Nirvana - Nevermind (1991), 6/10

Nevermind’s influence is far-reaching and its significance is clear. I was personally over-exposed to Nirvana’s music and while it is strong enough to hold up as solid and catchy, this particular album has lost much of its appeal. Songs like “In Bloom” or “Something in the Way” have a timeless quality stemming from Kurt’s obvious songwriting talents, but beyond these standout moments much of the album is too simple and reliant on youthful energy to carry its momentum. Still, it is a very consistent and excellent grunge album that has some superbly infectious songs. While they have dissipated in impact, songs like “Lithium”, “Come as You Are” or “On a Plain” are obviously well-written and arranged, giving Nevermind a sense of non-stop single potential in its track list. With my personal inclinations when it comes to pop music, I gravitate towards the composition and production choices on In utero, but the power and wide appeal of Nevermind is undeniable and perhaps more importantly an unmissable part of rock history. It is forever tainted by the grip of nostalgia for many, yet much of the novel use of noise and melody helps it stay relevant. There is a quality of raw adolescence that hinders an otherwise polished album, making the experience less effective as the years go on. Maybe decades from now I will find it dull and off-putting. For now, however, I can still find pleasure in some of the album’s better instances of melody and its more polished narrative moments.