Kurt Cobain was an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the frontman of the rock band Nirvana. Born in 1967 in Aberdeen, Washington, Cobain showed an early interest in music and began playing guitar and writing songs in his teens.

In 1987, Cobain formed Nirvana with bassist Krist Novoselic, and the band quickly rose to fame with their second album, “Nevermind,” released in 1991. The album’s lead single, “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” became a generational anthem and catapulted Nirvana to worldwide fame.

Cobain’s songwriting, characterized by raw emotion and introspection, resonated with a generation of young listeners and helped define the grunge music movement of the early 1990s. Nirvana’s music, with its loud-quiet dynamics and Cobain’s distinctive voice, had a profound impact on the music industry and influenced countless bands that followed.

Despite his success, Cobain struggled with depression, chronic health issues, and drug addiction. He tragically died by suicide in April 1994 at the age of 27, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most iconic and influential musicians in rock history.

1. Smells Like Teen Spirit

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a song by Nirvana, written by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl. It was released as the lead single from their second studio album, “Nevermind,” in 1991. The song is often credited with bringing alternative rock and grunge music to a mainstream audience and is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” features a loud-quiet-loud dynamic, with quiet verses building up to a loud, anthemic chorus. The song’s lyrics are often interpreted as an anthem of teenage angst and rebellion, though Cobain himself expressed ambivalence about its success and mainstream appeal.

The music video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” directed by Samuel Bayer, features the band performing at a high school pep rally gone awry, with images of anarchy and rebellion. The video received heavy airplay on MTV and helped propel Nirvana to superstardom.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” remains one of Nirvana’s most iconic songs and has had a lasting impact on rock music. It is often cited as a defining song of the 1990s and a cultural touchstone of its era.

2. Heart-Shaped Box

“Heart-Shaped Box” is a song by the American rock band Nirvana, written by the band’s frontman Kurt Cobain. It was released as the lead single from their third and final studio album, “In Utero,” in 1993.

“Heart-Shaped Box” is known for its dark and enigmatic lyrics, which have been interpreted in various ways by listeners and critics. Some interpretations suggest that the song deals with themes of love, obsession, and vulnerability, while others see it as a commentary on Cobain’s struggles with fame and his complicated relationship with the media.

Musically, “Heart-Shaped Box” features a distinctive guitar riff, brooding vocals from Cobain, and a dynamic arrangement that builds to a powerful climax. The song’s combination of raw emotion and gritty guitar work helped solidify Nirvana’s reputation as one of the most influential bands of the 1990s.

“Heart-Shaped Box” received widespread critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in multiple countries. Its music video, directed by Anton Corbijn, featured surreal and symbolic imagery, further adding to the song’s mystique and impact.

“Heart-Shaped Box” remains one of Nirvana’s most iconic and enduring songs, beloved by fans for its raw intensity and introspective lyrics.

3. All Apologies

“All Apologies” is a song by the American rock band Nirvana, written by the band’s frontman Kurt Cobain. It was released as the lead single from their third and final studio album, “In Utero,” in 1993.

“All Apologies” is characterized by its introspective lyrics and haunting melody. The song’s title suggests a sense of regret or remorse, and the lyrics touch on themes of self-doubt, vulnerability, and the desire for redemption. Some interpretations of the song suggest that it reflects Cobain’s struggles with fame, mental health issues, and the pressures of being in the spotlight.

Musically, “All Apologies” features a subdued arrangement, with acoustic guitar backing Cobain’s plaintive vocals. The song’s somber mood and understated instrumentation give it a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, contrasting with the loud and abrasive sound that Nirvana was known for.

“All Apologies” received widespread critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. Its music video, directed by Anton Corbijn, featured stark and surreal imagery, adding to the song’s emotional impact.

“All Apologies” remains one of Nirvana’s most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated for its poignant lyrics, haunting melody, and raw emotional power.

4. Lithium

“Lithium” is a song by Nirvana from their second studio album, “Nevermind,” released in 1991. The song was written by Kurt Cobain and is known for its dynamic shifts in intensity, moving from quiet, melodic verses to loud, powerful choruses.

“Lithium” features introspective lyrics that touch on themes of depression, self-doubt, and the search for inner peace. The song’s title is a reference to lithium carbonate, a medication used to treat bipolar disorder, which Cobain reportedly found in his girlfriend’s medicine cabinet.

“Lithium” was released as the third single from “Nevermind” and became a moderate hit. It received critical acclaim for its raw emotion and powerful delivery, showcasing Cobain’s songwriting and vocal abilities. The song remains a fan favorite and is often included in lists of the best Nirvana songs.

5. Come As You Are

“Come As You Are” is a song by the American rock band Nirvana, written by the band’s frontman Kurt Cobain. It was released as the second single from their second studio album, “Nevermind,” in 1992.

