Top Ten Songs by Nirvana

In 1991, when the band Nirvana released their groundbreaking album Nevermind, the alternative music genre was officially thrust into the mainstream. With their own unique sound, a mix of several musical genres like punk, indie and hard rock, Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain and his band made music history in a career that spanned only a few short years. When Cobain tragically ended his own life in 1994, the world lost one of the most talented singer/songwriters of our time. But the music lives on. Here are the top ten songs by Nirvana:

1. About a Girl - This song, from the 1989 album Bleach, became popular after Nirvana's success in the early 1990's. It gained further popularity after it was showcased on "MTV's Unplugged". Still a great song and one of Cobain's finest songwriting moments.

2. Smells Like Teen Spirit—All heck broke loose when this single from 1991's Nevermind was released. This song literally changed the face of music at the time, paving the way for the whole Seattle alternative "grunge" scene, and it just screamed teenaged angst. If Cobain was looking for commercial success, this song fit the bill, although it was "heavier" than most radio songs at the time. Interestingly, the title, a reference to a popular brand of deodorant for teen girls, is never mentioned in the song.

3. Come as You Are—This song has beautiful melodies and it was another big hit from the Nevermind album. Critics disagree on what the song was about—there are references to guns, something Cobain seemed to be fascinated with. Some people feel there are drug references in this song, while others think the song is simply about accepting people as they are.

4. Dive—This song, from the 1992 quickie release Insecticide, is a gem amidst Nirvana outtakes and demos. Its' a rip-roaring rocking song and Cobain literally screams the chorus.