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Nirvana — Smells Like Teen Spirit
Album: Nevermind
Avg rating:
8.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 5833









Released: 1991
Length: 4:55
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Load up on guns, bring your friends
It's fun to lose and to pretend
She's over bored, self assured
Oh no, I know a dirty word

Hello, hello, hello, hello?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello

With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido
Yeah!

Hey!
Yay!

I'm worse at what I do best
And for this gift I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end

Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello

With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido
Yeah!

Hey!
Yay!

And I forget just why I taste
And yeah, I guess it makes me smile
I found it hard, it's hard to find
Oh well, whatever, never mind

Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello

With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido

A denial! A denial!
A denial! A denial!
A denial! A denial!
A denial! A denial!
A denial!
Comments (813)add comment
… best-mid-term-late-night-study-cram-session-wake-up jam ever. grades don’t even matter when this comes on — then, now, whenever.  
1991:  Sorry about the volume neighbors
2024:  Sorry about the volume neighbors
I was SO fortunate to see them live, opening for Sonic Youth, in Seattle when this came out! Both shows were amazing - the energy was electric but different for both bands.
This tune is just soooo f'n good. It's given me many a sore neck over the years! The tune of the 90s, period!!
That band photo cracks me up. They looked as if they were at a wedding or in court!   They made GREAT MUSIC!!
 KeithBrofsky wrote:

Funny story... in the early 90's, I had a photo studio on an upper floor of a Belltown, Seattle brick building. The basement became a recording studio & the occupants made a lotta "sounds". They also never closed the elevator door for me to call it, forcing me to run down 5 flights of dark stairs cursing them all the way. Turned out, it was Nirana, Pearl Jam, Mudhoney & the other grungers jamming. Who knew? They just sounded horrible from where I was standing.




ok, what other bands have you listened to from 5 flights above in a building? just curious. you know, what you're comparing them to?
 ick wrote:

This still makes my 57 year old bones want to jump around the room.



Hope they're still in your body!
 drewd wrote:

Always nice to hear something from the mellow mix! 



Now that’s funny!
Released the year after Poison's "Unskinny Bop", kicking hair bands to the curb. Good riddance!   ; )
This album was the crossover from alternative music into the mainstream.
Kurt was a lot like Jim, wasn't he? Devilishly clever and getting his kicks by being as provocative as possible... But, alas, some fiery spirits are far too combustible to stay around for long. I can never forget driving around Boston when this landmark album was getting serious radio play, right before my 8 magical years in Ishikawa...
How much did this knock you sideways when you first heard it?   
 sfoster66 wrote:

So, the thing is, I have this rated as a 9.  Great song.  Full stop.  However, I really don't want to hear it on RP.  I get the era and influence.  How it made music culture instantly change direction.  But, at this point, it just sounds dated and stale.  Almost, dare to say, clichéd.  I still love me some RnR, but maybe maybe the musical world has passed this by and evolved to the point that it just isn't relevant anymore.  


Just wait 'til you hear the Muzak version of this...in a grocery store...at Christmastime. 

You know it's coming. 
If you haven't seen this, watch this performance: 
https://youtu.be/Ul8vqaGGnY0?s...
 sfoster66 wrote:

So, the thing is, I have this rated as a 9.  Great song.  Full stop.  However, I really don't want to hear it on RP.  I get the era and influence.  How it made music culture instantly change direction.  But, at this point, it just sounds dated and stale.  Almost, dare to say, clichéd.  I still love me some RnR, but maybe maybe the musical world has passed this by and evolved to the point that it just isn't relevant anymore.  




I disagree! Learn how to use the "skip button". ...problem solved! ...and spare us from your drivel!   GREAT  TUNE!!  It is so much better in FLAC through great studio phones, amp & DAC!   Thanx RP!    
So, the thing is, I have this rated as a 9.  Great song.  Full stop.  However, I really don't want to hear it on RP.  I get the era and influence.  How it made music culture instantly change direction.  But, at this point, it just sounds dated and stale.  Almost, dare to say, clichéd.  I still love me some RnR, but maybe maybe the musical world has passed this by and evolved to the point that it just isn't relevant anymore.  
 joejennings wrote:



Same here!   And, I am 68yrs old!   Thanx RP!    