“Come As You Are” is known for its distinctive guitar riff, composed of a series of ascending notes, and its catchy melody. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of authenticity, self-acceptance, and the complexities of identity. Some interpretations suggest that the song reflects Cobain’s ambivalence towards fame and the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

Musically, “Come As You Are” features a dynamic arrangement, with quiet verses building to a louder, more intense chorus. The song’s memorable riff and Cobain’s impassioned vocals helped solidify Nirvana’s status as one of the defining bands of the 1990s alternative rock scene.

“Come As You Are” received widespread critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the charts in multiple countries. Its music video, directed by Kevin Kerslake, featured surreal and psychedelic imagery, adding to the song’s mystique and impact.

“Come As You Are” remains one of Nirvana’s most iconic and enduring songs, beloved by fans for its memorable riff, catchy melody, and themes of individuality and acceptance.

6. About a Girl

“About a Girl” is a song by Nirvana from their debut album, “Bleach,” released in 1989. It was written by Kurt Cobain and is one of the few Nirvana songs that features no distortion on the guitar. “About a Girl” is a melodic and somewhat jangly song that showcases Cobain’s songwriting talents beyond the band’s more typical loud and raw sound.

The lyrics of “About a Girl” are introspective and personal, with Cobain addressing his then-girlfriend, Tracy Marander. The song’s structure and melody are influenced by Cobain’s appreciation for bands like The Beatles and other 1960s pop and rock acts, showcasing a different side of Nirvana’s musical influences.

“About a Girl” was not released as a single from “Bleach,” but it has become one of Nirvana’s most popular and enduring songs. It has been covered by various artists and is often cited as an example of Cobain’s ability to write catchy, heartfelt songs with a more pop-oriented sensibility.

7. The Man Who Sold the World

“The Man Who Sold the World” is a song written by David Bowie, originally released as the title track of his third studio album in 1970. The song is known for its haunting melody and enigmatic lyrics.

“The Man Who Sold the World” features a dark and atmospheric sound, driven by Bowie’s distinctive vocals and Mick Ronson’s guitar work. Lyrically, the song explores themes of identity, self-perception, and the idea of selling oneself to the world. Some interpretations suggest that the song reflects Bowie’s struggles with fame and his evolving sense of self.

The song gained renewed popularity when it was covered by the American rock band Nirvana for their MTV Unplugged performance in 1993. Nirvana’s stripped-down rendition of “The Man Who Sold the World” introduced the song to a new generation of listeners and helped solidify its status as a classic in Bowie’s catalog.

“The Man Who Sold the World” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains one of Bowie’s most beloved and enduring songs. Its haunting melody, thought-provoking lyrics, and timeless appeal continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

8. Something in the Way

“Something in the Way” is a song by Nirvana from their second studio album, “Nevermind,” released in 1991. It was written by Kurt Cobain and is one of the album’s slower and more somber tracks.

“Something in the Way” features Cobain’s vocals accompanied by an acoustic guitar, with minimal instrumentation. The lyrics are introspective and dark, with Cobain singing about his experiences of living underneath a bridge in his hometown of Aberdeen, Washington, after being kicked out of his house.

The song’s haunting melody and melancholic lyrics have made it a fan favorite and one of Nirvana’s most enduring songs. “Something in the Way” showcases Cobain’s ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability through his music, and it remains a standout track in the band’s discography.

9. Pennyroyal Tea

“Pennyroyal Tea” is a song by the American rock band Nirvana, written by the band’s frontman Kurt Cobain. It was intended for their third and final studio album, “In Utero,” released in 1993. However, due to Cobain’s death in April 1994, the song was not released as a single until 1994, after his passing.

“Pennyroyal Tea” is characterized by its haunting melody, introspective lyrics, and sparse arrangement. The song’s title refers to a herbal tea made from the pennyroyal plant, which is known for its medicinal properties but can also be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Some interpretations suggest that the song’s lyrics touch on themes of pain, addiction, and self-destruction, reflecting Cobain’s struggles with fame and his personal demons.

Musically, “Pennyroyal Tea” features Cobain’s raw and emotive vocals, accompanied by acoustic guitar and subtle percussion. The song’s stripped-down arrangement and melancholic atmosphere give it a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, contrasting with the loud and abrasive sound that Nirvana was known for.

Despite its limited commercial success, “Pennyroyal Tea” remains one of Nirvana’s most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated for its poignant lyrics, haunting melody, and raw emotional power.

10. Where Did You Sleep Last Night

“Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is a traditional American folk song that Nirvana covered for their MTV Unplugged performance in 1993. The song is also known as “In the Pines” or “Black Girl” and has been recorded by various artists over the years.

Nirvana’s rendition of “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is particularly notable for its raw intensity and emotional depth. Kurt Cobain’s haunting vocals and the stripped-down arrangement, featuring acoustic guitar and cello, add to the song’s eerie and melancholic atmosphere.

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man questioning his lover about her whereabouts, with themes of betrayal and loss. Cobain’s performance of “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is often regarded as one of the highlights of Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged set and showcases the band’s ability to reinterpret traditional folk songs in their own unique style.