LogFAQs > #954495010

202. Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991)
from the album Nevermind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWKbfoikeg

Key lyrics:
With the lights out, its less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us

Its impossible to deny the cultural significance of Smells Like Teen Spirit with this track, Nirvana brought not just grunge but alternative rock as a whole to the mainstream. As someone born in the 90s, the song itself is almost too monolithic. For me, this is the default track to which all other songs must be compared a song so key in the development of my musical knowledge that I struggle to appreciate it as its own thing. How does one judge something which feels as familiar as music itself?

The truth of the matter is that my listening habits trend toward new releases most of these favorite songs have become so entrenched in my being that I rarely revisit them. Its not that Ive become bored of their sound, but their imprints are strong enough that active listening adds little to my appreciation. But Smells Like Teen Spirit exists on an even higher level.

So, I could talk about how Cobains muttered vocals mask lyrics even harder to decipher. The muted guitar riff must have surely struck a chord with people. Kurt Cobain was a phenomenal vocalist, and the whole song is brimming with raw energy. There are a dozen little details about it I love, from Kathleen Hanna scrawling the future title on a wall to Cobains own dislike of the song causing several of the definitive elements. But all the elements that made this song so special are negated by my experience. From my perspective, this is the norm from which all else differentiates an important title, but one that also hinders my enjoyment.

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My top 100 games (with write-ups): https://foolfantastic.com/top-100-video-games-project/