Yep!  Get yer dance on..
Big Day Out 1992, Nirvana play in a sweat filled, jammed packed side stage in the Hordern Pavillion. Nevermind hadn't gone HUGE yet. Apparently my mates tell me it went right off. I was saving to go overseas backpacking and the $30 festival ticket was just to much. Regrets....
 ick wrote:

This still makes my 57 year old bones want to jump around the room.




Same here!   And, I am 68yrs old!   Thanx RP!    
 Edweirdo wrote:

Tori Amos does a wonderful cover of this.




I will check it out.  Tori Amos is hit or miss for me.
Tori Amos does a wonderful cover of this.
This still makes my 57 year old bones want to jump around the room.
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/29/46/0f/29460f41782e75401e0848a8a9d13bdc.jpg
Why all the hate? This song is just good fun!



Love the disco drum intro
Just now our William segued from Little Richard "Tutti Frutti" to Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit"...

Hell yes, bitches! 
 25demayo wrote:

Pushing 60 and loving every minute of it {#Bananajam}


Female - Pushing mid 70's and loving every minute of it 
Loved the "cover" of this in "Moulin Rouge."
 Shaken_Bake wrote:
Did you catch the story about the boy who is the baby on the album cover?  He's 17 now and thinks the 90s were way cool.  But his friends give him shit about his celebrity "There are a lot of people who have seen my penis..." {#Dancingbanana}



https://edition.cnn.com/2021/0...
 divis wrote:

Weird Al ruined it for me for a long time because I couldn't listen to the refrain without thinking 'MOOOO' at the climax.

Thankfully, both Patti Smith's and Shaka Ponk's versions reconciled me with the song again.



Ha! You that Easy? That F'n Weird (the self parody) Al would point the way? Best of Luck moving forward...
Weird Al ruined it for me for a long time because I couldn't listen to the refrain without thinking 'MOOOO' at the climax.

Thankfully, both Patti Smith's and Shaka Ponk's versions reconciled me with the song again.
Tune of the 90s. Mid 60s and I still like the 'NO DAD' head bang to it!! 
 adamcoacher wrote:

Godlike then. Godlike now. And DG only needs to say one thing...I was the drummer for Nirvana.



Unfortunately DG seems to pose as the lead guy for all of RnR. 

And he ain't.  

Sadly, because there is such HUGE void of good RnR bands, he stumbled into the void and kind of said: "look at me, I'm anointed!".   And he says "look at me" alot. 

His band is mediocre at best. They wouldn't even be noticed if it was 1969 - 1977.
 aspicer wrote:

I was very fortunate to see them open for Sonic Youth the year this album was released (in Seattle); I remember walking away amazed by how good they were (and essentially no name at that point). 



The Concert After Pleasure!
 bigbargain wrote:

i guess if "Loud" is a talent.  Wonder if you took that away, would anyone care anymore?



Just go to youtube and search for Rick Beato "What makes this song great ep.90", 
Then come back an apologize   

(just kiddin')
i guess if "Loud" is a talent.  Wonder if you took that away, would anyone care anymore?
I was very fortunate to see them open for Sonic Youth the year this album was released (in Seattle); I remember walking away amazed by how good they were (and essentially no name at that point). 
 joejennings wrote:

I love this song in the early morning!! It's 6am & my coffee is is kicking in!!




How does any song follow this and still sound good? 
Is Dave Grohl cursed, maybe?
 eileenomurphy wrote:

Probably an unemployable loser!! ...and, can't make money any other way! 


Ooooor maybe he was photographed naked without his permission? As a minor? Possibly?
Godlike then. Godlike now. And DG only needs to say one thing...I was the drummer for Nirvana.
 TerryS wrote:

30 years old......does this make it classic rock?




