GITNUX REPORT 2024

Nirvanas Most Popular Songs: A Billion Views, Grammy Nominations, Awards

Discover the allure of Nirvanas iconic hits, from Smells Like Teen Spirit to Heart-Shaped Box.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

The album "Nevermind" has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.

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Nirvana's "Unplugged in New York" album is certified 5x Platinum in the United States.

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"Heart-Shaped Box" won two MTV Video Music Awards in 1994.

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"In Bloom" was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Alternative Music Album.

Statistic 5

"Rape Me" was controversial for its provocative title and lyrics.

Statistic 6

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" has over 1 billion views on YouTube.

Statistic 7

"Come As You Are" peaked at number 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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"Lithium" spent 12 weeks on the UK Singles Chart.

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"All Apologies" reached number 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

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"Pennyroyal Tea" was released as a promotional single.

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"On a Plain" was released as a single in the UK and Australia.

Statistic 12

"You Know You're Right" was the final song recorded by Nirvana before Kurt Cobain's death.

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"Sliver" was originally released as a non-album single in 1990.

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"Something in the Way" was featured on Nirvana's album "Nevermind".

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"About a Girl" was one of the first Nirvana songs written by Kurt Cobain.

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"Where Did You Sleep Last Night" is a traditional folk song covered by Nirvana.

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"Dumb" was featured in the film "Juno".

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"Territorial Pissings" was inspired by the band Public Image Ltd.

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"Breed" has been covered by numerous artists, including Otep and Pearl Jam.

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"Stay Away" was originally titled "Pay to Play".

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"Serve the Servants" is the opening track on Nirvana's album "In Utero".

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"School" was written by Kurt Cobain and is a track on the album "Bleach".

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"Been a Son" was included in Nirvana's EP "Blew".

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"Molly's Lips" is a cover of a song by The Vaselines.

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"Sappy" was originally titled "Verse Chorus Verse".

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"I Hate Myself and Want to Die" was planned to be on the album "In Utero" but was not included.

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"All Apologies" features backing vocals by Dave Grohl.

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"Lake of Fire" is a cover of a song by the Meat Puppets.

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"Radio Friendly Unit Shifter" was written during the recording sessions for "In Utero".

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"Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle" references actress Frances Farmer.

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"Scentless Apprentice" is based on the novel "Perfume" by Patrick Süskind.

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"In Bloom" features a memorable guitar riff by Kurt Cobain.

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"Verse Chorus Verse" was also known as "In His Hands" and "Sappy".

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"Milk It" has an unconventional song structure with dissonant guitars.

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"Aneurysm" was often performed live by Nirvana.

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"Oh, the Guilt" is a split single with The Jesus Lizard.

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"Polly" is based on the true story of a kidnapping.

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"Mexican Seafood" is a short, fast-paced track from Nirvana's "Bleach" album.

Statistic 39

"Plateau" is a cover of a song by the Meat Puppets.

Statistic 40

"Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam" is a cover of a song by The Vaselines.

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Summary

  • "Smells Like Teen Spirit" has over 1 billion views on YouTube.
  • "Come As You Are" peaked at number 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
  • "Heart-Shaped Box" won two MTV Video Music Awards in 1994.
  • "Lithium" spent 12 weeks on the UK Singles Chart.
  • "All Apologies" reached number 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
  • The album "Nevermind" has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
  • "In Bloom" was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Alternative Music Album.
  • "Rape Me" was controversial for its provocative title and lyrics.
  • Nirvana's "Unplugged in New York" album is certified 5x Platinum in the United States.
  • "Pennyroyal Tea" was released as a promotional single.
  • "About a Girl" was one of the first Nirvana songs written by Kurt Cobain.
  • "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" is a traditional folk song covered by Nirvana.
  • "Dumb" was featured in the film "Juno".
  • "Territorial Pissings" was inspired by the band Public Image Ltd.
  • "Breed" has been covered by numerous artists, including Otep and Pearl Jam.

Move over One Billion YouTube Views, theres more to Nirvana than just Smells Like Teen Spirit! From Grammy nominations to controversial titles, chart-topping hits to platinum albums, Nirvanas discography is as diverse as it is iconic. Lets dive into the statistics behind some of the bands most popular songs and uncover the hidden gems that define their lasting legacy.

Album Sales

  • The album "Nevermind" has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
  • Nirvana's "Unplugged in New York" album is certified 5x Platinum in the United States.

Interpretation

Nirvana's chart-topping hits continue to resonate with music lovers globally, making them as timeless as yesterday's coffee. With the legendary album "Nevermind" casually clocking in over 30 million copies sold worldwide, it's clear that Kurt Cobain's angst-filled lyrics and grungy sound struck a chord with millions. And let's not forget the intimate and haunting live performance captured in "Unplugged in New York," which has earned a dazzling 5x Platinum certification in the land of oversized burgers and celebrity meltdowns. Nirvana may have left us too soon, but their music remains a perennial favorite, proving that some things truly do get better with age.

