Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit” [Song Review]

It’s funny that now almost 16 years AKC, “After Kurt Cobain”, (he reportedly took his own life on April 8th, 1994) and just a year or so shy of the twenty year anniversary of the release of “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, the globally-recognized song is still just as epic. What began as a young and anti-establishment Kurt Cobain fronting an almost comical group named Fecal Matter would in 1992, only a few years later, go on to be forever recognized as the voice behind the anthem for millions of disenchanted youths worldwide.

The song, available in both a 5:01 album version and a 4:30 single version, was originally recorded in May of 1991 at Sound City, Van Nuys, California. It was later released on September 10, 1991 and to this day still receives frequent internet, satellite and AM -FM Radio play and has aided the band in selling 62 million plus records worldwide.

Additionally on YouTube alone, bearing in mind there are numerous instances of the song, including different versions of the “official” music video, live versions, a multitude of covers from the likes of Paul Anka, Tori Amos, Patti Smith and Apocalyptica and even dozens of drum covers and a spirited Electric Ukulele cover, the song itself has received well over 50 million plays and counting.

Many will agree that although an average guitar player at best, Kurt had a tremendous voice and was a genius song writer. Granted “Smell Like Teen Spirit” followed a very standard, verse to pre-chorus and chorus formula (as did all most of their songs) it effectively combined changes in dynamics (quiet to loud and soft to heavy) between sections. It was a rock and pop song in one, and to this day listeners and critics alike continue to extol “Smells Like Teen Spirit” as one of the greatest rock anthems of all time. As tragic as Kurt’s death may have been, thankfully his music and spirit live on. What was a simple song that helped to solidify the Grunge Rock movement smells like it will be forever with us.

Run Time: 5:01

Check out the song: “Smells Like Teen Spirit”