It makes it ICONIC!!! ...and GODLIKE!!!
Highly rated for me cause of the musical relevance.  But I really don't need to hear it more than once every few years at this point.  Strikes me as kinda moldy currently...
30 years old......does this make it classic rock?
I love this song in the early morning!! It's 6am & my coffee is is kicking in!!
Thanx RP! It woke me right up!
Always nice to hear something from the mellow mix! 
 jesseoxwell wrote:

Adolescence.


Infancy. 
Middle age.

Are we playing the life stage naming game?
I still remeber, when I saw the "Smells like..." on MTV. Very disturbing the first 5-10 times watching it. I love this song.
…94, I remember coming downstairs and seeing the newspaper next to my dad and with that seeing the news of the untimely death of another rock star to join the infamous 27 club, the end of Nirvana and what also seemed to me the death of grunge.
 Spiderwoman wrote:

For the generation for which this is new: Yes! We totally FAAREEEAKED when this came out. I remember walking into high school Japanese class one particular day and we were all like, did you hear that song?!?! It landed on us like a bomb. Ushered in a new era of music that spoke to us.



I've tried to explain to my teenage children how important this song/album was at the time and the needed changes it ushered in. They didn't understand and looked at me like I was a bit crazy. Being modern teenagers they've found a way to play music that pisses off the old man... by regularly listening to top 40 type popular music!  
SUPERGREAT!!!
 LowPhreak wrote:

I'm 54 and still think it's great, like I did in '91 when it came out and I was 30. I also thought the band in it's unique way showed plenty of soul. Harmony? Well they weren't trying to be Paul & Art; the discordance was much of the point with Nirvana.


David Bowie had a 60 year career sing and playing out of tune. All the bands that came out of Seattle in the early 90s were superb, original ground breakers. 
 trevc wrote:

Awful crap then, still awful crap now.


Sorry to hear about your ongoing gastro-intestinal issues.
Maybe try some Pepto-Bismol?
EXCELLENT! I LOVE THIS TUNE!!!
Definitely turning the volume up, Bill! Smells like high school circa 1991-1992. 
 fredriley wrote:

It amuses me that the baby is now sueing the band for damages after 2 decades :o)




Probably an unemployable loser!! ...and, can't make money any other way! 
 fredriley wrote:

It amuses me that the baby is now sueing the band for damages after 2 decades :o)



The kicker is that the dude has  Nevermind tattooed on his chest... 
Rockin!
This track really is God-like. Love the contrast between raging guitar and calm, mellow guitar .. followed by the ".. yeah .." at just the right spots. Legendary.
This song was a game changer for rock & roll...


90s Nirvana GIF - 90s Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit - Discover & Share  GIFs
Such an amazing song, captures the spirit of the 90s era 
 fredriley wrote:

It amuses me that the baby is now sueing the band for damages after 2 decades :o)

Yeah, what a money grabbing prick!!!

I was 19 years old when this came out. Working in a music store. The CD was selling itself but still blasted it into the mall (mix of cheers and complaints). Get's a solid 8 + 2 for nostalgia = 10
It amuses me that the baby is now sueing the band for damages after 2 decades :o)
 DrooNH wrote:

Back in the day...

when something could be overplayed on your favorite terrestrial radio station, songs like this could be pounded into your head like nails in a coffin.  Like that time you went camping with the other idiots and killed that bottle of Taqueray. You woke up under the bushes feeling like you had run through pine trees with your mouth open while demons pounded on your head with branches.   Cured me of Tanqueray for 30 years.   Still recovering from Nirvana.



OOOOH yes, this is the memory lol
My poison was rum with Dr. Pepper ...Come to think of it this still is my poison
Back in the day...

when something could be overplayed on your favorite terrestrial radio station, songs like this could be pounded into your head like nails in a coffin.  Like that time you went camping with the other idiots and killed that bottle of Taqueray. You woke up under the bushes feeling like you had run through pine trees with your mouth open while demons pounded on your head with branches.   Cured me of Tanqueray for 30 years.   Still recovering from Nirvana.
Funny story... in the early 90's, I had a photo studio on an upper floor of a Belltown, Seattle brick building. The basement became a recording studio & the occupants made a lotta "sounds". They also never closed the elevator door for me to call it, forcing me to run down 5 flights of dark stairs cursing them all the way. Turned out, it was Nirana, Pearl Jam, Mudhoney & the other grungers jamming. Who knew? They just sounded horrible from where I was standing.
I've come to appreciate this song over the years. It grows on you. Definitely iconic.
I elect +11 on the volume!