Awards and Nominations

  • "Heart-Shaped Box" won two MTV Video Music Awards in 1994.
  • "In Bloom" was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Alternative Music Album.

Interpretation

The Most Popular Nirvana Songs statistics reveal that while "Heart-Shaped Box" was busy snagging MTV Video Music Awards, "In Bloom" was busy getting all dolled up for the Grammy red carpet, only to narrowly miss out on taking home the Best Alternative Music Album trophy. It seems that in the world of Nirvana hits, some songs are content with basking in the glory of industry accolades while others are just one step away from etching their names in music history. Just another day in the never-ending rock 'n' roll saga of Nirvana.

Controversies

  • "Rape Me" was controversial for its provocative title and lyrics.

Interpretation

Nirvana's "Rape Me" proves that in the realm of music, controversy can be a double-edged sword. While its title and lyrics may raise eyebrows and stir discomfort, the song's boldness also serves as a powerful statement against sexual violence and societal hypocrisy. In Nirvana's signature raw and unapologetic style, "Rape Me" demands attention and sparks important conversations about consent and the need for change. Like a sharp thorn in the side of conventionality, this track challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and inspires progress through its provocative bravery.

Song Achievements

  • "Smells Like Teen Spirit" has over 1 billion views on YouTube.
  • "Come As You Are" peaked at number 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
  • "Lithium" spent 12 weeks on the UK Singles Chart.
  • "All Apologies" reached number 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
  • "Pennyroyal Tea" was released as a promotional single.
  • "On a Plain" was released as a single in the UK and Australia.
  • "You Know You're Right" was the final song recorded by Nirvana before Kurt Cobain's death.
  • "Sliver" was originally released as a non-album single in 1990.
  • "Something in the Way" was featured on Nirvana's album "Nevermind".

Interpretation

In the world of Nirvana statistics, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" reigns supreme with a whopping 1 billion views on YouTube, proving that angst-ridden teens and nostalgic adults alike can't resist its iconic grunge vibes. Meanwhile, "Come As You Are" may have peaked at a modest number 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, but its message of acceptance resonates deeply with listeners. From the melancholic "Lithium" spending a solid 12 weeks on the UK Singles Chart to the raw emotion of "All Apologies" hitting number 1 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, each Nirvana hit tells a story that transcends time. And let's not forget the bittersweet note of "You Know You're Right" as the final recording before Kurt Cobain's tragic end, reminding us of the band's enduring legacy. In the end, these songs are not just numbers and records but a soundtrack to a generation defined by rebellion and authenticity.

Song Inspiration and Covers

  • "About a Girl" was one of the first Nirvana songs written by Kurt Cobain.
  • "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" is a traditional folk song covered by Nirvana.
  • "Dumb" was featured in the film "Juno".
  • "Territorial Pissings" was inspired by the band Public Image Ltd.
  • "Breed" has been covered by numerous artists, including Otep and Pearl Jam.
  • "Stay Away" was originally titled "Pay to Play".
  • "Serve the Servants" is the opening track on Nirvana's album "In Utero".
  • "School" was written by Kurt Cobain and is a track on the album "Bleach".
  • "Been a Son" was included in Nirvana's EP "Blew".
  • "Molly's Lips" is a cover of a song by The Vaselines.
  • "Sappy" was originally titled "Verse Chorus Verse".
  • "I Hate Myself and Want to Die" was planned to be on the album "In Utero" but was not included.
  • "All Apologies" features backing vocals by Dave Grohl.
  • "Lake of Fire" is a cover of a song by the Meat Puppets.
  • "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter" was written during the recording sessions for "In Utero".
  • "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle" references actress Frances Farmer.
  • "Scentless Apprentice" is based on the novel "Perfume" by Patrick Süskind.
  • "In Bloom" features a memorable guitar riff by Kurt Cobain.
  • "Verse Chorus Verse" was also known as "In His Hands" and "Sappy".
  • "Milk It" has an unconventional song structure with dissonant guitars.
  • "Aneurysm" was often performed live by Nirvana.
  • "Oh, the Guilt" is a split single with The Jesus Lizard.
  • "Polly" is based on the true story of a kidnapping.
  • "Mexican Seafood" is a short, fast-paced track from Nirvana's "Bleach" album.
  • "Plateau" is a cover of a song by the Meat Puppets.
  • "Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam" is a cover of a song by The Vaselines.

Interpretation

The statistics on Nirvana's most popular songs read like a compelling mixtape of not just their own creations, but also borrowed melodies and inspired tributes. From the haunting echoes of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" to the rebellious energy of "Territorial Pissings," each track tells a story beyond its lyrics. Whether it's a cinematic cameo in "Juno" or a gritty reference to Frances Farmer, Kurt Cobain's lyrical prowess shines through. With covers, references, and raw emotion woven into their discography, Nirvana's music resonates not just with fans, but with the endless echoes of cultural influences that shaped their sound.

References