Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana (1991)
Released in 1991 as the opening track of Nevermind, Smells Like Teen Spirit wasn’t just a hit — it was a cultural detonation. Often dubbed the anthem of Generation X, this grunge-rock masterpiece launched Nirvana into superstardom and redefined the sound of the ’90s.
Written by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl, the track blends raw distortion, mumbled angst, and explosive choruses:“With the lights out, it’s less dangerous / Here we are now, entertain us.”
Its rebellious energy, cryptic lyrics, and Cobain’s raspy delivery captured the mood of a disaffected youth tired of glam and pop polish.
Wild, noisy, and electrifying — Smells Like Teen Spirit was the moment grunge broke into the mainstream, forever changing rock history.