Thanks Bill
Ahhhhh 
The song and band that killed off spandex wearing metal bands.
Had to happen and by God it changed the music scene
Meaningless to comment on this. Oops, I did it again! 10.
For the generation for which this is new: Yes! We totally FAAREEEAKED when this came out. I remember walking into high school Japanese class one particular day and we were all like, did you hear that song?!?! It landed on us like a bomb. Ushered in a new era of music that spoke to us.
 Shaken_Bake wrote:
Did you catch the story about the boy who is the baby on the album cover?  He's 17 now and thinks the 90s were way cool.  But his friends give him shit about his celebrity "There are a lot of people who have seen my penis..."    

Dear lord... That comment is 13 years old now, meaning this kid is now 30...
 deepwoodskev wrote:

Never will forget the first time I heard this. Chicago's 93XRT, May of 1991. Had just graduated from U of I. Absolutely blew my mind and was hooked from the start. Fell hard into the grunge and early 90s alternative rock era. What a great time to be alive!



The Police, after disco. Also a great time!
 Shaken_Bake wrote:
Did you catch the story about the boy who is the baby on the album cover?  He's 17 now and thinks the 90s were way cool.  But his friends give him shit about his celebrity "There are a lot of people who have seen my penis..." {#Dancingbanana}



man, hes 30 now
Never will forget the first time I heard this. Chicago's 93XRT, May of 1991. Had just graduated from U of I. Absolutely blew my mind and was hooked from the start. Fell hard into the grunge and early 90s alternative rock era. What a great time to be alive!
Some music-nerd friends and I recently played a little game - try to name, by decade since the 1950s, the most important/influential song. Lots of spirited debate and great ideas. Except no question about the 1990s...
Smells Like Nirvana
One of those songs I love to hate to love. but when I'm out in the garage, I crank the amp to blow the roof off. think 11.
Nirvana was one of those Seattle bands that gave me hope back in the 90's that Rock wasn't dead. How did I survive the 80's? Elvis Costello was one thing. David Bowie another.
from Song 2 into this..... going to blow my speakers!
Been enjoying this song since it first came out.  Didn't know most of the lyrics until seeing them here on Radio Paradise! They actually make a little more sense than I thought they would.  Oh, to be young and full of teenage angst again. : )
yep, we're stupid and contagious
 eileenomurphy wrote:
Cool! ...the original mix! ...not a butchered remix or remaster!
 
Ha! I get it. Butchered remix of a Butch Vig produced song. 
Buah neno!!!
Cool! ...the original mix! ...not a butchered remix or remaster!
 VH1 wrote:



Agreed - I heard this today at least 5 times...
 


Are you listening Main Mix or another mix (Favourites/Rock)?
 DeemerDave wrote:
RP just played this 4 tracks ago. Not that I dislike Teen Spirit. But WTF?!!
 

Agreed - I heard this today at least 5 times...
RP just played this 4 tracks ago. Not that I dislike Teen Spirit. But WTF?!!
in DENIAL !!!!!!
iconic song. I really don't like Nirvana, but this song is an anthem of a whole generation and music style. 
 LCC0256 wrote:
i know most people under 30 think this band is great.  Always sounded discordant and like a litany of cacophony. Screaming into the mike while strumming guitar riffs that sounded like "jazz" - lack of harmony and soul

 
I'm 54 and still think it's great, like I did in '91 when it came out and I was 30. I also thought the band in it's unique way showed plenty of soul. Harmony? Well they weren't trying to be Paul & Art; the discordance was much of the point with Nirvana.
A day in the life, anarchy in the U.K., bohemian rhapsody, songs that changed the music world forever from their first play-and love each one
Only Bill could follow ELO with Nirvana.  Listen to it hear folks as it is nowhere else.  

