On this day in 1991: Nirvana Released the Song That Forever Changed Their Careers

Subcultures and underground music scenes are the movements that start trends and surge the music industry with vigorous energy. Many groups have done it, though, none of them achieved the cultural influence of the one and only, Nirvana. Residing near Seattle before their international success, the group was the epitome of alternative grunge music. However, their music didn’t break through the walls of the clubs they played until they released “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” was Nirvana’s golden egg, it was their ticket to the top, and it was their claim to fame. Furthermore, it was the song that introduced an obscure genre into the mainstream and left an insurmountable cultural impact on a generation. And it all started on the arbitrary day of September 10, 1991.

Before “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Prior to releasing “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Nirvana had been on the radar of music executives across the country. This can all be thanks to their 1989 album Bleach, which sold 30,000 copies and was only produced for a mere $600, per History. Given this lucrative opportunity, Geffen Records took a chance on Nirvana by releasing their sophomore album Nevermind.

Before the hard release of the single on September 10, the group and the label aired it on the radio in hopes of acquiring a scope of its potential success. Well, it was successful and it was time to release it as the lead single on their upcoming album. By releasing the song they not only successfully teased their new album, but also launched themselves into an unknown musical capacity.

Nirvana Nearly Canned It

In retrospect, it’s hard to believe that Kurt Cobain was reluctant to include the song on their sophomore album. With much convincing by Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, Cobain gave in and the song became the hit of the album and possibly the year. Even though Cobain thought the song’s sound to be too similar to that of the Pixies, its public reaction would prove otherwise.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” was a perfection of the underground grunge sound due to Cobain’s ability to channel the anger and angst of the ’90s generation. In addition to the unprecedented cultural impact, the song would go on to reach the No. 6 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and climb to No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs Chart. The song marks not only the beginning of Nirvana’s career but also the start of a movement that led to some of the most uniquely inspirational music of all time.

Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc