Those who knew Kurt Cobain after Nevermind’s release often perceived him as having two sides. Kurt Cobain might have been content with signing to a major label and writing radio-friendly songs. However, he also had a cynical side that felt the media was overhyping his band. Butch Vig said Kurt Cobain had a major change of heart about how his masterpiece was mixed. However, recording “Smells Like Teen Spirit” wasn’t exactly easy.
The raw essence of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” argues for its place as one of the greatest songs ever. Ignoring the similarities to Boston’s “More Than a Feeling,” Cobain used just four chords to express the essence of disenfranchised feeling, making it seem as though he captured the essence of teenage angst.
Vig claimed that “Smells Like Teen Spirit” knocked him out before he had even begun recording with them. He was pacing the room in an attempt to control his excitement. Kurt Cobain insisted on recording the band’s new song in one take if it was going to be included on the record.
Ultimately, Nirvana continued to adhere to their punk rock principles. However, their excessive use of overdubs on the album rendered them indistinguishable from the glossy productions of the Loverboys. When it was time for Cobain to begin the song, the band’s entrance caused everything to collapse even more.
Vig recalled that despite his unwavering commitment to perfection, Cobain had to concede defeat and redo the piece’s opening, stating to Rolling Stone, “That pissed him off.” He desired to perform the entire song live. Granted, the opening clean guitar section of the song makes the entire track sound amazing.
Imagine yourself for the first time hearing “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” It sounds fairly subdued at first when you listen to those guitars. However, as soon as Dave Grohl’s drum fill enters the mix, the song takes on a completely different vibe. It’s almost like the band cranks up the volume without you ever having to change the speakers’ volume.
Of all the ridiculous lyrics Cobain was famous for, bassist Krist Novoselic recalls that he was especially proud of having written a large portion of this lyric sheet. Cobain advised Novoselic to concentrate on the meaning of the lyrics. However, Vig faced an additional difficulty when Cobain attempted to blend in with the background.
Despite having one of rock’s most iconic screams, Kurt Cobain, according to Vig, deliberately wanted his voice muffled. He said, “[He] kept trying to bury his voice.”I persisted in saying, “You can’t do that.” The intensity of your vocal performance matches that of the bass, guitar, and drums.
Maybe Cobain was just bracing himself for what was to come, given where Nirvana would go from there. He may have achieved his attempt to sound more authentically punk rock by avoiding vocal enhancements or overdubs. This was on a song that was sure to become a global hit.