 
 LCC0256 wrote:
i know most people under 30 think this band is great.  Always sounded discordant and like a litany of cacophony. Screaming into the mike while strumming guitar riffs that sounded like "jazz" - lack of harmony and soul

 
Pushing 60 and loving every minute of it {#Bananajam}
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/29/46/0f/29460f41782e75401e0848a8a9d13bdc.jpg
Why all the hate? This song is just good fun!
i know most people under 30 think this band is great.  Always sounded discordant and like a litany of cacophony. Screaming into the mike while strumming guitar riffs that sounded like "jazz" - lack of harmony and soul
 melzabutch wrote:
I remember being in Tower records in Boston December 17th 1991, and this came through the speakers, and we all stop and said what the hell was that.  10 minutes later walking out the store with my copy, got some beer and listened all night.  Finally music for my generation, by my generation, not my parents generation.  It was an awesome time to go to shows, and no better place then Bean Town to experience it all.  Thank you for allowing me the soap box for a minute or two.

 

 
I remember my son playing that for me on Friday night music share we had when he and his brother were young and getting into music.  I didn't embrace it for what it was at the time, but after many listens my ears accepted it. My sons and I exchanged lots of music. I became a big fan of STP, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Red hot Chili Peppers, and they became fans of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Queen, Zeppelin, Bowie, and many others.Its fun to share music with your kids.
That was very interesting music Marty
I love the guitar solo in the middle of this song...I'd swear it was George Harrison (white album) it has a hint of yer blues
6AM. Finishing off my breakfast.

I guess somewhere in the universe it's Friday night.
{#Dancingbanana_2}
 lowelltr wrote:

YES - hated it then...hate it even more now, which I never thought possible....

 
How sad but you are out numbered. variety - the spice of life.
This is rather silly, but I'm going to admit that whenever I hear this, I think it should be Weird Al Yankovic's version.  Thanks, Al. Moo...
 VH1 wrote:

Yes, but from that nothing is left anymore - the kids today suffocate in their conformity! No more rebellion, just uniformity! {#Ass}

 
Soooooooooo true! :( Unfortunately.
 melzabutch wrote:
I remember being in Tower records in Boston December 17th 1991, and this came through the speakers, and we all stop and said what the hell was that.  10 minutes later walking out the store with my copy, got some beer and listened all night.  Finally music for my generation, by my generation, not my parents generation.  It was an awesome time to go to shows, and no better place then Bean Town to experience it all.  Thank you for allowing me the soap box for a minute or two.

 

 
Yes, but from that nothing is left anymore - the kids today suffocate in their conformity! No more rebellion, just uniformity! {#Ass}
I remember being in Tower records in Boston December 17th 1991, and this came through the speakers, and we all stop and said what the hell was that.  10 minutes later walking out the store with my copy, got some beer and listened all night.  Finally music for my generation, by my generation, not my parents generation.  It was an awesome time to go to shows, and no better place then Bean Town to experience it all.  Thank you for allowing me the soap box for a minute or two.

 
Smells like something...a talentless screamer.
{#Bananajam} CRANK! IT! UP! {#Dancingbanana_2}
 trevc wrote:
Awful crap then, still awful crap now.

 
YES - hated it then...hate it even more now, which I never thought possible....
A song that, 25 years later, still makes me jump and dance spontaneously at noon time can only be a 10 {#Bananajam}
 dbreese wrote:
Fun contrast to Cream's 'White Room' : 2 iconic songs by 2 iconic bands at the height of their power. The albums these two songs were on literally changed the direction rock music was moving in when they were released!

 
Amen to that
Sick!{#Dancingbanana_2}
I even like Paul Anka's "swing" version so that proves that the song is good but the original is the classic and best.
This early 90s rock is always welcome, thanks RP!
the kids are alright
that's what we thought at the time
.
rating=8