Nirvana, one of the most beloved rock bands in history, has seen their songs covered by numerous artists, from Sinéad O’Connor’s interpretation of “All Apologies” to Patti Smith’s take on “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Before Nirvana became a staple for covers, they were already reimagining songs themselves.
Covers played a crucial role in Nirvana’s early catalog. Their debut single featured a cover of “Love Buzz,” a sitar-infused psych tune from the late 1960s, showcasing their ability to transform classic tracks into grunge anthems.
As they solidified their status as grunge icons with classics like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come As You Are,” they continued to incorporate covers into their albums and live performances. Box sets offered glimpses of their behind-the-scenes efforts, while MTV Unplugged highlighted their mastery of the cover song.
Selecting the five best covers from Nirvana’s extensive catalog is a challenging task. Here are some of their standout renditions:
The Five Best Covers by Nirvana:
“The Man Who Sold The World” – David Bowie
In 1970, David Bowie released the title track of his third album, but it was Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance over a decade later that truly redefined the song. Their version stripped back the original’s glam, replacing it with a raw, haunting authenticity.
Kurt Cobain’s voice, more pronounced than Bowie’s, lent a delicate urgency to the lyrics: “Who knows? Not me, I never lost control; you’re face to face with the man who sold the world.” Even Bowie himself praised Nirvana’s powerful interpretation.
“Where Did You Sleep Last Night” – Lead Belly
Concluding their iconic MTV Unplugged set, Nirvana performed this folk song with a raw intensity that captivated audiences. Cobain’s declaration, “Fuck you all, this is the last song of the evening,” set the stage for a chilling rendition.
Borrowing from Lead Belly’s arrangement, Cobain’s haunting vocals perfectly matched the song’s eerie tone, asking, “My girl, my girl, where will you go?” The instrumentation ebbed and flowed, amplifying the song’s emotional weight.
“Love Buzz” – Shocking Blue
As their debut single, Nirvana’s cover of Shocking Blue’s “Love Buzz” marked their arrival on the scene. Originally a vibrant psych-rock track, Nirvana transformed it into a grunge anthem, stripping away its pop sheen to reveal a darker, more powerful sound. This cover served as an early statement of intent, showcasing Cobain’s unique style.
“Here She Comes Now” – The Velvet Underground
Nirvana’s 1990 cover of “Here She Comes Now” paid homage to the influential Velvet Underground. Released as a split single a year later, their version retained the original’s essence while infusing it with Cobain’s grittier vocals. The instrumentation reflected their grunge roots but stayed true to the Velvet Underground’s dreamy vibe, making it a beautiful tribute.
“Turnaround” – Devo
In 1990, Nirvana ventured into synth territory with their cover of Devo’s “Turnaround.” This B-side to “Whip It” was a bold choice, contrasting with Nirvana’s signature sound. During a BBC session, they reimagined the track, replacing synths with heavy guitars while maintaining the essence of Devo’s playful spirit. Cobain’s delivery balanced the punk energy with new wave charm, showcasing their versatility.
Through these covers, Nirvana demonstrated their ability to honor and reinterpret the music that inspired them, solidifying their place in rock history.
