Cobain and his bandmates grew resentful of the song’s success. It can be frustrating to have one track elicit such fervent enthusiasm from audiences, overshadowing the rest of a band’s creative output.
Thirty years later, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” remains Nirvana’s signature hit, yet it is just one example of the band’s remarkable catalog. Any track from Nevermind or their broader discography could have achieved similar success. Nirvana’s seven-year run was filled with equally catchy and compelling compositions, all deserving of the same recognition as “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” but also susceptible to the same frustration it caused.
Despite the embarrassment Cobain may have felt while performing it live, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” merely encapsulated the praise their entire catalog warranted.
